23 DECEMBER 1905, Page 14

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—The Lancashire cotton trade that was " going " has made in profit this year £680,000. This sum is the net gain of eighty-eight mills, representing 7,300,000 spindles with a share capital of £3,500,000, the loans amounting to £1,700,000. Actual figures are not available for over 650,000 looms—a separate weaving business from spinning—but the profit I estimate to be larger per cent. on capital employed than in the eighty-eight yarn factories referred to above. Surely it is unnecessary to add a word of comment.—I am, Sir, &c., lifelbrook, Bowdon. WILLIAM TATTERSALL.