THE s.s. ROSELANDS
INTERESTING SPEECHES AT LOCAL TRIAL TRIP
SHIPOWNERS AND THE LABOUR TROUBLES
Northern Daily Mail, 18/9/11
On Saturday, the handsome steel screw steamer Roselands, built by Messrs. William Gray and Co, Ltd, to the order of Messrs. Joseph F. Wilson and Co., West Hartlepool, was taken on her trial trip.
The vessel takes the highest class in Lloyd’s register, and is of the following dimensions, viz.: Length over all, 387ft.; breadth, 51ft. 3in.; and depth, 28ft. 6in., with long bridge, poop, and top-gallant forecastle. She is equipped with all the requirements for a first class cargo steamer.
Triple-expansion engines have been supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders, having cylinders 25in., 41 in., and 66in. diameter by 48in stroke, and two large steel boilers with a working pressure of 180lbs. per square inch. A large auxiliary boiler to work in conjunction with the main boilers for extra speed has also been fitted as well as a “C. M. E.W.” winch condenser, and auxiliaries of the latest type, and a steam ash hoist.
The performance of ship and machinery was very satisfactory, an average speed of 11 knots being attained.
The ship and machinery have been constructed under the superintendence of Mr. H.D. Withy, superintendent engineer of Messrs. Joseph F. Wilson and Co.
After the steamer had completed her trial she returned to the harbour, when a large number of influential gentlemen were entertained to luncheon. Amongst those present were: Messrs. J. F. Wilson, P. Wilson, S. Wilson, Sir Walter Runciman, Bart., Mr. Chas. W. Gordon (chairman of Shipowners, Society, London), Mr J. Constantine (Middlesbrough), Mr Constantine, junr., Mr. G. E. Kite, Mr. R. W. Vick, Mr. Geo. Jones (Messrs. William Gray and Co, Ltd), Messrs J. E. Guthe, S. Hogg, W. S. Merryweather, Ley Charlton, Higson Simpson, A. J. Morgan, H. B. Olsen, junr,., T. Phillips, M. Moore, A. G. Jesseman, R. Ridley, B. L. Denton, R. Hinchley, and a number of others.
After an excellent luncheon Sir Walter Runciman wished “God-speed to the s. s. Roselands” and expressed the hope that the new ship would prove a sound investment. He commented upon the labour troubles which had occurred in the industrial world during the last few weeks, and stated that in his opinion it was time they, as shipowners, came down from their perch and got into communication with those people who were interested, and devised some plan to avoid these great upheavals and the consequent dislocation of trade.
Mr Jos. F. Wilson responded, and stated that Messrs. Wm. Gray and Co., had built 18 or 19 ships for them and there had not been a single failure amongst them. With regard to the labour troubles mentioned, he thought that where there was a properly organised trades union the masters should always be prepared to meet representatives and endeavour to amicably settle any differences that may arise, but where capital and labour came into conflict, the trade of the country was bound to suffer. In conclusion, he proposed a toast to the builders, Messrs. Wm. Gray and Co., Ltd, and the Central Marine Engineering Works.
Mr. George Jones expressed his firm’s appreciation of the cordial relations existing with Messrs. Joseph F. Wilson and Company. He then stated that his firm had recognised the trades unions for upwards of 20 years, and there were now 19 of the principal trades included under the national agreement.
Mr. G. E. Guthe proposed “The Shipping industry,” and stated that he had been optimistic for many years – to his sorrow – but he was glad to say the shipping industry was gradually recovering its old position. He mentioned that he had been connected with Lord Furness for many years, and he was proud to give public utterance to that fact. The shipping industry was the greatest asset of the country. Without it the nation would be non-existent, and it was due to the enterprise of gentlemen like Lord Furness that it was of such magnitude. He coupled with the toast the name of Mr. Charles Gordon, the chairman of the Shipowners Society.
Mr. Gordon, in an interesting speech, referred to the improvement that had taken place in West Hartlepool during the last 25 years, and complimented Mr. J. F. Wilson upon the capability of his sons and their growing interest in the management of the firm. Commenting upon the recent labour troubles, he remarked that he was the first ship owner on this coast to pay the increased wages to the seamen and firemen. He believed it was to the benefit of the industry to retain the sympathy of the sailors and firemen, and also that of the officers. He took this opportunity of impressing upon ship owners the fact that during the late strike it was the officers that stuck to their work. In pointing out the advances made by the shipping industry during the past few years, Mr. Gordon said that they would all remember the time when they paid 50s. or 60s. per ton for coal at the cape, whereas now, through the opening of new coal fields in South Africa, they were able to purchase coal at 14s. per ton.
Mr Higson Simpson submitted the toast of the staff of Messrs. J. F. Wilson and Co., and Mr. Percy Wilson and Mr. H. Withy (under whose superintendence the steamer had been constructed) suitably responded.
Mr Merryweather proposed the health of the Captain, and Mrs. P. Wilson submitted “The Visitors,” to which Mr. Lay Charlton and Mr. Constantine replied.
Later in the evening the Roselands left for Hull, where she will load for the river Plate.
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