Production Off. TIME'S Index eased to 171.6 (estimated) in the April 4 week. Final figure for the preceding week was 172.0. A rise in steel output to an alltime peak was offset by lower miscellaneous freight loadings.

WPB this week gave steelmen a special pat on the back. They deserve it. At midnight March 31, American Rolling Mill's Middletown division broke all previous monthly records in blast furnace, open hearth and blooming, bar and strip mill departments; Weirton Steel and Republic Steel likewise turned in new records. Meanwhile other industries face complete shutdowns. All refrigerator and vacuum cleaner output will stop April 30, all small electrical appliances on May 31, all lawn mowers and toys (metal and plastic) on June 30.

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