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THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
9
have been reported in the piano industry, and these
few cases have been violations in a technical sense
Dr. C. T. Graham-Rogers, Industrial Hygiene Expert, in an Exclusive Interview Points Out Supe-
only, which have been remedied as soon as the
riority of Surroundings Enjoyed by Piano Workmen—No Occupational Diseases Found.
attention of the owner was called to the same.
The above statements are very flattering, yet
During the past decade there has been written instrument, but the majority do not. There is a
coming
as they do from an authority on the sub-
certain
danger
of
tubercular
infection
which
arises
into the statutes of the States a vast volume of
legislation pertaining to the regulation of employ- from the constant inhalation of steel dust, or the ject, they should be a source of satisfaction and
ment and the improvement of sanitary and hy- continued breathing of air laden with the fine pride to everyone connected with the piano trade.
gienic conditions among workers generally. The dust which comes from woodworking and cabinet A piano is something more than a mere piece of
enforcement of these laws has materially changed making. The drilling of the piano plates and the furniture. It enters into the home life, and its
conditions in many lines of endeavor, but at no construction of the piano cases could cause such a music becomes a constructive force in the thought
time has the piano industry been seriously affected condition to exist, yet this department has never and life of the home. The piano performs, a
by these regulations. This is an especially happy had a single report of any illness arising from a higher service along these lines than does any
statement, for it means that those who are en- condition of this kind in a piano factory. This other furnishing which we make part of our
gaged in the manufacturing of pianos have, as a means that the factories generally have a proper homes, and it is but fitting that it should be con-
matter of course, provided satisfactory sanitary system of ventilation, and that if there is any dust structed under conditions and by artisans that re-
ol this kind created in the piano factories its flect, to some degree at least, the ideals of thought
and safe surroundings for their workmen.
In New York State matters of this kind come deleterious effect is nullified by the use of exhaust and action which animated those ancient masters
from whose handiwork the modern piano is a
directly under the control of the State Department fans, hoods and ventilators.
"Benzine, wood alcohol, amyl acetate and tur- direct descendant.
of Labor, and the Division of Industrial Hygiene
was created in this department some two years pentine are all used in the finishing of pianos.
BUSY TIMES IN NEW YORK CITY.
ago to give special attention to the enforcement of The first three of these sometimes produce a con-
the laws relative to the conditions under which dition of nausea, giddiness and gastritis among
Three Prominent Piano Houses Quoted in New
workers shall be employed. The establishment of those using them, a condition commonly described
York American's Review of December and
this division is due, in large measure, to the con- as benzine poisoning. Workers in turpentine are
Holiday Trade—Big Growth of Business.
structive work of its present director, Dr. C. T. often found suffering from inflammation of the
Graham-Rogers, who was a pioneer in industrial eyes, and wood alcohol also has an injurious ef-
In a lengthy review of trade conditions covering
hygiene endeavor, and whose work for the past fect on the optics. These diseases do not prevail various lines of industry, which appeared in the New
nine years has qualified him as an authority on among piano workers, probably because of the York American on Sunday, the activity which is
proper ventilating systems in vogue throughout the
questions pertaining to that subject.
now prevailing in the music trade industry was
Speaking on conditions which obtain in the trade, and also because of the workmen them- also referred to, and interviews with some mem-
piano industry, Dr. Graham-Rogers said to The selves, who are usually of higher intelligence than bers of the trade appeared as follows:
Review this week: "The Division of Industrial the ordinary laborer or mechanic. This means that
H. Chamberlain, of the advertising department
the men who make pianos have sufficient knowl-
Hygiene has never made an exhaustive survey of
of the Aeolian Co., said: "Our business during the
the piano manufacturing industry, possibly be- edge to guard against those things which would month of December has exceeded any month in
cause of the fact that it is common knowledge that tend to injure their health, and that their standard its history iby more than 100 per cent. It has been
the conditions under which pianos are produced and mode of home life makes for better physical a great problem with us to supply enough goods
are excellent from a hygienic standpoint. The condition than does the lower standard of the to meet the demand. We wish to express our
work of this department is always constructive, average worker.
thanks to the New York public."
and has been directed towards investigating those
"The use of damp sandpaper in the finishing
B. Neuer, retail manager of William Knabe &
industries where conditions were not in accord- process might render piano makers liable to der- Co., said: "Business this season has shown a ma-
ance with the law and remedying those unfavor- matitis, or skin infection, yet 1 have no knowledge terial advance over any previous holiday distribu-
able conditions as much as possible. Therefore, of any cases of this kind so caused, which is rea- tion. The most noteworthy effect of the present
we have no great amount of material relative to sonably accounted for by the general personal solid condition of this country was to be observed
the piano industry, which in itself is a certificate cleanliness prevalent among these men. On the in the large percentage of high-priced pianos,
of good character for that trade. An inspection whole, the piano industry, so far as its hygienic player-pianos and Victrolas sold."
of several piano and piano action factories was. and sanitary aspects are concerned, is on a par
John D. Pease, president of the Pease Piano
recently made, however, relative to the employ- with any of the so-called preferred vocations. The
Co., remarked: "For the month of December up
ment of minors. In making these inspections our work is not arduous, it is not in any sense hazard-
to Christmas time sales have been exceptionally
investigators found the employers ready and will- ous, and it requires a degree of skill to be found
good; in fact, best in last four years at all stores,
ing to co-operate with them to the fullest extent. only among the better class of workers. Of course,
New York, Brooklyn and Newark. The outlook
The records of the children employed and their wherever machinery is used there is always a per-
for the future is very good indeed."
'working papers' were in every case produced centage of accident risk. This cannot be elimi-
without delay or trouble. An inspection of the nated so long as the human element enters into
workrooms showed that the hygienic conditions the operation of the machine. A saw will cut, a B. H. JANSSEN'SJIOLIDAY GREETING.
under which the children worked were as favor- press will crush, no matter what the line of work.
No! Christmas day is not the children's day alone,
able as could be desired. No children were found I he piano factories in New York are in the main
A day of joy and gifts that they alone shall share.
working at dangerous machines; every child was equipped with ample safety devices and guards to They, who proclaim this thought, let them look in the past,
And then recall the memories that are hidden there.
provided with a chair to enable him to work with prevent any save the careless workman from in-
as little fatigue as possible, and the workrooms jury. They are well ventilated and well lighted, I will know Christmas Day until the end,
For me 'twill be the one day in the year,
• were clean, well ventilated and well lighted.
and are an agreeable contrast to the vile, un- For I will meet in spirit every friend I know,
healthy
sweatshops
and
dirty
factories
which,
un-
And to each give a message of good cheer.
, "The report's of these inspectors lay particular
emphasis on the personal cleanliness of the chil- fortunately, exist among some other lines of man- Who, that is not a child on Christmas Day?
Comes there a message, just a word or two
dren and the general air of contentment and in- ufacture."
terest in their work which prevailed among them.
The fire-prevention expert of the Department, Of Greeting, from a friend you've learned to love,
What finer gift can come to me—to you!
"Occupational diseases, which are ailments to Inspector P. J. Gillespie, is the authority for the What greater joy—to feel—to know
which workers in any given line are particularly statement that the piano factories in this city are
I am remembered on this Happy Day.
susceptible, are not found in the piano trade. We taking every possible precaution to guard against Let me remain a child! I am content,
For mine—for me, there'll be Christmas Time alway.
have 'painter's colic' and even 'writer's cramp,' fire. While many of the piano factories in opera-
but there is no disease which bears the word tion at the present time were built before the days For mine—for me! Yes, mine come first.
Then come my friends, both old and new.
'piano' as part of its name. Piano making is not in of fireproof construction and rigid building laws,
Find you your place! Give me your hand,
any sense a hazardous occupation. Broadly speak- still any faults of construction which, these fac-
And let me say, old friend, to you.
ing, the piano factory of' to-day is to a great ex- tories may have originally had have been over- "May blessings fill your life and home
To-day, to-morrow, and for all the days!"
tent merely a place where the different parts of a come by the installation of fire-escapes, automatic
piano are assembled. There are some manufac- sprinklers, standpipes, fireproof doors and in- Think of me, as I will think of you.
For yours—for you! Just happy, joyous days.
turers, I know, who construct every part of their closed stairways. Few violations of the fire code
B. H. JANSSEN.
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417 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
WORCESTER,
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