AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 14

AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL.

Sydnet, April 25. Bmall clearing wool 6ales were held during the week. The offerings were chiefly the tailends of the clips, with no high-class samples. Competition was keen, and values of good greasy wool were well maintained ; scoured was hardly so strong.

_ A prftctic*l illustration" of the improving condition of trade is afforded by the coropWes which have to far announced the results of th<3 half-year's business. Messrs Harrison, Jo:.es. and Devlin have declared an interim dividend of 8 per cent, per anoint), compared with 6 For the corresponding period of last year. Iv the distributing d' partment, especially the country import market, business continues animated. Wholesale trade iv quite steady, and indications tfud to vslues becoming more pronounced ia importers' favour. Breadaluffs are without chaaga. .'Large, quantities of San Francisco floor, held la Bfcore» wra offgjjgg afc

low prices. Feed and produce markets close btisk and firm. Onions are a little easier. Dairy liuea are in good deui'-nl. The Government s'alittician hasptvpareda report dealing with tha trade of Auttr»iasia m 1895. The total value of imports was £50,764,000, an increase of £1,883,000 on the previous year. The exports were £64.080,000, an increase in domestic exports of £320,000, and re-exports of £910,000. The combined import and export trade of the various colonies is valued as follows : — New South Wales, £37,927,000 ; Viatotia, £27,029,000 ; New Zealand, £14,056,000; Queensland, £14,331,000; South Australia, £13,033,000; Western Australia, £5,107,000; Tasmania, £2,467,000. Compared with the previous year, New South Wales trade increased 4*25 per cent , Victoria 1 97, Western Australia 51 57 (ohtefly due to the large expansion of imports), Q'leenilaad I 2332 in imports and 213 in exports. The : total trade of South Australia, decreased 5*19 per cent., Tasmania 0.05, New Zeatand 6 24. The report states that the export of domestic produce by Tasmania and New Zealand show a lamentable falling off— Tasmania to the extent of 1121 and New Zealand 7*57 per cent. The total' trade of Australasia increased 2 90 per cent, compared with 1894, as against a fall of 670 per cent, iv 1893. All the colonies except Wratralia show a larga excess of exports over imports. Melbourne, April 25. Splendid rains which have fallen over the whole colony have tended to improve trade and | put more life into the import market. Country ; orders show considerable expansion. Prices | are steady. Breadetuffs are neglected. Trifliug businecs is done in wheat at Sa. Feed produce lines are firm.