The Sun.
London, England, 1860-04-02 00:00:00

STATE OF TRADE.

LEEDS, March 30.—The following is the trade
report of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce for the
month of March :—" Woollen Trade.—The continued
inclemency of the weather has had a depressing in-
fluence on the spring trade, a less amount of business
having been transacted in the warehouses than was
to be expected. The manufacturers are, nevertheless,
still very well employed. Prices remain firm. Wool.
—At the public sales of colonial wools in London,
which concluded on the 20th inst., the attendance of
buyers was large, and the purchases on foreign ne"
count were larger than for several sales past. There
was fair animation in the biddings, and prices on
the average may be quoted fully equal to the last
series, the most lively competition being for the
better descriptions. Trade in the warehouses mod
tinues steady, which applies equally to English
as to colonial wools, and a fair amount of busi-
ness has been done in the former at a slight
advance of prices, the aspect of the male"
being firm. Flax. The supplies of flat
are eagerly bought up in all the continents'
markets, and prices are decidedly harder than at the
date of the last report of this Chamber. Through'
out the month there has been a fair demand for
yarns, and spinners have had no difficulty in 13,h"
taining full list prices. The machinery in the spin-
ning mills is generally working to order. Leather'
—A tranquil tone has prevailed in this branch
of business during the month, purchases being
limited to immediate requirements. In prices thers
is no change worthy of note, and the production
and consumption of this article appear to be
nearly equal. The manufacture of boots and shoes,
is in a satisfactory condition. Seed Crushing and
Oil Trade.—There has been an active demand for
olive oil during the month,except for floating care*
although prices are well supported; and according
t 3 accounts from Naples, notwithstanding the ill;
creased duty, business in oils does not seem ebsckew
There has been a large demand for rape oil, it
being very freely used by our own manufacturers,
the price being so much lower than that of olive
oil. Linseed oil is exceedingly firm in price, with
an upward tendency, the weekly exports from the
outports being large. Iron and Machine Trades...."
The forges are all in :a very active condition. it
the machine trade there is a very fair amount 0'
orders on hand for flax machinery, chiefly for export
to Belgium and Germany. The general machine
tool trade is in a very brisk state, especially in the
completion of Government orders. Corn—The mar;
ket at the commencement of the month for who'
was of a dull character, and the closing rates of th°
previous month were with difficulty maintainen,'
A marked improvement in the demand, with a Inv
derate supply, took place on the 13th, and een:
tinued to the close of the month, prices ending
from 38. to 4s. per qr. dearer. Good barley Oh'
tinues in request, and fully maintains its val nes
Oats and beans have been in fair demand, and IV
prices are obtained."
MANCHESTER, 30TH.—Although it might not
quite correct to say that the market for manufee‘
tures is generally in a better position than on Tnet
day, there is no doubt that some of the uneasinele,
from political causes which on that day interfel'
with business has now given place to a more hop'
ful feeling. There is still a great deal of cantle!
on the part of purchasers in goods, some of which
may be ascribed to the advance in the rate of low
rest. However, there is also great firmness, owing
to the extent to which manufacturers are still en"
gaged with previous contracts, and a tolerably eq.
fident anticipation that the demand, hitherto
checked from week to week for some time
must soon become more pressing. In yarns tne,
is a more manifest improvement ; in various branches
there is more activity than on Tuesday, more stier
ness in the quotations, and increased hope of stn'
bility in the trade.