The Sun.
London, England, 1851-04-29 00:00:00

STATE OF TRADE.

BIRMINGHAM, SATURDAY.—lnquiries during the pre-
sent week in the neighbourhood of Dudley have con-
firmed conclusions previously expressed as to the unsatis-
factory state of the iron trade; and advices received by
the last packets from the United States give little en-
couragement to the exportation of the raw material from
these districts. The proprietors of some of the most ex-
tensive establishments state that the demand for iron is
comparatively small, and, as is known (from the rates
fixed upon at the last quarter-day), prices are barely re-
munerative; in some instances they are ruinously under
the mark. But although prospects are so cheerless, fur-
naces for the most part remain in blast, and, so far as we
could judge from a cursory view of the most densely
populated parts of the iron districts, there did not appear
to be any observable or material cessation of employ-
ment; but how matters are to improve without a reduc-
tion of make is a problem yet to be solved.
The decreased demand for British iron in North Ame-
rica owing to the repletion of the market is not the only
depressing circumstance in connexion with the manu-
facturing interests of this neighbourhood and their trans-
atlantic commerce. Within these few weeks locks,
bolts, and other door fittings, the make of which has
hitherto been confined chiefly to Willenhall, Walsall,
Darlaston, and other contiguous localities, have been
introduced amongst the factors of Birmingham and Wol-
verhampton, as of American make. Samples of cham-
ber bolts have been exhibited which Staffordshire ma-
nufacturers assert are offered one-third cheaper than
they could afford to make them. It is somewhat singu-
lar, however, that while this kind of iron ware is im-
epxorptoerdtsattosuch
Americalow of
pricoetshefrromdestehreipUtionnitsedofStates,the
manufac-
tured metal goods remain unabated.

Amongst Other branches of Birmingham trade at pre-
sent particularly active may be mentioned that of steel
toys. The name does not truly denominate the manu-
facture. Steel toys consist of chisels,
pincers, and other
iron and steel implements of a like description. The
make is now unusually large, and the demand for Shef-
field files so great that the factors experience great dif-
ficulty in obtaining the execution of their orders. The
steel-pen trade, now carried on in Birmingham to an
immense extent, continues its career of prosperity. Mr.
Gillott, the eminent manufacturer, has considerably en-
larged his establishment; and Mr. Mitchell and other
pen-makers of repute are in full work. The electro-plate
trade is also thriving. Although a comparatively late
discovery, electro-plate, like plate-glsss, has already
become of every-day domestic use, and finds employ-
ment in its manufacture for no inconsiderable number of
our industrial population. The Messrs. Elkington's
works in Newhall-street are busily occupied, a large pro-
portion of their productions being for exportation.
Amongst the most splendid specimens of this modern
discovery exhibited in the Crystal Palace will be found
the productions of Messrs. Elkington.
The copper trade is brisk. The demand for the lamp
manufacture and all description of tubing at the present
time© is unusually large; so much so, that some of the
first houses are almost run out of stock, and prices, con- 1
sequently, remain high. Locomotive tubing carries off
an immense quantity of copper, and is now in great re-
quest. The brass foundry business remains steady, and,
notwithstanding continental competition, large quantities
of brass manufactured goods continue to be exported.
Some of our factors speak unfavourably of the state of
the home trade with regard to the demand for Binning-
ham manufactures; but, generally speaking, there are
fewer complaints than gratulations.
MANCILESTETI, SATURDAY.—There is no little difficulty
at the present moment in arriving at a correct view of