COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1633, 10 March 1866, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Times office, Friday Evening. A decided improvement has been felt in commercial circles during the past week, for although there is not much to report as far as any advancein quotations is concerned, still an active general demand for goods has continued steadily, and a very much better feeling has exhibited itself. Cornsacks have met with a considerable demand, and some large parcels have changed bands at various prices from 16s to 17s 6d per dozen; holders now ask 18s 6d, and anticipate still higher; rates. The inquiry for woolpacks has been very limited, and but little more is expected to be done this season. Sheepwash tobacco is more asked for, and prices firm. Malt continues exceedingly bare, and hops are in very moderate supply, both are inquired for, at good prices. English bacon, hams, and cheese, are quite out of stock, and would bring high prices. Pickles are low in stock, but the price does not improve. Sardines, are also not overabundant. Salad oils, half-pints, are wanted, but are exceedingly scarce. Candles are improving in value, but stocks are now well supplied. Corrugated iron is held in small quantities only,. and readily saleable, if of good quality. Currants are scarcely to be had alany, price, and the small quantity to arrive will bring rates. Eaisins are also very low m stock; all kinds of dried fruits were "so dear in England by last advices, that but very little was being shipped. The demand for fencing wire; and standards is not yery active, and prices are rather low. The money market is quiet, and the fourth of themonth passed off unusually well, there

I being no failures of any consequence, and the | bills were exceedingly well met. There is i but little doing in mortgages, and the demand for money for investment is very quiet. The rates of discount are unaltered, as also the rates of exchange. The telegram from the Bluff, announcing Californian flour at £10 and Adelaide at £18 10s to £20 in Melbourne, has unsettled our flour market. Wheat is coming in more abundantly, but the samples shewn are unusually poor this season. Oats are not offering in any quantities, and barley is very scarce. The Cissy is now overdue, having been 105 days out. The Victory is now 85 days out; and, being considered a fast vessel, may be looked for shortly. The Japanese was loading for Lytteiton when she left, to be followed by the David Brown.