67 
they had running about 404,000 spindles, and 9,400 looms. 
In 1866, just ten years ago, Burnley had just recovered or 
was just recovering from the more immediate effects of the 
Cotton Famine, and about 80 firms were engaged in the cotton 
trade. ‘The number of spindles running was about 650,000, and 
of looms about 21,000. 
At the present time the number of firms is about 100, and 
the total number of spindles is as nearly as can be ascertained 
882,000, and of looms 26,500. 
The per centage of increase is therefore as follows :— 
Per Per 
Spindles. cent. Looms. cent. 
Increase of 1866 on 1853 146,000 36 11,600 123 
fe 1876 on 1853 478,000 218 17,100 182 
ce 1876 on 1866 232,000 36 5,500 26 
I now come to deal with the question put by our worthy 
president to the meeting of the Club on the 23rd November last. 
*s‘ The President wished to put it to the gentlemen present, many 
of whom were so largely engaged in the staple commodity. Had 
Burnley attained its maximum in cotton manufactures? Was it 
going to develope still further or decline? He was officially 
connected with many of the mills in the town, and the reason 
he put his questions was this, that within the last ten years one 
new mill had been built in Burnley, and probably a few additions 
had been made, but he could name twelve mills that were now 
standing which were running ten years ago.” 
The figures I have already given showing an increase during 
the last ten years of 232,000 spindles and 5,500 looms at work 
within the Borough, the increase being after the rate of 386 and 
26 per cent. respectively are, I venture to submit, a triumphant 
answer to the question pat by the president. The large increase 
in the population of the Borough as well as the number of oceupied 
houses are all strong confirmations of the same fact. But I have 
taken the 12 mills mentioned by the President, and the total 
capacity of the whole represents 86,852 spindles and 1,149 
looms only. 
In looking over the names of firms engaged in the cotton 
trade at the various periods named, one cannot help being im- 
pressed with the precarious and shifting character of the cotton 
trade. Of all the firms in existence in 1824, only 52 years ago, 
not one exists at the present time, and in four instances only are 
the descendants of the cotton spinners and manufacturers of that 
time now engaged in the same trade as their forefathers. The 
frightful ravages in the ranks of spinners and manufacturers 
caused by the American Civil War are painfully apparent on 
comparing the names on the lists for 1853 and 1876. Of the 
*The late Dr. Coultate who was certifying surgeon under the Factory Acts 
made the statement here given. 
