COMMERCIAL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1955, 10 September 1863, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

Thb dullness of trade to which we alluded in our last Btonmary has continued during the month. There are several causes which combine to render the present season one of more than ordinary depression. In the first place this is usually the dullest time of the year, as it will be another month yet before the stations require fresh supplies, and a new wool season commences, while even when the country orders come in, they will be much less than usual in amount, owing to the very critical condition of Native affairs throughout the whole island. It is true the war is being carried on in the Waikato country, 400 miles north of Wellington, and this Province has as yet been undisturbed ; but nevertheless the continued dread of a native out-break, and the insecurity of property, does much to paralyse industrial and commercial pursuits The panics which have recently occurred in the Hutt and West Coast, though fortunately without cause, show how much men's minds are unsettled by this chronic state of ancertainty, — an uncertainty which can only bo removed by the complete subjugation of the Waikatos. Even as we write, news from Auckland is hourly expected, and should General Cameron have struck a decisive blow, a almost immediate revival of commercial operations w take place. The market is fully supplied with nearly every descriu- , On of imported goods, by late arrivals, and as the William C'arey and Affiance may be expected ere long, stocks are I likely to continue heavy, and home shippers should be I limited in their consignments. Good English tea is slightly in demand. English crushed suzar also maintains its price. Wool packs are being enquired for, and are sold at a fair profit. The market is overstocked with every kind of liquid with the exception of bottled stout, which is still scarce ; Oilmen's Stores of every description are in excess of the demand ; for particulars we refer to our Prices Current in another column (page 7), which have been carefully revised to data. Merchants complain that country storekeepers give Much smaller orders than heretofore, which is in some measure, due to tho fact that the Maories, who were formerly excellent customers, now scarcely buy at aIL In Wanganui, which draws its supplies mainly from Wellington, this is much felt, as many natives living furthernorth who used to purchase from the dealers there, are not doing so now. This constitutes an appreciable portion of our trade, and its loss, together with a diminished' expenditure on the part of the settlera, fully accounts for the curtailment of transactions in this city. Still, what business there is, iB in a healthy condition, and unless the market becomes glutted by over shipment, may continue 80. The completion of the new Deep Sea Wharf, has added materially to the advantages of oar harbor. The largest steamers now moor alongside the outer T, and the Queen of the Avon, the first vessel from England that has done bo, recently discharged her cargo there. In fact, were a large patent slip to be erected for the repair of steamers and sailing vessels of heavy tonnage, this port would Stand first in the Australian colonies, and it is a question if any other harbour in the world possesses greater natural advantages. In the City many improvements have of late been made, and several public buildings erected. The Supreme Court House, Police Office and Court, on Lamb tonquay, iB now all completed except a little of tho internal decorative work, and will be ready for the sitting of the Court of Appeal to be held in October. A little further ■west, on the reclaimed land, are the new premises of the Bank of New Zealand, which will be ready for occupation in a few weeks. It is a very handsome building of seasoned timber on a brick foundation, with brick strong room, and will be more in keeping with tho fast increasing husiness of one of our most successful public companies, than its present premises. There ara several large stores and warehouses recently completed by private citizens, and were the present war but finally settled, this Province and its commercial emporium would make rapid strides in progress, and soon attain an enviable degree of prospeiity. But till that great and only barrier is removed, there will be but little further display of enterprise. There have been several sales by auction during the week:— Mr A. W. Hickson sold at the stockyard of Messrs Bethune & Hunter, on Tuesday last, a number of horses, mainly suited for saddle and light draught Several wore disposed of at from £23 to £30 ; a bay mare fetched £42; and a draught stallion, " Major," was knocked down at J650. The prices realised were in some cases very low and several lots were bought in.

Messrs Bethnne & Hunter sold at their stockyard, on Monday, the 7th inst, above 40 head of stock, for which the following prices wore realised : — steers, £3 5s to £5 ; COWS, £4 10s to £7 5s ; heifers, £2 IGb to £4 10s ; working bullocks, £12 10s. On the whole the prices were considered satisfactory.