COMMERCIAL SUMMARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7931, 25 April 1887, Page 12

COMMERCIAL SUMMARY.

New Zealand Hkrald Office. Saturday evening. The business record of the month is a good one, and a satisfactory state of trade may be fairly stated as existing. Insolvencies and private arrangements of financial diffiI culties have been rare and unimportant, and : although commercial money cannot be said ! to be plentiful, trade paper continues to be well met, renewals being under the average, l and confined to weak names. In the soft goods trade, the long prolongation of summer weather has delayed orders for winter goods, and in this respect wholesale and retail distributors have found trade quiet in this special business, but in all consumptive and hardware merchandise demand haß been well sustained, and the wholesale houses report an improving volume of trade. Farming operations have been practically at a standstill for want of a good rainfall. The country in all directions has been dry and hard, with grass scarce, bat the autumn rains, though late, have at last come in time to save any serious consequences. The demand for goods for the agricultural districts has from this reason been rather limited, but this has been compensated by the wants of navvies, bridgebuilders, and tunnellers on the various railway lines in course of construction ; the requirements of the village settlers, and the improved demand from the gum-producing districts. The advices received of the sale at £43 7s per ton of the first parcel of auriferous quartz sent to Loudon are most encouraging, and have produced a good effect in financial circles. Another parcel is now being broken out of the same mine, experts considering it will give an assay value of £50 per ton. This lot will also go to London. The directors of the Union Gold Mining Company have sent an expert to Australia to watch the reduction of ore at the celebrated Mount Morgan mine by what iB known as the Newbery-Vautin process, and if his report is favourable, a plant for this system of dealing with refractory ores will be established at VVaihi. It is proposed next month to apply a similar process with an improvement on it to tailings from the Cambria mine at the Thames. This, with Railley'a and Eraser's patents, evidence the deep scientific interest that is being taken to solve the problem on which rests the profitable development of our great Thames peninsula. Only those who know the locality can appreciate the vast importance of this question, and what it means to our commercial business, the supply of good grade quartz being practic&lly inexhaustible. The commeroial independence of the two islands has beon exemplified by the increased trade with the South, doubtless resulting from the returning state of prosperity to that portion of the colony by the enhanced value of its products, its fine harvest this season, and other causes. Our valuable Island trade continues to grow, but the trade is principally in New Zealand products, as we are handicapped' with too high freight rates to compete with Sydney in English and Continental goods. With all our great advantage of position, with this drawback it is clear that at the present rats of progress larger steamboats will soon be needed. A reduction in the existing rates of freight may then be made, which will do away with objections on this score now. The adoption of the freetrade proposals of the New South Wales Government may be regarded as a certainty, end it would be difficult to over appreciate their importance upon New Zealand trade and its farming interests, as it is proposed to admit butter, cheese, bacon, hams, oatmeal, and preserved meats, free of duty; all these goods being produced here in superabundance, and in unrivalled excellence. Tourist arrivals are increasing, nothing puzzling our many visitors more than the persistency with which we ourselves deplore the " bad times" with ail the outward and visible signs of prosperity, material improvement and industrial progress. The shrinkage of income from bad investments has undoubtedly affected the judgment of the sufferers; and, while it must be confessed that there have been severe experiences of rather too much enterprise, and that " white elephants" are just a little too plentiful, we can see no cause for apprehension, while our trade concerns are not dependent upon borrowed capital, and caution and good management continue to rule. The fact that the exports of the whole colony show an increase of £294. and our imports a decrease of £249,690 over the corresponding quarter ending Slat March of last year, says more than anything we can write. The falling off in Customs receipts is undoubtedly due to a reduced consumption of spirits, and to the ad valorem duties being at a fixed rate, while there nas been a general fall in invoice values. An alteration in the tariff is expected from the Ministerial recess speeches.

■WOTIOTIMMHIIIIIIIWMI'MIIIII IIirMIII HI II . -'■ ■■■ ■■"■'" , Breadstuffa have not varied in value during i, the month. The building trade still keeps • quiet, and there 18 little or no local enquiry y for kauri timber. Shares in the several : timber companies, for which there was a few ,' years since an active enquiry from sll classes ' of investors, are now unsaleable. Much ' depends upon the possibility of opening up ,' t the London market to this grand wood, and ■, although no definite results of the first few 3 experimental shipments are yet to hand, the , fact that negotiations are now going on for 8 the chartering of two more vessels to load ■ for London with timber from the Kaipara, * indicates that the English market is not con- ' sidered hopeless. Cement is scarcer. English brands are ' nearly sold out; a large parcel of German is ;] nearly due. Coffee and spices are in full 1, supply, the former being slightly firmer. , Cocoa of all sorts is in ample stock. Several a parcels of Van Houten have been sold to . South Island buyers. ' FenciDg wire has been largely sold during the month, a significant indication that the ' area under grass is rapidly increasing, and ' that tho improved returns for wool and meat i are stimulating pastoral activity. Galvanised iron is in very short supply ; a , shipment to arrive per America will, how- , ever, fill a big gap. Bar and rod iron is , selling at unchanged rates. Holders are a » little stiffer in consequence of the home v advance in metals, but financial considerations control prices here moro than in England, and probably for this reason soiling prices of nearly all imports are regulated by t cost to holders rather than home or foreign I market alterations. Muntz metal is very s scarce, island orders having to be sent on to a Sydney for execution. There has been little 8 doing in hops, but the time for more active '• business now that the Nelson 0 new crop is gathered. Cigars of all sorts 0 are in heavy overstock; Manillas have re[j ceded in value, owing to heavy arrivals to 0 all colonial ports, A large quantity of every 0 description will be offered at auction this 1 week. Cigarettes, with the exception of Old a Judge, are in ample stock. Snuff continues s dull of sale, aud in heavy overstock. In 1 groceries and oilmen's stores stocks are i considerably lighter, but excessive competition prevents the advantage holders expected to have had on this account. \ Pepper receded slightly in the earlier part of 1 the month, but has again finned. Sago and r tapioca remain firm, and scarce. Business > in rice is almost confined to Japan; prices , are Botnewhat easier, and stocks rather full. 1 Sugar is unchanged. The New Zealand 3 Sugar Company monopolising the trade ' locally, large South and West Coast orders ' are regularly coming, and the business of tho 1 port has been immensely increased by the I establishment of a refinery. Several arrivals , of raw sugar from Java have taken place . during tho month. Accounts from the Fiji 3 sugar plantations continue favourable ; it is , estimated there will be IS.OOO tons to export • after next crushing season. In yellow ' sugars our nearness to Fiji gives this market 1 the position of an emporium for all the New [ Zealand market to purohase from. Brewers' 1 crystals continue to come mostly from I Mauritius ; supply at present here small, i Canned fish have been moving freely • throughout the last three mouths. Salmon has moved up to a very full price, stocks > of good brands being extremely low. Fresh ; herrings are in short supply ; some new brands have appeared in tho market, but the public do not take readily to unknown J labels, and only a small percentage of conr sumers will run tho risk of even trying the : quality. Lobsters, oysters, and sardines are , in full stock. Sauce* are steady, the local " make is increasing, and the lowness of prioe is reducing sale of old-established brauds. Jams have been freely distributed rough- ' out the month at unchanged rates. An item . of interest has been the selection of New , Zealand Nelson jam for all the supplies of the Union S.S. Company's fleet, although in , competition with the productions of Victoria, Dried fruits are well held, with the exception of currants, which remain scarce and firm in price. The Southern markets are reported as bare of good case currants, but shipments afloat will no doubt soon remedy this. Klemes and sultanas ' are slightly easier. Muscatels are in overstock i and dull of sale. Candles have been placed in large lines; ' the majority of transactions, however, have ' been confined to the New Zealand manufactured article. { Extract of soap of good quality and exI cellently packed, locally prepared, is steadily fighting its way against the world renowned i Hudson's Extract, and bids fair to become 1 an important local industry. Corn brooms made in Auckland, and . turned out iu a thoroughly American fashion, 3 have completely put a stop to importation in these goods. Salt is in fair supply, but being in but few 3 hands prices remain firm. ' Soda and whiting have had some attention, ' the former being somewhat scarce. ' Plaid matches are iu rather short supply, ! 250s being well held. Milk has been moving well, the^Milkmaid ' having partially recovered its lost ground, late shipments proving satisfactory in point ' of condition; Nestles' also has been freely 1 placed. ' Kerosene is gradually increasing in de- ! maud as the winter approaches. Stocks, • however, are ample. Cornsacks are particularly scarce and high rates ruling. Woolpacks negleoted. In tobacco we have no change to note, : Derby, Juno, Josephine, aud Venus still dividing the honours. In the first-mentioned stocks are light. Tea is in comparatively shortsupply, the persistencyof our Australian 1 friends, however, leaving importers but little '' chance of an advance. Low and medium China boxes have been freely cleared, mainly for country trade. The number of blenders ' and tea packers making a specialty of this , business is largely on the increase, and the ' old-established retail dealers are being, what ' our American cousins would call "frozen ' out." Indians of all sorts are in full stock. ', Business generally in wines and spirits has , been rather better, owing to the Easter holi- . day trade, but has now resumed its usual couree. The management ; of expensive hotels in onr leading thoroughfares, to , yield a profit or oven a living to the tenant, is becoming & problem not easy of solution. We hear of ouo or two , instances in which the enormous rents and ', interest charges on what is termed goodwill, have completely absorbed not only the profits but also the capital originally invested by the "tenant," so called. Whether this is attributable to the early closing or the more temperate habits of Aucklanders we are not aware, but it is a matter that demands serious attention at the bands of the trade. In bottled beors nothing of importance haH been done. Stocks are somewhat lighter, and prices firm for leading brands at quoted rates. Wines generally have been quite neglected. Brandy is still in ample stock, and low figures ruling for all sorts. Whisky continues to do the lion's share of the spirit { trade, the only item of interest being the introduction of a new brand in case, the Speyside, which is being vigorously pushed. Stocks in all leading brands are ample, and prices are unchanged. Rum has been moving rather more freely in bulk ; case in but light demand. Geneva of all sorts is well held, and with the exception of shipment of a few parcels for Island trade, nothing worthy of notice has occurred. Sale* of : Old Tom aud schnapps htve been confined to ■ small trade lots, ' Until the paafc week ordinary kauri gum continued to decline, when active buying cleared out all the stocks that wore being hold, and this market is now firm at the quotations we give below. Tho Abiel Abbot ' and William Phillips both sailed for New York on 29th March, taking the quantities named in oar last report. Tho Hoinrich Bauer is chartered to load for New York, 1 and i 3 expected to got away about the 20th May. The Laira has cleared for London with GGjf tons, and will sail on the 25th. She is to be followed by the Easterhill, fast filling, and the Hormione. Supplies since last report 441 tone. Wo quote : Fair ; ordinary, 42s to 435; best ordinary, 45a to , 1 465; east coast, 58s to 60s. AUCTION SALES. ! April G. To-day Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. announced ' for sale several important parcels of land—viz., ■ the Mount Cambria Estate, at the North Shore, i and the Rosebank Estate, at Avondale—but at 1 the time fixed for the sale (noon) there was but , a moderate attendance, and. bidding being dull, i both properties were passed. The same firm j offered for sale allotment No, 3, section 8, of , the city of Auckland, situated in Emily Plaoe, and running through to Jermyn-streot, immediately adjoining the present St. Paul's Church. 1 The property realised £2050. ' Mr. D. F. Evans offered for sale to-day ' several parcels of land in the city and euburbs, 1 but the attendance was small, and prices not ■ j being up to expectations, the lots wore with» drawn,

N. Z. Insurance Buildings, Auckland, and Albe April 12. Messrs. Arthur and Buddie announced for sale several froehold properties at their rooms to-day. There was a good attendance, but bidding was not vory brisk, »nd only a portion of the land close to the Mannrewa railway station was disposed of, realising £4 per acre. April 15. Messrs Vaile and Douglas sold, at their rooms by auction to-day 1925 acres of bush land at Waiheko for the bum of £2650.—Messrs W. and J. Frater were tho purchasers. April 18. Messrs. S. Cochrane and Son offered for sale at their rooms, to-day, 80 acres of land at Whangarei Heads, being allotment 19 of the south-east part of lot 20. parish of Manaia. The property realised 4s Cd per acre. 1 April 21. Messrs. B. Tonics and Co. sold by auction at their rooms to-day, by order of the liquidator, Mr. J. Macfarlane, the freehold and leasehold properties, machinery, engines, goods, tools, chattels, effects, rights and privileges, patents, etc., of the New Zealand Iron and Steel Company, at Onehunga. The property realised £1100. Messrs. T. and Si Morrin being the purchasers. April 22. To day Messrs. Vailo and Douglas sold by auction, at their rooms, the whole of the freehold and leasehold properties of tho Hokianga Sawmill Co. (Limited), together with the mill, buildings, and machines. There was a fair attPiidanco, and the lot was knocked down for £2550. Sir. J. W. Henderson boing the purchaser. The same auctioneers also offered several other freehold properties in the oity and suburbs; but bids not being up to expectations, the lots were withdrawn. Rates op Exchange on .London*.—Buying : 90 days, 1| per conk discount; CO days, J per cent, discount; 80 days, J per cent. Demand, i. Soiling: 90 days, 1 pec cent, premium; 00 days, i per cent, premium ; 30 days, J per cent. Demand, l£ per cent, premium. Fixed deposits : 3 months, 3 per cent.; 6 months, 4 percent.; 12 months, 5 per cent. Ales and Porter.— Dunedin Ale (duty paid), in bulk (pale), £5; xxxx, £6. koast j.nd M-jCariby, in, *3s hhd. Aio, in bulk (duty paid) per barrel, Bass's, £7; Ashby's, £8. Ala (in bond), Tonnent's, quart*, 4s to »is Cd; Bass's Dogshead brand (Read's bottling), pints, 6s; quarts, 8s 6.1, in bund; Bulldog (R. l'orter and Co 's bottling), 6s and 8s ; W. Youuger's, 5s and 7s 3d ; Ashby's (Is 3d to 8s 9d ; Bass's (Mood bottlers), pints, 4s; quarts (is fid, Anglo-Bavarian : pints 5s fid and Ss. Boar's Head Stout: quarts, Ss (HI ; pints, Cs Cd. Oniunes3" Harp brand by Foster: pints, (is; quarts, Bs. Norway ales, pints 6s 4(1, quarts Bs. Foster's Bugle stout, quarts 9s, pints 6s 3d' Blood's, pints, ss; quarts, 7s; Dogshead, Guinness' (Read's bottling), pints, Gs; quarts, Ss 3d; R. Porter ft Co.'s bottling, pints 6s, quarts Ss: Spark's Moline bottling, Cs and 9s 3d ; Burke's, (is and 9s ; other brands, 5s and 7s fid ; Combo's, quarts, 7s ; pints, 5s fid. Duty: Pints, Is fid; quarts. 3s per dozen Building Materials.—Cement may be quoted at K. IS. 14b 6 i. Slates: Supply beyond requirements. English Countesses are worth £11 to £12. Amorican, £8 to £10. Plaster of Paris, lis. Baos and BaociiNO.—Calcutta full weight woolpacks 2s 8d ; cornsac'ks, (is 3d. scarce. BftEADSTUKKB and Grain.—Local best silk-dressed flour, £13; household, £12; Southern brands. £10 l.Os to £11 10.'. Wheat, 5s i<> 5s Gd. Bran, £5 la: Sharps. £0; Southern sharps, £4 10s. .Maize : Local. 49; Fiji, none; Wheat, 4s to 43 3d. Oatmeal, £12 to £13; Barley (for malting). 4s to 4S 3d. Oats, 2s to 2* fid; peirl barley, £17 10s to £ IS. Cabin bread £10 per ton. CoßiiAOh, n.i". (Subject to trado discounts)— Manila hemp rope, all sizes, Sydney, £00 to £70; Auckland made, £70 to £78; whalo and lance lines, £80; cutting in falls, £ • New Zealand flax ropo, all sizos, £40. Auckland made, £35; wool lashings, £38 ; clothes lines,' 5d per lb., subject to trado, discount; Manila clothes linos, 8d; oakum, free, ditto, £40; spun yarn two-yarn ditto, £48 to £55; twiuo, shop, d.p., per lb., i)d to Is 2d ; sewing twiuo, Is Id per lb.; local make, Is to Is 3d. Coal.Newcastle is sufficient for requirements, 22s 6d to 25s at ship's side ; lies to 31s in yards, may be taken as a fair quotation. Bay of Islands, 13s, at the mines, is quoted ; Whangarei coal, fls Gd; ditto, Waikato, steam, Ss; household, 12s. Coffke and Spices (in bond), per lb.—Ceylon, coffee plantation, Is; do., Fiji, 4d to Cd ; chicory, colonial, 40* per cwt ; cocoa, d.p., Taylor's Is 3d; Fry's Is 3d; Van Hontcn's, 3s 9,1 ; Epps's, Is CJd; Maravilla, Is fid; chocolate, Taylor's, Is 3d; Fry's, 1, 3d. Spicos, d.p.; Cloves, Is lid; bleached gingers lid; unbleached do., 9(1; nutmegs, 2s 3d to 2s 1 Od ; black pepper, whole, Oil: white do.. Is 4d. ! Confectionery.— Local manufacturers are producing good articlos, and tho consumption is gradually increasing. Wators's colonial boiled, 4id; dry, 7d; jujubes, Is Id; Keillor's assorted confections, BJd; Gray's, 9Jd; candied lemon pool, p., lOd; orange, "is; citron, Is 3d; Koiiler's jujubes, Is Id to Is 2d ; Gray's jujubes, is Id to Is 3d. Gum, Flax, &a—We quote : Poor ordinary, £25 to £33; fair ordinary, £42 to £43; superior ordinary, £45 to £16; Fast Coast, £58 to £60. Flax: First quality, £15 to £21 ; second, £12 to £16; tow, £7 to £9 por ton. Cocoanut rlbro, £15 to £17 ; Cocoanut oil (tine white), por ton, £32 10s. Copra, per ton, £3 to £12, Fungus, 3jd. Ironmongery.—bank's nails, invoice, 10 por cont. off list; galvanized corrugated iron, duty now 40s per ton, 5, 0, 7, 8 foot, £18, £21, £22, and £23 10s; 9 to 10 feet, £25 ; Knglish bar iron, per ton, £9 to £10; pig iron, £4 10s plate iron, £10 to £11 ; fencing wire is over stocked, duty 20s per ton : assorted sizes, £11 10s. Sheot-lead, £18; pig-lead, £18; sheet-zinc, £25. Powder, Kainies', Curtis and Harvey's, 5d per lb. ; Hall's. Gd to 6jd, sporting (in canister), 2s ; for 20 and 24, d.p. canister, No. 2, d.p., 3s Gd. Yellow metal, 7Jd ; Muntz, 72<l to Bd, duty. Jams, Dried Fruits, Ac—Duty: Driod fruit, '2d, and presorvoß, ljd. English marmalade, llb.-tlns, duty paid,3d ; Gray'e, 7s ; Moir's,7s 3d; Hobartjams, Knight and Johnson,. Oil to 5s Ud ; Peacock's, 5s to 5s 3d ; Murray's, Dunedin, 6s to 5s 4d ; jars, tijd to 7id ; Nelson (New Zealand), 6s 3d to 5s Cd ; sultanas, (id ; muscatels, Is 2d to Is 4:1 ; olemas, 54, d to fid ; currants, oijd : figs, 7d to 3d ; Turkish prunes, 7d to Bd. Dried apples, ordinary, in kegs and casos, 4d to 4J(I ; evaporated, Cd to 7d. Leather and Hides'.—Solo leather, lOd to Is 3d per lb.; kips, Is Cd to 2s ; runners, 2s Cd to 2s 9d ; calf, colonial, 3s to 4s 3d; basils, 12s to 28s per riozon ; closed uppors, 4s 6d to 9s 3d per pair. Hides, 2jd to 4d ; calf skins, 3Jd to 3Jd per lb.; sheepskins, Cd to os. Manures. —Australian bonedust, £8 to £9; Auckland, £8 10s; superphosphate of lime. £7 to £3; boncftour, £B ; Peruvian guano, £16 to £18 per ton ; animal manure, none; cocoanut oil cake (none); linseed cako, £12 ; Maiden Island guano, £8; Iluon Island guanc, £5 to £0 ; Hurst's chemical manure, £14 10s ; freezing Company's superphospate, 32 per cant., £8 ; 25 per cant., £6 ; corn manure, £8; roct manure, £8 10a; grant manure. '17 10s; bonedust, £9. Malt and Hops.— malt.no inquiry is experienced. Colonial, ssCd to 6a. Hops: Nolson, new season, Od, old 6d ; glucose, £20 to £22, d.p., delivered to brewery. Oilmen's Stores. — Price's Belmont Candles, duty, lid, Bjd, d.p., por lb.; Brandon's 7£d; McLeod's Dunedin of various brands, 4Jd to sjd; Orient Candles 9id, d.p. ; Atlas Paraflina, 9d ; Panther fluted and plain, 9Jd ; prioe's National, SJd ; Price's Battersea, B}d. Young's British Wax, 8d : trie's London Wax, 7|d. Local blue mottled soap, £28 per ton; carbolic, £29; best yellow, £28; household, £15; first Crown £20; second Crown, £17 ; soft soap, in tins, 4Jd por lb.; toilet, 9d to lOd per lb.; mould candles, 5d per lb.; all subject to trad discount. Salt: Coarse, W. and W. £3 6s to £3 10s; lino Black Horso, £3 IBs to £4; Adelaide coarse salt, 36s to 40s. Jordan almonds, 2s. Blacking paste.Day and Martin's, 4s (id; Column's starch. No. 1; white, 32s ; blue, 82s; Orlando Jonos' starch, 29j. Gill and Tucker's starch, 30«. Gladstone, 28s to 295. Mustard, d.p. : Champion's genuine 1-lb. bookshaped tins, 19s to 19s Gd; £-lb. tins, 9s 3d to 9s 0 d ; Colman's 1-lb. tins (red), 10, Cd half ditto, 5s 9d ; 7-lb. .tins (rod to green), 7Jd to Is; Mb. tins (green), 13s ; J-lb. dittos 7s fid; DSF i-lb. tins, 8s 9d lib., 18s; Keeu's, 9s. Blue : Reckltt's Thumb, S£d ; Paris, in squares, lOd; Keen's, Bid. Matches: Vestas, d.p., Bryant and May's 250, per gross, 15s &d;

ert-street, Thames. ditto, plaid, 4s to 4s 3d; ditto, fanr oval. 22s fid : 801 l and Black's, 15s to 16, plaids, 4s to 4s M ; It. Bel) and Cc " 250's, IBs ; plaids, 3* 10Jd to 4s. Oil: Castor, " pints, Ss 3d; half-pints, 4s 9d; quarto i pints, 3s fid. Salad : C. and P.., pint f 13s to 14s ; half-ditto, 6s 6d ; Morton's pint llsOd; half-pints, 5s 9d. Pickles : Stephens pint 7s; Crosso and Blackwoll's, pints, 12s 9i Pool's, 93 ; Morton's and others, from 7s Cd i . / Ss. Rico (ground), in tins, 4}d. Sauce; • Lea and Porrin's, half-pints, 12s Gd to 12s 9d ; < and 8., half-pints, 9s ; Miller's, 7sod; Stephen! 6s Gd; Goodall's Yorkshire Relish, 6s ft Vinegar, d.p.: Champion's, per gallon. 2s 4( Pew's, Is 9d to 2s ; Evans', 2s 2d ; Burnett' ' 2s: Potts', Is lid. vinegar, case: Champion' " Ssfid; tlurnott's.7sod; Morton's, 7s Od. Treacle, 2 3 Golden syrup, bulk, 2d to 9sd. American hone; 21b tins. 12s Cd, d.p. Sago, 3d; tapioca, 3d. Cor flour: Brown's, 33d, d.p.: Brown and Poison' CJd ; Johnston's. Cjd; wade's, fxi ; Munn s. Gi . Preserved milk : Nestle's, 7s; Milkmaid, Gs C c to 7s. Tartaric acid, 2s 2d ; cream of tartar, : > Sd to Is 9d; bicarb, soda, 12s ; soda crystals, £ I 10s to £7. , Oils and Paints.—Duty 6d a gallon. Colza, i drums, 4s 3d; bulk, Ss lOd; linseod, boile 1 drums, 3s 4d ; bulk, 3s 3d ; raw drums, ; , 2d ; bulk, 3s ; castor, in bulk, 3s Cd ; lterosen d.p., 130 tost, Is fid ; kerosene, in bond, 130 tea lOd ; 150 tost. Is 2d. White load, grouni por cwt.. genuine, 28s; No. 1 white lea< 22s ; rod load, dry, £110s. Oil colours, assorte( f £110s to £1 ISs. Turps, duty paid ; drums, I Od ; American, 3s 3d ; whiting, per ton, £4 ; resi (scarce), £10; American carriage varnish, 7sßdt lis per gallon. > Provision.-!.—Cheeso—Provincial, 4d to 4jd; Cante r bury, fid to sjd. Salt butter, Cd, nominal, U r good sound. Rice, i.b., Rangoon, £12; .Tapa drossed,£l3 to £1310s. Hams and bacon (duty, 5 I por lb); Canterbury bacon and hams (in cloth j sides only, 7d ; equal Nos. hams and bacon. 7i<l hams only, Sfd. Fish : Ling, 4d ; preserved re » herrings, in tins, 30s to 32s per dozen (2-1 tins); white, 34s per barrel; Findon haddock 10s; lobsters, American, libs., 9s 0d; 21bs., 18; salmon, lib. cocktail, 8s 9d to 9s, scarce ; othi -* brands, 9* ; pickled salmon, 3d ; sardines, qua ters, 4s Gd to 6s ; halves, 8s Cd ; oysters, 0s 6d : mullet (Kaipara), 6s 9d to 6s. J Sugars,d.p.—Brewers' crystals, £31 to £32; New Ze » land Company's Auckland Refinery, d.p., No. 3 £28 10b; No. 2. £27 ; No. 3, £21 10s; Millaqni: r nono ; English crushed loaf, 4d; Californis crushed, 4d ; Californian cube, 4d ; Fijian white f none ; rations, i.b., £14 to£18; grey counters, £2 t d.p., to £27. c Spirits.—Hrandy : Ronyor, Gouillet and Co., 25s an , 8s: Marcellain's, case, 22s 6d, IB; flask, 23s Cd ) half-flask, 35s Ud; quarter-flask, S3 Gd, and in bul 7s 9d ; Hennossy's brandy, bulks 13s Cd to 14.ft case, 33s M ; Bisquit Ouboucbo and Co. pale, in hhds. and qr.-casks. 7s ; Beehive, bull ; Ss; Courvoisicr's, caso, 345; Otard's, cas 29s (nominal); bulk, 10s 6d; Beehive, case, 24* i Bisquit, Dubouche and Co.'s, 25s ; Hino' 28s; bulk, 8s ; Gautier's, 32s and 10s Od ; Burgaud's, 7s 3d to 73 9d • Muller Frere's, 20* . Cavalier Frore's, 245; J. B. Reno's case, 22 Meukow, 30s and 10s; Senimaud, (is t ; 0s Cd; Dessandior's, 22s and 7s Cd. Whisk; bulk : Walker's WW, 10s; Greeuloss ari , Colville's 5s Cd to 6s 3d, and Grcenl'ss an s Colville's V.u., Ss 6d; case, Rob Roy, 18s 3 case, Beith, Ros3 and Co.'s, Gs; Teacher's, 10a : Vlnt's bulk, 7s Cd to 8s; Vint's case. 20s Gd Dnnville's, 5s Cd ; case, 18s ; Lome Highland, 21; t Red Doer 6s Cd to 7s ; case, 19s; Craig, Gs 6(1 an 245; Doddle's old case, 16s Cd; Royal Bloru 24s ; Teacher's old, 26s ; Encore, 19s ; Banaghe ISs ; Walker's WW, 21s; Joraboam, 28s; LL, 2! Cd to 235; all in bond. Geneva, proof, 3ga lons, JDKZ, 15 bottles, 14s Od ; 20 bottles, 17s Cd i key, geneva, proof, 13s Schnapps, Wolfe's, 21 6d; Dow of the Alps, ;275. Gin. Booth's, 16s Burnett's, 13s. Lowndo' rum. 30 op, 4s to 4s 3d I Red Heart, case, 25s Cd ; Burnett's case, 22; ~ Key, 225. Teacher's whlto rum, 3'2s Gd in bulk r d.p. Duty, 14s 6d. 1 Timber. — Quotations are as follows: — R"au; boards and scantling cargoes, 100 foot, ii i mill, f.0.b., East Coast, 9s to 10s ; flrsl ; class ; Cs, second-class; at yards, Auckland, 13 1 to 14s 6d first-class ; Ss Cd second-class. Flooring / 13s (3d to 16s first-class; 9s (id second-class rusticated, 16s 6d to 17s. West Coast, sawn kauri ; 10s; square baulk, 5s Oi to Cs ; white pine (kt hikatea), 6s 6d ; T and G, 8s fid f.0.b., at mills ( at yard, first-class. 13s; second-class, *s; Hobat palings, 5 feet, 13s 6d; 6 feet, 15s Od ; Hobai I rails, £3 15s. , Tobacco.— 3s 6d. Venus, 14s; three-quarte boxes, la 3d; Venus, Navy flat, wort 1 Is 6d; double-thiok ditto, Is 6Jd; Uubj ) 2s 6Jd ; Victory. 2s; Juno, Is .5d ; CTntquo, 1 , fid; low, 10s, 9d to lid; Orion 14's, Is 2d , Cameron's Fancy Aromatic, Is 8d; Derby, 1 , s<l to Is Cd; Over the Water, Hat work, &'. shapes.ls 2Jd to Is 3d ; Signet. Is Ijd : Gem c ! the Sea, Is 2Jd to is 3d : Josephine, Is 3d. . Teas.Prices range as follows (in bond):—Cor i gous, common, 9d to Is Id; middling to tin kinds, Is ljd to Is 4d ; Saryunos and Panyong! Is 4d to Is 7d ; Souchongs and Chingwo Kalsow< i Is 6d to Is 9d. Indian teas are now generall, i used for mlxin?. Prices may be quoted fo Scini-brokon and fine Souchong kinds, Is Dd t . 2s Id, duty paid. * Wines.—Champagne, duty paid: Perier Jouet an Co., first quality, quarts, 80s; pints, 81s; hall pints,, 945: second quality, quarts, 04s; pint: i tißs; half-pints, 78s. MonUbollo quarts, 84i 84s; iMoet, quarts, 70s; pints, 90s; Roodoro quarts, 100s; pints, 105s ; Pol. Roger and Co 100s and 105s; Adolpho Collins, COs and 70 ditto extra superior, 70s, 80, St. Hubert's Austra Han, 32s por dozen ; I'enfold's, 30s per dozen. AUCKLAND STOCK AND SHARE MARKET. Since the date of my last there has not been an revival In business, and most of our stocks remal unaltered in price. Shares are not unduly presse on tho market, but there is a great scarcity of buyer: and the quotations for mott of our local stocks rental very low. The general fooling among business me is that we must look to the goldflelds to restor prosperity to this part of New Zealand, and the pro: poets of several of our quartz mines certainly d warrant the increasing interest that is being evince in our goldfleld, but there Is a great want of capita and also the nocoasary scientific kDow.'edgo to enabl us to treat the great variety of ores we have, i accordance with the latest gold and silver saving a; pll an cob. There is no doubt that our goldueld offers splendid field for the employment of English capita With judicious selection, a very largo amount coul bo profitably employed. Several mining venture have during the U&t month been put on tho Londo: market, with great prospects of success. The groat pr< blom with us is how to deal with cur auro-argenliterou ores—our batterlns are quite uneless for the reduction ( the quartz coming from the tipper Thames district a.d rifforti are now being made to discover the mo; profitable mode of treatmont. Some selected on about 1 tons, sent to London from tho Union mln iu this district realised nearly £40 per ton not, shov lag what valuablo quartz we have, but owing to lac of capital and the skilled labour to select, there: little doubt that many valuable reefs remain uopn ductive. Tho following will show the present rates an course of Bales for the month — , Company. Buyers. Sellers, effected! '■ £ s. d. £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand .. 17 7 0 £17/10 National do 1 11 0 1 13 0 Colonial do 2 0 C 2 10 1 N.Z. Insurance .. ~ 8 5 0 1 South British do 15 0 National do 0 13 C 0 14 0 Union 0 19 0 1 0 0 i Standard do 010 6 , Colonial.. 0 4 0 • Accideut 0 4 6 4/6 1 N.ZL. & M.A. ... .„ 315 0 < N.Z. Land Mortgage .. ... 110 21/6—21/ ' National Mortgage .. .. 016 6 ; Auckland Gas 11 0 0 .. ; Thame* Gas 113 0 ~ Union Sash 4; Door ... .. 0 7 6 ~ Auckland Timber .. 115 01 17 0 -. , N.Z. Timber 2 0 0 1 Mercury Hay Timber.. „ 01* 0 - N.Z. Shipping 110 O Devonport Steam Ferry 015 0 .. ~ , TauplriCoal .. .. 110 0 „ ~ l N.Z. 1 rug .. .. 015 0 .. mining : - Cambria 0 4 6 0 5 0 5/o—4/£ > Saxon 0 2 7 0 2 9 3/6—2/6 ' Caledonian .. .. 020030 » New Prince Imporial 0 3 9 0 4 6 3/—4/ i Alburnia 0 10 ALEX. Saunders, Stock: and Sharebroker. ; I Auckland. Ami! 2S, 1887.

1< rater Bros.. Sharebrowers. icy CUSTOMS RETURNS. 3s; . ;0., Comparative return showing tho amount of Customs in duties collected for the quarters ending respecor- tively 31st March, 1886, and 31st March, 18S7 :- 3 Quarter ended on Corresponding s ' 31st March, quarter in prets,' Heads of Revenue. 1887. vious year. Hi; ' Duty. Duty. to Spirits .- ..£12,443 1 6 £14 640 18 7 3s : I Spirits, perfumed .. 61 6 3 80 18 11 C. Cigars and snuff .. 1.614 110 1,832 17 8 is', Cigars and snuff, New 3d. Zealand manufactured 78 19 0 40 11 G d; Tobacco .- .- 11.662 8 9 11,866 18 6 is, Tobacco, Now Zealand :'s, manufactured .. 106 5 0 175 14 0 2J; Tobacco,unmanufactured 279 12 0 — >y Wine .. .. .. 880 2 3 1,065 7 3 m- Wine, Sparkling .. 77 10 2 126 8 6 's, Wine, Australian .. 239 12.2 252 6 6 Id. Ale, beer, &c, in bottle.. 1,09 > 15 0 1,410 12 0 91 Ale, beer, &c, in wood .. 90 12 6 06 2 6 Is Tea .. .. .. 2.580 14 6 2,831 610 £6 Coffee, cocoa, etc. .. 403 7 9 44u 18 3 Coffee, Roasted.. .. 15 0 — in Sugar and molasses .. 13,334 18 3 2,273 6 4 od Opium 40 14 0 2 0 0 3s Goods, by weight .. 3,918 22 6,661 5 7 ie, uoods, ad valorem ... 26,8:.0 19 7 32,819 11 8 st, Goods, ad valorem .. 910 11 2 77112 0 id, Cocoa beans .. .. — 9 4 — id, Other duties.not specified id, above .. .. 2.598 12 10 3,259 16 10 iln Totals .. .. £79.659 6 0 £79,509 18 11 to »-.. — «■ BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS, for an ♦ 51 BIRTHS. d Aksennb.—On March 29, at jWhitiaßga, tho wife of ?." James Ansonne of a daughter. ca } ' Brown. —On March 23. at her rosidence. Vermonts'. streel, I'onsonby, the wife of Albert Brown of a son. ler Browne.— On April 5, at Hopetoun-street, Ponar- sonby, the wife of M. Browne of a son. d ; Bkownb—On Master Monday, 11th Inst., at the School-house, Wbakatane, Hay of Plenty, the wife of ea- Mr. W. V. Browne, of a sou,—Wellington and Napier 1 papers please copy. in ' Careick —At Remuera, on March 29, the wife of an A. Carrickof a son. to' Carroll— On April 3, at her residence, Grafton "' Road, the wife of J. Carroll, saddler, of a daughter. n(1 Roth doiuK well.—Melbourne and Southern papers j . please copy. ilk Cruicksdask.— April 13, Mrs. Wm. Cruickls; shank of a eon (still-born/. i.'s Dkwkb.—On April 21, the wife of Albert Dewes, of ik, V'amell, of a daughter. 3e > Geldaet.— On April 5, at Manukau Road, Parnell, '* > the wife of iTrancis Geldart of a son. J, s . Empson.—On April 11, at Waipu, the wife of G. A. \A Empsou, i'ostmaater, of a son. 2s; V idler—On April 18, tho wife of Wm. Fidler of a to son. cy, Uisdle.— April 12, the wife of D. B. Hindie. nd Bradford-street, Paruell.of a son. ml iNDRR.—On April 15, at Coromandel, the wife of ■ , '• S. Inder of a son. j{ i Knox.—On April 4, at Devonport, the wife of 13 .' James Knox, C. 15., of a son. o nd MAOiKDOit—On 19th inst., at her residence, Orumid, mor Road, aurroy Hills, Mrs. Prank B. Macindoe Of a ar- son. 12s Matthews.—On March 28. at Te Kopuru, the wife al. of P. W Matthews of a daughter. J 1 > Matuias,— On the sth inetaut, at Te Akau, Raglan, ' l! the wife of It. C. Malhlas of ft daughter. ,ji Muik.—On April 13, at her rosidence, Pehiakura 3 ' Station, the wile of A. Muir of a daughter, k, PROTnmioz.—At Mount Eden Road, the wife of Fred. L. I'rotheroe, of a daughter (still-born), iri Rawlinos. -On March 30 at Carlton Gore Road, at Auckland, the wife of Reginald Rawllugs of a son. it_ Roberts.—On April 5, the wife of George Roberts, 3 ' Mount Koakill Road, of a daughter. "■'. SnEßitti— On April 8, at bar residence, Leamington j' Road Mount Eden, the wife of A. G. Sherer of a ton. a- Toreet.— On April 11, at Dunloa, Pollok, tho wife s : of John Torbei ot a son. irt Tole—On ISth inst., at Wellington, the wife of rt Hon. J. A. Tole of a daughter, er k > MARRIAGES. y, l s Barrett—Corkbill.— March 12,atWhangaroi, i • Arthur Peter second son of James Barrett, of brectjg ford, London, to Catherine, eldest daughtor of John ill Corkhill, Ramsay, Isle of Man. of Burrows— Lykll.— March 24, at Onohunga, by tho Rev. a. J. Miller, W. F. Burrows, of this city, to n- Annie Arbuthnott (Uudle), second daughter of D. S. ae LyeU, Esq., of Onehunga. "• BuriTON— Spiers.—On April 7, 1887, at St. Paul's '."» Church, Auckland, by the Rev. O. Al. Nelson, M.A., '• v Ernest William .burton, barrlster-at-law, to Ellen, {"•' younger daughter of the late Charles Henry Spiers, of ' ,0 Kxeter, England.Home papers please copy. 1( i Campbbll—McMillan. —On March 30, at the it residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. T. Norrle, „ Hugh, third son of Thomas Campbell, of Bazorhflik, J.' to Uarbara Ann, second daughter of Colin McMillat, o [. of River bank, \» hangarata. o. Dovaldson—Johnstone.—On March 18, at the 0 3 Church of England, Okaihau, by the Rev. Philip i. Walsh, Thomas George, the youngest son of Alexander 1 onaldson, Okaihau, late of Belfast, Ireland, to Elizabeth, fourth daughtor of the late James Johnatone, Liverpool.—Liverpool and Belfast papers please copy. ay Doras—Attrill.—fin April 14, 1887, at St. John's ln Church, Parnell, by the Rev. Pathor Oostello, Wiled Ham Doran, of Auckland, to Mary Ann Attrill, late of rs , the Isle of Wight. i„ Handlky — Froude.—On April 7, at the resi- ' doiice of the bride'j parents, by the Rev. H. Hull, Georgo Augustus, eldest sou of Mr. George r0 Hundley, to Alice iCmmelino, daughtor of Mr. David )s- I'roudr, both of this city. do Holdsworth—Banks.—On February 22, at St. gd Judo's, Herno Dill, London, Henry Godfrey Holds- . worth, youngest son of the late J. tf. Holdsworth, of "' Chigwell, Essex, to Emmie, second daughter of do Edward Banei, of Dulwlch Road, S.E. in llutton—Fdunkr. —On February 9, at Christ,p. church, Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, London, W„ , a Georgo Bertram, only son of Howard Button, Awatiu, . Otahuhu, to Lillian Maude, eldest daughter of (ieorge * H. Furuer, Hsq., of Lancaster Gardens, late of •'d Ontario, Canada. es Inbull—Nottkr.—On April 13. at the residence of in the father of the bride, by the Rev. It. F. Macnicol, •o- James Martin, son of the Rev. J. J. Insult, of Bedford, us England, to Lucy Charlotte, third daughter of of Frederick Nutter, of Devonport, Auckland. 3t ' LEEcn—Morgan.—On February 2, 1887, at St. )sl Luke's Church, enrwood, Sydnoy, by tho Rev. Canon rOl Moreton, Alfred, eldest son of Alfred Leecb, Esq., of 110 Auckland, ISew Zoaland, to Malina Jane, third w / daughtor of William Morgan, Ohatoaudon, Parramatta cl * Road,- Burwood. 0 . Mather—Payly.—On April C, at the Wesleyan Church, Weitam. by the Kev. Win. Lee, assisted by , the licv. L. Hudson, Joseph John Mather, Wesleyan aa Minister, Te Awamutu, to Amelia (Minnie), eldest _ daughter of Thomas Bayly, Esq., Waitara, MAORAit— Sheridan. — On March 28, at the residence of the bride's brother-in-law (R. Mcpherson) Walroa South, by the Rev. O. It. Howlett, John Macrae, sottler, of Kerikori, Papakura, to Mary Sheridan, of Wairoa South. Mason—Hartnkll.—On March 23, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Hot. J. Hawkes, Arthur led ward Mason, settler, of Waikiekie. to Grace Ann, eldast daughtor of Mr. W. Hartnell, also of Waikiekie. Noimisa.—On April 13, at the residence of Mr. Wilsou, gasworks, Thames, by the Rev. W. R. Woolley, Archibald, nldest son of Mr. Alexander Noble, Inniskillen, Ireland, to Mary, youngest j daughter of the late James Norris, Onehunga. Nutter— Bodle.—On April 7, at the rosidence of Dr. Bodle, Papakura Valley, by the Rev. T. Norrie, Frederick Alexander, son of Frederick Nutter, of Devonport, Auckland, to Grace, only daughter of the late Major Bodle, of H.M. 80th Regiment. Simpkin— Downs.—On March 24, at tho residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Mr. Garland, William, eldest sou of Joseph Simpkin, of Northern Wairoa, to Eliza Jane, eldest daughter of William Downs, of Napier-street, Auckland. ,„ Williams —On March 23, at All Saints', J Pontouby, William George, eldost Hon of William 8 Ball Smith, of Auckland, to Emily, eldest daughter of John Davis Williams, late of Onehunga. Trhoaskis— Joynt.— March 19, at tho residence — of C, IS. baiter, Esq., Christchurch, by the Rev. B. Lawry, James Mariyn, second oon of 8. Tregaskla, of ht Iscey, Cornwall, to Sarah Annie.'second daughter of Charles Joynt. Auckland.

Via.il—Bowkn.—On April 4, at the residence i the bride's mother, Samuel Vial), of Duck Creek, I Kdith Mary, eldest surviving daughter of the late Wn Bowon, both of Warkworth. Liverpool papers ploai copy DEATHS. Allen,—On March 21, at Tairua, East Coast, Ne Zealand, William Edward Allen, aged 45 year formerly Government Storekeeper, Opotlkl, Ka Coast. Sydney and Melbourne papers please copy. Barb.—On April 14, at her residence, Kyber Pa Road, after a long and painful illness, Eliza, belovt wife of Mr. T. i'.&rr. Deeply regretted. Brthkll. —On April 21, at the District Hospitc Frank, the eldest and beloved son of Joseph and Mai Bethel!, of Otara, aged 11 years and 10 months. Black.—At Greenknowe, Takapuna, Neal Berti son of James and Mary Black, aged three months. Bi.oxsome.—On April 12, at Freeman's Hotel, Fre man's Bay, Charles Robert Bloxsome. of Gumtow Mercury Bay, from inflammation of the bowels, agi 39. Bow.—On March 28, at Whangape, Hokiang He.ter Mary, infant daughter of Alexander and Lau Bow, aged 8 mouths. Brewster.—On April 21, at his late 'residence, £ George's Hay Road, Parnell, John Mward eldest s< of John Brewster, Esq., Hatha' ley Hall, Cheltenhai England, aged 35 years.—Cheltenham papers plea copy. Vrioham.—At his father's residence, Ponsonb; March 31, of diphtheria. Thomas Deacon, eldest Be of John and Blanch lirigham, aged seven years. Burns.—On April 18, at his father's residence. Ho son-street, John Stuart Burns, late teacher at 11 Taotaoroa school, aged 20 years. Chepmhll.—On March 28, at Guernsey, Havillar 'Mesuriar Chepmell, D., late Chiplain Hoy Military College, Sandhurst, aged 76 years. Clodb. — On April 11, at tho Provincial Hospiti George Clode, late of Plymouth Division, H.M. Koj Marines, aged 66 years. Coleman*—On £9th March, at Nortbeoto, Melbourr Patrick Coleman, dearly beloved husband of Sara Catherine Coleman, and son-in-law of Mr. Davi Lindsay, Thames, aged 30 years. Combes.—On March 25, 1887, at Hardinge-stree Auckland, Herbert Carl, infant son of Frank H. at Mary Combes, aged 5 months. Dean.—On April 19, at the District Hospital, Ja Hastle Dean, eldest daughter of Mr. William Dea Pok»no, aged 23 years. Errington.—On April 22, at Pine Lodge, Gr< North Road, Jane Annie, beloved wife of Willi! Erring ton. Kcnke.—On April 10, at her residence, Panmui Maria, tho beloved wife of C. A, Funke, tanner, ag 49 years. Kmpson.—On April 12, at Waipu, the infant son G. A. aud J»ne Kmpson. Gamble, —On April 2, Elizabeth, second danghl of Mr. Richard Gamble, Kyber Pass Road, aged years and 5 months. Gilmorb. —On February 25, at Colorado Sprini U.S.A., in his fortieth year, William Blunt Oiimol eldest son of Muns:o Smith Uilmore, Esq., late Bong Civil Service.Kelson papers please copy. Gledhill.—On April 20. at the residence of li parents, Hom» Kay, Minnie Ruth Andert.n, seco daughter of George and Sarah Ann Gledhill, ac ~ dentally burnt to death. Graham.—On April I, at Kauri Point, ManuV Harbour, Marion, the beloved wife of Willis is Graham. Graham.—On April 1, at her residence, Kai Point, A whitu, after a long and painful illness, bor 5 with Christian fortitude, Marion, the beloved a " faithful wife of William Graham, aged 70 eats.—R 1. Deeply regretted by all who knew her. Adelai papers please copy. 1 Green.On April 19, at his residence, Mount Ede g Edward Lister Green, .-heriff of Auckland, late Brev Major 26th Cameron ians. 0 Hokne.—On April 3, at her residsnce, Snmiw 6 street, Ponsonby, Annie Home (relict of the la William Home, Esq., Of Urunaway Station, N« 0 South Wales), agjd 52 years, Deeply regretted. Scotland and Tasmanitn papers please copy. 3 Hill.— On April 8, at his residence, Mount Ilosk 6 Boad, After a long and painful illness, James Hi 5 aged t>7 y<ars. ® Holland.—On April 6, Denni s Holland, fourth si J of John Holland aged 24 years. 3 Humphreys.—At Whangarei, on April 3, the i fant son of Mr. C. H. Humphreys, of Settlers' Hot 4 aged & months. 0 Hongkrfokd.—At Norfolk-street, Ponsonby, i 7 March 28th, Kathleen Fanny, the beloved infa 9 daughter of John and Jane Hungerford, aged twel 0 months. InvtsE.—On February 7, 1887, at the Unit Service Club, London, Colonel Hazlitt Irvine, In 0 Royal Artillery, son of the late William Irvine, - Prospect Hill, county Fermanagh. 1 Knkebonk.— On March 29th, at the father's re - dence, Tararu Road. Thames, John, youngest son , Mr. "William H-nry Kneebcne, aged 33 years. ' Lambert —On March 27, at her late resident Epsom, Catharine, the beloved wife of Willia Lambert, aged 64. . Macphkrsoh.—On April 4, at his parents' re • deuce, Selwyn-street, Andrew Foreman, dearly-belov ' son of Daniel and Jane Macpherson, aged 15 monthi i Mackenzie,— the 13th instant, at Avondf Manse, Jessie Eva Hort Husham, wife of the fie Alexander Mackenzie, aged 28. l " Maher.—At his sister's residence, Clanricar Hotel, Michael, dearly-beloved son of the late Dan ® Maher, Castle Iney, County Tipperary, Ireland. McLeoc.— On April 11, 18S7, Isabella Forrest Bassnlino, only daughter of John and Ellen McLec aged 25 years. 1 Murphy—On the 23rd March, at her resident flikurangi, near Whanearei, Catherine Ann, the I " loved wife of Nicholas Murphey, agsd 28 years. Murray.— January 28, at Catford Bridge. En land, John Oliver Murray, of the Bank of- Englan third son of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Murra " R.A., and M.H.K. of Mount Murray and Thorntoi Isle of Man, aged 35. ' Neil.—On April 21, Thomas Neil, native of Dubli at tlie residence of Miss Sheehan, Nelson-street, in t! I, 98th'yfar Of his ago. R.I.P. Ratdbornk.—On April 14, at Ballymou, Ngaru i. wahia, of typhoid fever, Kate, the fourth daughter Richard and Maria Rathborne. a Rippon.—On April 16, at the residence of li husband, Huntly, Walkato, Auckland, Elizabeth Jai i, third daughter of Chns. Tregonning, of Perranport Cornwall, and' beloved wife of Edward Rippon, ag ,{ 31.Cornish papora please copy. Sanders.—On April 8, at his residence, Polle |f street, Surrey Hills, Frank Sanders, composite eldesi. son of Thomas Sanders. Taursnga, azed : years.—Napier and Wellington papers please copy. '1 Simpson.—On March 13, at Cambridge, .Tarn Simpson, only son of the late Cspt. Simpson, Dunedi aged 28 years. 0 Sinclair.—On April 12, at Swanson, John Boy eldest son of the late J. P. Sinclair, Avondaie, agi ' 28 years, deeply regretted. Stewart.—On April 19, Elma Gort'ude, infai 1 daughter of Ralph and Julia Stewart, aged 11 montb Surman. —On April IS, at Mount Eden, Sally Jan ' eldest daughter of Henry and Charlotte Surman, age 16 years. > Townkxd.— February 25, at Park Villas, Es Molesey, Surrey, England, Charlotte Elizibeth (i: , Dixon), wife of Fred. B. Townand, organist and chol mastor St. Paul's, East Molesey, aged 31. i Vsal. —On March 25, at his late residence, Blatch streot, St. Kildu, Melbourne, the beloved husband 0 Mrs. E. M. Veal, Charles Veal, aged 30 years, late Auckland, New Zealand. £ Waddell.—At Otahuhu, on the Night of the 29 March, 'Ihos. Bertrand, eldest son of Tbos. Wadde aged Hi years. Wilson.—On April 21, at the residence of I parents, Kyber Pass Road, Ralph, eldest son of Ral] and Elizabeth Wilson, aged 13 years and 9 months. 1 WoOLLitY—On April 19, nt Gaol Road, Am 3 third beloved daughter of John and Mary Woolle; aged 20 years. 9 WooTTEN.-On March 27,1887, at her son's resident 0 Bombay, Alice Wootten. i. Wyman.— April 13, at his son's residence, Owei Road, Epsom. William Benson Wyman, formerly 3 Stonebury, Buntingford, Herts, England, aged , years.

SHARE INVESTORS' GUIDE.-APRIL 23, 1SS7- ' Number , Snb- I Paid- iRes'd Fd Amount Paid-up Last Dlv'd Latest Ann'I. Int. Financial Half-year Companies. ' f Shares Total BOr ibod up andUnd'd per per % per Market at «„,?w. Shares. Issued - Ca P ital - Capital. Capital. Profits. Share. Share. Annum. Quotation. O'nt. Rate. Year Closes. New Zealand « Z 100,000 100,000 1,000*000 1,000,000 l.OofoOO 669*840 10 fo Vo 12. 1*7 6 % 7 MO Sept. 30, March 31 1™ '■■ ••»K»ri;KKK 3 !»Vo 8 lit Sl^flg, S„ avd - :: :: Ko KSoS 9»2o 100:000 6 8 ',6.7 20 1 0 • *> 100 10 so AcddiEt - :: :: ffi»0 Bo Too'.OOO ' "8,000 2,'0O0 0,000 ;S TH 25 !SS 11 MO December 31 t ¥T^A^ 1 M__K 5SS« _SS« SS8ESS 5885 B8S 1o To 0 ? *5 Sirs 3 5SW!&n N.lXnflfortgag. SffiooO &000 200,000 M.CT* 10 1 0 0 8 11 8 October 31 GA a ~ ,, , 50 000 20 243 "50 000 146,216 111,8561 17,000 5 100/4 60/ 17 220/ & 115/ 7} June 30, Dec. 31 Thames ;: '.' ! w'S 0980 "IS M.OT 18 * 4 1,271 ? 118 0 8 J 1 ?? 9 January 31, July 31 g" borne .. .. .. 20,000 12,000 20,000 12,000 .. .. 1 1 0 0 10 10 6 9J "Sf-*!:: » 30,000 200,000 150,000 150,000 „>, 5 5 00 .- .?. :: Dec 31 Auckland .. 30,000 30,000 180,000 SS 120,000 47,491 5 Si 0 :: .U .. •{""* d "-. New Zealand • 16 000 11000 80 000 55,000 65,000 26,004 5 50 0 .. .. .. January ,1 Mercury Bay .100 000 50 000 100 000 50,000 37,500 17,000 1 0 15 0 .. 0 00 .. Jan. 31, July 31 llelcnsvlUe . ■• 4 000 1777 20,000 8.886 8,869 2,638 5 5 0 0 . ... ...... So.. Z .. 2,600 1.909 SsloOO 19,990 0,993 .. 10 5 0 0 .. S, Union a ~ .. .. 50,000 40,000 600,000 400,000 400,000 100,000 10 10 0 0 9 12 0 0 7J January 31, July 31 New Zealand .. ..100 000 59 689 1,000 000 590,890 380,286 167,059 10 70 0 .. 180 .. June 80, Deo. 31 DevoCrt SteamFerry.. 10,000 10,000 10,000 0.000 10,000 .. 1 100 71 0 17 0 8 8-10 Deo. 31 STSir: i-.uHSuiK i« uS AS -- i m - . °. B . :: & C |;o, islands ... ... JO00 3000 40 000 30000 30,000 HV230 10 0 38* 110 0 18 7-10 June 30, Dec. 31 Kami ".". '.'.'. ~ 80,000 24,101 100 000 30,205 19,231 ... 11 0 16 0 .. .. » February 28 Miranda .. 30,000 19,067 30.000 19,007 18,114 .. 1 0 19 0 .. .. ... January 31 Waikato i . 80,000 72,500 80.000 72,500 49,000 „ 1 1 0 0 „ ... Whancarei ,. ... 40,000 19,867 40,000 19,857 19,857 ... }*,?,? " „ V n ~ July 31 Taupiri Reserve .. I 25,000 19,116 25,000 19,116 8,323 _. 1 20/& 4/ .. 0 4 0 M Newztaiand S Drite .. 100,000 60,874 200,000 133.748 83,57+ 10,079 2 40/&20/ 7 0 16 0 83 January 31, July 31 Archill Brick and Tile .. 12,000 10,330 12,000 10,330 5,8*8 ... 1 20/« .. ... .. ■• Auckland Fibre . 25.000 18,945 25,000 18,94o 1S.945 ... 1 1 0 0 .. .. .. , n August 30 Northern Boo "and Shoe 16.000 12,022 16 000 12.622 8,520 .. 1 0 13 6 7 0 110 8 6-10 October 31 NZ Frozen Meat 40,000 20,000 200,000 100,000 100,000 „ 5 5 0 0.. ... .. June 30 TandS Vlorrin .. 30 "00 30,000 360,000 150,000 131,645 „ 6 75/4100/ - ... -• £«• 30 Tramway " 125,000 85.13S 125,000 85,138 85,138 .. 1 10 0 .. 0 4 0 ... February 23 Union Oil Soap, & Candle f.tt.000 8*860 60,000 30 850 25,795 .. 1 0 14 0 ... .. ~ September 80 North'n.Z. Woollen . 100,000 23,681 100,000 23,634 17,763 .. 1 0 15 0 •• " January 31 Mining (Gold & Silver)— 135,000 135,000 ™ 10 10 0 0 per Share. 0 4 0 Moan* Uiari ... •• 18,600 13,o00 135,000 rf fl v Q29 Old Caledonian .. - 12.000 12,000 uww ooo 8 2 10 0 Dec . 2 9,2/6 0 18 0 AVaiotan ... .. .. 0,000 J.oou 18» 10 10.. 039 Pnnco.Impenal 18,000 18,000 lb o __ J 0 0 1 Dec. 30,1/ 0 2 0 NewF?nd TeAroha " 20 000 S 0000 20 000 20,000 750 .. 10 0 9.. 026 Cambria ' " "TOO 44 700 44,700 44,700 12,851 i 2,000 1 0 5 9 April 4,1/ 0 4 6 Ivan 10a " " '.' 251000 22,000 12,500 11,000 1,375 .. J013.. 010 Crown 20,000 20,000 10,000 10,000 2,000 .. $020.. 0 16 Eosemout "" '.'. .. 25,000 25,000 12,500 12,600 .. ... 4 •• •• •• .. ~ Huraphroy's'GulIy .. 150,000 140,234 150.000 140,234 137,073i „ 1 19/ & 20/ .. 1/9 & 2/0 Robs United .. .. 160.000 149.475 150,000 149,475 147,1761 .. 1 19/&20/ Silverton .. ... 24,000 24.000 12,000 12.000 .. .. i .. Dec. 18, 0 2 0 Alburnia 20,000 20,000 10,000 10,000 1,000 450 J010.. 010 .. „ Laruaoh .. .~ - 20.000 20,000 10,000 10,000 1,750 .. 4 -. ... 0 1 0 .. Saxon 50,000 60.000 95,000 25,000 4j 1 0 2 6 _ •v. n t .... n.,:i,l!r,.,= o„,1 ATJiovf_otr»nf Tliomno Wr»»Tn.p linn: filiaroh rntoi-o