The Argus of the 25th ult. reports :—

Otago Witness, Issue 1006, 11 March 1871, Page 12

The Argus of the 25th ult. reports :—

In the import markets, general business continues to maintain a quiet aspect. There is, however, a fair enquiry for wheat, and a good deal of excitement is still to be observed in brandy, which relieves the monotony complained of for some time, and gives the market a satisfactory appearance of liveliness, to which it has for a long period been foreign. In breadstuffs we note sales of flour in trade parcels at Ll4 to Ll4 5s per ton, or 14s to 14s 3d per cental ; the demand, however, is exceedingly moderate. Wheat is more looked after. Adelaide has been sold at 6s per bushel, or 10a per cental. A line of 1,000 bags South Australian was also taken up at dose on 6s per bushel, or 10s per cental. la feeding grain, little has come before us in the way of sales ; quotations for best samples of milling oats are firm at 3s 8d to 3s 9d per bushel, or 9s 2d to 9s 4£d per ceatal. Maize has become scarce again ; there is not muoh offering ; holders ask up to 4s lid per bushel, or 8s 9|d per cental, and refuse to sell under 4s 10£ d per bushel, or 8s 8f dper cental. An invoke of American nails has been placed at close on 20s ; it comprised a regular assortment. Sales of medium congous are reported at 16£ d. The auction sale of sugar this forenoon attracted a fair attendance. The entire cargo ex Anais, from Reunion, amounting to 5000 bags and mats, was intended to be offered, but as the samples could not be got at only a portion of the cargo was sold ; 1300 bags and mats were cleared off, and an advance oa late sal«« was established.

Brown* were disposed of »t L 35 6s } medium counters at L 37 5s to L 37 15*, and for very low dark grey crystals, L3B 15a to L 39 waa obtained. An invoice of Braby's corrugated iron, Castle brand, 26 gauge, was placed at L24to L 29 10s. A parcel of cedar in log was cleared off at the same time, at 25a 9d to 28s 6d. per 100 ft. Boards realized 3f d per foot. In kerosene oil we hear of the saie of 1,000 oases Devon's Brilliant to arrive, ex Florell*, at 2s sd. In liquids considerable excitement still exists in regard to brandy, and pur, chases, which before were chiefly confined to one buyer, have now become more general ; 60 quarter-oasks Hennesay's pale brandy were placed placed at 7s 3d ; a line of SO quarters to arrive was also taken up at 7s ; 100 quarters Marett's and 459 quarters Chanv pagne Vineyard are a'so among the Unea taken up, and trade parcels of Central Vine? yard, in hhdg and quarters, dark and pale, have likewise found buyers at 4a. A. line of 4,000 cases Hennessy's changed hands, afloat, ac a very full figure.