RADAR FENCE across far northern Canada will be built by Western Electric Co. for an estimated $250 million. Though costs will be borne jointly by the U.S. and Canada, Western Electric will act as prime contractor for the entire project, has allocated actual construction subcontracts to three groups of firms, two from Canada to build the eastern and central sections of the fence, and one from the U.S.

FARM MORTGAGES have soared to the highest point since 1933, with debts of $8 billion, a $500 million increase over a year ago. But property values have climbed so fast, says the Government's Farm Credit Administration, that the debt figure is only a small fraction (about 9%) of the total $90 billion value of U.S. farm real estate (in 1933 the debt was 25% of a $30.7 billion value).

MILK-PRICE CONTROLS by the states are weakening under pressure from the consumers. Florida's Milk Commission, whose pegged prices are among the highest in the U.S., has just opened the way for more competition by voting to allow retailers up to 15% cuts in their minimum prices.

LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION, in production since 1943, through eight versions, has now passed $1 billion in sales, the first transport plane in history to top the mark. So far, about 650 of the shark-bodied, triple-finned planes have been built or ordered by the military services and 26 airlines. Biggest commercial customer: T.W.A., which will have 101 Connies flying when it gets delivery of its latest $46 million order for 20 Super Constellations.

EGG SHORTAGE will increase consumer prices sharply by next winter after a six-month decline which dropped prices in December to the lowest point since 1941. Producers have sold off a large percentage of their flocks and in January hatched 21% fewer chicks than a year ago. By July, egg production will be down considerably below the normal seasonal slump and prices will jump.

INVESTMENT GUARANTEES against expropriation and nonconvertibility will be given to U.S. investors by Costa Rica, thus making it the second Latin American nation (after Haiti) to accept the provisions of the 1954 Mutual Security Act. Under the Act, President Eisenhower can make 20-year guarantees of approved investments up to the amount of dollars invested plus profits, but only if the nations involved make similar guarantees.

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAIN, which all railroads are talking about, will be ordered by the Pennsylvania. Costing about $1,000,000, it will be a Talgo-type express (TIME, April 18, 1949) made up of low-slung, tubular cars holding 600 passengers.

FROZEN ORANGE-JUICE prices will go up because of the recent cold snap in Florida and pessimism about next year's crop. Two big producers, Birds Eye and Libby, McNeill & Libby, have just boosted wholesale prices 5-c- per dozen six-oz. cans, and the rest of the industry may follow suit. Retailers are expected to pass on the increase.

RAILROAD MERGER between the New York, New Haven & Hartford and the Boston & Maine will be the subject of an ICC investigation if Massachusetts' Senators Leverett Saltonstall and John Kennedy have their way. They have sent ICC a letter stating that the merger may come about within 45 days through purchase of large blocks of B. & M. stock by the New Haven interests. The Senators want the ICC to hold hearings on the merger.

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