At present a large range of new Commercial and Drawing Offices are being erected near the principal entrance to the yard. A new joiner’s shop and sawmill will shortly be erected, and other alterations in the internal economy of the shipyard are contemplated. The new range of offices referred to, have a frontage of about 300 feet, and comprise strong room for the preservation of the firm’s books, drawings, &c.; model-room, 40 feet in length; foremen’s room, 40 feet by 30 feet; general office, 42 feet by 41 feet; private offices for Mr Laing & Sons; drawing office, 45 feet by 40 feet; moulding loft, 78 feet by 40 feet; model-making room, &c. An additional and somewhat noteworthy feature in the new buildings will be a large dining hall for the use of those workmen who have their meals brought to them at the yard. Also, a commodious gymnasium for the benefit of the youth in the employ. These are, in addition to the large “British Workman” already in existence, built by Mr Laing for the use of his employés, and for others who care to subscribe. This institution, comprising dining room, game rooms, smoking room and library, is managed by a committee of the employés, and is self-supporting, a contribution of only one half-penny per week being the qualification for membership, admitting subscriber to all the benefits of the institution. THE WORKS OF THE BARROW SHIPBUILDING COMPANY (LIMITED). The Barrow Shipbuilding Company, Limited, was promoted in 1876 by several gentlemen in Barrow connected with the Furness Railway, the Docks, and Steel Works, chief among whom was Mr Ramsden (now Sir James Ramsden) then managing director of the Furness Railway, Mayor of Barrow, and leading spirit in its development generally. The Duke of Devonshire, the largest proprietor in the district and in the other public works mentioned, became the largest shareholder and the chairman of the new shipbuilding company, which was then formally constituted, with Mr Robert Duncan, shipbuilder of Port-Glasgow, as managing director. Mr Duncan designed the whole arrangement of the works as they now stand, and continued to act as managing director till 1875, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Sir James Ramsden, with Mr James Humphreys as manager, which position the latter held till 1880, when he was succeeded by Mr William John, of Lloyd’s Register, to whose talent as a naval architect some tribute has been elsewhere passed in this work.