COMMERCIAL

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9321, 16 June 1891, Page 2

COMMERCIAL

New Zealand Times Office, Monday Evening. The middle of the winter season now being well upon us, causes general trade to have a quiet tone; yet business as a rule is not only brisker than it was this time last year, but is on a sounder footing. The up-country trade continues good. The farmers are in a better J>ositiou now than they ever have been. The ligh prices ruling for sheep and cattle everywhere, with remunerative returns for butter and cheese, has made money more plentiful with them. The increased demand for land still continues, and as a general rule agricultural and pastoral lands arc changing hancls at a considerable advance over the rates ruling twelTe months ago. In the North Inland there are a number of southern people looking out for land, while in certain districts capitalists from the Australian Colonies are inventing in sheep lands. The frozen, meat industry Is increasing rabidly, the # great demands made by the freezing companies has led to a scarcity of sheep. So much so, that some of the companies are compelled to ease off in freezing until supplies shall have become larger. ' The colonial butter is making such a name for itself in the Home market that it is very probable that next year’s export will be considerably advanced over any previous efforts. English capitalists are seeking to establish butter factories here on co-operative principles. Values in the grocery trade have not much altered during the past month. Sugars are unchanged, the demand being only nominal. Candles are selling fairly well, and English makes are firm. In dried fruits. Sultanas are still scarce and dear. Currants are fairly well stocked. Metals show no improvement. There is still a fair request for fencing wire. Standard iron is short stocked, and lias been so for some time past. In liquors the trade has shared in the quiet tone prevailing. Ale and stout have been delivered at agents 1 bat prices for the best brands, stocks being sufficient to meet all requirements. The building trad© has been healthy during the month, and painters unusually busy. Beyond ordinary requirements there la no special demand for labour in any of the large towns, but as the spring advances the demand will increase in the country districts. The prospects of the coming season seem to be .good; Eanners are preparing to lay down larges areas in wheat.