MAKING HATS TO MUSIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22612, 2 July 1935, Page 8

MAKING HATS TO MUSIC

A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT OUTPUT INCREASES 20 PER CENT. (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, July 1. Making hats to music has proved to be a successful undertaking, according to the experience in a large Auckland millinery factory. The proprietor of the factory said that since he had installed wireless and loud-speakers in his workrooms four months ago the output had increased by 20 per cent. “There are, of course, all kinds of hats,” he said, “but since we have installed wireless we find that a girl can make 15 or 16 hats where formerly she made only 12, Not only has the music improved the output, but it gives the girls something to look forward to. “ When the scheme was started the music was provided for three hours a day. More was found to be distracting rather than beneficial. As the result of further experience, the three hours has been cut down to two —one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. This appears to give the best results. It has not been possible to learn what types of music have been most beneficial, a . the selection of the programme is not a matter that can be controlled, coming as it does over the air, and no organised tests could therefore be made. The innovation, however, has been welcomed by the employees and adds to their contentment.”

The Auckland experiment was made following information that in America and England factory production had been increased •by 23 per cent, by the introduction of music.