The piece goods position i disappointing at the moment. a rule merchants at this time of the year expect to be clearing readily quantities of both Blacist and Whites, but the general ex-that these are not ig to any extent, limited owing to the uncertainty of dealers obtaining cash for any of their ales, this position being connected with the financial situa tion arising out of the change of the settlement from the Chinese to the foreign New Year.
The small inquiry which was recently experienced reems to hav? been shut out because of the lower exchange. While it is true that Home prices are inclined to 02 easier, it is impossible to attempt to do business at the present rate of exchange. Even at id. there are very few orders which woul connect.
Woollen goods appear to be in exactly the same position as cottons ard busines has been lacking during '24 mace, while Venetians were likewise on' the lower side, and also Velvets, but in the case of the latter the demand continues satis factory and prices are holding well up to the quantities which are being offered. White Shirtings displayed fa rather different tone, as these goods are cheap at the moment, the season just being in its speculators are keen buyers. There was considerably more interest on the part of the River Ports, and chops which sell regularly on that market generally improved. Tientsin was a rather weaker feature than has been the case recently, and there was some decline in one or two of the chops for that port and also for Morea. The general undertone, however, was satisfactory, and the opinion is expressed that as the Season progresses demand should develop. "Against this, however. there is the possible adverse factor of the proposed increased taxati as dealers have the rumour that should likin be abolished, the new taxes will amount to more than the former heavy likin impost.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.