All table processes, such as folding, knocking-up, gumming, numbering, paging, interlaying, etc., are done by women. The average wage varies from 8s. to about 12s. 6d. Numbering seems to be about the best. Three numberers had taken 15s., but the average maximum was between 11s. and 12s. 6d.
ENVELOPE MAKING.
Training.—A beginner is given a teacher, that is, a more experienced worker, for six weeks. The teacher gets the profits of the beginner's work, and the beginner is paid about 4s. per week.
All the work in the establishment was piecework, with the exception of the new Scotch folding machine, which turns out 25,000 envelopes per day, as against 2,000 done by hand. The day wage is 12s. per week.
Sub-divisions.—Envelope folders take 7s. to 15s. The smallest envelopes are 6d. per 1,000, the largest 1s. 10d.
Average wage for folding is 10s. to 12s. Stamping, 7s. to 10s. Stitching, 8s. to 10s. Gumming, 10s. to 14s.
General Remarks.—Envelope making is not a seasonal trade.
Hours.—Maximum, 49½ per week.
8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., winter.
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., summer.