Transcription

the owner's curiosity became roused, and placing himself in communication Mr. Crisp, jeweller, Queen street, he transmitted the stone to that gentleman. From its unusual size and rare colour it was supposed to be an aquamarine, but when placed in the hands of Mr. Spink. Collins street, who has had large experience as a (indecipherable) in a school (that of Edinburgh) it was found by its fracture in hardness, and its brilliancy, to be a topaz and of the rarest colour of that stone - a delicate light blue. The largest known topaz in th world is supposed to be in the possession of one of the native princes of India, and it is recorded as weighing 157 carats. That before us, in its cut form, weighs 135 carats. The great (indecipherable) topaz was valued not many years ago, at something like £12,000. Unfortunately, in the great Australian topaz which we are describing there is a flaw, which, though it does not mar the brilliancy of the stone when viewed in a certain light, absolutely nullifies its commercial value. Another large blue topaz (weighing, in its uncut form, 115 carats) has been brought to Mr. Crisp, of Queen street. It has been tested, and pronounced a fine stone. It was found in Gipps Land, and has been for fully fourteen years a little regarded chimney-piece ornament in the house of the finder. It may be inspected side by side with the great Australian topaz. 
JOURNAL OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The past month has shown a most decided improvement in trade: buyers have mastered more strongly, and sellers appear to have had more confidence.It is satisfactory to note even this slight change after the very depressed state in which the markets have been in for some time past. Speculators are, however, as yet cautious, but there has been unquestionably more inquiries. These promising features have no doubt been brought about by the return of the spring season, and from the fact that we have reached the height of depression, and accordingly a reaction must take place. Owing to the arrivals from San Francisco and South America, the flour market has not been over active ; good Adelaide brands are placed on the market at £17 10s to £18, while a parcel of (indecipherable) was disposed of at £16 10s a ton. Wheat has been purchased at 7s. 4d to 7s. 6d a (indecipherable). Other grain remains without any material change in the prices. Little has been done in butter and cheese : the former article, consequent on the advices and heavy arrivals from England, has declined in value, and new butter has been sold at 9d. Hams are saleable at 11½d to 12½d. Candles have improved in value, and 15d. and 15½d. have been obtained for Belmont's, whie even higher prices are asked. Oilmen's stores remain (indecipherable), last sardines are somewhat scarce, and have brought better prices. 

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