COMMEECIAL SUMMARY.

West Coast Times, Issue 838, 30 May 1868, Page 4

COMMEECIAL SUMMARY.

Notwithstanding the inclement weather prevailing during the early part of the month, we have plcasuro in noting the favorablo aspect business has maintained since our last summary, markets have not shown any material fluctuations, business has been steady and sound, and it not remarkably profitable to the importer, such prices, on the whole, have been realised, as not only to avoid heavy

losses but to show a slight profit on principal staples. Imports have been light, but showing a desirable increase during the last fortnight. Referring to the very light stocks of some principle articles, held for some time past, much higher prices might have been anticipated than have ruled, but the proverbial steadiness of the market has been maintained, and, although in tho winter season, business shows symptoms of improvement, as indicated by tho amounts of duties paid at Customs for home consumption, for March, April, and May which wcre,rospectively,Ls6o9,L7os4, and L 8025. The admitted sound state of trade, and continued fair prospects in our mineral resources, give an assurance of further improvement in business.

In the Flour market there lias been scarcely any fluctuation during the month, L3O for best Adelaide having been the ruling price ; recent arrivals have, however, told against' this figure, L 29 having been accepted, it cannot be quoted firm.

Oats have met with a marked decline, heavy shipments have "come forward, and put into the market, resulting in a reduction of fully 6d per bushel. We quote 3s 9d, present value, on a full* market.

Chaff, running very low in stock, has been placed at over LlB, market bare, present value, Ll6 to LlB. Bran, 2s to 2s 2d, stock light.

In Wines and Spirits there has been a fair average amount of business done. Until the close of the month Brandies have been very scarce, but only very slight improvement in prices could be obtained ; late arrivals have eased the market, and prices at date are, for Hennessey's and Martell's pale," 8s 6d to 9s ; CVP, 7s 9d to 8s 3d ; case, 32s to 35s ; stock light, market tending to improvement.

Geneva has been scarce for some time, 22s being obtainable for JDKZ, recent additions to stock, however, have reduced this quotation to, for JDKZ, 19s to 20s ; V. H. and Co., 18s to 18s 6d. Stocks are yet comparatively light, and no further concession can be anticipated. Old Tom is scarce at 17s to 18s. Whisky, in bulk and case, is in fair supply, without alteration in .value.

Wines have not been much dealt in, prices are without alteration.

Provisions arc in good supply, first class hams and good bacon, say Sinclair's and Coey's, realising Is 4dto Is s£d; York, Is 3d; colonial, none offering; colonial cheese, 8d to lOd.

Butter has found favor during the month) prime parcels will now bring Is 2d, inferior unsaleable.

Oilmen's Stores are plentiful, aud sell at a loss.

Tea — The market is well supplied with good qualities at prices unremunerativo.