FEDERAL SHIPBUILDING SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 74, 20 December 1917, Page 7

FEDERAL SHIPBUILDING SCHEME

AN EARLY START EXPECTED. Mr. W. M. Huhes (tho Commonwealth Prime Minister) mentioned last week that the Government intended to push on with tho shipbuilding scheme as originally hid down, and hoped shortly to commence actual operations. Mr. Curchin, the expert engaged by tho Commonwealth Government was expected in Melbourne on December 10, and immediately on his arrival the project, would be f nctually launched. Sites selected by tho various State Governments are now being inspected. explained Mr. Hughes. Material is being purchased, and tho whole preliminary work connected with the enterprise being rapidly undertaken. The State Governments which decided to full in with the Commonwealth proposals, are completing all their preliminary work, and it is hoped that shortly busy yrds will bo in full swing throughout the Commonwealth. Privato firms will have every opportunity to co-operate by building main and auxiliary engines, toid all tho machinery needed. The proposals submitted to the unions will apply to all work done, whether, by private firms or State or Commonwealth yards. "Will tho BUCCCS3 or otherwise of the Referendum bo likely to affect tho shipbuilding programme?" Mr. Hughes was asked. . "If tho proposals are carried, he replied, "those necessary for the work of ship construction and engines, macliinery, etc., will be exempt under the ciaiiso wiiich rolatC6 to essential industries. As the need for ships is vital, it is intended to work two, or even tnree shifts, and therefore a very large number of men will be employed. The defeat of the Referendum, lie saitf, would affect the scheme. "I havo! already said most definitely tnat <he «overnment considers the powers asked for in the proposals submitted to the people bv referendum necessary, and that it will not attempt to govern without i,:m. ] cannot, of course, say what vill be the policy of any Government which succeeds the present one."