The Express.
London, England, 1853-01-04 00:00:00

THE TRADE IN SHIPS.

The following is Messrs. Tonge, Curry sad Co.'s circular,
dated Liverpool, January 1, 1863 In conformity with
our usual custom at this season, we have the Assume to
band you our annual statement of the basin's done in the
sale of ships at this port for the year past, and onus occasion
have we been able to report so favourably-both of the
amount of tieing" sold, and the prices that have been ob-
tained. In one of our recent circulars, we took occasion to
state, that a period of unusual prosperity in the shipping
interest of this country might shortly be looked for, and
most fully have our anticipations been realised ;
prices of colonial ships having advanced fully 17
per cent. since then, and with • continuing ten-
dency upwards ; while Stocks have been reduced to
48 sail against 76 in 1862, and 82 in 1861, without any im-
mediate supplies being expected. We have great pleasure
in noticing a marked improvement both in the model, ma-
terial, and finish of Canadian ships, the majority of which
have been constructed to clue six or seven years; and to
which a decided preference is given by buyers over the
Spruce ships, or those glassing but four or Ave years, even
at • very increased price. Among those that have arrived
withia the last eight months will be found ease as fine
models of naval architecture as ever have been produced,
combining in reality (from having great length of floor
and fins ends) both carrying and sailing qualities of no or-
dinary kind. This advance in prices we do not Men to
apply so mach to British-built vessels, for though a
larger business has been done in them this year
than last, we cannot advise much, if any, in-
crease in price. Our quotations for 18.32, therefore,
remain unaltered. New colonial ships, to elan seven years
A 1, must be quoted at 84 16s. to 81.10 s. per ten ; these
classing ail years A 1, at 61. to 71. 10s. ; five years, 61. 10s.
to 71. 81. John's, hlinunichi, and Quebec build, to class
four years, are worth from U. to 61. per ton ,• those built at
the lower ports of same class are worth from U. 10e. to
61. 10s. per ton. Lep second-hand ships, with or without
class, have also been In much demand, in anticipation of an
advance in cotton and timber freights. The enormous
emigration to Australia has mainly contributed to this
advance, besides which freights generally are very
much better fur the larger class of ships. Within the
last two months, sev Ind small craft, varying from 180
to 280 tons register, and of light draft of water,
which enables them to go direct to the port of dis-
charge, have been purchased for the Australian trade, at full
prices. This prosperous state of things, we believe, will
continue for twelve months-or it may be somewhat longer
-when, perhaps, it is setae° much to expect scans means
will have been found for freeing a large number echoes
ships that are now lying unmanned and incapable, at the
various Australian ports, amounting, by the last returns,
to 200 sad, equal to about 110,000 tons, and which, when
freed, will return upon our market about the same time
the large fleet of colonial ships now is the course of con-
struction will have found their way here, and which bear a
proportion of five to three, over those built in 1862, and five
to four in 1861. The number of new vessels that have
come into Liverpool within the year, and sold is 120, equal
to 60,000 tons. The number of ships launched sad is the
ovum of construction in our port, this year, is 39, com-
puted at 16,000 tons, against 23, computed at 9,200 in
1861. The number of steamers built and in the course
of construction here, amount to 13, equal to 4,060 tons.
The number of foreign vessels that have changed hands in
Liverpool, since the passing of the new Marine Act in 18.50,
end registered by British owners, amount to 11, equal to
6,000 tons. ,As regards iron-built railing vessels, the most
remarkable feature of our trade is the very increasing
favour they are growing into, and which are now occupy-
ing the builders both here, in the Clyde, Newcastle, and
elsewhere, to an unprecedented extent. There is no doubt
but if some anti-funling composition were discovered-
which, while it would keep the bottom clean, would also
preserve the iron-its use would, in a very great degree, for
the merchant service, be preferred to wood for ship-build-
iag the cost of a first-rate iron and wood-built
ship being solnewhat in favour of the former, and which
may be quoted at 141. 10s. to 161. per ton, complete for sea.
The sales for 1862 of British, colonial, and foreign ships,
amount to 286 sail, of which 281 aro British and colonial,
against 234 in 1851 and 214 in 1850, and the total tonnage
to 147,471 against 90,764 tons in 1861, and 81,028 toss in
1950, of which number and tonnage of vessels including
strainers supposed to have changed bands in Liverpool
in 1862, 425-198,000 tons.
Quotations of priers of ships, for 1862.-New British-
built vessels, with Baltic outfit, to clue A 1, 13 years, 181.
to 171. 10s.; 12 years, 131. 10a. to 161. 10e. ; 10 years,
101. 10s. to 131. ; 9 Tears, 101. to 121.10 e. ; 8 years, 91. 91. to
101. 10s. ; 7 years, 81. 10s. to 91. ; New Miremichi, 7 years,
61. 10s. to 81. ; 6 years, 61. to 71. 10s. ; New Bt. John, N.B.
7 years, 61. 16a. to 81.65. ; 6 years, 61. to 71. 10s. ; ditto and
Miramichi ditto, 4 years, 61. 10s. to 71. ; New Quebec, 6
years, 61. 10s. to 71. ; other colonial, 4 years, 41. 10s. to
61,105.

SUDDEN DEATH OP SIR CHARLES WAGER WAT-
sox.—We have this week the melancholy task of recording
the death of the above gentleman, under circumstances of a
most painful character. It appears that on the morning of
Thursday Sir Charles appeared in his usual health and
spirits at the Plumbers' Arms, Denston, to meet the Suffolk
fox hounds. About two o'clock he was riding at a tolerably
brisk rate by the side of Mr. Stanlake Bauon, when sud-
denly be appeared to reel upon his horse and fell off.
Several gentlemen in the field came to his assistance, but
it was found he had breathed his last. It was at first
thought that he had been thrown from his horse, but the
testimony of the medical men goes to prose that he was
seised with • fit. The unfortunate gentleman, who served
the office of high sheriff a few years ago, has left a large
family to mourn over their sudden bereavement—Qin-
bridge Chronicle.
MURDEROUS OUTRAGE.—APPREHENSION OP TILE
P•artzs.--On Wednesday last a miller, named M'Neille,
in the employment of Messrs. Swain and Holton, was at-
tacked on the bridge of Annegb, within • few yards of the
mill, and about two miles from Athlone, by two men, who
knocked him down and beat him most cruelly. M'Neille
cried for mercy, and implored the ruffians to spare his life,
whereupon one of them raised him up and swore him to
leave his employment, and never enter the mill again.
Having taken the oath, he was again set upon and beaten
until he was senseless and left for dead upon the road. The
unhappy man's life, however, has been saved. He was dis-
covered on the road in • bruised and bleeding state, and
conveyed into town. Information was given to the police,
when Sub-Constables Ward and Wl:towels arrested two
men, named White and Keegan, upon suspicion, and who
have since been identified by M'Neille as the perpetrators
of the outrage. White, it appears, had some relatives in
the mill to whom M'Neille was obnoxious, and who wished
to get rid of him in the manner described. Much credit
is due to the constables fur the tact and promptitude
with which they arrested these offenders.-IVeafesst/A /Is
dependent.
THE RAMSHAY INQUIRY.—We understand the
Lords of the Treasury have agreed to pay the whole of the
expenses (within about 1601.) of the recent inquiry at
Preston into the conduct of the late judge of the Liverpool
County Court.—Lieepool Mercury.

SILL—The subjoined is extracted from the circular
issued by Meson. H. N'aithman & Co.:—ln the silk market
there has been active business during the part month.
China silk.—The arrivals have been upwards of 4,900 baler;
a considerable portion of the Tsatlees, and almost all the
Taysrams have found buyers at steady, and in some in-
stances slightly improved, prices. Bengal slik.—The corner
qualities continue current at full prices ; but the finer qua-
lities are more neglected, from the dfilculty that continues
in getting them worked. Italian silk is without alteration,
and the transactions in it have been very limited. Brussa
silk.—The imports for the month were 138 bales; the coarse
and ordinary qualities were sold on arrival, at a alight ad-
vance on previous prices ; the finer descriptions were nearly
all exported. Persian silk. —A fresh arrival of 400
ballots found buyers at very full prices; some for
export, but the greater part for home consumption.
Oa reviewing the state of the silk trade during the past
year it is gratifying to observe that its position has been one
of general prosperity, with steady prices and but little
fluctuation. The chief feature to notice is the great in-
crease in the consumption of China and Bengal silk, the
deliveries of ,he former being 23,445 bales, et an average of
1051 be. each, 2,461,7251b5. ; and of the latter 11,652 bales,
at an ge of 1451 be. each, 1,689,5401b*. against 20,690
I bales and 8,600 bales, or 2,172,4501b5., and 1,247,0001b5. in
18,11; and the large falling off in the imports of Italian silk,
abut 750 bales, at an average of 2501b5. each, 187,5001b1.,
or nearly one-fourth of the imports of the preceding year,
showing, after deducting decrease in the imports of Ita-
lians, an increased consumption of about 550,0001b5. weight
of silk. This has been caused by the good state of trade on
the continent, and coasequent high prices that have ruled
there, which has not only kept Italian silk from this mar-
ket, but has led to considerable exports of Bengal and
China silk in the raw and thrown state, both to France and
Germany, and must have materially assisted in keeping up
prices here.

COTTON.—LIvraPooL, JAN. 3.—The sales to-day are
estimated at 5,000 bales, and comprise 250 Fenian and
Maranham, at qd. to 60. ; 200 Egyptian, at 6id to 10d. ;
500 Surat, at 30. to 4ed. The market is a dull and steady
one, and prices are little changed since Friday. Import+
since Thursday, 15,000 bales.

CATTLE -D . (N PP ONSIIIRE) FAIR,
Jan. 3.—The supply of keeping stock at this fair ta-day
was unusually short, though the condition was good, time
of year considered. The demand for store Beasts of all ages
and breeds was brisk, the late high prices being easily ob-
tained, the advance being from 4ils. triode. in 12r. more than
last year. The Sheep trade was brisk fur those off gra-
velly soils, at late prices. But buyers were cautious, and
bought very sparingly those from wet heavy land, fearing
the rot will be very prevalent among them in the spring
from the wetness of the season, their wool being scarcely
ever dry. Cows for dairy purposes wero in good demand,
but sellers to effect sales wore obliged to submit to lower
figures. The Horse trade was in an active state for all
young animals at very high prices. Store Pigs improved
both in prices and demand. Small Calves for suckling or
weaning went np from 3s. to 4s. each.

Ltvaieoor., Jsx. 3.—Ml descriptions of stock have sold
well at market this monung. Beef, prime heifer, 51d. to
51d. ; mutton, best, 6d. to 61d. ; second class, Sid. to Gd.

Nozwicx, Jan. I.—Being the commencement of the new
year, we may observe that the number of Beasts and Sheep
of all abide was quite equal to the demand ; still prices
remain firm, with a good prospect for the future, keep being
so abundant, combined with a firmness in the corn market.
Good store Pigs, 161. to 20s. per head. Fat Pork, 51. 9d.
to 6s. 3d. per stone.

Wonnute FAIR, Jan. I.—The supply at this fair
to-day was not; sufficient to meet the demand, conse-
quently many buyers were unable to purchase according to
their requirements, which caused trade to be brisk. The
best descriptions of store Beasts of all breeds were bought
up without delay, prices in every instance ruling in favour
of sellers. The same may be said of the middling and
inferior class of animals, trade being good and all sold.
Of Sheep the supply was unusually short, and the quality
far from good, yet from the number of buyers trade was
active, and late prices fully sustained. A moderate supply
of milch and in-Calf Cows; the trade in them being dull,
at a decline of 211 s. to 301. per bead ; the topping prices for
the best Yorkshire bred being 181. Store Pigs in good de-
mand, and prices improving. Suckling Calves, 18s. to 21s.
each.

COALS.—Lowoow, JAN. 3.-Bhips at market, 24,
solo, 22.—Ravensworth West Hartley, 16s. 6d. ; Walls
End Clennel, 14s. 6d.; Walls End Rillingworth East,
14s. 6d.; Eden Main, 18s. 6d.• Walls Eud Braddyll,
184. 6d.; Walls End Russell's Hatton, 19s. ; Walls End
Stewart's, 195.; Walls End Cassel), 181.6 d.; Walls End
Brown's Deanery, 17s. 9d. ; Sidney's Hartley, 16s. 6d.