Lyttelton Times office, Friday Evening. Business during the week has been some what upset, on account of the Easter holidays and the unsettled state of the weather. Few country orders have been received, and the trade doing in town is inconsiderable. The non-arrival of the Maori from London, now out 119 days, has put wholesale houses to some inconvenience, as stocks in several staple lines are getting reduced. The only arrival of any note is the Claud Hamilton from Melbourne. Lately, we observe that the trade doing with that port has been small—only parcels for sorting up stocks for immediate requirements. Mr W. H. Hargreaves sold the damaged portion of the Zingara’s cargo of sugars at the Christchurch Railway Station on the 20th inst., when the following prices were realised Fine white crystals, £22 10s to £25; fine white counters, £29 ; bright yellow crystals, £lB to £25. The whole parcel was very much damaged, and though the prices obtained were low, yet, considering the condition, it realised full value. Few enquiries are made for good teas, which at present are rather low in stock, while the lower and medium qualities are ample. Orange pekoe and gunpowder are command ing some little notice, and find purchasers at 3s to 3s 3d for the finer qualities ; very little demand exists for inferior. The advance noted for kerosine in Melbourne, together with the small stocks on hand, have caused holders to advance quotations. Early in the week, sales were effected at 3s 3d, but 3s 6d is now currently naked. Candles are in steady request; values however have not improved, and Is appears to be the outside limit. Cornsacks find a ready market at 14s 6d to 14s 9d; supplies have been received during the week, so that outstanding orders can now be executed. Chocolate and cocoa are in better repute; first houses, however, find a great difficulty in realising a margin of profit at Is 4Jd and Is 6d respectively. Plantation coffee is in moderate request at Is 2Jd to Is 2|-d. Fine salt meets with a good trade demand at £4 15s to £5 9s. Stocks of fine Kent hops are becoming reduced, and, in consequence, holders are getting some little advance on former rates. Currants are entirely out of first hands, and 5Jd has been given for several lines. 