COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1636, 14 March 1866, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

+ The general business of the province, during the past month, exhibits some signs of improvement. The period of difficulty and dulness which has lasted over some two years, seems gradually drawing to a close, and trade at last shews symptoms of revival. In spite of the disappointment experienced by flockowners, who have not yet succeeded in finding a market for their surplus stock at Hokitika, and in spite of the fact that the Provincial Government has incurred an enormous debt to the bank,which it is unable at present to repay, we are able to record the fact that the general condition of business is improving. Out-standing liabilities, the result of speculation brought on by several years of unwonted prosperity, have been mostly liquidated, and current transactions being confined to actual wants, are kept within strictly legitimate limits. Consequent upon this we observe signs that the fall in landed property, which has gradually taken place, has reached its limit, and holders show no disposition to press sales at present rates. In comparing this month's price current with the last, we find very few alterations. There has been a total absence of anything like speculation, but a steady trade has been maintained by most of the principal houses, and many of them are now complaining of short stocks. This is a good sign, exhibiting a careful ordering of goods from the home market. The Cissy and Victory are both due, and their arrival is now anxiously looked for to supply some articles we cannot obtain even from the neighbouring colonies, except at very exorbitant rates. We allude more particularly to malt, currants, hops, some kinds of provisions, soap, rum, and the finer sorts of sugars. The remarks on the different heads of the prije current, differ very • little from those made in February. Ale and Porter remain at last quotations ; second brands may perhaps be said to be more enquired for, in consequence of the difficulty in making colonial beer, from the short supply of malt. Bags.—Three bushel sacks are still quoted low ; but holders are not disposed to submit to any further reduction in spite of the heavy stocks. They are held for 17s 6d to 19s. Flour and Grain.—We notice a great fall in prices of imported both in Melbourne and Sydney ; but the price of Canterbury is not affected thereby. New flour is quoted by the Millers at—first, £20: seconds, £19 ; thirds, 18 ; Chili, £21 10s. Under Grain, we find malt quite out of first hands. It is quoted by last advices, worth 13s to 13s 6d in Melbourne, and Iss in Dunedin, This would almost make the article prohibitory in Christchurch,had not the brewers,fortunately, colonial barley to fall back upon to mix with the imported. This article consequently is much sought after, and good samples for malting, purposes command 6s. per bushel. Best samples colonial wheat remain at 6s but there is very much inferior offering,which is not worth more than 4s 6d to 5s per bushel. Oats are quoted at 3s 6d, but for best samples 4s' can be obtained. Building Materials.—Large quantities of timber, both from the North Island, Van Dieman's Land, and the Baltic, continue to come in, and prices therefore remain very low. Under Fruits we note a great scarcity of currants, which are quite out of first hands. Provisions.— Hams, bacon, and English cheese are still very high, the supply coming in being far short of the demand. This has caused a considerable rise in the price of Port Cooper and Canterbury-made cheeseIs per lb being asked for parcels, and Is 2d for small lots. Soap has also become very dear. Of English there is very little in the place, and both Melbourne and Sydney have advanced in consequence of increased prices at the manufactories, owing to the high price of tallow in Australia. Spirits. — Brandies we quote somewhat lower than last month, as also geneva and sweetened gin. Rum is in fair demand. Sugars are very firm, and the finer sorts of Mauritius meet ready sale at our quotations. The arrivals and departures from ports beyond New Zealand, since last Summary, have been— ARRIVALS. Feb. 13—E»k, ship, from Newcastle, N.S.W., with coals. Eeb. 17—Windhover, brig, from Hobart Town, with timber. Feb. 17—Elizabeth, barge, from Hobart Town, with timber. Feb. 22—Otago, s.s. from Melbourne. Feb. 22—South Australian, s.s., from Melbourne. Feb. 24—Tararua, s.s., from Sydney. Feb. 28—Norge, ship, from Norway, with timber, furniture, &c. March s—James Lister, ship, from Wellington, in ballast, to load wool for London. March 6—Annie Moore, brigantine, from Van Dieman's Land, with timber. March B—Camille, barque, from Newcastle, with coals. March 11—Alhambra, s.s., from Melbourne. March 13—Albion, s,s., from Melbourne via Hokitika. SAILED. Feb. 22—Otago, s.s., for Melbourne. Feb. 22 —South Australian, for Melbourne. Feb. 23—Windhover, for Ilobart Town. Feb. 24—Lyttelton, ship, for Boston, with 1081 bales wool and sundries. Feb. 26—Tararua, s.s., for Melbourne. March 10—Glenmark, ship, for London, with wool and passengers. March 12—Alhambra, s.s., for Melbourne. March 12—King of Italy, ship, for Newcastle, N.S.W. The third wool ship of the season—the Glenmark—was towed to sea on Saturday, the 10th inst. She had on board 2224 bales wool, and sundries, valued at £48,377. This, with the wool exported in the Lyttelton, for Boston, makes the total number as under, to date:— Bales. Value. Indian Empire— Wool 3,6837 9Kn . Q Skins, hides, Ac ... 26) /b ' ÜbV Blue Jacket— Wool 3,850 7 „ 4SO Skins, hides, &o ... 25) ' Lyttelton— Wool 1,081 20,682 Glenmark— Wool 2,224) , gm Skins, hides &c ... 9) ' Totals—wool and skins ... 10,797 £221,598 We have now in harbour loading, the Mermaid, having 2500 bales on board, and expected to sail about the 24th instant. 'I'he Himalaya, with 800 bales stowed, and the James Lister with about 700 bales on board. These three vessels, when full, including what has already left the port, will make a total of 18,800 bales from the province. A moderate amount will still remain for export, which will find its way either to London or the colonies, according to circum-

CfIEISTCHUBCH PBICES CUEEENT. Masch, 1866. Quotations are for first-class articles only, delivered in Ohriatchurch at a cost of from 20s to 25s per ton, from ship's side in Port Ljttelton; arranged by the last Customs interpretation of the Tariff. _ _ __ aeticles. Per. Price. An & Poetee, in wood, (Duty £117s Qd per hhd.) (Duty paid $ delivered.) Ale—Bass' No. 3 and pale hhd £9 to £9 9i Allsopp's ... „ £9 to £9 9i Ind Coope's ... „ £816s M'Ewan'sNo. 3 ale... „ £8 London and Col. Co.'s „ £7 to £8 Porter, Taylor's stout ... „ £8 8s Dawson's ... „ £8 (In glass, Duty 3s per doz.,paid) Ale, Allsopp's, by Friend, quarts ... doz. 12s 6d to 13s Ind Coope's ... „ 12s 8d to 13s Bass', trademark ... „ 12s 6d to 13s Tennant's pale, quarts „ lis 6d to 12s Porter —Guinness' ... „ 13s 6d to 14s Barclay's ... „ 13s 6d to 14a Byass' ... „ 13s | Tennant's xxx, qts. „ lis 6d to 12s Other brands ... „ 12s to 12s 6d Bags and Bagging. (Free.) 8-bushelbags ... doz 17s 6d to 18s Gunny bags ... „ 10s to lis Woolpacks, 10 lba. ... „] nominal Flops and Geain. (Free.) Flour—Adelaide,Hart's... ton none Chili, 100 lb. bags ... „ £22 10s to £23 Malt, English ... bushel none. Building Mateeials. (Free.) Fire-bricks, ... 1000 £7.'10s Cement, Portland, best ... barrel 22s to 25i Slates, Duchesses, 24 xl 2 luoo £18 Countesses, 20 xlO „ £16 Ladies, 16 x 8 ... „ £12 Deals, Baltic, red, 11 x 3 run ft 5d 9x3 „ g|d Hobart Town timber, by the cargo, afloat ... 100 ft 15s 6d to 16s Kauri, T and G 19s to 21s „ 9xl2in ... „ 12s to 13s ~ 12 in up ... „ 13s to 16s American T and G ... £10 to £10 10s Boots and Shoes. (Duty, ss. per cubic foot, paid.) English best, new seasonable goods invoice 25 pc adv. Candies. (Duty, 4» per cwt. paid.) Price's No. 1 Belmonts ... lb Is to lsO^d Hales's ... „ ll^d Stearine, full weights ... „ Is Cigaes. (Duty,is Qdper lb.,paid.) Manilla, No. 2, Cortados... 1000 £6 do No. 2, Havannahshaped ... „ £6 5s Swiss ... £5 to £6 Coals. In Lyttelton. English, afloat ... ton none New South Wales, do ... „ £3 5s CoPFEi. {Duty, 3d per lb, paid.) Plantation Ceylon, fine ... lb lg 4£d to Is fid Chicoby. (Duty, 3d per lb, paid) Best, in tins ■ ... „ 7£<J Chocolate,Taylor's orFry's Cocoa do do "j Is 4Jd to Is 5d CONPECTIONEET (Duty, 5s per cubic foot, paid.) Wotherspoon's assorted, best ... ... „ Is 3d to Is 5d Candied peel, assorted ... „ Is 4d to ls6d Cobks. (Free.)j Velvet, wines ... gross 5s to 5s 6d Common „ 3s Lemonade ... „ 2s to 2s 3d Gingerbeer ... „ Is 9d to 2s Deugs, Chemicals, &c. (Free.) Acid, sulphuric ... lb Sd to 7d Sulphur flour ... ton £30 Carbonate'soda ... lb 6d. Fettits, &c. (Duty, 5s per cubic foot, paid.) Almonds, Jordan, good to fine ... ... „ 2s to 2s 4d Apples, dried, American „ 7d Currants, new, fine ... „ none Figs, new fine ... „ lOdtols Prunes, in bottle „ Is 4d to Is 6d Kaiains, Elmes ... „ 7d to 7£d Muscatels, in layers ... „ Is Sultanas „ 7d (jFree.) Almonds, soft shell ... ~ 8d Nuts, Barcelona ... „ 6d toß|d Walnuts ... „ 6dto7d

Glass. (Free.) Plate, Crown, Sheet ... invoice2o p c advanc# GROCEBIES & OIIMEN'S SXOEES. (Duty, os p. c.foot.) Arrowroot ... Ib Is Anchovies, half-pints ... doz 10s to 12s Blacking, Day& Martin's, paste and liquid ... nominal Capers, pints ... doz 12s half-pints ... „ 8s ■ qr-pints ... „ 4s6dto4s9d Curry powder, EI, ... „ 10s to lis Fruits, bottled, best ... „ 18s to 20s Groats, Eobinson'a lib tins „ 10s 6d Jams & Jellies, lib tins ... „ 15s to 16« Maccaroni and Vermicelli lb lOd to 1* Mustard, Colman's lib ... doz 16a to 17« £lb ... „ lis to 12s in 71b tins ... lb lid tolled Oatmeal ... cwt 22s to 25s Oil, Castor, pints, best doz 15s £-pints ... „ 9s in wood ... lb Is Salad, bes», pints ... doz 18s i-pint» .. „ 12s Pickles, best qts „ 20s to 21s pints „ 14s 6d to 15s Potted meats, ... „ 16s to 17s 6d Pearl barley ... cwt 35s to 37i fid Peas, English split ... „ 32s 6d Sago, pearl, small grain... „ 5d Tapioca ... „ lOd Vinegar, best brands, qts doz. 12s do Champion's No 24... gallon 3s 6d Fish—Salmon, l-lb tins, doz. 18s 6d Lobsters, 1-lb tins, „ 14s 6d Oysters do ... „ 15s Sardines tins „ 12s i-lb do ... „ 7s6d Sauces, assorted, £-pints „ 13s to 14s Lea and Perrin's, pints „ 24s to 24s 6d i-pints „ 14s to 14s 6d Spices, Carraway seeda ... lb 6d Cassia, bright and thin „ Is 6d to 2s Cloves, good bright „ lOd to Is Cinnamon do ... „ 3s to 3s 3d Ginger, Jamaica, bleached, fine ... lb Is 4d to Is 6d Mace, good, bright ... „ Is 6d Nutmegs, good brown „ 2s to 2s 3d Pepper, black, best ... „ 9d to 9£d fair medium ... „ 8d white, best ... „ lOd (Free) Blue, Colman's thumb, £-oz ... lb lid to Is Starch, Colman's No 1 ... lb 5d Glenfield'B patent ... ~ 5d Soda crystals ... ton £1210s Hops (Free). English, old lb Is 9d new ... „ 2s 4d Metais. Fencing wire, No. 4 ... ton £16 No. 5 ... „ £17 No. 6 ... „ £18 No. 7 ... „ £19 No. 8 ... „ £21 Standards, according to number of wires ... 10dtols3d Galvanized iron, Morewood's sheet ton £42 Scotch do, assorted „ £32 to £35 Bar and rod iron, assorted, ' best BBU ... „ £16 Sheet iron, 10 to 24 g ... „ £19 Lead, sheet, 4, 5, and 61bs „ £32 to £34 Ein plates, IC, charcoal... ~ £40 Matchis and Vestas. (Free.) Bell and Black's or Letch- _ 1 ford's japans, assorted.invoioe >20 p e *dr do vestas, plaids ... )

Aetioibb. Per. Price. I ' ■ f Nails. (Free.) • f Ewbank's, good assort- ' ment List American out fc e g 25s to 28b Wire nails, 1± to 3in ... 100 lbs 30s to 42s Naval Sxobbs. (Free.) Pitch, Stockholm ... barrel 65s to 67b fid Tar do „ 45s to 47s 6d do, Colonial coal ... hhd. 30s to 32s fid Oils. (Free.) Colza, in drums ... gallon 0s 6d to 7s do bulk ; „ 0s to 6s 6d; linseed, in drums, boiled „ 0s do raw ... „ 5s 6d Kerosine, tins ... „ 5s to 5s 6d Paints, Yaenibh, &c. (Free.) White lead, ground, best ton £40 to £42 Bed lead, dry, best ... „ £35 to £38 Mixed paints, in oil ... „ £30 to £35 Turpentine, in drums ... gallon 8s 6d to 9s 6d Peovisiows, &c. (Free.) Bacon, English ... lb none Hams, prime ... „ none Cheese, English prime, „ none Fish—herrings, red, 2dozen tins ... doz. 33s to 34s 1 dozen tins ... „ 17s 6d to 18s Fresh do, lib ting „ 12s 6d - do ling, dried ... lb 4d Papek. (Free.) Brown wrapping ... 3£dto4d Grey do .. „ 5d Paper bags, assorted ... „ 5d to 0d Coloured printing ") Printing I 20 per cent on Writing paper, enve- )■ invoice lopes, &c., j Drapers' paper J Rich. (Free.) Carolina, ... ton £50 Patna, good clean ... „ £30 to £32 Ordinary to good ... „ £25 to £30 Rope, &c. (Free.) Europe rope ... „ £56 to £66 Manilla rope, well assorted „ £65 to £70 Twine, Seaming and roping lb Is to Is 3d d'fc ..Shop L ... „ Is 3d to Is 4d Salt. (Free.) Coarse Liverpool ... ton £5 Fine ... „ £610s Table, in 21b jars ... doz 8s to 8s 6d Soap. (Duty, is p cwt, ■paid.)] Knight's, London ... ton £50 Liverpool, double crown „ none Sydney, best, boxed ... „ £50 Melbourne ... „ £50 Spirits, &c. (In bond.) (Duty, 12sper gallon.) Brandy, Martell's, dark ... gallon 9s to 9s 6d Hennessy's dark ... „ 9s to 9s 0d Martell's or Hennessy's pale, ... „ 9s to 9s 6d Hennessy's ... case 30s to 32s 6d Martell's ... „ 27s 6d Geneva, J.D.K.Z. ... „ 14s 6d Key ... „ 12s 6d to 13s. Gin, Booth's or Boord and Co.'s ... doz 16s Pure white, in bulk quarters ... gallon 4s to 4s 6d Bum, best brands ... „ W. 1., 30 o.p. ... „ 4s 9d to 5s 3d do 10 o.p. ... „ 4s 3d to 4s 9d Whiskey, Scotch, best ... „ 4s to 4a 3d Bottled Irish ... „ 4s 6d to 5s Best brands, doz. 10s 6d to 14i Cosdiaxs. (Duty, 12« per gallon, jaaid.J Orange bitters ... doz. 50s to 55s Stoughtondo ... „ 55s to 60s Liquors ... „ Nominal SUGAES. (Duty paid, Id per lb.) Loaf, English, good to fine ton £65 Crushed loaf ... „ £03 Mauritius crystals, fine white ... „ £55 do bright, yellow counter „ £50 do dark, ... ... „ £48 Melbourne Company's lit counter ... „ £56 to £67 Tobacco. (In bond.) (Duty, 2s Qdper lb.) Barrett's first quality. ... lb 3s 3d to 3s 9d Teas. (Duty paid, §d per lb.) Congou, fine best ... lb 2s 6d to 2b 8d good ordinary ... „ 2s to 2s 2d Souchong, fine to finest... „ 3s to 3s 3d fair to good ... „ 2s 6d to 2s Hyson, fine to very fine... „ 2s lOd to 3s middling to good ... „ 2s 7d to 2s Gunpowder, superfine ... „ 3s to 3s3d Pekoe scented orange, good to fine „ 3sto"3s3d Wihes. (In bond.) (Duty per gal., 4s in wood; 5s in bottle.) Port, Hunt's best ... gallon 8s to 12s '""Sandeman's ... n 8s 6d to 13s Sandeman's, choice... doz. 16s to 18s Case, good to fine ... „ 20s to 40s Sherry, Sandeman's dry Amontillado, choice ... „ 20s to 22s 6d Gonzalez do do do ... gallon 18s to 20s Low to fair ... }> 6s to 10s Case, good to fine ... doz. 30s to 45s Champagne, Moet's, Gie?ler's, Buinart's, and Piper's ... „ 655. Sparkling hock, moselle, &c., fine ... „ 40a to 46s Claret, really good ... „ 50s Colohial Produce.

AETiciiE. Per. Price. Canterbury flour, first ... ton £22 10s do seconds ... „ £20 Hay ... „ £4, to £410s. Wheat, best samples ... bushel 6s Peas ... „ 6s Oats"(new) ... 3e 6d Barley ... n 6s to 6s6d Potatoes, new ... ton £6 to £6 5a Wool in grease— „ fine ... lb lo£d to lid „ ordinary ... „ 8d to B£d Tallow, mutton ... ton £30 to £32 10s „ besf ... „ £30 „ mixed ... „ £2710s Hides, heavy ... each 7s to 7s 6d „ light ... „ 5s Sheepskins ...I „ Nominal Abstract of land sold at the Land Office, Government Buildings, from February 12 to March 12.—Christcliurch, 145 acres; Ashley, 493; Timaru, 751; Lincoln, 256; Mandeville, 124; Ellesmere, 1058; Banks Peninsula, 240; Rakaia, 80; Oxford, 258; Malvern, 189; Ashburton, 40; Waipara, 2617; Waitangi, 1237; Lyttelton, 20. Total, 7168 acres; cash, £14,336. LABOUR MARKET. For married couples without incumbrance there is a moderate demand at wages ranging from £60 to £70. Single Men.—A few good ploughmen and general farm servants are wanted at from £50 to £60. The demand for shepherds is falling off, in consequence of runholders completing the fencing of their runs, and so being enabled to dispense with the services of boundary shepherd-. We feel it necessary to call attention to this, as shepherds are nat usually disposed, or able to take employment unconnected with their special calling. General Domestic Servants.—We have to report a total dearth of this class. Applications are in hand at the Immigration Office for at least fifty general servauts,and amoderate number of cooks and housemaids, none of which can be supplied until tjie arrival of the Victory, now almost due. The demand for. female domestic servants in this province is so large and continuous, that any reasonable number—say fifty a month—would be certain to meet with instant employment at about the following wages General servants, £25 to £3u ; cooks, £30 to £40 ; nurses, £25 to £30 ; nurse girls, £15 to £20; kitchen maids, £25. The rates for cooks and kitchen maids at hotels are about £5 to £10 higher. Mr. Lockhart reports on live stock, station properties, wool, and farm produce for the last month as follows :— The past month of February has not, I regret to say, presented any favourable appearance with

regard to improvement in the dull state of the cattle and sheep markets complained of .] monthly report; but, on the contrary, I thinJr, u anything, purchasers from the West Coast are rather more careless about immediately securing larger supplies than what they may want for keeping up the actual requirements of their own customers. This naturally arises from the overstocked state of the Westland markets, and likewise from the heat of the weather there, which renders it impossible to keep meat over four-and-tweßty hours, if so long. Large cargoes were anticipated by sea, but from my own experience in the risk of shipping stock, I think it doubtful if such a specution will be found remunerative. I have yarded this month 160 head of fine-conditioned bullocks j but the price offered was below my limits, consequently I only parted with a few head at a reduction of nearly four pounds per head on former rates. In consequence of the seasonable weather there is a surplus of grass. The beasts are gaining extra weight, and I nave no doubt that soon as the Westland markets are cleared, prices will again rally, and purchasers will be as desirous as ever of securing good cattle, at from 60s. to 68s. per 100 lbs. The sheep market is still unsatisfactory; some lots have gone over to Westland, and realised encouraging prices; but, on account of the scarcity of food for this description of stock, I am recommended by my correspondents from there to be careful not to encourage larger drafts than 1000 at a time to be landed there. Fat Cattle.—The supply of Fat Cattle, has been, during the last month, equal to the demand, and prices rule merely a shade lower than last month's. I quote prime conditioned beef worth 48s to 60s per lOOlbs. with a good supply on hand; for inferior meat the demand is decidedly dull. The small supply wanted for home consumption, comparatively speaking, has no effect on our markets; indeed, had it not been for the West Coast Diggings, I fully believe that we woald have, even at this early period in our history, arrived at boling-down prices. I held a sale by Pnblic Auction on the 21st instant. _ The attendance was indifferent, the bidding spiritless,Jand although a fine class of bullocks were offered, 1 was able to part with only one pen, at 14 guineas Store Cattle —In ordinary demand. I cannol vary their value from last month's quotations— viz., for mixed herds, from £9 to £11, according to quality and condition. I have a considerable number on hand, which I anticipate selling ofl this njionth. As the winter months approach there is little doubt of horned beasts being in active demand. The number te be had is nol large. Milch Cows —This description of stock have considerably fallen in value; but cows neai calving, and warranted perfectly quiet, are again being enquired after, with a view to keeping uj the winter supply of milk and butter. Calves —Abundant, and fetch from 60s to 60s This quotation alludes to butchers' calves only Weaned calves, from seven to ten months, are 11 good request, at from £4 10s to £6 10s per head, cash. Fat Sheep—The market completely overstocked and many thousands. (heavy weights) offering, without finding purchasers. I have been so long anticipating an active demand for Westland foi this description of stock, and have been so often disappointed, that I almost dread offering any opinion. The road is now open, but dealers are exceedingly shy of purchasing more than 800 oi 1000 at one time. The sheep trade with the West Coast must close in three months at the farthes for this season, so that if we are to quit our fat wether stock this autumn, it is time that intending purchasers bestir themselves. Store Sheep—Few changing hands; worth about 12s, with but little demand. Ewes are worth 12s to 16s, with the same remarks applicable. The market is very full, and holders desirous of selling on easy terms. Horses. —I have offered two large mobs, but the prices offered I was unable to accept. Very good draught horses are saleable, and unbroken draught colts always find a market; but ordinary and inferior hacks are scarcely saleable at any price; they may be bought at from £10 to £18. Station Properties.—Still inquired after, but I am not aware of any station of consequence having found purchasers this month. The facilities now afforded by the Trust and Loan Societies for borrowing money upon station securities will undoubtedly prevent many valuable (.sheep 'properties from being thrust upon the market. The squatters are not the wealthy money accumulating race of persons represented by many, but they are a people full of industry and energy, and constitute a most honourable proportion of the population; and when the great expenses of working runs are deducted from the gross proceeds, they merely reap a fair interest on the money originally invested. Wool.—l have no doubt the quantity shipped this season will Bhow a considerable increase upon last year's expdrts. The first wool sale of any importance I held on the 16th ultimo, at the Eailway Station Sheds, with the kind permission of Messrs. G. Holmes and Co. The attendance was fair, and nearly all the persons present were purchasers; the pnees given were equally satis-facto-y, both to the seller and purchaser. Fleece wool, rather heavy in grease, fetched per lb; mixed, 7£d per lb; pieces, s|d per lb; black, 7£d per lb. I may remark that the sale came off previous to the favourable accounts by the last mail. 1 have no hesitation in stating that a large proportion of next year's crop will be disposed of by public auction, which really appears to me to afford universal satisfaction. With twenty years' experience of sheep farming, I maintain that the growers of wool are decidedly the gamers by selling their wool by this meth-id; it saves them from further care and anxiety, besides being a decided saving, compared with the risk of shipment, and the uncertainty of our English markets. Sheep Skins —Full fleeced, in good demand, 7d per lb; nine months, 6d; under that, from 3d to 6d. I 'offered Messrs. Miles and Co., last month, the above price, which was refused. Tallow scarce, and in demand. Mutton is worth £36; beef and mixed, £30 to £32. Farm Produce—A large amount of grain is offering in the market, and I regret to say that, in consequence of the late heavy rains, the corn has been much injured. I quote Wheat from 4s 6d to 6s 3d; Oats, 3s to 4s; Barley, 6s to 6s 6d ; Peas, 4s 6d to 6s; Bran, £7 to £8 per ton; Sharps, £8 10. Flour lowered this morning to £18 per ton, the former ruling price was £20 to £22. The West Coast Times of March 3rd reports :— The total export of gold from the port of Hokitika during the month of February wa5 —42,391 ozs. 16 dwts., of the value of £170,267. The total amount of export duty made was £6298 19s. 6d. Of the total quantity exported 5393 ozs, 15 dwts. were shipped for Melbourne, 30,000 ozs. for Sydney, and 7000 ozs. for Manakau, for direct shipment to England from that port. These figures are exclusive of gold cleared at the port of Greymouth. CUSTOMS BETUBBTS. (For the Month ending February, 1866.) DUTY. £ 8. d. Spirits... ... ... ... 3463 6 9 Wine 447 11 6 Ale and Beer ... ... ... 628 4 9 Tobacco and Cigars ... ... 691 2 4 Other duties ... ... ... 3,064 16 4 Total ... £8294 19 6 IMPOSTS A2TD EXPORTS. Imports. Exports. £ £ Great Britain 37,302 ... 77,841 Victoria 6,086 ... 80 New South Wales ... 4,868 ... 130 Tasmania 1,211 ... — U. S. America 366 ... 21,694 fcorway 6,500 ... — Total ... ... £56,331 ... 99,745

IMPOBTS. For b, read bushels; c, cwt.; g, gallons; p, packages f, feet; t, tons; bs, bottles. £ t Agricultural Imple- Provisions —■ ments— Flour, 21, ... 45 Spades, 17 p ... 230 Eice, 1 c ... 40 Ploughs, 4, ... 195 Salt, 431 ... 217 Ale— Sago, 40 p ... 115 Bulk. 1250 g ... 135 . Bacon, 16 p ... 184 Bottled, 6798 g...1873 Cheese, 67 c ...210 Apothecaries'wares, Ship chandlery— 153 p 604 Cordage, 72 c... 264 Arms—J4 177 Canvas, 13 p ... 655 Shot, 201 ... 25 Tar and pitch, Cartridges, 100... 1 16 p ... ... 28 Bags— Seeds, 41 c ... 266 Flour, 92 p ...1174 Plants, 6p ... 20 Woolpacks, 40 p 610 Spirits— Cornsacks, 3p. 90 Brandy, 1296 g... 728 Books, 25 p ... 804 Sw. Gin, 1018 g 456 Boots, 89 p ...2440 Bum, 712 g ... 207 Builders' Mate- Whiskey, 624 g 267 rials— Stationery, 45 p ...969 Slates, 12,000 ... 100 Paper, 28 p ... 275 Sashes 10 p ... 100 StockCement, 10 p ... 50 Sheep, 595 ...1504 Brushware, lp ... 18 ... 98 Carts and Car- Sugar, 127,730 1b52846 riages, 3 ... 212 Tea, 12,841 lbs ...1209 Chandlery— Tobacco,73o3 lbs ... 353 Candles, 269fc C...1371 Cigars, 956 lbs... 695 Soap, 2 c ... 5 WineBlue, 95 p ... 145 Bulk, 470 g ... 355 Matches, 7 p ... 130 Bottled, 252 g ... 270 Corks, 6 p ... 72 Woodware, 165 p... 434 Coals, 21321 ...3345 Timber, 506,147f 6000 Coke, It ... 6 Shingles, 46,620 400 Coffee, 1246 lb ... 72 Palings, 245,800 166 Copperware, 3 p ... 25 Zinc, 9£ cwt ... 55 Drapery, 94 p ...4317 — Apparel, 10 p ... 390 Total value, £56,331 Cottons, 16 p ... 790 imposts coastwise. Haberdashery, 6p 283 Sugar, 40.423 lb ... 805 Silks, 1 p ... 20 Tea, 1525 lb ...200 Woollens, 23 p... 608 Tobacco, 179 lbs 20 Earthenware, 19 p 325 - Glass, 128 p ... 636 £1025 Instruments, Mu- EXPOBTB. sical, 2 p ... 145 Ale — Pianos, 2 ... 78 Bottled, 120 g ... 30 Iron— Boots, 5 p... ... 100 Eod, 15 16 c ... 810 Candles, 43 c ... 20 Pig, 201 ... 70 Soap, 26 c ... 26 Galvanized, 25 t 670 Drapery, 6 pkg... 130 Fencing, 96t 6c 1600 Hardware,l p ... 40 Nails, 161 c ... 375 Hides, 259 124 Ironmongery, 630 Machinery— p 6805 Sewing, 8 p ... 55 Furniture, 18 p ... 345 Rubber hose, 4 c ... 250 Carpets, 11 p ... 169 Tallow, c, ... 80 Fodder, 159 p ... 60 SpiritsFruit— Brandy, 8 g ... 3 Dried, 3 p ... 20 Whiskey, 17 g... 5 Green, 11 p ... 15 Tea, 1150 lb ..• 100 Preserved, 60p... 160 Tobacco, 111 lb ... 20 Nuts, 3 p ... 20 Sheepskins, 79 p ... 484 Harness & saddlery, Wine — 23 p ... 600 Bottled, 4 g ... 2 Hops, 42 pockets... 650 Woodware, 149 p... 658 Malt, 261 b ... 100 W001,2,007,1501b 97,618 Jewelry, 12 p ... .855 • ■ Watches, 2 p ... 250 £99,746 Oil— Kerosine, 1250 g 360 eemovais coastwisi. Colza, 50 g ... 18 Soap, 20 c 60 Linseed, 200 g... 40 Oilmen's stores, 2 p 4 Boiled, 52 g ... 14 Spirits— Oilmen's stores, Braijdy, 49 g ... SO 437 p 1425 Geneva, 69 g... 21 Painters'mats., 23 p 174 ■ 11 ■ £135

STOCKS IK BOHD. Delivered. 4 I *j| Goods. g 2" § J "2 a I 3 o -£ § do pq 3 i --§2 .a $ js s ® 2 © *-* ii o J •§ a o.g J pq d W ' pq Brandy, g ... 15830 1272 2096 497 14510 Geneva, g ... 4621 906 69 3640 Sw. Gin, g ... 6457 1067 606 6918 Rum, g ... 3006 712 961 2757 Whiskey, g... 6658 605 910 17 0336 Other spirits 1510 40 1470 Wine, bulk, g 20718 470 1924 19264 Do bottled, g 2485 190 361 5 2309 Ale & beer, bk 23441 2230 21211 Do bottled, g 18447 4912 3598 60 19011 T Spi 1TO ' 8 111 um Cigars, lb ... 3459 1026 159 4326 Sugar, lb ... 48914114823149850 13887 Tea, lb ... 22786 5715 12388 1150 19983 Coffee, lb ... 7068 1120 1725 6463 Oilmen's st, p 1159 92 107 2 1142 Boots, p ... 5 5 Drapery, p... 1 1 Soap, candles, Sk., c ... 583 700 720 40 473 Fcing wire, 90 90

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