MELBOURNE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3040, 24 April 1867, Page 4

MELBOURNE.

We have Melbourne papers to the 18th instant, The Argus of the 11th reports :—: — Thoughbusinessin the import market is still far from satisfactory, we continue to note signs of improve* ment. The country dealers and middlemen especially all report increased orders from the interior, and speak much more hopefully of future prospects. The market for breadstuff's, though inactive, maintain! a firm aspect. We understand that 5s Id net has been offered for Port MacDonnell wheat ; and though Victorian flour was disposed of at £10 10s yesterday, the millers show no signs of reducing their figures under £11 to £11 10s. The low price ruling for oati has attracted speculative attention towards Californian, and led to the sale of some 40,000 bushels. One parcel was placed at 2s 9d, another parcel changed hands at 2s lOd, while for a third we understand that 3s was paid. The market has not, however, been influenced by these transactions, as we learn that Victorian oats were quitted at 3s for ordinary feeding descriptions, and up to 3s 5d for better qualities. Maize goes steadily into the hands of the tradeat 3s lOd. Hopsmeetwith considerable favour ; a very fine sample of 1866, about 25 pockets, was disposed of at 2s 4d. Black pepper, in parcels, has been quitted at 3f d, and prices begin to stiffen as stocks get into more manageable compass. In teas, we hear of the sale of some 200 chests of low common description on private terms, A parcel of Java white crystal sugars has been qitted at £39. Trade sales of candles have come under our notice at Is 2£d. In kerosine oil sales are not so readily effected ; best brands ar« offering freely at 2s 10£ d, without inducing buyers to come forward. In liquids, sales of Whitbread's stout are mentioned at £5 10s. Of new ales, we learn of a shipment of 300 hogsheads (Martian's), a very recent arrival, having been sold to land at £8 17s 6d in parcels. Henn«ssy'« case brandy still meets with a ready sale at 265. A shipment of 200 cases of Sir R. Burnett? s old torn has been placed at a very full market rate. We understand that at a meeting of bank managers, held lately, an amicable arrangement was arrived at in regard to the rates of interest to be allowed on deposits for the future. It was unanimously agreed that 3 per cent, should be allowed on deposits at seven days' notice, 4 per cent, on deposits at three months', and 6 per cent, on deposits at six months' notice of withdrawal, or any longer period. There is no alteration on the rates of discount, which remain at 7, 8, and 9 per oent. respectively, for first' class mercantile bills of two, three, and four months' currency. The Argus of the 13th reports :— A moderate demand for merchandise has been experienced in the import markets to-day. Inquiries, however, have been chiefly confined to the supply of f . immediate requirements. In breadstuff's we 'note ' trade sales of Victorian flour at up to £11 10s. - The ' market is being better supplied with Victorian oats, and sales of goodto prime samples range from 3s 8d to 33 6d. Weevilly barley for.horsefeed continues ■' ' to be disposed of at 3s 3d ; sound parcels cannot be had under 3s 6d to 3s 9d, according to quantity.

We hear of a puoel of neatly 3,000 bushels having changed hands at olote on 3i 6d. Maize is stiffening in price, sales hating been made at 3a lid to 4s ; and as very little is coming forward — only 600 bags being on board the ■ steadier, now on the way— higher rates are expeoted to rule. In teas, though they are not generally active, we hear of a considerable transaction having been carried through. Some thirteen chops — say about a thousand packages—ex « Princess of Wales, 1 have changed hands for shipment at very full rates ; sales for trade purposes are also reported at up to 2s. A demand for coffee has sprang up for export, which has led to the disposal of a line of ten tons of plantation at a trifle under the trade quotation of lOd per lb. A consignment of thirty bottles of quicksilver has been placed at a figure which evidences an improvement; we believe 2s 4d has been reached. Fine hops are still wanted. A line of thirty pockets Kents has been taken up at 2s 4d. Dried fruits are beginning to be more looked' after. Sales of Eleme raisins are reports at B£d, and sultana raisins have met with buyers at 9£d. Solders of kerosine oil are rather anxious sellers, but traders at present prices refuse to purchase beyond immediate requirements. Best brands are offering at 2s lOd, and sales of Oriental are mentioned at 2s S£d. Polar oil has been sold at £54. In liquids, sherries have' been disposed of from £35 for medium qualities, up to £90 in bond for fine descriptions. A parcel of Bart's fine port, in bond, has been placed at £75. Sales of me red wines continue to be effected at £20. Hennesay's case brandy at 26s is in favour, and a good demand exists at this price. The auction sale comprises 221 packages tobaoooer, all out of condition, and consequently quitted at low rates. Large parcels of boots and shoes have in like manner been cleared off.