REVIEW OF THE WOOL TRADE, 1850.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 24, 21 June 1851, Page 3

REVIEW OF THE WOOL TRADE, 1850.

(From the Circular of Abraham Garlside and Co.,

Liverpool.)

The result of the wool trade, for the last twelve months, must, on the whole, have proved extremely satisfactory to the grower, importer, and manufacturer. During this period the consumption has been »<>ing steadily forward to aa immense extent, ami still continues very

brisk. The exports of woollen manufactures (of various kinds) for the concluding year, present a remarkable increase, being one-third more than 1849, and double 1839: while at the same time, the home market has been, and still is, a large customer. Prices of most descriptions of the raw material rose considerably in the spring-, but afterwards flagged, and in summer and autumn the advance was lost; in October, buyers again operated boldly, and prices now close very (irmly, at an advance of about fifteen per cent, upon this period last year. There has been a gradual increase during the last few years in the weight of wool imported into England, but a reference to the list of exports to France, Belgium, and other Continental States, as well as to the United States, shows that the quantity actually retained for home consumption the present year, is eight per cent, less than 1849, and eighteen per cent, less than 1848. Stocks are reduced to an insignificant amount, and are totally inadequate to the demand. At present tempting prices will induce additional imports, some degree of caution is requisite, but we do not, for some time to come, expect any accumulation of stock. In the following details is given a comparative statement of the imports into England of various kinds for three years, those for the present being made up to the 28th ultimo. Australian. —The receipts are 137,790 bales in 1850, against 125,732 in 1849, and 110,941 in 1848. This wool maintains its high character, and seems destined to displace in]the home market, eventually, the growth of Germany, as this latter country did that of Spain. The export demand also is very considerable. Besides the older colonies, New Zealand bids fair to become another source of supply, being admirably adapted for the growth of a fine healthy class of wool, and has this year sent upwards of 1500 bales. Liverpool, at length, seems likely to obtain a fairer share of the Australian trade, several leading houses having taken steps for encouraging it, and, as a necessary adjunct, a numerous fleet of fast-sailing ships have been some time organized, and they are now despatched with unvarying punctuality. Capis of Good Hope.—The receipts are 20,478 bales in 1850, against 20,345 in 1849, and 13,409 in 184S ; it has readily found purchasers at a relative value to the above. The consumption is principally in Yorkshire and Scotland ; therefore, the proximity of this port to these places points it out as an advantageous market.

We publish with great pleasure the following testimonials, which have been presented to Capt. T. Spencer, of the " Steadfast." The passage of this ship seems to have been in every respect a most auspicious one. We have an interesting: account of it for publication next week, and hope also to receive a sketch of the voyage of the " Duke of Bronte," for the same purpose.

On hoard the " Steadfast," off Port Lyttelton,

New Zealand, June 9, 1851,

Dear Sir, —You must permit me, before taking leave of you, and quitting the good ship the " Steadfast," to tender you my wannest thanks for the very valuable assistance you have rendered me in the discharge of my duties as Surgeon-Superin-tendent, during our voyage from London to this Port. That we have been singularly blessed in having so small an amount of sickness, I acknowledge with humble gratitude to the Great Giver of all good, and that I'have been enabled to maintain so much order, cleanliness, and (I believe I may add) contentment, amongst the steerage passengers, I attribute most thankfully to the readiness, kindness, and efficiency with which you have at all times advised and co-operated with me, whilst to your own courteous and conciliatory conduct to all on board, I may safely refer the almost perfect feeling of unanimity that has so happily marked our voyage. That you will take with you the best wishes of us all, I need only to refer you to the addresses you have received from both the cabin and steerage passengers. In the sentiments expressed in them 1 beg to join most cordially, as well to yourself as to your chief-officer (Mr. Murray), your mates and crew, from one and all of whom I have always received the utmost civility and attention. And if my poor testimony would have any weight, I can with perfect confidence say, that no person could possibly be better fitted for the command'of an emigrant vessel than yourself. Wishing you all the success you so highly merit, believe me, Dear Sir, yours very faithfully, (Signed) John Seager Gundry.

On board the "Steadfast," June 7, 1851

"We the cabin and intermediate passengers, by the ship "Steadfast," from London to New Zealand, unite to offer our most hearty thanks to Captain Spencer. "We wish to convey to him in terms as strong as possible, our sense of his untiring patience, great kindness, and all the other qualities which so eminently fit him for the command of an emigrant ship. At the same time that every indulgence consistent with the safety of the ship, has been allowed us, its dicipline has been strictly maintained; and though every latitude has been given to individuals, none have been permitted to become annoying to the rest. "While we thank Captain Spencer for the trouble he has taken, we admire the tact and ability he has thus shewn. We congratulate him on this quick and prosperous voyage, which, by the blessing of Divine Providence has been without sickness or death. Captain Spencer lias been well supported in his efforts to smooth all difficulties by the chief-officer, Mr. Murray, and we beg him to convey to this gentleman our best thanks. "With a fervent prayer for the success of the good ship and her crew, we leave the "Steadfast," and we repeat in the words of one of her passengers, Success to the " Steadfast," Success to her crew ; May she sail many years, Safely and true. May her good commander, long Live to enjoy, The fruit of his labours, In Neptune's employ. (Signed by all the Chief Cabin and Intermediate passengers.)

Ship " Steadfast," June 8, 1851,

Thomas Spencer, Esq,

Sir, —We, the undersigned steerage passengers, (for ourselves and. families,) beg to return you our sincere thanks for the kindness and attention you have shewn towards us upon all occasions,during the passage from England to New Zealand. Wishing you a prosperous voyage in returning to England, and that success and happiness may attend you through life. We remain, Sir, yours very respectfully, (Signed by all the Steerage passengers.)