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walls and ceilings are whitewashed. Though the floors are of concrete,
a wood floor is laid on top of each, formed of close hoarding. This
obviates any undue strain that an employee would entail should he or
she have to stand or walk all day upon a floor constructed of a nonresilient
material such as concrete or cement. The lighting is excellent;
there are large openable windows running the whole length of the
building on both sides, and this is supplemented by northern lights in
addition. The approximate measurement of the window openings is at
least half the floor space. Electric lighting is installed. The system
of ventilation is the "Sturtevant," whose modus operandi is as follows:
The air is drawn into a large container by means of an electric fan;
here it is heated to the required temperature by steam pipes and is then
forced along tubes which pass just under the ceilings of the various
workrooms and shops. These tubes have openings at various points,
through which fresh air is discharged into the different rooms and workshops.
The exhaust air escapes through ventilating gratings and open
windows.
The sanitary accommodation of this building is admirable, being
constructed on the latest and most hygenic principles. Messrs. Doulton
designed and supplied the same. The w.c.'s are of the pedestal type,
each in a separate compartment, the partitions and doors being of
enamelled slate and terminating about six inches from the floor, thus
leaving the floor space clear. This facilitates cleansing, as the whole
floor can be washed down, every part being visible. The urinals are
of white glazed earthenware, arranged back-to-back in rows, fitted with
automatic flushing cisterns. Washing arrangements consist of white
glazed earthenware ablution troughs fitted with cold water sprays, the
waste discharging into glazed channels on the floor. These channels
serve as a waste for the floor, and as this is constructed of impervious
material it can be thoroughly washed, and the water swept into the
channels. . The accommodation for women is constructed on the same
lines, with the exception, of course, of the urinals.
A canteen and dining room is provided for the employees, where
hot meals can be obtained, or where the employees' own food can be
warmed up.
The next building visited was the electrical department, a building
of three floors, 340 feet long. Though not so modern as the new
building just described, it is much after the same construction. Here