The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1881-11-19 00:00:00

ROWLEY.

A BREWERY TRAVELLER DROWNED.—On Monday
Edwin Hooper, Esq., coroner, held an inquest at
the Wonder Hotel, Tividale, near Rowley, touching
the death of Daniel Hughes (46), who had lately
resided with his mother at the Wonder Inn. The
evidence showed that the deceased had been a
traveller in the employ of Mr. Matthew Smith,
brewer, Dudley, and lately he had given way to
drink. On Thursday night he returned home the
worse for drink, and after partaking of supper went
down. the yard. In consequence of his being a long
time away a search was made for him, and in the
pigstye were found his coat and hat, and in a dis-
used well was found his body, his feet only being
out of the water. A verdict of "Committed suicide
whilst in a state of temporary inanity" was re-
turned. The Coroner gave instruction's to the
police to see that the well was properly sealed.

OUR TRADE SUMMARY.

THE_ HOME IRON AND COAL TRADE.

Despite the temporary lull in the pig-iron branch
the English iron market remains very steady, and
quotations are firmly maintained. The quietness
in the pig-iron trade should not be construed into a
bad omen, for there are several encouraging
features, one of which, and the principal one, is
that consumers who thought they had covered
their requirements to the end of the year will find
themselves compelled to come into the market
again shortly. The lz.sgow warrant market has
been less active, but also less fluctuating, during
the week; prices, however, have latterly shown an
improving tendency, closing on Wednesday at 51s.
4d. cash and 51s. 74d. a month for buyers, sellers
Id. more. The better tone is attributed to the
rapid rise in the price of copper and tin. Less iron
is going into Connars store, Business was quiet
also at Middlesbrough on Tuesday, prices remain—
ing at about last week's rates. Forge and foundry
iron was in better request than it has been for some
time Shipments are satisfactory, and, as in
Glasgow, a gradual reduction continues in Messrs.
Connal's stores, Stocks of pig metal are low in
other parts of the country. The active condition
of the hematite iron trade is undisturbed, through
business done is not quite so extensive as it has
been. Foreign enquiry continues heavy, and the
weight of ir.m sent to New York is larger than it
has been since the extraordinary demand a few
seasons ago. Makers of Bessemer No. 1 are still
asking 655., but the price generally paid is 638. 6cl.
and 60s. 6d. for No. 3 forge. Hematite iron is less
firm ip the Forest of Dean. The manufactured
iron trade is pretty active, and prices are fully
maintained. Trade is looking up in North Stafford.
shire, Durham, on the Tyne, and in Wales.
Though business is better in the establishments
engaged in the manufacture of best Yorkshire
iron it would be inaccurate to say that they are
well employed In the hard ware department, the
foreign demand continues very good both in South.
Staffordshire and the Birmingham district. In the
latter there are no signs of falling—off in orders. At
Sheffield, the leading houses are busy on best work,
chiefly plates and bars ; it is the prevailing opinion
that the heavy trade will improve during the winter
The steel branch is still improving, and it is with
difficulty that new orders can now be placed. The
shipbuilding yards are uniformly active, most of
them being fully engaged far into next year.
Engineering houses are wal emplcr:ed, and tool
makers are also busy. The coal trade of the
country keeps fairly active, but the coatinual
mildness of the season has prevented any further
rise.
Iron.