6 JANUARY 1912, Page 11

At the beginning of the week there was no alteration

in the position of affairs in the cotton trade, but prospects of a settlement of the dispute became much more hopeful when it was announced on Tuesday night that Sir George Askwith would be in Manchester on the following day, and would re- ceive a deputation from the North and North-East Lancashire Spinners' and Manufacturers' Association. The official an- nouncement explaincerthat the object of the meeting would be to state clearly " the Association's attitude on the non-unionist question and their fixed determination to adhere to the position they have taken up." Friday's news shows that conversations between the representatives of both sides with Sir George are still going on.