Thanks for the opinions guys.
I agree the phraseology isn't the best, but it isn't uncommon to hear here.
Fuji, I could have assumed that I was to be cleared to join final upon reaching, but with other aircraft in the circuit close to turning final I didn't want to go ploughing in hoping for the best. Had I have heard a clue to this (such as circuit traffic being told they are number 2 to an aircraft joining via xxx) then I believe I would have continued the approach but I didn't believe it was my best option.
Would this be a common thing to give aircraft instructions like in this case, like should I in future ASSUME that I am to continue my approach?
Thanks,
XiRho