JAPAN'S GO-FAST POLICY

Evening Star, Issue 17080, 26 June 1919, Page 3

JAPAN'S GO-FAST POLICY

RECORD SHIPBUILDING. 9,000-TONNER IN 29 DAYS. Japan has created a new world's record in shipbuilding. The Kawasaki dockyard in 1917 set out to beat the world in construction time, and its first attempt at speed produced a 9,000-ton steamer in two months troin the laying of the keel. That record, however, was later beaten by several other yards; but the Japanese were still keen on holding the record, and the order for the Raifuku Maru gave the Kawasaki Dockyard Company another fine opportunity. "The result was easily a record, one which will probably never be beaten. From the day the keel was laid until the big vessel was ready for her maiden voyage only 29 days elapsed, which w;is one-third of the lime taken to establish the firm's first record for a sister ship to the Raifuku Maru. This wonderful effort, says London 'Fairplay ' of 13th February, was only rendered possible by the fact that workmen were plentiful, and that the whole of the 24- hours were utilised each day; in addition to which there are. of course, no trade union restrictions as to the use of machine tools, demarcations, etc. It is to be hoped that this performance on the part of our Japanese Allies will be brought prominently before the workmen in our shipyards with a view to showing them the kind of competition they are up against. Both the Japanese and the American shipbuilders are out to secure as many orders from European shipowners as they can, and, if their prices are lower than those quoted by European builders, other conditions being equal, they will secure the ordors. With the exception of the steel plates and boiler plates, all the material for the ship and machinery was produced at the company's works, and it is anticipated that, sooner or later, the company will be independent of outside assistance of any description, as they have started a mill capable of producing 50,000 tons of plates and angles per annum. In addition to constructing the largest battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, as well as merchant ships and locomotives, the company, which employs 25,000 men, is now turning its attention to aeroplanes and motor cars. In connection with the Raifuku Maru, it is interesting to note that, a few months before the armistice was signed, this vessel would have realised about £IOO per ton deadweight—that is to say, about £9oß,l9o—but at tho present time a similar boat would bo worth only about £25 per ton, or £227,050.