BUILDING DIFFICULTIES.
The building work was proceeding satisfactorily, but the same could not be said of the joiner work. The Dean of Guild Court had been pushing the Society to get the work of barricading the building and laying down a pavement done The joiner had erected the barricade and made the footpath in M‘Neil Street, but refused to do this in Govan Street, stating that he would “go to Court first.” The Society had written to him, informing him that if he did not do the work, for which he had contracted, the Society would have it done and deduct the cost from his account. There was also delay in pushing on the joiner work in connection with the building itself, which was delaying the remainder of the work of building.
The duties of the committee at this time were arduous and engrossing. They had set out with the intention of erecting a bakery which would be second to none in the city, and with this object in view they were not too bigoted to change their minds when any suggestion was brought to their notice which was likely to be an improvement on the course they had decided on. One such alteration was in connection with the new engine for driving their machinery. The fact that the engine which they had decided on was too powerful for the work for which it was needed had been brought to their notice, and they at once made inquiries and consulted with the maker. After he had given the matter his attention this also was his opinion, and he therefore offered them a less powerful engine at a reduction in price of £65, and they decided to have it put down. Then “with the object of securing the latest improvements in bakery machinery, a deputation, consisting of the managers, foreman baker, and two members of the committee, were appointed to visit the exhibition of bakery machinery at Edinburgh, see the machines at work, and report.” As one of the results of this visit machinery to the value of £500 was purchased.
The committee continued to complain of the slow progress which was being made with the new building, and the architects were appealed to to endeavour to get the contractors to speed up by putting more men on the job, but with little success. The lessees of the St James Street premises had been promised entry by Whitsunday 1887, but as time passed the committee began to get anxious about their ability to fulfil this part of their contract. The engines and machinery, also, were ready to put in, but this could not be done because the other contractors were behind with their sections. So bad did the position become that ultimately the committee were forced to put the matter into the hands of their agent. However, this difficulty also was overcome without further friction. The lessees of St James Street bakery now began to press for entry, and the committee were compelled to ask for their forbearance, as they were afraid that the new bakery would not be ready for occupancy at the time stated.
It was agreed that a social meeting be held on the occasion of the opening of the new premises, and that the premises be open to the general public for inspection during the whole of the opening day. A band was engaged to play selections in the courtyard for three hours in the afternoon, and the building was decorated with flags. Finally, such progress was made with the equipment of the premises that the committee were in a position to fix 21st May as the opening day, and preparations for the great event went forward rapidly.