Laying-on of Gold-leaf and Blockers (piece work) yields 18s. to 20s. per week.
Girls who put paper covers on to cheap novels, etc., earn about 20s.
Layers-on (Letter-press and Litho) are paid time wages and receive 8s., 10s., and 12s. per week.
The employer says he has known three sisters take home £4 a week for several months in succession. He thinks it pays well to give high wages.
HOURS.—The hours are 52½ per week: from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with dinner from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.; on Saturdays, 7.30 a.m. till 12.30 p.m.; but overtime is worked thirty days in the year. Piece workers receive no extra pay; time workers get time and a quarter.
WORK.—Folding is done chiefly by hand. There is one machine, but that is self-feeding and a man minds it.
Sewing is done by hand and by machinery.
Perforating is done by a machine worked by power, which has simply to be fed.
Several girls were employed putting the wrappers on to 6d. novels, while others were pasting cloth on to cardboard for school exercise books. Little girls were feeding the ruling machine, punching labels, eyeletting and packing.
Girls were also engaged in gold laying-on and blocking, but none were employed at this when I was there.