COMMERCIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2030, 27 July 1868, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

Daily Times Office, Saturday Evening.

The total amount of Customs-Revenue received to-day on goods clearedfor consumption was L 685 9s 7d, the items being—Brandy, L 34 9s 8d ; whisky, L4O 5s 2d ; wine, Ll7 17s 7d ; bottled beer, L 159 7s 6d ; tobacco, L 29 7s 6d ; tea, LlO 15s; cocoa, L44s; sugar, L 63 5s 4d; opium, L4B; drapery, Lsßs 9d ; sundries, L 69 15s Bd.

An exceedingly quiet week has been passed. With import houses transactions have b^en of the most restricted character, and no disposition to enter upon operations extending beyond current requirements has been perceptible. The quietude usually prevailing at thia season ofthe year is felt more at the present time, in consequence of the unwillingness ot up-country storekeepers to order to any extent, while the cost of carriage stands at the present high rates, and difficultj' exists in getting supplies promptly forwarded. In breadstuffs, only a limited business has been done. The demand for wheats has been slack, and for flour nothing beyond current wants. Recent advices from San Francisco and Valparaiso havetended to confirm the tone of the market. Quotations at the Mills, Ll9 10s large bags, to L2O for small ditto; bran, ls. Grain has not been coming forward plentifully, and probably an improved inqniry would fail to find a large supply of wheat. Oats and barley are, however, plentiful, the former at 2s 6d and the latter 4s to 4s 3d, with no special demand for either. Sugars remain very firm, and small lots of better descriptions command full prices. The actual stocks are ascertained to be very low, aud no certainty exists of any speedy augmen - tation. A few lines offered by auction in the early part of the week were held back for high limits, and privately a parcel of yellow counters was placed at L 34. Some sales of congous, chiefly Pfeil brand, took place some days since. The precise prices were not allowed to transpire, but, particularly for the finer descriptions, the rates paid were understood to exceed last quotations. The whole stock in hand of good teas is reduced to narrow limits, and until the new season gradually improving rates may be anticipated. The consumption of imported provisions is checked by an increasing supply of Provincial, consequently English bacon is difficult to quit at lOd to lid for best brands; and English cheese not only heavy in stock, but almost unsaleable. Hams alone are moderably saleable at 14d to 14^d for prime in small parcels. Colonial butter is quoted at ll^d to 12£ d, and Colonial cheese at 7|d. Hemp goods ars not meeting with any attention. Importers ask. 14s 6d for cornsacks; but are unable to place any considerable parcels at the figure. "Woolpacks are not yet sought for. Imported malts have been dealt in. One or two moderate parcels of pale prime I are reported as placed at lis to lis Sd, ! Kerosene, in the face of expected arrivals, keeps up in value. The best brands cannot

be quoted at under 2s 93, though only small lots are selling. The trade in building materials is Bteady. Imports of foreign timber being of late very small, stockshave considerably worked down, and are almost wholly in second hands. Galvanised iron (gospel oak) is reported as placed at L 32 10s. Sales of Scotch (Smith and M'Lean's), to the extent of about forty tons, have also been made at prices withheld. Fencing wires are heavy in stock and very dull. Salt is offering at rather easier rates. In I'quida, but little actual business has taken place. Hennessy's and Martell's brandies are in request at 9s to 9s 3d, at which prices about 40 qr-casks, ex Ajmeer, have been placed ; case is not so much sought for—3os to 31s are importer's prices. Rums are very scarce, small sales made at 5s to 5s 3d. The stock of whiskies has been increased by late shipments, but prices are maintained ; the leading ordinary brands (Scotch) stand at 5s to 5s 6d. Sales have been confined to trade lots. Malt liquors, both in bulk and bottle, continue in exceedingly small demand. In the absence of any sales of magnitude, it is not possible to report the market as otherwise than standing at last quotations.