The War.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 July 1915, Page 3

The War.

▼ . LAJJOUR CONDITIONS ON THE

CLYDE.

| iFrom the Lennox Jierald (Scotland) The Chronicle reprints the following report on- the condition of labour on - the Clyde and the effect upon production of war munitions:-— The workers admit that the output could be increased but in their opinion many of them are overtired from working long hours of overtime, and they also allege that their meals are insufficient, owing to the want of proper accommodation for getting meals in the yards. Other allege that the want of skilled labour is the chief cause of the falling off of output, and 'those'who arc employed arc working as hard as possible. It is stated that the Trade Union restrictions have been set aside in the present emergency, but they still exist to a certain extent, as many work's men will not accept work outside their ,n own particular line. v *" At Patrick Pointhouse, Old KilpatK ' rick, Paltnuir and Whiteinch there was not much evidence of excessive drinking during the day in this "district. 0 though men frequent public-houses at ro mealtimes.' 1% the evening about six Id o'clock the men resort to the pu'bliod houses and drink lreely. Weekend drinking is the principal feature. After being paid on Saturday, men adjourn in parties to the public-houses and indulge in drinks all round. The popular iTi'inlc is hall a gill of whisky swallowed l * at a gulp followed by a schooner (three--11 quarters of a pint) of * beer. Aftor- " wards many of them adjourn to a footL ball match or other amusement, anil 1 then return to the public-houses l'or the rest of the day. in the evening s bottles of whisky are taken home for Sunday' drinking, but they arc often consumed the same, evening. On 3 Sundays drink is i'reely obtained in 1 clubs, whore members can introduce visitors. Liquor is also obtained from ' tho licensed grocers who deliver wilisky or bottled beer to their eusJ toraers. 1 'liie method of working known as tJia black squad is said to encourage ex-cc-ssivo drinking. A black squad is 1 composed of one blacksmith, two riveters, one holder-tip, and- two boys. Ihe wages are paid to the principal ol the squad, and the money is divided in a public-house, when the custom of standing drinks all round is observed. One ol the investigators states that during the conversations which he had with some of the workers ni the black they gave him the impression that tliey could not perform the work of holding and striking hot metal without the aid of stimulants. The men complain that there are no places in the yard where they can take their meals. The majority of the men are ol opinion that the workmen employed are turning out as much as possible, but there is a want ol skilled labour, as many of the younger skilled men have enlisted and their places are tilled by inferior workmen. a good deal of time is lost where one member of a black squad fails to tuirn up and the rest are obliged to stand down for the day. Ibis defect has been remedied to some extent bv the system of pooling men, by which men can be found to take the place of absentees. Some of the better-class workmen suggest tliat the drinking problem would be overcome by closing publichouses outside and opening- canteens inside the yards. Many of thoni, wlic are apparently anxious to do their best to expedite the output, expressed the opinion that some stimulant is necessary lor men engaged in some branches ol shipbuilding, 'JJic public-houses 11; Scotland being closed on Sunday, r practice has grown up of purehafiing | whisky on Saturday night. One ol t-lio investigators noticed a barman wht: had filled about 100 bottles of whisky which he expected to sell between halfpast nine and closing time. The iresulffs that the men are able to drink on Sunday and are frequently unfit foi work on CUonday morning. The question of prohibition has been much discussed in Dumbarton. Many 0 f thj working men are in favour eitliea- ol total prohibition or of suspending th< sale of liquor for consumption off the premises. Total prohibition would meet with considerable opposition fron others. The suggestion made by om investigator is that the public-housee should be closed during meal hours and also from twelve to three an Saturday, in order to induce the workman tx go to his home with his wages and' ge! proper meals. The practice of taking drink without food has a bad effect oi the physical condition.