The result of the ballot among the men belonging to
the societies affected by the shipbuilding dispute was communi- cated to the Board of Trade on Monday evening. According to the terms arranged by Mr. Churchill with the employers and the representatives of the men, the men were asked to vote for or against the proposal to return to work at a reduction of is. 6d. per week on the understanding that within a fortnight after resuming work a Conference should be held between the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation and repre- sentatives of the various branches of the shipbuilding trade with a view to establishing a permanent conciliation board. The figures were 24,145 for and 22,110 against, thus giving a majority of 2,035 in favour of the suggested compromise. It is stated that only half the men voted, and this fact, coupled with the smallness of the majority, has given rise to some dis- satisfaction. It is hoped, however, that work will be resumed immediately.
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