It was not until the year 1853 that the Queen's Island--raked out
of the mud of the slob-land--was first used for shipbuilding
purposes. Robert Hickson and Co. then commenced operations by
laying down the Mary Stenhouse, a wooden sailing-ship of 1289
tons register; and the vessel was launched in the following year.
The operations of the firm were continued until the year 1859,
when the shipbuilding establishments on Queen's Island were
acquired by Mr. E. J. Harland (afterwards Harland and Wolff),
since which time the development of this great branch of industry
in Belfast has been rapid and complete.
From the history of this firm, it will be found that energy is
the most profitable of all merchandise; and that the fruit of
active work is the sweetest of all fruits. Harland and Wolff are
the true Watt and Boulton of Belfast. At the beginning of their
great enterprise, their works occupied about four acres of land;
they now occupy over thirty-six acres. The firm has imported not
less than two hundred thousand tons of iron; which have been
converted by skill and labour into 168 ships of 253,000 total
tonnage. These ships, if laid close together, would measure
nearly eight miles in length.
The advantage to the wage-earning class can only be shortly
stated. Not less than 34 per cent. is paid in labour on the cost
of the ships turned out.
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