The Sun.
London, England, 1848-07-13 00:00:00

IRON MASTERS' QUARTERLY

MEETING.
WOLVERHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY.—The first of the
usual series of iron master's quarterly meetings for South
Staffordshire, was held yesterday at Walsall, and the
second to-day, at the Swan Hotel in this town. The
attendance was by no means numerous, and little busi-
ness was done. The orders for manufactured iron were
represented to be steady, and it was generally supposed,
from present appearances, that prices would not be lower
than at present for some time to come. The reduction
of 20 per cent., declared at Stewponey, is very naturally
thought to be quite sufficient to meet existing emergen-
cies. Orders to some amount have recently been received
from America, and many of the great London houses are
stated to be without a ton of iron in stock. The present
prices are:—Bars 61. 10s., hoops 71., and sheet 81. Great
hopes are entertained for the future, and, as a proof; it
it may be mentioned that one large firm in the neigh-
bourhood has recently declined to execute an order for
1,000 tons at present prices, on the consideration that
the delivery was extended over a period of nine months.
For pigs the figure may be quoted at from 3/. to 3/. 10s.;
one order to-day was accepted for 300 tons, at half-a-
crown higher than would have been given a fortnight
ago. Notices have been given to the men employed in
several of the largest works for a reduction of 20 per
cent. in wages, and owing to circumstances the employed
have generally quietly acceded to the terms dictated by
the masters.

The coal masters have determined not to reduce the
price of coal, so that at the great meeting in Birmingham
the prices of this important material will in all probality
remain stationary.

AGED AND DECAYED FREEMASONS' ASYLUM.—
The annual general meeting of the friends and sub-
scribers to the above institution took place last evening
at Radley's Hotel, New Bridge-street, Blackfriars, IL
T. Crucefix, L.L.D., in the chair. The minutes of the
previous quarterly meeting having been read and con-
firmed, the Secretary, Mr. John Whitmore, read the
cash accounts for the year, from which it appeared that
at the last audit there was a balance in the hands of the
treasurer of 3931. Is. 9d., cash since received, 445/. I Is. Bd.;
making a total of 8381. 13s. sd. The payments during
the same period had been, annuitants and general dis-
bursements, 167/. 4s. 6d.; deposited on account of pur-
chase of land, 100/.; making a total of 267/. 45. 6d.,
which leaves a. balance of 571/. Bs. I Id.; of which there
is in the banker's hands, 462/. 13Q. 3d., and 108/. 15s. Bd.
with the treasurer. Tho funds of the institution are as
follows;—.Invested in the Consols, 3,553/. 18s. 1 Id.• in
the Savings Bank, 130/.; in the treasurer's and banker's
hands, 571/. Bs. 11d.; deposited for land, 1004, making
a grand total of 4,3551. 7s. 10d. The report having been
adopted, the officers for the ensuing year were appointed,
amongst whom were the Earl of Aboyne, Lord South-
ampton, the Hon. Colonel Anson, M.P., B. B. Cabuell,
M.P., and Dr. Crucefix, as trustees. After the tran-
saction of business of minor importance, a vote of
thanks was passed to the chairman, and the proceedings
terminated.

EXPENSE OF THE GOVERNMENT MAIL STEAMERS
BETWEEN LIVERPOOL AND KINGSTOWN.—In the Post-
office accounts there is a return showing the total ex-
pense incurred for the packet service in the year 1847;
and it appears that the mail packets on the six home
stations cost net 85,833/. 14s. Bd. Of this sum the five
packets between Liverpool and Kingstown, cost
43,992/. 6s. 10d. Deducting from this sum 6,7081. 19s.
received for passage-money, freight, &c., and
2731. 13s. 10d. for miscellaneous items, making a total
receipt of 6,982/. 12s. 10d. It appears that the excess of
expenditure was no less than 37,009!. 14s. The expen-
diture is made up of 28,041/. (including 11,1421. for :the
engines and boilers of the Medusa and the Urgent) for
hulls, masts, yards, rigging, coals, stores, and repairs;
of 3,2341. 6s. 2d. for pay allowances and wages of parties
belonging to the shore establishment; and 11,3981. 19s. 9d.
for corresponding items to parties belonging to the es-
tablishment afloat. Altogether, there are sixteen mail
packets between Great Britain and Ireland, viz., five
between Liverpool and Kingstown; four between:Holy-
head and Kingstown; five between Milford and Water-
ford; and two between Portpatrick and Donaghadee.—
Lirerpool Courier.
MONEY-MARKET.—The premium on gold at Paris
is 16 per mille, which, at the English Mint price of 31.
17s. 10i d. per ounce for standard gold, gives an ex-
change of 25.55; and the exchange at Paris on London
at short being 25.45, it follows that gold is 0.39 per cent.
dearer in Paris than in London. By advices from Ham-
burgh the price of gold is 437 per mark, which, at the
English Mint price of Si. 17s. 10Ad. per ounce for
standard gold, gives an exchange of 13.11 ; and the
exchange at Ham burgh on London at short being 13.9 i,
it follows that gold is 0.69 per cent. dearer in Hamburgh
than in London. The course of exchange at New York
on London is quoted by the last arrivals at 109} per
cent., and the par of exchange between England and
America being 109 23-40 per cent., it follows thattthe
the
against exchange is 0.08 per cent. England; bu
quoted exchange at New York being for billse
aabto6 veo
days' sight, the interest must be deducted from the
difference.
SIR JOHN FRANKLIN'S EXPEDITION.—The Hud-
son's Bay Company, at the solicitation of the ththeeLirourgdesuotsf
the Admiralty, have issued instructions
to provide stores of provisions, &c., at Fort Good Hope
and
der
Franklin and his
otherthat sbtauatitoan, scsrietwueatwedhieohn
maythe Mbeacdkeeixeihe
searching expedition after edßiivneri hin
e
gthaelirlanpterciloomupsauliniodnerstatnaYg.
be relieved and sustained
Sir John