PRODUCTION EN MASSE

Northern Advocate, 7 April 1927, Page 5

PRODUCTION EN MASSE

HOW AMERICA PREVAILS

EFFICIENCY A SCIENCE

APPRENTICESHIP ELIMINATED,

(United Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, April 5.

After two days spent in inspecting industries at Buffalo, the Australian Industrial Mission reached Rochester, the programme apparently satisfying the employees’ representative, who participated in the inspections. The commission watched mass production in the moulding shop of the American Radiator Company at the rate of 250 boxes daily, which is a remarkable performance in view of the size of the castings. The moulders who were doing the work were engaged only :i few months previously as labourers, there being practically no apprenticeship to skilled trades. The management said there was great difficulty in obtaining apprentices, half-trained boys leaving after two years’ service, obtaining employment as machinists and earning £6 to £7 weekly.

The delegates listened to the playing of an organ costing £20,000 installed in the magnificent offices of Learning and Co.’s distributing agency, where 1500 employees, mostly typists, worked while the organ was playing, the manager declaring that music had a soothing effect during office work.

Mr Graindler, interviewed by the “Buffalo Courier and Express,” said that America could certainly teach Australia something. The magnitude and fine organisation in manufacturing industries were amongst America's most impressive sights.

Mr Guy, who also was interviewed, said that American industrial success was due to the remarkable lay-out of plants and mass production, coupled with the piecework bonus, which made employer and employee happy, resulting in greater production. America had developed efficiency into a scientie idea. —A, and N.Z.