AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL SUMMARY. Sydney, June 6.

Otago Witness, Issue 2206, 11 June 1896, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL SUMMARY. Sydney, June 6.

At the wool saleß during the week 2400 bales were sold, chiefly oddments, but including a few good lota of newly-shorn Queensland. ' The competition at tha apening was guarded, the tendency being distinctly weaker, with numerous withdrawals ; but afterwards there was a rally, and prices were fully equal to the last fortnight's sales. New Queensland combing brought 6jd to 7£dt teemed up to 15Jd.

The 4ch passed off satisfactorily. Bills were generally wall met. The opening of the month put more life into the import market, tho rain contributing to the improvement. Further rearrangements of the tariff, however, had a slightly disturbing influence. Considerable ignorance apparently exists as to the changes intended and the actual alterations of the tariff coming into force at the end of ths current month, which include the removal or reduction of the duties on butter, cheese, bacon, hams, cocoa, chocolate, chicory, cornflour, maizena, and cement., Though the breadstuffa market is quiet there are signs of reviving Bpeculative activity. The firmer tone in the New Zealand and Sau .Francisco markets have put local holders into better h -art. A little business has taken place in New Zealand wheat, including 1000 bag^j Huntsrs, at 3s 8d per bushel landed in Syo% ney, and 1000 bags of Tuscan .for seeding purposes, at 33 10JJ (to arrive). A good deal of business has been done in Caltforrmn, in connection with which inquiries are also being made from New Zealand. About 2000 baga have been placed privately at a price which it is thought to ba difficult to repeat. The noxt two vessels from Vancouver between them bring 1400 tons of wheat, and San Francisco will probably find an additional ship. The produce market closed quiet without notice* able change. The Treasurer delivers his Budget speech at the end of June, and lately has been oxpressing a saugninehope that he will be able to show a surplus. Last month's revenue gives weight to the hope. It showed an increase of .£36,000 compared with last May or, on the basis of the present tariff, allowing for the customs duties in operation in 1&)5, an inn-ease of £78,000. Melbourne, June 6. The 4th is well over, and general trade revived somewhat, but still the import market is quiet. The decline in the customs revenue is becoming moro accentuated. For May it was £38,500 lass, than in April, and over £6-2,000 below last May, and £77,000 under the Treasurer's -estimate. There is very little doing in wheat, holders showing a disinclination to sell at current quotations. Adelaide, June 6. The customi revenue for U months exceeded the corresponding period of l&Btyear by £34,000, and is already £89,000 above the Treasurer's estimate: The Treasurer forecasts a general surplus at the end of the year of £,0.000.