COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Issue XVI, 3 December 1879, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

THE PROSPECrS OF THE SOUTHERN WHEAT HARVEST FOR 1880. Messrs. P. Cunningham and Co., in their circular of November 20, report as follows :— " The contrast in the present month of this year, as compared with 1878, is very striking indeed. From September to December of last year wo experienced uausually hot weather and scorching N.W. winds, which did incalculable damage- to our crops, which looked so promising in the early part of September. The present season, so far, has been all that could be possibly desired, the rains during the last week having come at a most opportune time. Should we be favoured with nice warm weather, with an occasional Bhower, there is every reason to expect that the harvest of 1830 will be one of the most prolific ever seen id New Zealand. Assuming that we have adverse weather, we think the crops are in such a strong and healthy stato, that tbey will be able to stand any drought that may occur between now and harvest, and a, bottsr yield of all cereals may be confidently reckoned upon. Opening Prices : With respect to prices for tho new grain, it is a very difficult matter to give any reliable opinion, as our market is entirely guided by outward circumstances. Judging from the present aspect of things, wheat will probably open here higher than is warranted by prices ruling in tho homo market, from the fact that mills will be cleared of stocks, and, as is usual with them, thoy will probably compete keenly for tho early deliveiies. However, as England has had so many successive bad harvests, it is only reasonable to anticipate that jhe may look for a good one next year ; and we fancy there will be little speculation in this cereal outside of our local millers. At anything over 3s 9d, particularly as the freight market is very strong in the Western States of America for wheat ships, which must ultimately affect this and the Australian markets. Barley : Wo expect this cereal to open low, as the acreage will be heavy, particularly of the early spring sown. Should Victoria increase the duty on this cereal, it must affect values here, as that colony was one of our principal outlets. Wo anticipate prices to open at 3s to 4s 3d. Petatoes ■ The high price ruling for potatoes will probably cause a considerable increase in the acroago planted for next year, particularly as the we.ither has been so favourable.

CJLLLH AN'D DIVIDENDS. Ca:l<— £ s. d. When due. Caledonian.. .. .. 0 2 C — Dec 1 Now Golden Pah .. ..010 — Dec. 10 Bismarck .. .. .. 0 2 6 — Dec. 14 Dividkno— Alburma .. .. .. 017 6 — Dec. 5