AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL. SYdneY, April 19.

Otago Witness, Issue 2199, 23 April 1896, Page 12

AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL. SYdneY, April 19.

The hopeful tone whioh marked the opening 1 of the month's imports proved to have been well . founded. The increased activity noticed last week was not only maintained, but the volume of business shows further signs of expansion. ' Sugar is very firm. Mauritius reports state that the cane crop has suffered seriously by the recent cyclone. 'This, added to the unsettled feeling in regard to the New South Wales sugar districts in reference to the removal of tha duty, points to further advances. Teas show an improving tendency ; whilst breadstuff^ exhibit dulness. The already dull market has increased owing to < the arrival during the week, of 2550 tons of wheat and 3600 tons of flour from Pan Franoinco. Large quantities of Calif ornian wheat and flour are offering at low prioes. On the strength of this an attempt was made to force a concession of prices, in intercolonial wheat, and • flour, but so far it has proved unsuccessful. Quotations are nominal aud unchanged. Up to date 1,503,000 bushels' of wheat have been imparted into the colony, and 330,000 buthels are afloat from American sources. Allowing for the latter, there remains au estimated shortage of 2,416,000 bushels to ba made up by importations. Millers are well stocked, but as no new fixtures of Californian wheat have been -made the probability is that as 'stocks are depleted they will be compelled, to draw more freely from local sources. The Herald, commenting on the position, says that New Zealand is the nearest soureo of supply, and the New Zaaland growers could not find a better market than Sydney, even if prices fell considerably below ,the prices now ruling. Feed and produce line 3 are quiet but firm. Prime maize is advancing. Bran and pollard are firm at lOd. New Zealand supplies of onions are exhausted. Butter, cheese, and bacon are firm and in good request. Melbourne,. April 19. There has been a moderate, business in the import market, confined mainly to meeting immediate requuementJU Tha rAins that have

fallen over the greater part of the colony have much improved the agricultural outlook. Breadstuffs are dull and declining. Wheat, 5s o£d to 5s L£d". Bran, and pollard are very fiim. Oats are in good demand'; other lines steady.