COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10216, 9 December 1893, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times Office, Friday evening. A fair amount of trade has been noticeable during tho week, though at tho same time it may bo observed that the volume is not bo large as bad been expected. Puichaaera for some time back hove been exceedingly cautious m their operations, and transactions lately have been strongly malted by this characteristic. The class of goods in which most has been dose as a matter of course has been dried fruits and the numberless small concomitants that go to make up tho Christmas requirements. In some of the lines the first shipments have beau fully distribute!?, and importers have to w&it for the iiexi to come forward. For tbo cextweok of two we indy look for a fair enquiry in these lines, and then, as usual, the demand will collapse. New figs are not yet on the market. Our supplies of sugar arb being drawn alniost wholly from Queensland, and from the prospects of tho London and Australian markets no change in values for the remainder of tho preserving season may be anticipated. Whites are being distributed ut £25 to £25 10a, according to the grade. Yellows have not beexi imported in any great quantity, and for fine, bright, small grainy crystals as much can bo obtained as for second whites. Sales of teas, particularly in the blends and Indian and Ceyloha, have increased recently* The Maori, shortly expected from Calcutta, will bring, in addition to other Calcutta a considerable quantity of lndi.au teas, chiefly of the lower and medium' qualities. The Aldergrove, with sacks for next season, from Calcutta, ia now well oa her voyage to this port, but we| have not heard of any sales of pafoela to arrive. « Lubricating oils are being asked for, and the various makes of American and Rushan are now available in quantity. Castor oil at the moment is scarce, but shipment! to land very shortly will relieve the bareness. For genuine linseed oil, importers now demand an advance, shipments recently to hand costing more money. Beyond a small occasional order, kerosene has almost dropped out of notice. Tinned fish of all kinds meats with a ftdr enquiry. In liquors, business lately has bean quiet, but there are now signs of a little more life with the approach of the Christmas holidays. In agents’ prices no variation can be reported. The showery weather has prolonged the sowing of turnips. As anticipated, holders of imported manures find themselves left with a considerable quantity unsold, and which will have to be carried over till next seoson. The cereal crops ate looking extremely well, but the continued depression in the English and European wheat markets ia extremely disappointing to the hopes of growers. Account sales cf wheat to hand and to come forward later bn, are proving, i and will prove, unpleasant reading to those interested. The cables, both public and j private, continue to advise a brisk compaI tition at the London wool sales, and the same may bo noted in connection with the progress of the auctions in Melbourne i iatld Sydney. Tho President’s course in connection with tho revision of the American tariff is eagerly scanned by the woolgrowera hero, and the hope ia oh erished that the day ia not far diutaut when wool will be on the free list, and that it may take rank wilffi flax and kauri gum ia the direct export from New Zealand to tbo United States.

•With meat at its present price and the qtaot tone existent, it is pleasant to learn thait the Gear Moat Company of Wellington', will be able to declare a dividend of 10 per .cent as the result of the year’s operations. Shearing lately, both in the nor’tbisra district and along the front hilltt has been greatly retarded by the wet wetvbbor. Wool would have come to hand in gxejiter quantity bad it nob been for this fact. Wo aro pleased to learn, however, that tlia sheep aro cutting well as to quantify. Mobbub Huddart, Parker and Co. have fulfilled their announcement of resuming tho New Zealand intercolonial trade, their bratar.inv having taken up active running. On the iom-th bills wore fairly met, though assistance had to be extended to uome clxtont. G& AIN AND PRODUCE. Tno occasional showers with which the country has been visited have been of c*foat service to the growing crops, which are looking, 1 cxtivmoly well. Hay-euttiag llfiu commstic ed, and the <ntkt week or two should see « largo acreage mown. In a fow jhelterrf. ipotg b»rl«| wiU very 000 a

come under the operation of the reaper and binder. The week has brought about no variation in the grain market. Wheats This cereal continues stagnant and transactions have been very much restricted. Quotations stand nominally at 3s 5d to 2a 6d for Hunter’s, 2s 6d to 2a 7d for Pearl, and 2a 7d to 2s 8d for Tuscan. .... , Oats. In view or the near approach of the new crop, holders are not so stiff in thoir attitude. Only a moderate business has transpired, chiefly of a local character. Milling 2s 2d to 2s 3d, stout feed 2a to 2s Id. Duns Is ll£d to 2s, other grades Is lOd to Is lid. Rarlet.— There is nothing to report in tbia cereal, and no business can be looked for until the new grain ia available. Prime is out of hand. Medium to good 3s to 3s 6d-nominally. Beans and Peas show no change, prices remaining at 3a to 3s Id, Prussian Blues at 3s to 3s 3d; for prime lots 3s 4d to 3s 5d is demanded. Potatoes.— Old are now practically out of supply. There have been a few enquiries for seed potatoes for Napier, which will likely have to be filled elsewhere. . Flour.— Millers quote £8 for roller, <£7 10s for stone; oatmeal £ll 10s. Grass Seed.— ln ryegrass and cocksfoot there has been no business. Prices for ryegrass stand nominally at 3s to 3s 6d. The oooksfoot crop looks uncommonly well, and gives promise of a heavy yield. Daibt Produce. Batter 6d to Bd, factory lOd to 10. Id; cheese, old 4Jd to sd, new 3d to 3£d.