Page:Statistics of Australia (Haughton, 1853).pdf/9

 of its real state; and still more in advising commercial men at a distance, as to how the market is likely to rule when the spring trade opens. The elasticity which the market has already exhibited, in receiving and disposing of such a vast quantity of goods as have been thrown upon it, is really wonderful; but it appears to us, that great as it really is, very little is actually known of the quantity and value of the imports which have poured in upon us. For the purpose of exhibiting this at a glance, we have prepared a short statement of the various articles of imports which have been entered through the Custom House during the quarter ending 5th July last; and we submit the following list of a few of the chief items, the extent of the imports of which will, we doubt not, startle even those who are accustomed to watch narrowly the operations of the trade of this extraordinary port:—

"As a sequel to the above list of imports, we also publish the following statement, showing the value of the whole imports during the quarter above referred to, as well as the different ports and vessels from and in which, these imports have been brought. The list is interesting as a reference, but it is besides instructive, as indicating to the British merchant, that the colony though gradually becoming peopled from every nation in the world, is yet, to all intents and purposes, a British colony, drawing its chief supplies