12 DECEMBER 1903, Page 15

THE IRON AND STEEL TRADE. [To THE EDITOR OF THE

"SPECTATOR."]

Srn,—A remarkable comment on such a jeremiad over the iron and steel trade as Mr. Brailsford indulged in a short tone ago is afforded by the following Return published by the British Iron Trade Association this week :—

' aura OP PIG-IRON DURING THE FIRST HALF OF

1901 1902 1903

3,884,544 tons 4,096,478 tons 4,378,996 tons

MARE OF BESSEMER STEEL INGOTS DURING THE FIRST HALE OF 1902 1903

888,378 tons 911,670 tons

PRODUCTION OF STEEL BAILS DURING THE FIRST HALF OP 1902 1903

410,420 tons 483,964 tons."

Our iron trade is indeed going—" strong." Cheer up ! Jeremiah.—I am, Sir, &c.,