On the Sth instant we published our intermediate number, there being no outward mai Commerce has been dull, anda change to wet weather gives a more gloomy aspect to the it activity of the period. The result of the enquiry into the cause of wreck of the Haimlota at Ningpo has resulted in the suspension of the certificate of the master, David Forman, for six months. 'The agitation on the postage question at Homo willdogood. It has already had its effect on the Brindisi route; perhaps we may some day get rid of the' squeeze of having to pay oubte rate for Southern coast jerts when letters go via Hongkong. The probability that the Br. Consulate will not be withdrawn from the Formosan ports has been received with satisfaction, There is plenty of wealth to develope in Formosa, and if the Go-yernment will employ its opportunities it will get an ample return for any outlay it may incur in Consular staff, At this time last year we announced the reopening of trade and snow falling; at present we are just entering on the holidays.
The arrivals are, on the 14th, Titania London, and Sarah Nicholson, Liverpool.
Departure, on the 13th, the Sydenkan for London. The Priam is to leave in a day or two.
The Shares of the 8. 8. N. Company have advanced to'Tls. 183 cash, and Tls. 150 for end of June, and the Union S, N. Ca, to Tls. 90 per Share.
Money plentiful on undoubted securities at from 7 to 8 percent. Some Banks give 6 per cent on fixed deposits for 12 months.
PIECE GOODS.—No incident of special importance has occurred since, the departure of last English mail, on 2nd inst. Our import market has been quiet, but remarkably steady, and, considering the season of the year, a ye fair general trade has been done in Cotton and Woollen manufactured goods, Money' this year seems to be unusually abundant amongst the natives, and their desire to employ it profitable has found an outlet. in the low prices ruling for many articles of foreign import. Less favorable advices have lately been received from Hankow, but that market is only a reflex of this, and when any decline or de generally other peculiar feature is noted herc—a similar effect is produced there in the ordinary course of communication. The Intest market news from Tiontsin—received overland—is said by the natives to be unfavorable for Plain Cottons. Foreigners doubt the truth of the reports afloat. In our issue for the next English mail swe shall probably have to note the re-opening of the Northern trade, Grey Sumerixes.—With regard to 84 Ib, seeds, we may here repeat our few remarks of the 8th instant. There has been a steady demand, since we published for the English wail on Ist instant, and a considerable business has been done, at prices varying but little from those then quoted." 'The rates for ordinary chops have been Tis, 2.07 to 2.11 per piece'; and Tls, 2.12 to 2.15 per piece for Dewhurst's Engle—according to the term of clearance, hard cargo and ready money payments receiving marked preference. 7ib. Dewhurst chop has, we believe, been sold at Tls. 1.85 per pees, the seller conceding lo. per piece to the yer og a brokerage commission; but although a good enquiry exists for this weight, the holders of best ordinary known chops ha found difficulty. hitherto in getting Tis. to 1.80 per piece, while the outside and com. moner qualities cannot be sold at any. marked improvement on our last quotations.
Shirtings are firmer in value and in_ growing request. Sales of all weights since 30th ulto. estimated at about 150 to 160,000 pieces.
Want Simerixes.—The few sales recently reported shew an advance in the value of the lower counts. Business has been somewhat restricted by the firmness of holders, who generally are asking higher rates than the fealers are as yet disposed to pay. The former, however, look with confidence to the resumption of trade after the holidays, expecting then to sce prices up to if not over their present ideas, Which ate based on Tls. 2.93 " 9.95 per piece for ordinary to good G1-R Cloths. Sales about 8,000 pieces.
T-Ororus.—During the early part of the fortnight a little excitement prevailed in the T-Cloth market, and settlements were effected at much better' rates for the best qualities but the movement proved transitory, the na-ing from the market, avi ring that the unfavorable state of the Tientsin trade did not warrant their paying the enhanced prices demanded here. Holders, however, continue firm, and have not, as yet, so far as w we learned, shown any inclination of relinquishing the established advance. Best Gelb. goods have been sold at Tls. 1.45 "1.50 per piece, 7-Ibs. as high as Tls. 1.70, and $-lbs. at Tls. 1.93 a 1.96 per piece, the first and last weights being still wanted. ' The transactions of the fortnight have been on a small scale, not exceeding in all 40,000 pieces.
Drits.—The English and Dutch fabrics remain as last quoted. The dealers ofter lower rates, but experience some difficulty in supplying themselves. For American Do g2, Ts 9.50 ner piece has been offered and re fassed, but ordinary American Drills have been quitted to some extent at Tls. 3.20 per piece cash. Sales of all kinds 20,000 pieces.
JeaNs.—The transactions of the fortnight not amount to 4,000 pieces, and of these a considerable portion consists of a resale of American Jeans formerly bought on specu-ition, Jeans are much wanted, and at Yeast one sale of English cloth has been made at is, 2.38 per piece. The resale of the American article, however, was made at Tls. 240 per UEETINGS.—A small lot of English goods, I2Hlbs., are reported sold to arrive" at Tls. 3.20 per piece.
Faxey Cortes fair enquiry has existed for Damasks, Dyed Brocades and assorted Chintzes of desirable patterns. The quotations ior Damasks are unchanged. For Brocades offers of Tls. 3.05 a 3.15 per piece for ordinary to best goods have failed to lead to much business; and of Chintzes there are few suitable parcels to be had under Tls. 1.45 per piece. Velveteens have been in rather better enquiry, but otherwise the Fancy Goods market calls for no special comment. Estimated sales:—Dyed Brocades 2,000 pieces, Chintzes 3,500 pieces, Turkey Reils 1,500 pieces, Velvets and Velveteens 1,000 pieces, Handkerchiefs 2,500 dozen.
Woottxxs.—The aspect of the Woollen market seems to be brightening. With the ex-Broad and Medium Cloths, which continue dull almost, to unsaleableness, an improvement in the value of nearly every article has taken place. For Figured Orleans as high as Tls. 3.95 per piece has latterly been paid; and we bear that Tls. 11.30 per piece has been refused for a small lot of well assorted S. S. Camlets; while Spanish Stripes can no longer be bought at former low rates, 'CP.
H, quality having advanced to 0 4m. 8c. per yard with no seller. Best Crape Lustres are now worth Tls. 3.25 a 3.30 per piece; and although Lastings are unchanged in value, the market for them has assumed a decidedly better tone. Sales estimated at:—Camlets 1,800 pieces, Figured Orleans 3,000 pieces, Grape Lustres 2,750 pices, Long Ells S00 pieces, Lastings 1,000 pieces, Spanish Stripes 600 pieces.
Stocks on the 11th want, exclusive of unpublished cargoes per str. Priam and Dart-month are Grey Shirtings 604,400 pieces.
White do. 219,700 T-Cloths 550,400, ills (all k Chintzes.. Turk Dyed Shirtings.. Muslins Dimities Camlets Long Ells Lastings Do. Crape Lustres (pin., fid. & Ed. Spanish Stripes handkerchiefs Scarlet... Dark Blue.....
Orange Gentian, Green Black..
Brown Scarlet Dark Blue.
Straw Gentian.
Green Young Geen White.
Parple "2... Black..
Sky Blue... Lavender Mauve
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.