COMMERCIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 66, 31 January 1862, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Daily Times Office, Thursday Evening.

During the last few days litix-intM has been dull with importers, but houses supplying the diggings trade have been busier and a more cheerful feeling is apparent amongst those largely concerned in this branch as to the p^-nianenoo and probable early extension of the gold ..fields, consequently more confidence is displayed in 'purchasing, although prices are not enhanced.

Sugars, some articles in Oilman's? stores, and bulk Beers are enquired for. In every kind of spirits our market is sadly overdone, and the Umded stores are filled with heavy stocks.

Further news' from Melbourne is anxiously looked for by the "City of ECotiart" and " Aklinga," both of which steainers may now be considered due. From recent advices thence, all descriptions of merchandise in usual enquiry for the Ota.go market were linn, and in many cases advancing rates were being paid. The last mail's news >«is alao likely to have a very decided effect on ail articles of .A mericaii origin, ami if we quite anticipate price? for such articles as tobacco, lumber, ,&c, will advance considerably.

With the large revenue now being derived from Customs' duties, it might have been thought that the ■Government would display a little energy in providing more wharf accommodation. The uuh>-.>ci recently arising from this want have been the cause of much loss to both merchants and lightermen, and it is distress-

ing to see the best months of the year passing anil nothing being done in this important and necessary work. The arrangements now making for further bonded accommodation will doubtless facilitate the discharge of goods, but how the (.resent limited staff of over-worked Customs' otheers is to attend to a so largely increased business we cannot tell. If as we are informed, any increase to that department has to be sanctioned by the General Government, we can only hope they will pay some little attention to our ; wants, a hope, from past experience, probably to be "long deferred.