THE BRITISH NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 157, 2 January 1912, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

NEW CONSTRUCTION. By waDle —Press Association—Copyright London, December 29. The Admiralty announce negotiations with a northern shipbuilding firm for the construction on the Thames of two protected cruisers and engines, representing approximately the wage fund for battleships. The final decision is dependent on an arrangement between the northern firm and Thames workmen. The contract is only accepted on the basis that the same hours be worked as by other competitive firms, namely, 53 instead of 48 hours a week in the provinces and London respectively. Mr. Will Thorne, M.P., interviewed, objected to the latter condition. Mr. Lanbury, M.P., recommends tlr Government to purchase and reorganise the Thames ironworks.

London, December 30.

The Admiralty is hopeful that an arrangement with the Thames Ironworks Co. will be completed in the first week of January. The only difficulty is the question of hours. The House of Commons' resolution re rate of wages covers tliat district. The Admiralty intimated that if the negotiations were successful they would consider favorably the giving of the company a contract for two destroyers.

DEMAND FOR A SHARE OF WORK.

BIG DEMONSTRATION IN LONDON.

Received 1, 7 p.m. London, December 31,

Ten thousand Thames dockyard workers demonstrated in Trafalgar Square and demanded a fair apportionment of the Admiralty work and the recall of the commission to enquire into the system of letting Admiralty contracts.