asrfut 3rt3, fasliious, tratr, kr.
TO CORB.ESPONDENTS AND ENQUIRERS.
The applications which we receive from readers for information where they can ob- tain articles mentioned in this department are increasing in number. One cor- respondent among several others this week, asks us to point out " a good bat- ter." We can only reply, that hatters of all grades may be found in London without much difficulty; for our correspondent will perceive that it is not our office to criticize tradesmen in general, or to indicate preferences. Let us repeat, that in many cases inquirers will learn what they want through the or- dinary advertisements ; for many of the articles which we more precisely describe are announced, for instance, in that universal advertiser, the Times. but where the querist furnishes us his own name and address we usually give a direct private answer. By degrees the object of this department, and the spirit in which it is conducted, will be understood. In the meanwhile we may explain to some of our newer friends that the purpose is to supply intelligence,—to let that vast customer, Society, know the varied appliances which practical science, art, and Industry are daily multiplying; and to let the intelligent trading community obtain, for its information and guidance, a more comprehensive survey of its own progress. This purpose has suggested a branch of newspaper reporting which may be novel, but which we believe to be useful. It is quite distinct from the miser- Using department, with which the editor does not seek to interfere.
At Stafford, the notice lately given by the manufacturers, of their in- tentions to give out machine sown tops to their workmen, has resulted in causing great numbers of the men to return their work and lasts. Many weeks back we called attention to the threatening aspect of affairs in this branch of manufacture, and anticipated the results, which we regret to find have been fully borne out by what has taken place, both at Stafford and Northampton.
In Derby there are great complaints of the scarcity of labour in the silk trade. Some firms are blamed by their fellow manutheturers for re- sorting to the system of giving their foreman 6d. and 18. per hand pre- mium, for all the new ones which they set down, which is thought an unwise practice.
At Leek, in Staffordshire, all the manufacturers are full of orders, and trade is as brisk as it can possibly be. A good deal of curiosity exists in the neighbourhood, as to the question to whom the beautiful estate of Alton Towers, lately the residence of the Earl of Shrewsbury, will be ad- judicated, a question which is expected to be decided almost immediately.
Trade is extremely depressed in Nottingham just now. The town has suffered dreadfully from the late losses caused by America, and in addi- tion, various branches of the lace trade have been in an unsettled waver- ing state for some time past. We should offer by way of suggestion to our Nottingham friends possessing idle looms, the expediency of turning their attention to the manufacture of irinuninge, certain descriptions of which, capable of being manufactured by Nottingham machinery, would find a ready sale in the market.
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