COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13834, 21 August 1908, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

Business on the Stock Exchange during the past week has been fairly brisk. A good number of sales have taken place in investment lines, while mining stocks, as usual, have come in for considerable attention. In banks there are buyers of New South Wales at £46 10s, with no declared sellers. A parcel of Nationals was sold at £5 3s 6d, and more are available at that price, buyers quoting £5. In insurance lines Nationals were done at 28s and 27s 9d, and closed with buyers at 27s 6d, and sellers at 23s 3d. There are buyers of New Zealands at 745, and sellers" at 755. South British are obtainable at 575,' while Standards are sought, after at 235. There are buyers of New Zealand and River Plates at 30s 6d, and sellers at 31s. In coals Drurys sold at 3s 6d and os 3d, closing with buyers at 3s, and sellers at 3s 7d. There are buyers of Hikurangis at 10s, while Northern Coals (10s paid) are offered at 14 buyers quoting 13s 9d. Taupiris are sought after at 18s 2d, sellers holding out for 13s 6d. Westport Stockton are available at 9s 9d, buyers offering 9s. In gas Aueklands (new issue) sold at 20s 6d, 20s 6d, 20s, and 19s 6d, closing with buyers at 18s, and sellers at 19s 6d. There are buyers of Auckland Clas (cum right?) at £15 ss, and sellers at £15 10s. In shipping Northern Steams (contributing) sold at. 7s Bd, and closed with buyers at 7s 6d, and sellers at 7s 9d. There are buyers of Devonport Ferrys at 325, and seller.- at o2s 9d. Kales in Kauri Timbers (contributing) /ook place at 12s 6d, 12s Oct, 1?-: 9-.!. 12s lid, 13s, 13s 2d, 13s3d, 13s Id, 13s 2d, 13s Id, 13s 6d, and closed with buyers tit 13s 5d and sellers at 13s 7(1. A parcel of paid-ups changed hands at 295. There ere sellers of ParkerLambs at 265. In miscellaneous stocks Auckland Tramways (preferential) saw business at 23s 6d, more being obtainable at that figure, buyers offering 235. Auckland Tramways (ordinary) were done at 22s 6d, and 225, closing with buyers at 21s 6d, and sellers at 22s 6d. New Zealand Portand Cements changed hands &.t 2&s, and closed with buyers at 26s 3d. and sellers at 275. Sales of New Zealand Portland Cements (new issue; took place at 12s Bd, 12s 9d, 13s, and 12s lOd, 12s lid, and they closed with buyers at 12s Bd, and sellers at 13s. Wilson's Portland Cement (ordinary) are sought after at 38s, sellers holding out for 40s. In mining lines, Wail:is were done at £9 7s 6d, £9 3s, £9 7s 6d, £9 7s, £9 6s, £9 5s 9d, and £9 6s, and they closed with buyers at £9 5s 9d, and sellers at £9 6s 6d. Talismans sold ' from 48s to 47s 9d to 48a to 42s to 44s to 43s to 41s bd to 42s to 41s 6d to 41s 9d to 41s 6d, closing with buyers at 41s 6d, and sellers at 425. Sales of Grand Junctions took place at 53s 3d, 33?, 33s 3d, 32s 9d,. 32s 3d. -325, 32-- 3d, 32*, and 32s 3d, and more were wanted at She latter figure, sellers asking 32s 6d. Blackwaters were done at 23s 6<f, 245. 24s 9d, 24s 6d, 24s 9d, and 255, closing with buyers at 24s lOd, and sellers at 255. Consolidateds were quitted at 14s 6d, 15s 6d, and 15s, and closed with buyers at, 14s 9cl, and sellers at 15s 3d. Progress Mines saw business at lis bd, and more were wanted at that price, sellers quoting 12.-;. Tairua Golden Hills sold from 5s 5d to 6s to 5s 3d, and they closed with buyers at 5s 6d, and sellers at 5s Bd. Crowns changed hands at 4s 4d, 4s sd, 4s 6d, 4s sd, 4s 6d, 43 7d and 4s 6d and more were available at 4s 7d, buyers offering 4s sd. Champions (contributing) sold at 4s 9d, and more were obtainable at that price, buyers quoting 4s sd: a parcel of paid-ups was sold at 5s 9d, and closed with sellers at 5s 9d, there being no declared buyers. There were numerous sales in the other smaller-priced mining stocks. The volume of orders reaching the hands of the wholesale distributing merchants is I fairly well sustained, the chief run being on seasonable lines, which are all in good compass so far as stocks are concerned. The country trade is not showing up quite so well as could be wished, but there are various reasons accountable for this. The soft goods warehouses, having practically finished up the period of "jobbing," will shortly be opening up large shipments of new goods, which are timed to arrive early next month; the hardware houses are briskly occupied, and from every standpoint it looks as though the opening of the summer will see trade generally on a sound basis. Sultanas: Spot parcels are moving freely. A temporary easing is notified in the figures for new fruit, but reaction is promptly looked for. Currants: Lower grades not quite so firm, with good qualities unchanged. Canary Seed: Low quotation has come through for the new crop, and wc look upon same as being indicative of a very full harvest. Almonds: Sicilys are meeting with little better request on the spot, with the forward market easier. Jordans in limited demand, with still higher prices likely to rule for the new fruit. Shrimps: Very little held locally, and it is not expected that the new pack will be quoted on a low basis. Canned Fruit: Gallon varieties are being quickly snapped up, with fairly good de mand for dessert grades. Forward market expected to firm up before long. Candles: All brands of local and imported are moving freely. No alteration in price is looked for in the near future. Clothes Pegs: For prompt shipment price is lower than for some time past, and business has been done. Coffee Beans: With limited supplies only in sight the American market has adopted a firmer tone, and Indians will probably move in sympathy. Cottonseed Oil: Steady at last quotation. Codfish: Practically nothing is held locally, and the new pack will come to a

good market, although it must be some months yet before the beat demand exist*. Dates: Any further move will probably be upward. Evaporated Apples: Stocks are quickly disappearing, and enhanced figures are now asked for what is left. It is not possible for the new fruit to arrive here before October. Figs: .Small packages are being inquired for without result, and new fruit shipments will be readily absorbed on arrival. Hemp Seed: Quotation for new crop is awaited. Very little held 'locally. Linseed Oil: News of further advance would not come a* a surprise to those who have followed the market closely. Pimento: Lower figures have come through for September shipment, and ii looks as though the new crop will bo a large one. Salmon: Price for now pack red Alaska has been reduced. Shellac: There is now more tone in the market, and price will doubtless go higher. Potatoes: The Waikarc brought 961 sacks from the South. The market remains practically about (he same as it was in the beginning of the week. Stocks are about enough to meet requirements. The Southern market remains unaltered. Local price is £6, ex .-.'.ore. Onions: The Moana had a fair shipment of eases and gunnies of onions, but the quality of a proportion of these was anything but satisfactory. .Stocks in Canterbury are getting exceedingly light, and we cannot look for many more from that quarter. The San Francisco steamer is due about the end of this month with a small consignment oi Californians. These will meet with a good market. Present price is- £14. 0?t»: Stocks in Auckland arc ju.-i sufficient to keep thing* going. Tim Southern market if undoubtedly easier, and they will be very glad to sec buyer- conic in. Merchants here are still asking 2- 9d. ex store. Fowl Wheat: There is a very good demand, and the market is very bare. Stocks will be replenished when the Wanaka arrives at the end. of next week. Price, remains at 4s 9:1, ex store. Maize: There have been no arrivals since last report, and the market is inclined to be slightly firmer, but, on account of the moderate supplies, prices remain unchanged. Should the coastal growers regulate their shipments, we look for' a steady market. Present price is 4s 6d, ex wharf. Bran : A slight drop has taken place, and the quotation is now £5 12s 6d, ex store; but the demand keeps good. Stocks are fair. Pollard: There has also been a slight fall in this; quotation i. £7 12s 6d, ex store. Business keeps tip to the usual, and stocks j are not heavy. Chaff: There is a very good inquiry, and good business is being done. There has been no change in price. The Southern market, if anything, is slightly easier. Local merchants are asking £7 for Southern, and £6 5s for local. Fungus is coming forward very slowly. All dry lots are easily disposed of without any alteration in price. Shippers are willing to give s£d for good-sized lines. Flax: Deliveries are still keeping on the light, side. The position remains about the same, and from latest reports there is very little chance of an improvement for some time to come. Nominal quotations are: Good fair £21, fair £19. common £16 to £16 10s. Tow is not being sent forward in any quantity; there is not sufficient to cope with local requirements. It is not worth more than £4 10s for export purposes. Ceylon Tea: 2.129,6021b were offered at the Colombo sale of the 22nd ult. The selection contained a larger quantity of improved teas, but there is still a very large quantity of undesirable tea about. A good demand existed for all teas showing improvement, and tipnv. good liquoring brokens advanced in many instances three to four cents per lb. Medium tippy sorts were also in good request, but common tea dragged, and was occasionally a cent lower. Dusts and fannings continue in good demand. Appearance in many cases shows much improvement, and there are a good marly more tippy teas about. High-grown sorts are also improving, and a choice liquoring Kenmare, the finest tea offered, fetched 67 cents, and was bought for shipment to Auckland. Supplies are now falling off. and auctions will now be smaller. With smaller sales a firmer market should be experienced.

KAURI GUM. The arrivals for 20 days of August reached 247 tons, as against 434 tons for the same period of August, 1907, showing, a falling off of 187 tons. The shortage so far this year, in comparison with that of last year, is 1446 tons; the arrivals for 1907 totalled 5168, as against S72Z lor this year. The market remains practically about the same. The business being done is only in small lines, and shippers are endeavouring to get what they want at lower prices. Pale select is only coming forward in very limited quantity, and is salable at a price. Ij, l . Ordinary: There is good inquiry for well "got up lines of res-craped, and inferior lots have also been moving off; 'nut the demand is not quite so keen. Superior three-quarter-scraped ordinary is not selling in any quantity,; stocks here are only moderate. Medium ordinary lias been moving oft rather better, but washed nuts ares not eagerly sought after. Swamp with heart in it is salable; there is little business doing in poor white swamp. East Coast: Arrivals are on the "?h.i side, but the supply is heavier than what is wanted at the present time. Shippers are holding off, and holder-: are beginning to waver and reduce their reserves. Black: There is a fair demand for good reseraped, and for bold lumps, well-cleaned and sound. Good three-quarter-scraped steel, well sorted, is in request. Medium nlacks arc moving off slowly; there is. no alteration in the position with regard to good hard bin ok mils. Sugar is also salable. Bush : The only grade that is selling is pale reseraped free from bled, Other qualities are not wanted. Bled is not asked for at all. Chips and Dust: Bright chips are salable, and good ordinary chips and dust are not difficult to quit. There is only a moderate demand for digger-' ordinary chips and dust. Black riddling, black seed-:, and coarse black dust, if in dry condition, continue to sell on arrival.

MESSRS. ALFRED BUCK LAND AND SONS' REPORT. Horses: We had an, average entry at. the Kavmarket on Friday h: ;. Aged draughts sold at from £13 10s to £30; farm horses, 10 £22 10s; j light harness and ordinary hacks, £3 lo £15; ! gig sorts. £4 Us to £13 20s; Raleigh cart, j marc, ami ho.rne.es, £50. ■ hides, Skins, Tallow, etc. : Hides—Ox, <Ud to tld : cow, 3.d to 4.J<l; calf, 3|d to 43d; kin. 5.1 to 3 jd; horse, os bd to 7a 3d; grams', .... :i to 3Jd; damaged hides., :jd to 4\<l.- Horn-hair, Is 2d 10 Is 4,; d ; tallow, I:2s 6.1 to 23s oil; inferior, 36s 3d; i:!'>, 4s 3d. skins—-Best butchers'., ' 3 s to 'Is Hit; medium, _s lid to os 10..1; small, 2s. to it 6d ; damaged. 3d to la Bd. Vic In Id our monthly sale at Poke-no on Monday. The yards were well filled with stock, which met with fair competition. Dairy cows and heifers brought from £3 10? to £5; empty cows, £1 las to £3; fat, heifers, £4 to £5; yearling steers, £2 10s; mixed yearlings, £1 Its to £2 is; strong calves, £1 Is to £1 6s; smaller, 13s to 18a; well-bred .--.nail pigs, lis 6d to 15s; pen of hoggets, 12? 6d. On Tuesday, at Oiiewhero, we held a special pale of Mr. Krnesfc- Sheldon's dairy rows. There was a fair attendance and full values ruled. The cows were rather backward and brought from £4 5s to £6 1;;.-,; yelling steers, £2 10s; roan cob, £10. There was a full yarding of stock at Runeiman on Wednesday. Dairy cows, unless close to profit, were dull of sr>ie. Those near calving sold a'fc' from £5 10s to £8 (or best, others £4 5s to £5; backward sorts, £2 10s to £4; fresh empty young cows and heifers, £2 15s to £3 Ion; small fat heifers, £4 lis. The advertised steers were required and brought from £5 10s to £7 7s 6d ; mixed yearlings, £1 IS* to £2 2s; calves, £1 4a to £1 9s; others, 15* to £1 Is. At Uemuera on Thursday dairy cows were well represented. Those of good quality and near their profit sold from £6 10s to £10; others, £2 10s to £5 is; dry cows, £1 10* to £1 15s. Young and fat. calves, short of requirements, wore in strong demand, up to 655; 76 sold. There was a full yarding of fat cattle, which mos ..with a ready" sale, though on the whole prices were easier for ox beef, which sold from 23s to 25s ; cow almost at similar va'tieg. Steers ranged in price from £6 10s to £13 12s 6d; cows., £4 10s to £8; 334 sold. The sheep pens were all required, the mutton being of firstclass quality right through. Prices were scarcely un to last "week's values, best wethers bringing from 20s to 25s 3d, lighter weights 16s 6d to 19s: heavy ewes to 19s. others 13s to 16s: extra good hoggets from 16s to 18s. others 12s to 14s; 2140 sheep 501 d..., rigs, penned in moderate numbers, kept late quotations; 58 sold, l'oultrv, Is. to Is 3d. MESSRS. G. W. BINNEY AND SONS' REPORT. We submitted and cleared very large catalogues of bides, skins, tallow, etc., on Tuesday. j Hides: Market continues very firm for "ox. i with cow firmer, under strong competition. ; We quote: Ox, extra stout, 7d •to "id; stout. : bill to 6Jd: medium. 5Ad to od: light, 4]d to 51 d : cow. extra cool condition. 43d ; best lines. 4id to 4|d : good.' 3i<l to 4d : stags'. 2d to 2Jd; kips, 3d to 3'.d : caiitskins. ojd to 4]d ; cut and damaged hides. 2d to 3d per lb. Sheepskins : Market tinner. Extra large, to 4s 4d; large. 3s 9d to 4?: good, 3s to 3s 6d; medium, 2s to 2s 9d ; small. Is to Is 9d each. Tallow Market very firm. Best mixed, to 24s 6d ; good, 20s to 22s od ; inferior, 16a to 19s per cwt. Rough fat. lid to Igd per lb. Cow tails. ls'Bd per dozen. Bones. £4 15s per ton FROZEN MEAT .MARKET. [BV TELEGRAPH..—PRESS ASSOCIATION] Napier. Thursday. The Colonial Consignment and Distributing Company have received the following cablegram regarding the frozen meat market :—To-day's quotations are :— Mutton : Napier, Wellington, and North Island, 3UI. Lamb: First quality, s|d; second quality, &jd.