The Express.
London, England, 1853-05-30 00:00:00

HARDWARE.

BIRMINGHAM, hint 28.—The healthy condition of trade
here at the present time, and for the last six or seven
months, has been fairly established by the trying test of a
deranged and fluctuating metal market; fur, notwithstand-
ing the unprecedented and unnatural excitement which has
prevailed as regards the price 01 raw materials, and the un-
certainty as regards quotations even for a single day, the
town has not yet famished a single mercantile casualty.
After these five or Ma months of feverish anxiety a change
for the better appears to be taking place, and prices have
undergone a subsidence (though far from their natural
level) and assumed something of a stesdinea and fixity, a
degree of esafideace has been imparted thereby which has
very naturally brightened the prospects of trade generally.
The pries of copper is still reported as somewhat
unsteady, but there seems to be very slight ground
foe apprehension on the subject of any Lather
advance, and certainly some of the branches most likely to
be affected have improved during the last fortnight. We
refer to cabinet brass foundry especially, which had suf-
fered to some extent ; the orders are now increasing daily
for the home trade, and we no longer hear complaints from
the manufacturers. As regards the brass bedstead mann-
.

facture, it remain* le pretty i.e Um mete emdition ; the
export orders have been so large sow for many months, and
this branch is daily growing's* rapidly that the effeetof prices
upon it was not very materially felt. The lamp and chan-
delier trade is brisk, and inasmuch as prices in this branch
had never been advanced in proportion to the rise in the
metal, the manufacturers will derive no advantage from the
reduced prices, although we believe that profits
are not cut down so finely in this trade as they
are in some others. The jewellery trade g Ily is
very good. Of such articles as gold chains, rings, broueltre,
for the weekly make, is probably four times larger than it
has ever been ; by far the larger 'melon of these articles are
for the export trade, and are cent away as fast as pro-
duced. The manufacturers of both light and heavy steel
toys have all of them fully sufficient orders to keep all their
men in full work, and we are informed that the OVV•
chants and factors have each considerable orders not yet
given out. The eleetrceplaters are not only in full work,
but many of these engaged in this novel and beautiful
branch have an accumulatioa of orders on hand weeks
ago waved, and still unexocuted. As far as we have
been able to ascertain, the condition of these trades to
which we have referred is to a large extent that of
the entire trade of the town ; there are no doubt
exceptional eases, but, as a whale, there appease to
be scarcely a pretext for grumbling, everybody is so
fully employed. The carpenters and jemmy' strike appears
to be well-nigh over; the (enemies on this Subject is ex-
tracted from the Journal of this morning:—" Yesterday
(Friday) evening, au amicable conference betwixt masters
and men, with a view to the settlement of the question, was
held at the Hen and Chickens Hotel. Five employers were
present, and the same number of workmen. The result of
an hours' conversation was embodied in the following
minute Mr. Owyther, as chairman, recommended the
deputation from the men to advise the acceptance of the
builders' former offer of an advance of 3d. per day, and
thud that in the course of two or three months, if provi•
lions and labour continued to advance as they were now
doing, they would feel disposed to give the other pency
asked for by the men ; but that in the meantime, and at
oace, the builders would agree to the hours of labour in the
shops ceasing at five o'clock on Saturday instead of half-pact
Of course the deputation gave no answer to the proposi-
tion, but later in the evening it was intimated to us by some
of the men that they had agreed to accept the terms ',tiered,
and would return to work on Monday."

ST. PETERSBURG, MAT 21.
Corn : There is some inquiry both for wheat and rye ; of
the former 2,000 cheat, taken for August delivery, at 23/
ro. ; of the latter 6,000 theta. on the spot, by foreign houses,
at 161 ro., and thedemand eon' inues, both on the spot and
on contract. Deals. Nothing done, many holders asking
7 ro. (241 ro. boo.) for redwood. Flax : Dull,with nothing
doing in the absence of the dealers. Hemp : Small pur-
chases have been making on the spot, at 91 to 90 for clean,
86 to &5 for outsliot, and SO far half clean. On contract it
is, dull, and our lower quotations would be accepted. Lin-
seed : For August delivery 2,000 ekes. Morshansk taken at
27 To., and 1,000 theta. Kaliscin, at 25 ro. with an advance,
and 28 ro. paid for Morshansk on the spot. Tallow has de-
clined without much business, to 138, 10 down, for August,
at which a few things have been done. Estimates of supply
have not altered materially, being, including town-melted
and wintering stocks, and deducting local coesump-
tion, about 103,000 casks for shipment. Imports:
Olive oil, nominal at 10 to 9! ro. Sugars A
large hu-ineu has been done, say about 10,000
boxes, at 25 to 251 ro. for White Havana*. Weather: The tint
arrivals took place the 29 ult, o. 0. ; but as only 7 British
vessels are yet in, freights are nominal. N.B.—ln addition
to the stocks wintering in the warehouses, there are this
year in second hands, detained by the sudden closing of the
navigation, about 11,000 pds. 12-head, 68,800 Os. 9-head,
and 16,500 oda. 6-head flax, and 13,600 pds. Tow and
Codilla—about 35,000 pds. hemp (of which 27,000 pds.
clean) ; and about 4,000 casks tallow—all against little or
nothing last year.

BRISTOL, MAT 27.
St OAR.—Several vessels have arrived here from the
West Indies this week, but their cargoes not being yet
ready for the market, the transactions in British planta-
tion sorts since our last are again confined to new Bsrbadoes,
fur which description there is a fair demand, and at fully
former rates. In Mauritius we are without sales to report
owing to the absence of a supply, bat a large business bas
again been done in foreign at about former rates. For re-
finers' produce of ell kinds there has been en excellent de-
mand, and prices may be quoted the turn in favour of the
sellers. In rum we have nothing to report.

COTTON.—LiumtPoox, Max 28.—Tha market closed
tamely and firmly without change in the quotations of
yesterday. The sales amounted to 7,000 bales, and com-
prised about 5,000 Americans (500 for export and 500 on
speculation) ; 700 Pertain and klaranham, Std. to 71d. ;
300 Egyptian, bid. to 10d. ; 1,000 Surat, 3!(1. to 4td-; 40
Sea Islands, 2s. to 2s. 10d.

MANCHESTER, MAY 24.—The market has not been
quite so brisk as those of Thursday and Tuesday, but the
advance of id. to per lb. on cotton yarns obtained on
Tuesday may be considered fully established, and there is a
large business doing. Yarns suitable to the India trade
are scarce, and exporters generally are rather free buyers.
Fine twist, counting from 90's to upward. of 1411's, warp
and weft, are in goo.' request at very full rates, and
doubled yarns are advancing in price. In cloths the de-
mand still runs upon the lighter fabrics; and madapollams,
jaceonets, printers, and India qualities of shirtings, com-
mand the beat prices. A gradual bat slight advance is
taking place in aU these cloths.
WOOLLEN CLOTIL—LEEDS, MAY 27.—We have no
change to report in the state of the market to-day. There
has been only a moderate business done, quite as much ss
could be expected, as there are many of the manufacturers
absent from the warket attending the Loudon wool sales,
and the coloured cloth hall is disarranged by the presence
of workmen, who are whitewashing and cleaning the in-
terior of the premises, consequently the ordinary business
of the market is considerably disturbed. The demand for
the spring trade hiving been supplied, those warehou.es
that are mainly engaged in that branch of the trade have
had a flit and quiet week, but the shipping houses are doing
a brisk trade in heavy goods.

CORN.—Bowrox, Nay 28.—Our market to-day has been
scantily supplied with Wheat, which met • fair demand at
fuos.lly Wednesday's prices. Red, 465. to 47a. ed. ; white,
6

CAMIRITIOII, May 28.—Without a large supply of any-
thing, all Corn, except Oats, met a ready sale at a trifle
more money than last meek. Wheat, 38,. to 425. Barley,
275. to 295. Beans, 341. to 365. Peas, 33e. to 365. Oats,
les. to 225.

CANTERBURY, May 28.—We had a short supply, and
priers about the sane. Old brown Wheat, 48e. ; new, 18..
to 44‘; new white, 445. to 435. Barley, 325. Oats, 20s. to
21.. Beaus, 345. to 38s. Peas, Me.

CastusLE, May 28.—The supply of grain in today's
market was about a usual ge. Wheat and Oats were
in demand, but Barley moved off more slowly, and at a
slight decline. Prices: Wheat, white, 21s. to 21s 6d.;
Barley, new, lle. 64. to 12e. Gd. ; Oats, potato, tie. Gd. to
9s. 9d. • common, Bs. to 9s. Pions, per stone, 2s. to 2s. 2d. ;
Ostmoil, le. 10d. ; Ryemeal, ls. 4d. to le. Bd.; Barleymeal,
le. M. to le. 4d.

GLonciavnu, May 28.—There was a good attendance of
buyers at to-day's market, with but a short supply of English
Wheat, for which very full prices wire paid. In foreign
more business doing, and in some instances, Is. per quarter
advance was established. Barley remains without alters.
tion. Beans held for Is. per quarter more snooty. The
supply of Oats was liberal, with a fair demand at full rates.
Imports of the week ending May 28 : Wheat, 10,638 qrs. ;
Barley, 120; Oats, 1,922; Beans, 1,491.
GUILDFORD, May 28.—There was a good display of
Wheat, but the quality being for the most part rough, it
was very difficult of disposal. Prices were much the same
as before. Wheat, 325. to 531. Barley, 265. to 325. Oats,
19s. to 235. Bean', 365. to 40s.
HERTFORD, May 28.—The Wheat trade to-day tot brisk,
still last weeks prices were supported ; supply gocd. But
little Barley offering, which sold at luto rates. Peas
and Beans made quite as much mosey. Oats ruled dull.
Wheat 23.. to 355. per load. Barley, 245. to 32.. per qr.
Oate, 15s. to 245. Peas, 22e. to 245. per load. Beans, 225.
to 2is. Tares, 22a. to 255. Rye, 19s. to 21s.

- -
MANCHESTER, MAT 28. During the present week
• firmer feeling has again beets experienced, and
although the trade has been far from brisk, a fair con-
sumptive demand has existed for most articles, at fully pre-
'lour prises. The arrivals of foreign wheat, Indian corn,
and flour at Liverpool continue to a foie extent, but from
other sources the supplies of all produce are scanty. Our
market this morning was not active, but much firmness
prevailed. The best runs of wheat, and approved quailtics
of fresh flour were held for extreme rates. Oats and oat-
meal were is fair request, and the former article must
again be noted the tura dearer.
NEWCASTLE-LEON-TINE, May 28.—The trade during
the present week has assumed more steadiness, and there
has been more confidence exhibited generally than has been
the cue fur some time past. In the absence of arrival' from
the coast, fresh thrashed foreign Wheats (whether new or
old) have been freely taken, superior new Wolgast red
making 495. to 495. Gd. ; old, 48s. 6d. ' • new Stralsund,4Bs. Gd.;
' old, 483. • new Holftein, 455. Gd. to 465. Gd. per qr., accord-
ing to quality, all weighed 631bs. per bushel. Considerable
inroads have also been made upon the stocks of Flour in
warehouse, households commanding 335. to 335. 6d. word-

ins to condition and the time they have been in granny. ,
Rye has sold at an improvement of Is.per qr., and Resits have '
been sought after, but with respect to other articles no int-
provement either in value or demsnd has been perceptible.
The advices received this morning from the B iltic are all of
• very firm tenor, and it would appear that shipments for
• time will be limited, wPhout prices in this country should .
advance to such an extent as to induce holders ou the other
side to make consignments. From Restock they write that
Oats will have to be imported for their local consumption,
whilst in some parts of the Continent Rye is selling at 361. per
qr. At our market this morning we had a scanty show of
WI. eat from the growers, as well as from the coast, but from
abroad the arrivals are to a fair 'Meat, several large parcels
basing dropped in which are not included iu our list of
arrivals; nevertheltss, fresh Qualities, being wanted, were
taken off freely at an advance of Is. to 21. per qr.; extra
farmers' red, weighing 64lbs. per bushel and upwards,
making 51c, and good rune, weighing 611b5., 48s, whilst
the new foreign red met attention at 48s. 64. for new Stettin
red, Stralsund, and Konigsberg, whilst for • superior lot of
Wolgast 50s. was refused. For Flour we received a fair,
steady inquiry, but any further attempt at advance was
sternly resisted by the dealer., although it is not improbable
that the rates at present demanded must be acceded shortly.
Rye must be written Is. to 2s. per qr. dearer, the best heavy
descriptions weighing about 60 lbs. per bushel being now
saleable at 365. per qe. Grinding Barley in better request
at 255. to 261. per qr., weighed o 6 lbs. per bushel. Malt
without change, and the same remarks will apply to Deans
and Peas. With Oats we were scantily suppiied, and all
fresh qualities sold freely at a shade iu favour of the seller.
Tho arrivals this week are: Wheat, coastwise, 3d qrs. ;
foreign, 1,411 ; Rye, coastwise, 40 ; Malt, 25; Oats, o 28;
Pea", foreign, 53; Beans, coastwise, 7; Flour, 1,179 sacks.

Nottwicti, May 28.—At our market this day a thin
attendanee•and a short supply of wheat induced our farmers
to demand.more money, and this, in keeping with the tone
of some of the leading markets, was ace:ceded to, though
scarcely to the extent of Is. per quarter, considering im-
proved condition. Flour was in slow request at 6d. per sack
advance, and but few f. o. b. sales were effected. Barley
for grinding purposes was inquired for and fully late prices
paid. Beans were a better offer and full prices paid. Peas
scarce and no alteration in value. Oa $ were a good sale at
late rates. We do not alter our quotations.
PETERBOROUGH, May 28.—We had a fair supply of
Wheat here to day, fine samples rather dearer, other sorts
as last week. Grinding Barley fully 2s. per qr. lower.
Oats unaltered in value. Beans ready sale at an advance of
Is. per qr.
READING, May 28.—Oar market exhibited a tolerable
supply of Wheat, with a thin attentlence of buyers. Only
the very best samples, of which there were but few, con-
mantled attention; those sold at fully last week's prices,
while secondary qualities must be called from Is. to 24. per
qr. lower. A shine supply of good English Oats, but the
utf, r of several foreign samples checked any improvement in
price. Other Corn without alteration.

Wtsuzeu, May 28.—The supply of Wheat is fair for the
time of Tear, but of other grain very short. Good fresh
Wbcat is in demand and fully Is. per qr. dearer. Oats,
Beans, and Barley find buyers at lest week's prices, with an
advance of 6d. upon Oats. The Spring crops are suffering
for want of rain.

Woacr.svms, May 28.—Our market was fairly attended,
and we bad an averege supply of Wheat, which was
cleared off early at an improvement of Is. per qr. Barley
held for rather more money. Oats realised quite as much
money, but no advance could be obtained. Beane scarce,
but no dearer.

YORK, May 28.—We have only a small show of wheat
which met a free sale at last wet k's prices. Beans rather
d . In ether articles no alteration. Wheat, white,
495. to Ile. per imperial qr. ; red, 40a. to 48e. Beaus,
38s. to 40s. Malt, 58s. to 6th. Oats' 9d. to 9id. per stone
of 141bs. Flour, 3-ss. to 38s. per sack of 2801bs.

WATERFORD, May 28.—Little addition has been made to
our stocks of foreign grain since this day sennight, the ar-
rivals of both Wheat and Indian corn for the week being
trifling. Our market has been characterised by less dulness
than of late, and in most articles of the trade a steady busi-
ness has been done at about former prices. Wheat.—The
finer qualities of foreign have been in improved request at
our former quotations, and inferior samples met more in-
quiry at prices which were hardly obtainable on Saturday
last. Barley has undergone no change. Oats in the early part
of the week were very difficult of sale, except at reduced
rates, but an active demand from some of the northern
markets having sprung up during the last day or two,
purchases cannot now be made on such easy terms. Indi in
Corn has met a fair inquiry at 2d. to 3d. per barrel below
the currency of this day se'nnight. Fleur unaltered in
value. Imports this week : —Wheat, 800 qrs. • Indian
Corti, 2,992; Flour, 10 sacks. Exports this week: Oats,
3,733 brls. Flour, I,o3osacks.

KIRKCALDY, May 28.—At our country markets this
week we had more inquiry for fresh Wheat and Oats than
for some time past, and sales were readily made at from
to 11. per qr. advance. Very little Barley, Beane, or
Peas remain with farmers. Here to-day we bad small sup-
plies of all kinds of grain. We experienced a good local de-
mend, and prices for all qualities were in favour of sellers.
Wheat, 425. to 50s. per qr.; Barley, 275. to 339. 041, 181.
to 224. Oatmeal, per bag of 280ibs., 28s. to 299.

POULTRY, dtc.-NZWOATI AND LIADENNALL, MAY
28.-Grese, ds. to 7s.od. ; turkeys,los.oll. to Os. each ; ducks,
2s. 611. to 34.8 d.; tame rabbits, lc 6.1. to 2s. Od. ; wild ditto,
8(1. to Is. 2d. ; pigeons, 61. to 10d. each; roasting pigs, Os.
Oil. to Os, Od. each ; Surrey fowls, 6s. to 91. 6(1. ; ditto
chickens, ss. to 7s. Od. ; barn-door fowls, 31. 61. to Gs. per
couple ; pheasants, Os. to Os.; partridges, Os Od. to Os. Od. ;
hares, 2s. Oil. to 2s. 9(1. ; leverets, Os. to Os. Od. ; woodcocks,
2s. 6d. to 35.6 d. ; grouse, Os. to Os.; snipes, 9d.to ls. 6d.; teal,
6(1. to 9(1.; wild ducks, Is. 31. to 2s. 0(1.; widgeons, 9d. to
Is. Od. ; and plovers, 6(1. to Is. each. English eggs, 711.6(1. to
Bs. 3d. ; French ditto,6s.6(l. to 7s. 01. per 120; Fresh but-
ter, 10d. to L. Id. per lb.

FISH.-BILLINOMIATII, MAY 28.-Salmon, Is. 61. to 2s
per lb.; turbots, Gs. 04. to 125.; brills, Os. Od. to Os.; cod &hi
2s. 64. to 76. Od. each ; soles, Bd.to 2s. 2d. per pair ; Eels,
61. to Is. per lb. ; lobsters, Bd. to 2a.; crabs, W. to 2s. OIL
each; whiting., 3s. Od. to 6.. per das. ; haddocks, 44. to Is.
M.; dory., 2s. 611.t0 10.. ; mullets, Is. to ss. each ; common
oyster., 6. tol2s. ; natives, 365.t0 429. per bushel ; mackarel,
50s. to 60s. per 100 ; smelts, 6d. to Is. 61. per doz.; skate,
ad. to Od. pet lb. ; shrimps, Is. 6d. to 2s. 34. per gallon ;
bloaters, Is. ld. to 24. 34. per dozen ; fresh herrings, 3s. to
3s. 9d. per 100 ; plaice, 4s. to 6.. per 100 ; carp, Is. to.
la. each ; tench, ls, to 2s. per brace ; guroet., 64. to Is.
each ; halibut, 6d. per lb. ; s►lt fish,2d. tosd. per lb.