COMMERCIAL TELEGRAMS. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'S SPECIAL WIRE.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2083, 6 January 1879, Page 2

COMMERCIAL TELEGRAMS. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'S SPECIAL WIRE. )

Auckland, Jan. 5. From various settlements news comes that the new harvesting machines are working well, giving every satisfaction to owners of crops. "Should the present highly favorable weather continue for a fortnight longer, the greater portion of wheat in the Auckland district will be secured in first-rate condition. The districts of Mangere and Otahuhu present just now a very encouraging spectacle. Owing to the wet, and the late seed time. It is anticipated that the average yield of wheat will not be more than from 23 to 25 .bushels per acre, or less than last season. The wheat, in many cases, is reported to be thin upon the ground, and owing to the hot weather, will lead to premature ripening, which, in many instances, gives the grain a slightly shrivelled appearance. The opening price is 4s 6d for prime qualities, delivered at the nearest railway station. The market at the present time is perfectly glutted with wheat and flour. Now that the duty on foreign wheat and flour has been taken off, a corresponding reduction has been made by the local millers on the best flour, which is now quoted at LI 5 per ton. The first of the new crop is expected to .arrive at at the mills on Tuesday or Wednesday next. Oats are rather easier in price. Holders are asking 4s 9d per bushel. Maize holds its own, and both local and Fijian is commanding good prices. Potatoes are gradually receding in value as the season advances, and are quoted from L 6 10s to L 7 per ton, with fair quotation for new. Butter, in salt, not worth so much, and a prime lot is in the market at lOd. Kauri gum continues to maintain a very fair attitude. The receipts during the mouth have not been so great a3 was anticipated; hence, there has been a strong disposition of buyers to operate, especially in parcels of good quality. The total receipts for December is 243 tons. The receipts for the past year werclaiger than for 1877. The total quantity received in Auckland is 3390 tons, against 3136 tons for 1877. The value of the articles during the year just close I has been on an average L3O for ordinary, and L 37 for finest. Ivvercargill, Jan. 4. j The Customs returns for the March quarter of 1878 were L 10,421 ; for the June quarter, L 10,393; for the September quarter, L 11.140; and for the quarter ending December, Ll2.44o —making a total for the year, with shillings and pence added of L 44.396 2s Id. The total revenue for the year 1877 amounted to L 33.035 11s 2d. Christchurch, Jan. 5. The weather is favorable for crops. The wheat crop will average better than was anticipated, but will bs considerably under that of last season. The increased acreage however will give an available surplus for export about equal to that of last year. Old stocks of wheat are made at from 4s to 4s 3d. Flour, L 9 10? to LlO 10s. Feed oats, 4s ; barley, nil; hams and bacon (in cloth), B£d ; butter, 9d to lOd; cheese, 7id.