STASSFURT.
441
portion of the wages due and the remainder in the middle of the month. Work
generally begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m., the intervals being from 8 to 8.30,
12 to 1 o’clock, and 4 to 4.30, a break known as " Vesper.” In the mines
work is carried on in three shifts of 8 hours each.
As the population is largely Protestant, only those Church festivals are
observed as general holidays which are prescribed by the Prussian Government.
These are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day,
Whit Monday, the national" Penance Day,” and two days at Christmas.
Excellent arrangements are made by the larger employers for the
convenience and comfort of their workpeople. The example set by the
administration of the State mines in this respect has doubtless exercised a powerful
influence on the private firms. A visitor to the town is at once struck by the
clean appearance of the workmen as they return from the mines in the evening,
proving that the ample facilities afforded at the works for washing are readily
used. Washbowls with hot and cold water, and shower-baths in separate
cubicles are provided in large, well-lighted rooms, in which the temperature is
regulated according to the requirements of the season. There is also provision
for the changing of clothes, and for the special benefit of the workmen who
reside in villages at a distance, dining rooms are provided. In order to combat
the tendency to drink “ schnaps ” (an inferior spirit distilled from grain and
potatoes, &c.) some firms have established canteens. Where the canteen is let
to a private tradesman, the employer fixes the prices, which may not be exceeded,
and the sale of " schnaps ” is strictly forbidden. In some cases the firm itself
manages the canteen and supplies coffee at the rate of \d. per pint, and in one
of the works coffee is even supplied gratis. Lemonade at a little under } 2 d. per
pint and soda water at \d. per pint are also sold, and are in great demand. Any
profits accruing from the management of the canteen by the firm itself are handed
over yearly to the sick benefit club belonging to the works. As a result of this
institution the employers nowadays make little complaint of immoderate
“ schnaps ” drinking. Some firms arrange for large consignments of fish to
be delivered in the works and sold to the men at reduced prices. Contracts are
also made with coal dealers by means of which workmen secure their winter
coal at reduced rates, the cost being deducted from the wages.
For the purpose of dealing promptly and efficiently with cases of accident
each of the salt mines possesses a large well-lighted room furnished with
all necessary appliances. The foremen are trained in rendering first aid to the
injured, and a local doctor attends when called up, but serious cases are sent
to the hospital at Halle belonging to the Employers’ Insurance Society.
It is worthy of note that the administration of the State mines has
transformed the immediate surroundings of the shafts and accessory buildings
into a small park. These buildings stand on elevated ground, the slopes of
which have been laid out in terraces and planted with trees. Shady walks
wind round these slopes and are provided at intervals with benches.
The following Table shows the predominant rates of weekly wages in
October, 1905 :—
Wages and Hours of Labour in the Principal Occupations, October, 1905.
Weekly Wages.
Building Trades :—*
Foremen
Bricklayers .
Stonemasons
Carpenters .
Joiners
Plumbers
Painters
Slaters
Labourers
28s. 10c?. to 30s.
25s. 6c?.
24 s.
25s. 6c?.
24s.
26s. hd.
23s. 5c?. to 25s. 6c?.
25s. 6Æ
18s. to 21s.
Weekly Hours
of Labour.
y 60
J
* The wages and hours of labour stated for the building trades are for a full week in
summer.
3 K
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