The Sun.
London, England, 1856-08-27 00:00:00

COLONIAL WOOL SALES..

The public sales of colonial wool have closed two days
earlier than was originally announced. Their progress
and result is thus reviewed by Messrs. Laccmb and
Son : .

" The quantity of colonial arrived in time for these
sales being a little under 82,000 bales it was deemed-
advisable to announce that the next series will not com-
mence until 30th October. Beyond pledges to the ex-
tent of about 3,000 bales no definite promi:e of with-
drawal to reduce the quantity was male, importers pre-
ferring to watch the course of the market and be guided
by its state. Although there is no doubt that consumers
were quite as bare of stock as they were prior to the
February and May sales, yet fair stocks existed in the
hands of dealers from purchases made in May, but cer-
tainly not to the extent believed by some parties ; and
owing to the unusually early arrivals of the bulk of the
colonial clip, showing an increase over last year's im-
port to the same time, an unreasonable opinion had
gained ground with some not well informed of the actual
state of the case, that the total colonial importation of
this year would be in excess of last, which opinion sub-
sequent advices lead us to believe will prove fallacious.
Acting under these impressions a general determination
to enforce lower rates caused the sales to open at a de-
cline of 5 per cent. from the closing rates of May, which
decline lasted till about the middle of the series, when
the large foreign purchases (which we estimate at
13,000 bales) and most favourable harvest weather in-
fused more spirit into the trade, and notwithstanding a
few days of heavy rain towards the close, prices r 'flied
until for the last week at least the closing rates of May
were re-established. The -general exhibit of colonial
wools has.been a full average in quality. Some very
choice flocks from Moreton Bay, and the best fleck from
Van Diemen's Land, or any other colony, realised ex-
treme rates. Port Philip have not in most cases the
same high condition as in May, and many flocks are
burry. New Zealand are increasing in quantity, and
are much sought after for their fine combing properties.
The increase thence will prove a good substitute for Vic-
toria produce, which is likely to Show a great diminution
of import this year. Cape wools have sold well—mostly
for export. Alelaide wools have also realised wel ; a
very large proportion thence is again this year in the
grease. The support received from Bradford, except for
deep-grown combing wools, has been less than usual.
The demand for yarns there at present running mainly
on those made from English and other low-priced wools.
The present state of trade in the manufacturing districts
is unquestionably good. The west of England and
northern fine cloth manufacturers being driven to fine
Australian to supply the want of German wools, have
been eager competitors for this description. The supply
from Germany appears to be falling off in quantity at
the same time the wants of the German manufacturers
lead to continually increasing pureba es of colonial wool
for their assumption. The supply of Russian wool, un•
locked by the cessation of the war, has yet to come for-
ward ; at present we cannot estimate the probable im-
ports; there is no reason to believe that it will be excessive.
East India wools have fully supported late rates in
Liverpool ; in the instance of coloured wools we consider
them higher. Mediterranean and S'fax wools have no'
relised so well as iu May.
The market wears a very firm aspect, and with a fine
harvest we look fur a maintenance at least of present
prices.

LOCUSTS.—A. host of locusts has invaded the districts
of Odessa, Ananieff, and Rubvior. The following fact
gives an idea of the enormous number of these insects :
—A gentleman living in the neighbourhood of Odessa
invited a large party to a fete at his country house, and
in the evening the place was splendidly lit up with
;amps, Bengal lights, &c. Sumptuous sideboards were
laid out, and a brilliant and select company had as
sembled. All looked forward to a merry evening. The
windows of the apartments had been opened, and a
refreshing breeze was entering the room, when sud-
denly a loud noise was beard, and a few moments after
myriads of locusts filled the rooms, the gardens, sleep
ing chambers, and every part of the villa. Fireworks,
rockets, &c., were discharged in the hope of driving
away these troublesome gue3te, but in vain. The corn.
pany were compelled to leave.