NAVAL ENGINEER APPOINTMENTS. The following appointments have been made at the Admiralty from May 27th to June 24th, 1896 :— Amor, Edward R., (probationary) assistant engineer to the Vivid, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Backler, Leonard, engineer to the Pembroke, additional for the Mallard, undated. Barry, James H. D., engineer to the Hawke, to date June 5th. Bell, Edwin, engineer to the Vivid, to the Salamander, to date June 4th. Bell, Edwin, engineer to the Wildfire, additional for the Landrail, to date June 20th. Bell, Henry F., assistant engineer to the Victory, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Brown, Alexander, (probationary) assistant engineer to the Pembroke, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Butcher, John B., engineer to the Vivid, additional for the Earnest, to date June 20th. Carlisle, Archibald H., (probationary) assistant engineer to the Vivid, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Chapman, W. P., engineer, has been promoted to the rank of chief engineer in Her Majesty's fleet. Chapman, William P., chief engineer to the Rapid, to date April 11th. Collins, A. H., (probationary) assistant engineer to the Pembroke, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Croisdale, Louis R., (probationary) assistant engineer to the Pembroke, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Davies, William A. J., engineer to the Vivid, supernumerary, to date June 2nd. Deacon, Alfred E. C., engineer to the livid, additional for the Salamander, to date June 20th. Dupen, Arthur P. L., assistant engineer for the Alexandra, additional for the Spanker, to date June 4th. Edwards, Ernest, engineer to the Victory, additional for the Nymphe, to date June 2nd. Green, Donald P., engineer to the Britannia, additional, to date June 23rd. Hammond, Cyril E. J., assistant engineer to the Vivid, supernumerary, for disposal, to date June 6th. Harding, Charles A., assistant engineer to the Victory, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Hare, John S., assistant engineer to the Wallaroo, to date June 18th. Hayes, Henry W., acting engineer to the Orlando, to date June 18th. Howe, Percival C. W., assistant engineer to the Victory, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Howle, Clifford, assistant engineer (temporary) to the Vulcan, to date June 5th. Kenning, Albert J., assistant engineer (temporary) to the Repulse, to date June 6th. Loveridge, Henry J., assistant engineer to the Victory, supernumerary, to date July 1st. Ludlow, G. T. J., engineer, has been promoted to the rank of chief engineer in Her Majesty's fleet. Ludlow, George T. J., chief engineer to the Victory, additional, Meiklejohn, H. J., engineer to the Zephyr, to date June 13th. Michell, W. H., staff engineer, has been advanced to the rank of fleet engineer in Her Majesty's fleet. Milton, William, staff engineer to the Victory, additional for the Barham, when paid off, to date July 1st. Nicholls, Harry E., (probationary) assistant engineer to the Vivid, supernumerary, to date June 28th. Norgate, Robert S. G., staff engineer to the Northampton, additional for the Curaçoa, to date June 2nd. Pattison, Alfred R., engineer to the Pembroke, for the Avon, to date June 19th. Pearce. Richard H., engineer to the Edinburgh, to date June 20th. Pethick, Ernest E., assistant engineer to the Vivid, supernumerary, for disposal, to date June 6th. Pethick, Ernest E., assistant engineer to the Majestic, to date June 19th. Purkis, Joseph T., staff engineer to the Victory, additional for the Beagle, to date June 20th. The market still remains firm, and although some very inferior parcels were lately landed, buyers have been found to come forward and pay advanced values to secure them. The deliveries are not so brisk this month, and the stock will again be made up to a fair average quantity by the arrival of a steamer cargo of 4,000 tons shortly expected, which will most probably be placed before H.M. Government for selection under contract. There are still considerable quantities of cheap wood about, quoted at from £2 to £3 per load under present floating prices, and exercising a lowering influence on the prices of new stock. The plank trade has suffered by the continued free imports, which are not now placed so readily. Prices are fairly firm, but certainly not advancing. The stock is too heavy and gives the market an unhealthy appearance. Dealers are already forcing their holdings upon the trade at "without reserve" sales, a generally sure indication of weakness. MAHOGANY. Although the arrivals have been curtailed and stocks run down to a low point, there is very little excitement or stir, in consequence of the belief that large shipments from various ports are arriving during the next three months. It is rumoured that Africa is sending a steamer cargo, and that Panama is ready to pour consignments into this market, Tecolutta and other southern ports being likewise credited with a desire to take advantage of the present advance in values. Cuba wood is still holding its own although the general demand is slack. The minimum has risen and is now just double what it was last year. Large logs are much wanted and would command a very high price. Tobasco stocks are light, only one cargo being left unsold in shipper's hands, a long price being required for it under private treaty. Of Cisparta wood the trade decline to take any notice, and l'anama turning out so badly of late has caused quite a change of opinion respecting this lately well-spoken-of class of wood. Should the inferior quality continue to be shipped this wood will, like Cisparta, soon hold no class at all. CEDAR.-Enquiries just now for the genuine article have quite disappeared, owing to advanced prices, and to large shipments from Paraguay being placed upon the market at low figures. WALNUT.-Logs are keeping fairly firm in price, although the demand has become somewhat light during the past few weeks. Lumber is selling well for first class goods, but the lower grades are difficult to dispose of at a profit to the shipper. WHITEWOOD.-Logs are not much enquired for, and lumber is fetching full prices. GREENHEART.-Very little moving in logs. There have been some enquiries for specially prepared parcels. Stocks are getting lighter, but trade being so very dull this will not interfere with values. KAWRIE PINE.-A cargo is expected very shortly, when with such an increased supply there may be a slight reduction in prices. Business is fairly active while the goods can be had at fair values. SEQUOIA-Stocks are rapidly decreasing and no fresh arrivals are expected yet. Quotations continue low and enquiries are numerous, |