Navy Building Stops.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1921, Page 1

Navy Building Stops.

ADMIRALTY'S DRASTIC ACTION i Writ'll-* a \ AM) N.Z. CAtJLK ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Nov 18. CoiistcMiulion is caused in Clydeside |;v tile Admiralty's decision to drop the construction of three new warships, which were expected to provide three years' work and wages, totalling £15,- < MM >,<>oo. CiKirdniore have already ordered the closing of the l’arkhead steel works, whose furnaces were only relit a ,few days ago, after a period of idleJIOSS. , i ■ ft is understood that the Admiralty s order will not involve any delay if the Washington elan is not confirmed. Admiral Kerr, interviewed, expressed the opinion that we already have sufficient battleships for hnrnpe, though those employed oversea were not much use. It was much cheaper to compensate contractors than to pioeeed with the work which might he scrapped. Commander Carlvon Rellairs. interviewed, said he thought the phycliological effect of the Brit ish Admiralty s action, as evidence of Iti'itnin s good faith was more valuable than the material saving at the present juncture of the Conference. LONDON, Nov 20. Three thousand workmen at Parkhead were immediately ati'eeted by the closin',' of the Beard more Steel Works. The suspension of work at ( lydeside surprised the Sheffield firms, who did not expect such a quick decision. Shedfield is already suffering severely through unemployment. Sheffield (inns criticise the proposed 10 years’ naval holiday on the ground that Ihe production of armour and irons can only he kept at a high level by constant practice. and a-Tong cessation would find the country in a seriously weakened condition when the time came to resume operations.

' srSI’ICNSTON CRITICISED. , f,()N DON, Nov 18Tlie “Daily Express” states that the Clydeside suspension decision is criticis-

ed in naval shipbuilding circles in I .ondon. It is minted out that the immediate moral'effect may lie considerable, hut if the Washington Conference fads, and orders hav to he given to hasten work next spring. ,ho ultimate effect cm tin- world will he tlie ,-verse of that now desired. Ironic commentary on the international situation lies in the lact that on the day on which work on Uritish ships ceased. America launehed a super dreadnought for AVest Virginia. _ A ,| nest ion insistently asked to-day is: “Was the advice and concurrence of Admiral Realty asked before Hie ordtjf to suspend work was issued.-” THE SUBMARINES.

LONDON. Nov. 17. Mr Balfour's proposal for reduction of submarines is considered too drastic in America. Ameren favours a flO.OOt> fun limit. .Inpan may side with Britain.