18. K., Stationery Firm in London. Visit to Works.
WORK.—Numbering and Perforating; girls also dust and clean up after blocking.
REGULARITY.—The work in this firm is regular, "as they work for the trade."
SKILL.—Intelligence is required for numbering, or else valuable material is spoilt, e.g., the other day a girl, who was six months out of her time, never changed when she came to the 1,000 and so spoilt the work, as one figure came out darker. Three numbers are harder to do than two or four. The firm had tried to take two girls from the blocking work and teach them numbering, but it was no good, they were not intelligent enough.
HOURS.—The hours worked are from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., with one hour for dinner, ten minutes for lunch, and ten minutes for tea; on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PROSPECTS.—The girls can rise to be forewomen.
19. I., Stationery and Stamping Firm in London. Employee's Evidence.
WORK.—Stamping, plain and relief, including tradesmen's cards, notepaper, Christmas cards, etc.
REGULARITY.—The work here is regular, because they work for the trade.