The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1917-11-15
SHIPBUILDING.

For several months past the possibility
of shipbuilding in Belfast has been
topic Of considerable interest. The prep
aration for shipbuilding that has been 60
ing on in the Pendleton yard for. several
months has met with universal approval
by all those interested in the future well
fare of Belfast, and the possibility of
ship being built by Mathews Brothers has
also received the same unanimous ap-
proval,
1t has been learned within the last two
or three days that Mathews Brothers have
signed up an agreement with Crowell &
Thurlowe of Boston, for the building of a
tlve-masted schooner of the following di-
mensions: Length of keel 220 feet, breadth
of beam 4S feet, depth of hold, including
poop, 25 feet, and we are advised that it
is the intention of Mathews Brothers to
proceed at once getting their yard in con-
dition for this work. They also expect
to have the keel delivered to them inside
of ten days. The preparation of the
yard will include the completion of the
large wharf which is in an unfinished con-
dition at the present time, the moving of
the large storehouse to new position,
the building of blacksmith shop, the in
stallation of machinery, such as rotary
saw, marine band saw, compressed air ap-
pliances They will also pipe for carry
ing the exhaust steam into the yard to be
used for steaming plank, etc Several
derricks will be constructed to be used in
the work of handling timber from the
cars into the yard, and from the yard to
the vessel.
During the last few months two ex-
perienced men have been sent to Belfast
to inspect the Mathews Brothers yard to
building, and both these experts have re-
ported that with the Improvements men
toned above it will be an exceptional
chance for Instruction work, and an ex-
ceptional place for men to work, on ac-
count of the fact that a large part of the
work will be done on tAe wharf where
the workmen will have a good dry, level
AlaCe for operation.
| We believe Belfast needs this addition
al industry to make it a live, up-to-date
progressive town. Shipbuilding will
bring into the town large number of
men who receive good wages, which
ought to mean that Belfast would be at
tractive enough to them so that they will
make it their permanent home. This
would lead to an increase in real estate
values and demand for additional build
ing
| The business men of Belfast have shown
the same splendid spirit which they have
always manifested in anything that con-
Germs Belfast, by coming forward and
agreeing to take an interest in the ves-
sci, SO that the building may be done
here. 1t now remains to be seen if the
workmen have at heart the welfare of
their town to the same degree. Belfast
has been for many years a shipbuilding
/ town. There are today a large number
of men formerly residents of this town,
and some others who are even now tax
payers here in Belfast, who are employed
elsewhere. When shipbuilding is started
here these men should have the interest
of the town at heart to such an extent
that they would come back here and help
to make the business permanent sue
cess.
We are assured by Mathews Brothers
! that the same scale of wages will be paid
here that is paid in the other yards round
about. That being the case, Belfast
should have some attraction for these
men which is not found in the smaller
| towns The opportunities for living
economically in this town are exception
ally good. At the present time there are
plenty of rents at low prices. We be-
| lieye this industry has come to stay, and
we are advised by Mathews Brothers
that they are already receiving applica-
tions from a large number of men who
wish employment just as soon as the keel
is laid
We shall watch the proceedings of the
next week with keen interest and will be
glad to give to the public in our next
issue any additional information that we
obtain in connection with this PROPOSE
ton.
WHITES CORNER, (Winterport.)
| Mr. and Mrs SuluanuS Ward of Hannn