IT LIES WITH THE WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 148, 24 June 1915, Page 7

IT LIES WITH THE WORKERS

LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH WE CAN SURPASS THE ENEMY'S OUTPUT (Received June 24, 10 a.m ) • LONDON, 23rd June. Mr. Lloyd George, in introducing the Munitions Bill, said that the condition of our ammunition was perfectly known by the enemy. The cardinal fact was that ultimate victory depends on the supply of munitions. We have an undoubted superiority in men, both in numbers and quality, and if in earnest we could surpass the Austro-German output. The surplus of engineering resources available for the war was greater than in France. LONDON TO BE ANOTHER WOOLWICH ARSENAL. "If we produced in the next few months as much as France is likely to produce," continued the Minister, "the Allies would have an overwhelming superiority." Victory can only be by organising and mobilising the whole of the Empire's engineering and chemical resources. Speaking frankly, the armament firms have been inadequate to the gigantic task thrust upon them. Busi- , nes? men had assured him that London Would soon be another Woolwich Arsenal, enabling it to turn out a prodigious quantity of shells. Real progress was being already made in each department. Lord Moulton had rendered splendid service, and he was fortunate in securing Sir Percy Girouard's services. There would be ten ammunition areas in the kingdom, each under a Committee of Management, of local business men, assisted by an extra, engineer. CONTROL OF METAL MARKET. Mi\ Lloyd George said he regretted that there were indications of holding up of supplies in certain quarters, in view of higher prices. * This was causing serious delay, and it might ultimately be necessary for the State to completely control the metal market. It would be months before the maximum output would be secured. What would happen in the meantime was the question of labour. Whatever the next German move, it was vital for the retention of our positions that every machine-gun possible should be produced. * It is within the power of skilled labour to supply these guns in tho next- few months. AN APPEAL TO THE WORKMEN. "We must appeal to the workmen at this time of dire peril to put forward their whole strength to help their fellows in the field, relying on the nation to see that they have fair play at the end of the Avar.'' IT IS "UP TO US". "fThe authorities were getting as many skilled" engineers back from the army as possible. If the supply of labour was inadequate, compulsion was inevitable. Germany had prepared for years, and had remained on the best of terms with everybody, while she accumulated war stores in order to take her neighbours unawares, and murder them in their sleep. If that kind of trickery among nations succeeded, all the basis of international goodwill would crumble into dust. It was essential for the peace of the world that it should fail; and it was up to us to see that it did fail. It depended more upon Britain than upon anyone." . EXCELLENT IMPRESSION IN FRANCE. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) (Received June 24, 8 a.m.) LONDON; 23rd June. An' excellent impression has 'been produced in France by the creation of a Ministry of Munitions in England, and hopes are expressed that it is the beginning of an understanding of the real seriousness of the struggle. The French are nearer the war. and know what it means. MEN DOING INCREASED WORK. LONDON, 23rd June. It is said that a firm manufacturing big shells finds that the men do 30 per cent, more work than during the time of peace. They know they are sharing in the gieat work of a war for the redemption of the world. (Press Association.) SHELLS GOING OUT BETTER. , (Received June 24, 3.30 a.m.) LONDON, 23rd June. . Lord Kitchener, in a letter to Mr. Ben Tillett, says : "We are doing all in our power to give the troops the munitions they require. High explosive 18pounder shells are now going out better." SHELLS FROM AUSTRALIA. (Received June 24, 11 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. The first report of the Munitions Committee says that many firms are capable of producing shell-bodies, once they are furnished with specifications. Still, more difficulty is anticipated .in .the manufacture of high-explosive shells, owing to the greater need for reliability. It is anticipated that the work of the committee may expand till it becomes a large department, with functions which at present are not fulfilled by the naval and military branches.