Mr SINCLAIR (Moreton) . -I would suggest to the Minister that the requested amendment be made, with a modification omitting the words " within twelvemonths before," and inserting in lieu thereof the words " prior to." Some of theState Governments may possibly be expecting the arrival of dredges that were ordered before 1st December, 19 10, and such a modification as I have suggested would meet cases of that kind.

Mr Tudor - Under the proposal as it stands, they will be allowed two years from the date of signing the contract to the date of delivery, and I think that should be sufficient to protect them. For example, a vessel, for the construction of which a contract was signed in December, 1910,. may be delivered up to the 31st December,. 1912.

Mr SINCLAIR - But if a vessel wereordered more than twelve months prior to the 1st December, 1910, it would not come within the Senate's proposal.