COMMERCIAL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3189, 3 May 1871, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

Chribtchtjech.— The " TimeB 1 ' of the 28th reports : — Business quiet, few country orders, the inactivity of flax in the English market having had a depressing effect. Several mills •were making arrangements to recommence ■working, but since the arrival of the mail they have once more suspended operations. The trade are more chary in operating in sugars to any extent as two part shipments are now overdue from the Mauritius, and this, together with the reduction in value that has transpired in Melbourne justifies the demand in IC sugar to £52. A large business has been doing in kerosene, at quotations which show a decline on late rates, trade lines being cleared out at 3s 7d to 3s 7£d ; wholesale parcels rule from 3s s§d to 3s 6d. The grain market has been somewhat unsettled. Sales of wheat are on the decline, as holders are asking too high a price to leave nny margin to the exporter. Several parcels of stored lines have changed hands at 4s 5d to 4s 6d, but this has only been given to complete shipments. Dming the week farmers have been offering wheat freely, but purchasers are not inclined to ©perate to any great extent in the face of late advices. (3-ood samples for forward delivery range from 4s Id up to 4s 3d ; and inferior, 3s 3d to 3s 9d, according to quality. Flour is in less demand ; millers still quote £13 for trade parcels ; the demand for outs continues, and heavy shipments are going forward to Melbourne. For bright samples of potatoes fre now quote at 2s lid to 2s 2d ; medium, do, 2s to 2b o£d. The demand noted for butter last week continues ; pickled parcels ready for export are in request at 6£-d to 6'f d. Cheese is neglected at 4d to 4£d. Stock. — Messrs B. Mitchell and Co. report: — We yarded and sold at Smithfiold 550 full-mouthed ewes, at 2s 6d ; 300 do, 4, 6, and 8-tooth, at 3s 6d; 10 heifers, at £3 15s; 10 do, at £3 17s 6d ;30 do, at £4 2s 6d ; and 10 do, at £5 7s 6d ; also, a pen of calves, at 31b, and yearlings from £2 5s to £2 10a. We have also to report the Bale by auction of the Rockcliff Station — 7000 acres, with 2000 sheep, for the sum of £1,400 (sold to Mr Joseph Peareon). At Mr Preble's clearing sale, on Tuesday, 'we sold 65 head dairy cattle and a number of stores, at top prices ; ulso draught horses, from £24 to £25 each. Horses. — Messrs Bird and Bennett report : — First-class draught, £32 to £4-2 ; medium do, £20 to £28; light harness horses ai.d hacks, £12 to £25 j xiseful do, £10 to £15 ; inferior, nominal. DmrEDlN.—The "Times" reports :—Business has shown very little liveliness during the last day or two. Hennessy's case brandy is asked for, and its scarceness induces continued high rates, 32s to 335. First-class grinding wheats are quoted at 4s 9d, the demand remaining rather better than the supply. Oats stand at 2s 4d, a fair enquiry, but owing to the large shipments making from the adjoining province les9 doing for export. G-ood malting barley is enquired for, parcels cf this description commanding 3s 9d to 43 ; inferior and feeding parcels are scarcely -aluablo . Millers now quote fine flour at £12 10a to £13 for current parcels,