ORDERS FOR THE NAVY

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 27

ORDERS FOR THE NAVY

PROPOSED BUILDING ON THE THAMES. NEGOTIATIONS WITH WORKERS. LONDON, December 29. The Admiralty announces that tions "were opened with a northern shipbuilding firm for the construction on the Thames of two protected cruisers and engines, representing approximately the wages fund for a battleship. The final decision was dependent on an arrangement between the northern firm and the Thames workmen It was announced that the contract would not be accepted except on the basis of the same hours as are worked by other competitive firms —namely, 53, instead of 48 hours per week in the provinces and London respectively. Mr Will Thorne, M.P., on Being interviewed on the subject, objected to the latter condition. Mr George Lansbury, M.P., recommends the Government to purchase and reorganise the Thames ironworks. December 30. The Admiralty is hopeful that an arrangement with the Thames men will be completed during the first week in January. The only difficulty is the question of hours, as a House of Commons resolution covers the district rate of wages. The Admiralty intimates that if the negotiations are successful it will consider favourably the question of a contract for two destroyers. December 31. Ten thousand Thames dockyard workers held a demonstration in Trafalgar square, and demanded a fair apportionment of th< Admiralty work and a Royal Commissioii to inquire into the system of eettlinfl Admiralty contracts.