Commercial Intelligence.

Timaru Herald, Volume IV, Issue 96, 16 March 1866, Page 2

Commercial Intelligence.

"Herald" Office, Timaru, Thursday evening. Timarn retail prices.— Teas, 2s 6dt<> 3s 9d per lb ; do chests, £10 to £15 ; do half-chests, £4 10s to £7 7s; do qr. -chests £1 16s to £2 10s ; sugars, Co.'s No. 1, BJd per lb ; do No. 2, 8d do ; crystal, 7d do ; moist, 6d and 6Jd do ; loaf and crushed, Is do ; jams, Is 6d ; tart fruits, 2s 6d ; pickles, pints, Is 9d ;do qrts., 3s ; bacon, 2s per lb • butter, 2s do ; cheese (Colonial), Is 6d per lb ; do (English), Is lOd do; rice (I'atna). 6d perlb ; do (Carolina), 9d do ; candles (full wts.), Is 9d do ; tobacco (twist), 8s do ; flour (Chilian), 30s per cwt ; do (Timuka), 26s do ; oats (scarce), 8s l>er bushel ; bran, 10s do ; sharps, 15s do ; new potatoes, 1 4d per lb ; enrrants and plums (scarce), Is 4d do.

CHRISTCHURCH.

We make the following extracts from the Monthly Report of Mr. G. D. Lockhart :— The past month of February has not, I regret to say, presented any favourable appearances with regard to improvement m the dull state of the Cattle and Sheep Markets complained of m my last Monthly Report; but, on the contrary I think, if anything, purchasers from the West Coast are rather more careless about immediately securing larger supplies than what they may want for keeping up the actual requirements of their own customers. This naturally arises from the overstocked state of the Westland markets, and likewise from the heat of the weather there, which renders it impossible to keep meat over four-and-twenty hours, it" so long. Large cargoes were anticipated by sea, but from my own experieuce m the risk of shipping stock, I think it doubtful if such a speculation will be found remunerative. I have yarded this month 150 head of line conditioned bullocks ; but the price offered was below my limits, consequently I only parted with a few head at a reduction of nearly four pounds per head on former rates. In consequence of the seasonable weather there is a surplus of grass. The beasts are gaining extra weight, and I have no doubt that as soon as the Westland markets are cleared, prices will again rally, and purchasers will be as desirous as ever of s.curing good cattte, af; from 50s. to 5Ss. p?r 100 lb;*. TLe sheep market is stillj unsatisfactory; some lota have gone over to Westland and realized encouraging prices ; but on account of the ■jarcity of food for this description of stock, I am recommended by my correspondents from there to be careful not to encourage larger drafts than 1000 at a time to be landed there.

Fat Cattle.— The supply of Fat Cattle baa been, during the last mouth, quite equal to the demand, and prices rule merely a shade lower than last month's. I quote prime conditioned beef worth 48s. to 50s. per 100 lbs., with a good supply on hand ; for inferior meat the demand is decidedly dull. The small supply wanted for home consumption, comparatively, speaking, has no effect on our markets ; indeed, had. it not been for the West Coast Diggings, 1 fully believe that we would have, even at this early period m our history, arrived at boiling-down prices. I held a sale by public auction on the 21st instant. The attendance was indifferent, the bidding spiritless, and although a fine class of bullocks were offered, I was able to part with only one pen, at 14 guineas. Fat Sheep.— The market completely overstocked, and many thousands (heavy weights) offering, without finding purchasers. I have been so long anticipating au active demand for Westland for this description of stock, and have been so often disappointed, that I almost dread offering any opinion. The road is now open, but dealers are exceedingly shy of purchasing more than 800 or 1000 at one time. The sheep trade with the West Coast must close m three months at the farthest for thia season, so that if we are to quit our fat wether stock this autumn, it is time thafc intending purchasers bestir themselves. Store Sheep. —Few changing hands ; they are worth about 12a., with but little demand. Ewes are worth. 12s. to 155., with the same remarks applicable. The market is very full, and holders desirous of selling on easy terms. Wool. — I have no doubt the quantity shipped this season will show a considerable increase upon last year's exports. The first wool sale of any importance I neld on the 15th ultimo, at the Kailway Station Sheds, with the kind permission of Messrs. 6. Holmes and Co. The attendance was fair, and nearly all the persons present were purchasers ; the prices given were equally satisfactory, both to the seller and purchaser. Fleece wool, rather heavy m grease, fetched lOJd. per lb ; mixed, 74d. per lb ; pieces, 5Jd. per ft ; black, 71d. per ft. I may remark that the sale came off previous to the favourable accounts by last 'mail. I have no hesitation m stating that a large proportion of next year's crop will be disposed of by public auction, which really appears to me to afford universal satisfaction. With twenty years' experience of sheep farming, I maintain that the growers of wool are decidedly the gainers by selling their wool by this method ; it saves them from further care and anxiety, besides being a decided saving, compared with the risk of shipment, and the uncertainty of our English markets. Sheepskins— Full fleeced, m good demand, 7d per lb ; nine montba, 5d ; under that, from 3d to sd. I offered Messrs. Miles and Co., last month, the above price, which was refused. Tallow — scarce, and m demand. Mutton is £36; beef and mixed, £30 to £32.