The Piece Goods market has been in a quiescent state since 4th instant—the commencement of the Chinese New Year holidays, In the interval between that date and the issue of our last Report, on 31st ultimo, the native business was confined to a few retail transactions Grey Shirtings, T-Clothe and Figured Orleans, hardly extensive enough, however, to establish quotations; but some foreign speculative purchases of Shiréings have, from time to time, been reported, and these indicate a stiffening range of prices.
The native operations customary about New Year in anticipation of the spring trade have, this season, been almost nil, the rates asked by holders consequent on the still rising rates in Manchester having effectually stopped this business; and in the utter absence of settlements to the dealers not on the present occasion alter our last quotations, which, however, must not be regarded as today's At the same time we may mention that the merchants are looking forward to considerably higher prices when the market opens, which event is expected in the course of a few days hence.
The latest received Tientsin news shews no improvement there. The River was comparatively free from ice, and had been so during the winter, and hence the inference of early communication with the outer world. From this there is little likelihood of any steamer clearing for the north before the Ist proximo, and, as yet, the freight engagements for Piece Goods are very trifling.
Hankow advices are more favorable; they speak with confidence of considerable improvement after the holidays are ended.
The arrivals from home during the fortnight have been the s, s. Sarpedon and mail steamers Travancore and Alphée, also the sailing vessels Michael Angelo and Titania.
Grey Sarerixes. notabl tions reported to us during the fortnight. Dewhurst's ordinary 8} Ibs. Cloth is worth Tls. 2.01 per piece cash, at which 1,000 since one of Dewhurst' best Eagles was done, price Tls. 2.05 per piece with three weeks clearance—sale 15,000 pieces; and these are esterday 9 resale of 1,000 pieces good common 8}-1b. goods at Tls. 1.99 per piece cash, took place, and & fowiday*
pieces have just been settled to a native. The natives talk of Tls. 1.97 a 2.00 per piece for ordinary 8}-b. as the next opening rates, Stocks Are now close upon, if not over, 3,000,000 pieces.
In the other articles of Import (Cotton and Woollen) there is nothing to report, but everything is held for much higher prices, Sramreu Sraieas, 0.0. 1.—Canats, O.P. lo Dyed Shirtings, Sones Fe Dark ive tte a Dre Searle. 1. 15.2.8
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.