COMMERCIAL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1828, 10 February 1863, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

Business during the past month has been pretty brisk, and prices have of late ruled tolerably high for nearly every description of imported goods. The most of the up-country stations having now, however, obtained their supplies for the year, a slight but temporary lowering of prices may be anticipated. The demand from the South, however, has a tendency to keep stocks low, and the goods expected by the Earl of Windsor now due will probably meet with a ready Bale at remunerative rates. Another vessel, the Betty Pullback, Captain Blohn from Hamburgh for Wellington and Auckland via Melbourne may also shortly be expected here. She brings as part of her cargo 30 valuable German Merino rams, and is consigned to Messrs Krull&Co. Wool during the past month has arrived from the country districts in considerable quantity. Last week 200 bales came in, and there are now five hundred bales in port. The Wild Duck has 700 bales already on board, and will require 1500 more to complete her loading. We are informed that this will be accomplished- in sufficient time to enable her to sail at her advertised date. Cattle continue in brisk demand and there are buyers in the market for both ewes and wethers. The following sale at the Hutt Market will afford some criterion of prices here : — Mr J. H. Wallace sold at the Hutt Market, on Wednesday, 4th instant, by instructions from Messrs Percy* 18 valuable mares and geldings, at prices ranging from £IS to £28, the average being i>2o per head. Some fine fat cattle were also sold privately at £9 10s per head, also 25Q store sheep were disposed of at 13a per head. The long continuance of dry and hot weather has already had a disastrous effect on agricultural and pastoral avocations. The cattle are beginning to suffer severely, and the recent slight showers we have experienced have done but little to mitigate the evil. Agricultural and dairy produce is in demand at pricco -»orj- «»BQ.u.narative_ toihe^country settlers.