Some indication may be given of the increased economy resulting from the bonus system and from the "speeding-up" of tools, as compared with the former system, with slower speeds and piece-work rates. A typical job, which had formerly occupied eighty hours, was, after experience, given a standard time of sixty hours. When first carried out under the bonus system the time actually taken was forty-five hours, the labour cost being reduced from £2 13s. 4d. at piece-work rate to £1 17s. 6d. under the bonus system, while the wage of the worker was increased by 2d. per hour. Subsequently, a repeat of this job was machined by the same man, who, having confidence that the time allowed would not be reduced, finished the work in thirty-nine hours, saving twenty-one hours on the standard time, reducing the cost to £1 15s. 0d., and increasing his rate of pay by 2.8d. per hour. Other comparisons might be given to show the advantage over the piece-work. In successive fortnights after the introduction of the system, the percentage of time saved on the time taken on piece-work in one department steadily advanced from 16 per cent. to 47 per cent., and ultimately the pay of the men per hour was increased 75 per cent., while the saving to the employer was 50 per cent. [Illustration: Plate XXXIX. ENGINE CONSTRUCTION. (_See page_ 108.)] The client profits, as the contract price is reduced without any diminution in the satisfactory character of the work done; indeed it is probable that this is improved because of the special inspection to ascertain if the bonus has been conscientiously earned. A lower contract price, therefore, is possible; and this places the firm, both directly and indirectly, in a better position in competition in shipbuilding. There is more work obtainable, more constant employment for the workmen, with the additional inducement of higher wages to capable and diligent men. [Illustration: decoration] [Illustration: decoration] The Shipbuilding Yard. [Illustration: decoration] Covering an area of 40 acres, the Works have ten berths for the construction of ships of all sizes, with departments for producing all the accessories and machinery--engine and boiler works, steam-turbine factory, foundries, brass, copper, and sheet-iron shops, saw-mill and extensive wood-working department--and these give employment to four thousand workmen. The equipment has been greatly extended and modernised during the past few years. The building of the China Steam Navigation Company's steamer _Fengtien_ in nineteen weeks, from the laying of the keel to the trials, is one of several instances of rapid construction which might be enumerated.