AUSTRALIA'S SMALL ARMS.

Mataura Ensign, 22 July 1909, Page 3

AUSTRALIA'S SMALL ARMS.

TEACHIN G AUSTRALIANS. Received July 22, 12.10 p.m. LONDON, July 21. Engineer-Commander Clarkson, of the Australian forces, who has been travelling in Europo and America in connection with the small arms factory contracts, recommends the despatch of six Australian mechanics to gain experience at Pratt and Whitney's factory during tlio preparation of the plant- for the small arms factory. A QUESTION OF LOYALTY. Received July 22. 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, July 22. In connect ion with the email arms factory (for which the tender of ail American firm at £0)8,000 has been accepted) the successful tenderers will furnish all the skilled help required till the plant- is in full operation, and they will send a foreman to train Australian workmen in the business. Expression has been given to the opinion both in tho Federal House of Representatives and the State Parliament that British tenders should have been more favorably considered. Speaking on the matter in the State Parliament Mr Prendergast asked if the Premier (Mr Murray) would, on behalf of the State, protest against such disloyalty to the Mother Country. Mr Murray said he thought tho question was couched in language somewhat offensive to the Commonwealth. The work is to be completed ill twelve months. There were several higher English tenders but the latter required two to two and a-hall years to complete the contract.