COMMERCIAL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1615, 6 September 1861, Page 5

COMMERCIAL.

In consequence of the unfavorable slate of the weather and the all absorbing attention which is being directed to the Gold Fields at the South, very little business lias been done during the past month, which has been one of great depression. Several auctions sales have taken place, but with the exception of a sale of private effects at Messrs. Bowler, Son & Co.'s which brought high figures, prices have ruled very low and will generally leave a loss to the importers. Although there is not an excess of goods in the market, the demand at present is so limited both for town and country wants, that transactions in all classes of merchandise are both few in number and moderate in amount, and trade generally remains very inactive. We fearattbejsame time that we cannot look for much improvement for some months if the preseut exodus to the South continues, as the want of labor will put a stop to all public works, und be severely felt by the sheep farmers when the shearing season comes on. While at present, however, commerce at this place is in a very languid state, there is every 'reasonable prospect that in a few months we ye shall experience a material change for the tetter. The news of the re-appointment of Sir George Grey as Governor, has inspired a leeling of confidence throughout the whole Oolony that war, or the constant fear of it which las nearly an equally bad effect on trade, will De averted, and that he will succeed in turning the attention of the Native race to peaceful pursuits. In a few months the Gold Fields at the South will no doubt also begin to tell favorably on the other Settlements, and when the wool begins to come into port and supplies are required for the Stations, we are very sanguine that business throughout New Zealand will be in a much mare prosperous state than it has been since the outbreak of the unfortunate war, which has kept every thing in a state of uncertainty for the last 18 months. The '' Earl of Mar and Kellie" has now all but completed her discharge, which has been much impeded by the late boisterous weather. The " Asterope" which is the next vessel from London and brings a large Cargo for this port, will not be due till next month. The arrivals from Sydney during the past month have been the Mail Steamer, and " Louis & Miriam," but neither of them have brought much cargo for this port. The market is getting bare of raw Sugars, but a supply will probably arrive by the " Boomerang" due from Melbourne, in a few days. English Crushed and Loaf Sugars, are very scarce, and there is also a demand for Martell's and Hennessy's Brandy, good Whisky, Geneva, bulk Ale, London and Liverpool Soap, Sperm Candles, Oatmeal, Blaukets, Drays and Harness/and English Coal. Other Staples are in fair supply. Timber is rising in consquence of the advance in rates of wages. The last advices from Otago report a decline in the price of Butter, and large supplies. Fut Cattle were much wanted and fresh meat was selling at high rales. We notice two or three small shipments of killed meat having been made lately, and we should fancy it would pay to send itin quantities by the Steamers, especially at this season when the weather is cold.

The Bank of New South Wales commenced operations on the 2nd iust., and the Oriental has given notice of a discontinuance of business here. We understand that the Auckland deputution on behalf of the proposed Bank of New Zealand may expected from the South shortly, and should "their mission have met with the success anticipated, we believe the Bank will soon be in a position to commence business in at least four of the principal settlements in the Colony.

The annual Financial Statement made by the new Colonial Treasurer, is thus summed up.

The estimated revenue lastyear was £l93,ooo the receipts £205,000. The estimated revenue this year is £262,000. Of the war loan autho vised lust Session £130,000 has been sent and the Commissariat have presented further claims to the amount of £120,000, including payment of : £s 'a head for troops to 30th June last. It is not intended to ask for any immediate provision for the war expenses. The necessary advances, upou terms understood, will be accepted from the Commissariat, and when peace is restored and the whole of the liability can be ascertained,— when it is known how much the Colony will actually be required to pay, a guaranteed loan at 4 per cent, with a sinking fund may be so as that the payment of the charge shall be distributed over a period of twenty or thirty years, and thus made to press as lightly as possible on the people.