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Star (Christchurch), Issue 5227, 6 April 1895, Page 6

News by the last San Francieeo mail ia not of exceptional interest. Shipmeats to New Zealand ports were on much Iho ; name lineß as those of the previous four i weeke. Prices for most of the large aud i prominent iteni3 usually exported to New Zealand do not display much alteration. Dried fruits are the exception, a firmer tone having bsen imparted to the market through Eustsia and the United States S taking an unusually large quantity. In j London and on the Continent it would ! appear that the high prices ruling of lato yeara for champagne have received a check, and a fall at a very early data 13 expected. Transactions in this wino in 1894 show a reduction of 1,200,000 bottles compared with those of the preceding year. In Franco the stock ia equal to seven . yearß' consumption. The depression ia responsible for the falling. In London great difficulty was experienced in the loading and unloading of vessels, on account of the severity of the weather. A new tariff of freight rates was issued by the shipping companies, but the alterations were unimportant. New York 3dvices are up to March 1. Charterers complained of the. difficulty in obtaining Buitablysiaod vessels at rates enabling them to accept cargo at current prices. The B. Webater Railed on Feb. 14 for' Dunedin and Lyttelton. For Danedin she has 8500 cases kerosene, and for Lyttelton 3000, besides 45 cases turps and 70 barrels resin. As a novelty, her cargo contains a shipment of 1000 bags fertilisers. Virginia is the chief seat of the manure industry in tbe United - States. The deposits are extensive and are mineral. Kerosene had advanced sensibly, and refiners wore looking for a further rise. The difference in cost ' within tho last three months has been about Id per gallon. Quotations for sausage casings, had receded considerably. In regard to wool, it was reported that little was being done. Manufacturers were drawing their supplies chiefly from London. In goods, a moderate trade only can be^ noticed. The Litchfield haa arrived at Dunedin from New York, and t*ill come , on to Lyttelton after discharging the southern portion of her cargo. She has 22,000 cases kerosene, 4000 0! which are for tbis port. For Royal oil, agents are .quoting Is sd, d.p., to be delivered straight from the ship. Other brands are being offered at considerably lower prices. In general goods, business is dull, a lull being observable after the deliveries of the. 2sth. Tbe , attitude of Japan in asking for a large . war indemnity, which*will, it arranged, be , paid in silver, has had a pronounced effect on Eastern exohange. The riso has re--1 suited in greatly increasing tbe coat of , all Calcutta produce. In woolpaeka it has . made a difference of fully 2d per pack, but as tho balk of the orders have ; already been placed at a sterling prica it ; will only affect any orders that may now 1 go forward. The rise has been bo sudden , that it is doubted if it will be maintained.