WORKING TO MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 24296, 10 September 1942, Page 8

WORKING TO MUSIC

CITY FACTORY INNOVATION An innovation in city factory amenities has been installed in Messrs Shu-good, Son, ami Eweu’s boot factory. This consists of a series of loud speakers installed at certain points operating from one central radio receiving set. Through those speakers pom- the musical selections of the local breadcasting studios, the resulting entertainment giving a background to the daily work which it is felt will break the monotony. It is not considered that those working- in the vicinity of the speakers will listen to the music in the true sense, but will be conscious of it as a brightening influence. Although similar systems have been installed in factories in the north, this is the first occasion that a Dunedin factory has been so favoured. There are five speakers installed, four in that section of the factory employing 40 women, and one in the women’s dining room. It is possible to extend 10 speakers from the one set without any loss of power, and other speakers will probably be installed as the idea, which has operated only since yesterday afternoon, proves itself. The women have already expressed their approval. Other departments of the same house have shown an interest which suggests the scheme will be further extended. Only musical selections will bo put through tlio speakers, as serials and talks would never be clearly heard over the noise of tiie machines, and would no doubt be only an irritation. So far as possible a weekly programme will bo arranged in accordance with advanced published programmes, one of the women being given a time-table by which she will know when to change the control so that almost continuous music may bo assured. In a new extension to tno boot factory, up-to-date dining rooms for iho men and women have been built. The women’s, finished in cream and green, is very attractive; small tables, capable of seating four, giving a real dining room appearance. A locker is provided cadi woman, those lookers being a number of the old post office private rental boxes. Both dining rooms are well lighted and heated, and have hot and cold water laid on. ■