26 DECEMBER 1868, Page 2

The majority of the cottonspinners in Lancashire have resolved to

go upon half-time. It appears from the speeches at a meeting of the masters that there is some dissension between the great and little manufacturers, the former ascribing the difficulties of the trade to the price of cotton, which has risen again to 11d. per lb. The latter seem more inclined to talk of over-production, and pro- bably both accounts are true, the demand for goods at present prices being much less than the demand for them at old rates, while the production would fully supply the latter. Whatever the cause, Lancashire, with its mills at half-time, will have a wretched winter.