Electricity Instead of Servants.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 6, 5 February 1913, Page 35

Electricity Instead of Servants.

At the new hotel, Electra Feria, which is to be built in Paris, by M. George Knap, a well-known electrician, hotel servants will be conspicuous by their absence, and the guests will be served with greater rapidity than would be possible by human hands. On awakening he will press a button near the bed, when from that part of the hotel devoted to the service he will hear a voice asking for orders, for part of the ceiling acts as a telephone. Speaking in that direction, without using a telephone, the visitor will say: “I want my windows opened or closed; I want a cup of coffee or tea,” ete. In a few seconds, by means of apparatus worked electrically, the windows are opened or closed, and proof that the order for petit dejeuner has been executed is forthcoming by the automatic appearance of these articles on a table which stands conveniently near the bed. The restaurant of the hotel is served in the same way. At a corner of each table is a bronze arm, about 3ft high, carrying a lamp. This stand contains a specially designed telephone, with a microphone •for intensifying sound. When the guests take their seats the host rings the bell at his side. Immediately the waiter in the restaurant below answers and asks for the order. This is given without having to use the telephone in the usual way, but merely by speaking in the ordinary tone of voice near the lampstand. When the dish is ready it makes its appearance in the centre of the table on a silver tray, which has descended on an electrically worked lift into the kitchen. As soon as this dish is removed the tray descends again and returns in less than 20 seconds bearing whatever has been ordered for the occupier of the other seat, The course finished, the plates are once more placed on the tray, the bell is touched, and the plates descend into the lower regions so that the next course may be served.