rietors of the undertaking. They were also the owners of the Eliza
Street Iron Works, Belfast, which were started to work up old iron
materials. But as the works were found to be unremunerative, they were
shortly afterwards closed.

On my entering the shipbuilding yard I found that the firm had an order
for two large sailing ships. One of these was partly in frame; and I
at once tackled with it and the men. Mr. Hickson, the acting partner,
not being practically acquainted with the business, the whole
proceeding connected with the building of the ships devolved upon me.
I had been engaged to supersede a manager summarily dismissed.
Although he had not given satisfaction to his employers, he was a great
favourite with the men. Accordingly, my appearance as manager in his
stead was not very agreeable to the employed. On inquiry I found that
the rate of wages paid was above the usual value, whilst the quantity
as well as quality of the work done were below the standard. I
proceeded to rectify these defects, by paying the ordinary rate of
wages, and then by raising the quality of the work done. I was met by
the usual method--a strike. The men turned out. They were abetted by
the former manager; and the leading hands hung about the town
unemployed, in the hope of my throwing up the post in disgust.

But, nothing daunted, I went repeatedly over to the Clyde for the
purpose of enlisting fresh hands. When I brought them over, however,
in batches, there was the greatest difficulty in inducing them to work.
They were intimidated, or enticed, or feasted, and sent home again.
The late manager had also taken a yard on the other side of the river,
and actually commenced to build a ship, employing some of his old
comrades; but beyond laying the keel, little more was ever done. A few
months after my arrival, my firm had to arrange with its creditors,
whilst I, pending the settlement, had myself to guarantee the wages to
a few of the leading hands, whom I had only just succeeded in gathering
together. In this dilemma, an old friend, a foreman on the Clyde, came
over to Belfast to see me. After hearing my story, and considering the
difficulties I had to encounter, he advised me at once to "throw up the
job!" My reply was, that "having mounted a restive horse, I would ride
him into the stable."

Notwithstanding the advice of my friend, I held on. The comparatively
few men in the works, as well as those out, no doubt obser