COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1631, 8 March 1866, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Otago.—The Daily Times of March 5 reports as follows :—

Business has not been marked by much animation during the past week, and in general, transactions have been kept rather within narrow limits; the reduced amount of trade with the West Coast settlements now doing causing a quiet condition of things, although a fair demand tor up-country requirements haa prevented business being altogether sluggish. The state of the flour market has not admitted of transactions to a greater extent than the placing cf small trade lots. Some disposition was evinced to make speculative purchases, but the price demanded by holders checked the movement; and although a further advance in value may take place, large operations are unlikely. The supply both of Chilian and South Australian is small, and it has not transpired that any advices of shipments on the way have been received. We quote last sales of Chilian as ranging from £21 to £22 10s. In sugars and teas business to a tolerable amount has been done. The stocks of the former remain limited, especially of good sorts. Rates have been well maintained. For »pirita but little inclination to do business is observable, and sales of stock on hand, or to arrive, have been meagre; rates are, hovever, likely to be maintained, the quantity of first-class spirits available being but moderate. Wines, especially of lair medium qualities, both ports and sherries, have been more asked for, and command maintained values. In malt liquors, the sales have. been chiefly of stouts, for which a little inquiry has again been made; ales in bulk and glass have not been much dealt in, second houses appearing at present to be stocked. The prices obtained for stouts show a small improvement, and a further improvement is not unlikely to take place, the stocks of firstclass brands being trifling, and advised shipments both of first and second class brands being light. The provision market calls for no notice in particular; the trade is at present among second houses, the lots changing hands being very small, and prices obtained extremely high. Tobaccos and cigars have both been in a little better request but no better rates have been obtained for either article. For cornsaeks, rates considerably in advance of late prices are obtainable.