COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9624, 16 January 1892, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times Office, . Friday evening, A moderate volume of business o£)y can he recorded as having passed during the week. The present being one of the off weeks of the month partially accounts for the quiet feeling pervading the market. Ip those sections intimately associated with the harvest there is a briskness, but it baa not extended to the general trade. The weather lately has been rather changeable. Farmers would prefer to see it of a more settled character, with a spell of bright sunny _ weather, while field operations are going on. Cutting is now being pushed briskly forward, and threshing cats from the stoofc for immediate delivery has been frequent. Reports from the country districts continue to speak well of the good progress made by the growing turnips, the season lately having been all in favour of this crop. A few failures from ascertained causes are reported, but, on the whole, the crop promises to be a heavy one. In the grain market speculation as to the probable course of prices is a fruitful source of discussion. For purely speculative purchases the season will likely prove a rather puzzling one to dealers, and there exists an extreme probability that shipments will go forward liberally on farmers’ account, the growers preferring to ship rather than accept the rates tendered by buyers. In ah ordinary season, disassociated from the peculiar circumstances existent in Europe at the present moment, there would be no hesitation in fixing a basis of operations, but the surroundings just now beget a more than usual caution on the part of sellers and buyers, more particularly of the latter.

The wool sales were held to-day in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce, and passed over fairly well considering the present conditions of the market. The buying element was present in a not diminished’ number compared with the preceding auctions. For prices realised we refer our readers to the detailed lists published elsewhere.

English cables continue to report excellent prices for factory-made butter, with a good prospect for a short time to come. e wish we could say the same for frozen mutton, the values of which for a time seem to have lit upon evil days. Except for actual growers who ship, prices current in London at the moment are extremely unsatisfactory. gnjjQ “Star of France” has arrived from Calcutta after a smart run of 57 days. Her cargo consists of 5344 bales of cornsacks, brought for various consignees. The market for these goods at present is in a unique position, but one which at the same time is readily understood. More money can bo got for large invoice lines than some of the houses are to farmers ex ship for small lots. Judging from the enquiry it is evident that stocks are considered insufficient. The steamer which was announced to leave Calcutta on Dec. 15 has been withdrawn, the necessary freight not having been forthcoming. Doubtless the gradual rise in jute goods, which has culminated recently in that quarter in famine prices has been the deterrent. At anyrate, holders are confident of a considerable advance in prices shortly. Holders of woolpacka are now seeking 2s 6d, duty paid. Mauritius sugars arc being offered liberally, at recent rates, while the mportation of Australian makes has been considerable. The inquiry for dried fruits h«a slackened perceptibly. Buyers of have rates in their favour. Sar-

dines have been sold at 8a 6d to 9s 6d, the latter price for best quality of Alberts. In the smaller lines of groceries there is po change in the usual list rates. Kerosene has seen business of almost a retail character. Cement, ex lonic, has been quitted in quantity. Fencing wire to lapd has also been pushed at a Might redaction. Boiled and raw oil have been sold at an average of Ss 6d- A fairtrade has transpired in bottled ales aqd stout. A few sales of whiskey can be noted at np to 9a for beat quality, medium to good at 6s to 7s. Clarets lately have passed off more freely. Tobacco has been sold fairly welL The deliveries come up to the average. Agents of Euby report the sale of a shipment recently to hand. In cigars business has been restricted. The reaper end binder agents report a good demand for their goods, but this can only be looked for seeing the work that has to be accomplished this harvest.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

In the grain market the feeling during the week has been substantially the same as the preceding. All interest is now centred in the new crop. Meanwhile, values of wheat stand, nominally, at 4s 3d to 4s 4d for Tuscan, 4s 2d to 4s 3d for Pearl, and 4s to 4s Id for Hunter’s. Oats. —For old milling quotations remain at Is lid to 2s, and for stout feed Is lOd to Is 10Jd. New crop feed is being offered at a shade under these prices. Barley.— We have no business to notice in connection with this grain. Beans and Peas. —ln beans nothing has transpired. Peas, new crop, are being offered— ordinary 2a 8d to 2s 9d. For Prussian -Blues 3s to 3s 2d is quoted. Grass Seed.— Large quantities of ryegrass have been offered during the week. Farmers’ samples are fetching 2s to 3s, according to quality and freedom from weeds. Cocksfoot has not yet opened, but cutting may be in swing at any moment now.

Dairy Produce.—Butter 6d to 7d, cheese 3|d to 4id.