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4. Rope and Cord Factory.
This factory is situated in Oldfield Road and consists of a long onestorey
building, together with three sheds, each 100 yards long, known
as the rope walks. These sheds are well lighted and open at each end,
the ventilation being very good. The main building, used for offices,
packing rooms and stores, is also well lighted and ventilated. Hemp
and jute brought here from various parts of the world arrive at the
factory in the form of strings, having already passed through the
spinning mill. The various grades are dealt with in accordance with
the particular end in view, as for making signal halliards, light cordage
for marine use, fishing lines, cordage for fishing nets, and different
grades of cord and string for commercial or domestic use. Strings of
hemp are stretched along the rope walks running through guides on
frames. The number and thickness of the string vary according to the
type of cord wanted. The ends of these long strands pass into a
machine at the end of the shed and this twists the strands together
until the thickness and requisite strength are obtained. Gently
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grasping the cord, say 50 or 60 yards from the machine, one can feel
the terrific speed at which the strands are rotating, although this cannot
be detected with the naked eye. Next, the cord is passed through a
shallow tank of water and then through the carding machine. This
latter is a kind of comber which removes the short ends and pieces,
thus leaving the outside of the cord clean and smooth. The cord is
then dried and the external surface treated with size which acts as a
protective agent. Once the size has dried, the cord is wound by
winding machines into coils, or, in the case of string, into coils or balls
of various sizes, as required. Thirteen men are employed at this
factory for whom one w.c. and one urinal is provided. These are clean
and the ventilation is good. There is one female employee for whom
separate accommodation is provided. Washing facilities are provided
in the form of a sink and soap and towels.
5. Toy Factory.
Soft toys, such as teddy bears, are made at this factory, situated in
New Cross Road. The process is simple. According to the toy
required, the various coloured cloths are cut out to pattern. These are
sewn together and are then stuffed with fine wood shaving and finished
off.