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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
AUGUST 23, 1919
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND THE HIGH COST OF LIVING
(Continued from page 5)
and thereby make them fit to take their proper
places.
Earning While Learning
"But training takes time and during the train-
ing period these men must have some means
of earning their living. It was evident that
some plan must be evolved whereby men could
earn while they learn. The War Department,
with its tremendous resources, was well quali-
fied to take charge of the work. Before the
present plan was launched the War Department
backed many large industrial enterprises, work-
ing on the theory that these enterprises would
call for men to do the work and this would
mean that there would be opportunities for em-
ployment of soldiers. From this the idea spread
and now it has been broadened to include every
working man in any line of industry. The piano
industry is a great industry and the opportuni-
ties to teach men to become skilled workers
are many.
"But there is a right and a wrong way to
go about this thing. There must be co-opera-
tion, and the right kind of co-operation, be-
tween the manufacturers and the experts sent
out by this Department. In piano factories
men should be taken into special departments
and instructed in their work, being given, mean-
while, certain tasks to do which would justify
the weekly wage paid them. A certain part of
each day should be devoted to instruction, while
the rest of the time should be used in doing
profitable work for their employers. This teach-
ing is profitable work for the future and should
not be looked upon as a waste of time or energy.
1 would like to cite one example of the wrong
kind of co-operation which has come to my at-
tention in the case of one New York piano
factory.
The Wrong Way to Do It
"A certain manufacturer took a man who had
applied to this office for work and declared that
the new man would have a splendid opportunity
to learn the piano trade. The man went to
the factory and in two days returned with a
sad story. He had been taken into the fac-
tory and put to work moving cases around the
floor. Several of the workers, jealous of any
newcomers, told him that he would never get
any farther along and he was naturally dis-
couraged. No attention had been paid him by
CHARACTER
"Admirable Quality; Acknowledged Reputation"
•—(Standard
Dictionary)
PIANOS
Manufactured by
Smith, Barnes
and
Strohber Co.
have for 33 years
justified their right
to be called
Pianos of Character
FACTORIES
North Milwaukee, Wis.
Chicago, 111.
OFFICE
1872 Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, 111.
the factory officials who had promised him this
is coming to be such a factor in industrial cir-
wonderful chance to learn the piano trade, which
cles. This is certainly the wrong kind of co-
operation, or rather lack of it. Let me sug-
gest the better way.
The Operation of the Plan
"If that manufacturer had expressed his will-
ingness to take up our plan we would have
sent an expert to his factory, who would have
established special classes. These classes would
be supervised by men from the factory already
thoroughly familiar with the work. Workers
in piano factories have a habit of getting in a
rut and doing the same thing year after year.
To elevate these men would increase their in-
terest and consequently their efficiency. In-
creasing the efficiency of the employes would
help to decrease the labor turnover which is
such a factor in increasing the cost of produc-
tion. The new men in the factory should not
come in contact with the element who are jeal-
ous of newcomers. They should be by them-
selves under proper supervision if they are
to do good work.
"At the present time this plan is proving a
success wherever it is in operation. Reports
from all lines of industry are pouring into this
office and these reports are unanimous in their
praise of the work. The efficiency level is being
raised—a thing which the industries of this
country have long needed. If piano manufac-
turers would get in touch with Col. Arthur
Woods, 360 Madison avenue, New York City,
we can show them how they can do their part
in this great campaign to make this country
and its industries better. They will benefit
themselves more than they perhaps realize and
they will do much to elevate the standards of
the piano trade."
ADAMS MUSIC CO. INCORPORATED
New Corporation to Take Over Business of
Late Arthur Adams in Covington, Ky.
COVINGTON, KY., August 19.—Pianos are to be
made a feature of the business of the Adams
Music Co., this city, just incorporated with a
capitalization of $25,000, the principal incorpora-
tor being C. A. Schroetter, an attorney.
The new corporation takes over the business
at Pike and Madison avenues, this city, long
conducted by Arthur Adams, who died recently.
He had been confining most of his attention to
the Victrola line and some musical instruments,
but did not carry a stock of pianos.
Mr. Schroetter yesterday stated that the com-
pany was figuring on several lines of pianos and
hoped to come to a definite conclusion within
another month. In the meantime the storeroom
is to undergo quite a remodeling, the changes to
include the exterior as well as the interior. The
Adams business was a factor in Covington.
OUTING OF CLARK MUSIC CO. STAFF
Employes of Syracuse Concern Entertained By
Company at Lively Outing at Three Rivers
N. Y., August 17.—The Clark Music
Co., this city, recently gave their employes and
their families an outing at Three Rivers, which
was attended by representatives of every de-
partment. The affair had been carefully planned,
and consequently proved a distinct success.
After an elaborate fish dinner there was a series
of sports, including various kinds of races, tugs-
o'-war, etc., as well as a baseball game, which
incidentally proved the chief feature. Rowing
and swimming served to fill in the balance of
the day, and there was dancing for those so
inclined.
SYRACUSE,
Consult the universal Want Directory of
The Review. In it advertisements are inserted
free of charge for men who desire positions.
Looking Forward
Far sighted Piano Mer-
chants are asking them-
selves these questions:
Are the pianos I sell the
best value obtainable
for the money?
Will the manufacturers
from whom I purchase
be able to take care of
my needs?
The exceptional
Case Designs
Veneers
Finish and
Tone of
Christman
Uprights Players Grands
make them the best
value to be had—and
quick sellers at good
prices.
We are doing fine on
deliveries, too.
Christman pianos will
make money for you
and give complete satis-
faction to your trade.
Write us today.
"The first touch tells"
Christman Piano Co.
597 E. 137th Street, New York