The Sun.
London, England, 1845-01-07 00:00:00

THE IRON TRADE.

The iron trade of South Staffordshire is, we are
happy to say, in a most prosperous condition at the
present time, the demand for all descriptions of iron
being unusually great, and the stocks which have
been held on speculation being nearly all absorbed by
the anticipated demand for the new lines of railway.
Although the Board of Trade seem determined to
weed the different projects with an unsparing hand,
yet the extent to which they will be sanctioned by
the Legislature, justifies the opinion generally enter-
tained by the most extensive ironmasters, that a great
increase will be called for to supply this demand. In
anticipation of such a state of things, several large
works, which have been for a long time standing
still, are gradually getting into operation throughout
the district, and we are happy to say that the work-
men are likely to partake in the prosperity of the
trade by the advance of their wages. On the whole,
without being led away by expectations which might
seem to be fully borne out by the present aspect
of things, we think we may safely congratulate
those immediately engaged in, and dependent on, this
important branch of our national industry, on the
prospect of steady improvement which the opening of
the new year presents. Indeed, so brisk has every
department of the trade become throughout the South
Staffordshire district, that the masters have, within
the last few days, advanced their prices 103. per ton,
thus raising the value of iron to the same standard as
before the recent fall. The Welsh trade has also par-
taken of a similar improvement, and is considerably
advanced. In connection with the prosperity of the
staple manufacture of the district, our readers will be
glad to learn that the American trade is also brisk,
although the same activity does not exist that pre-
vailed a few months back. From information, how-
ever, that we have obtained from the best sources, we
believe a good trade may be calculated on during the
spring. The election of Mr. Polk is regarded as
rather favourable than otherwise to British manufac-
tures, but no change is anticipated in the existing
tariff.—Birmingham Journal.

GALLOPPING MATCH POR. FIFTY POUNDS.-011
Wednesday a match to gallop over 20 miles of ground
came off at Leatherhead Downs, Surrey. The race was
between Mr. Masse:lan's bay horse and Mr. Fenton's
brown mare. The terms of the match were to
gallop 20 miles each, and the horse performing
this distance in least time to be entitled to the stakes,
which was 251. a side—five miles of course was se-
lected. The horses kept together for two miles, when the
mare took a lead of about 300 yards, and came in this
distance in advance. At the completion of fire miles,
which occupied 17 minutes and 47 seconds, they were
pulled in and refreshed, and in three minutes were at
their work, and performed the next five miles in 18
minutes and 31 seconds, coming in nearly together, and
without evincing the least apparent distress. They
were allowed two minutes' breathing time, and re-
commenced their work with great speed. At the
conclusion of the next five miles the horse came
in at a lead of 400 yards. Fifteen miles had
now been accomplished in 54 minutes and 18
seconds. The horses were gruelled and remounted, and
started for the remaining five miles, and on the seven-
teenth mile the mare was at a good lead. The horse
was then pressed by its jockey, which duly complied,
and was quickly alongside its opponent, and on the ap-
proach of the 19th mile had succeeded in going a head,
and ultimately came in first by 200 yards. The last
mile was performed in two minutes and 38 seconds, and
the whole distance of 20 miles was accomplished in one
hour 12 minutes and 30 seconds. The animals were
ridden by their respective owners, and were jockeyed in
admirable style. The horses at the termination of the
race appeared not at all distressed.
HANDSOME AND NOVEL CHRISTMAS GIFT.—Mr.
John Allen, the contractor for keeping the line of the
Lancaster and Preston Railway in repair, has presented
every man in his employ (sixty-five in number), with a
fat goose.—Lancaster Guardian.
TILE HEROINE OF MATAGORDA•—We have much
pleasure in stating that the subscription to this deserv-
ing old woman now amounts to a sum sufficient to se-
cure her 301 a year for life, with a few pounds over to
set up house with. The money will be invested in
Glasgow, on her behalf, next week.—Glasyow Post,