The Cine Technician (1938-1939)

104 THE CINE TECHNICIAN Jan.— Feb., 1989 LAB TOPICS seldom arc at a function of this nature, and five speakers between them occupied a total speaking time of exactly 6) minutes. Such functions serve a very useful purpose by bringing persons from different sections of the industry together periodically. LAB SOCIAL CLUB Nemo tells us : The object of the Laboratory Social Club is probably known to most, but lor the benefit of those who have forgotten or are unenlightened, a few brief words may not seem misplaced. Alter the formation ol a Laboratory Section in the Association, it was lelt by sonic that opportunities should be provided for social gatherings; many members during their A.C.T. activities had had opportunities of forming new acquaintances, perhaps not always in congenial circumstances; arguing over principles and divergent political schisms does not tend to produce a. carefree atmosphere for fraternising, and so the Social Section was formed, and those of you who have attended any of the functions will agree that it has justified its existence. It is a curious thing, the amount of real hard work necessary lor giving people an enjoyable evening. You all know the old saw "Many hands make light work" — it may not be literally correct LABORATORIES IN INDIA A recent issue of " filmindia" draws attention to the Factories Acts which regulate working conditions in the British laboratories and states that something of a similar nature is badly required for film workers in India. They continue : "As matters stand to-day our film workers happen to be the most unfortunate lot of people we can ever find, struggling for a living. The present trade depression has compelled the studio executives in India to carry out heavy retrenchments in our army of film workers, with the result that the present people who are employed are putting in excessive work, for which they get normal wages. And the conditions under which they actually work are not heavenly in any case. The film laboratories in India, with the exception of a few. air no better than birth homes of disease and ill-health. " While everyone admits that the health of the laboratory workers should be the consideration of all producers, the economical conditions do not permit the producers to introduce radical changes for the better. However, a lol can be done if the producers intend to put some human element in their business by providing to the workers more rest and changing conditions suitably to make the laboratories more comfortable for work. "A visit to one of these laboratories would bring home forcibly the necessity of installing air conditioning plants and introducing up-to-date ventilation. " Let us consider the fumes in the different parts of a film laboratory. Taking the cleaning department, where methylated spirit is used, the air is so stagnant with the fumes of this particular spirit that one can hardly breathe with comfort. The developing looms where the tanks are cleaned w ith profuse use of hydrochloric acid, are full of choking fumes, which must in the long run cause a sorry effect on the health of the workers. And to all these fumes, add the bad ventilation and the necessary darkness which we find in our laboratories, and you can well imagine the conditions under w hich our laboratory workers actually work . " In foreign countries, Governments are taking serious notice of these affairs, but not so on our side. Something must be done, and that too urgently, to improve the lot of our studio workers by bringing newchanges in our Factories' Act. The first and foremost thing that compels attention is to equip every laboratory with an air conditioning plant. This item at least must be made compulsory by an official regulation." OLYMPIC DINNER AND DANCE A year ago our General Secretary attended the annual Dinner and Dance of the Olympic Sports and Social Club and was promptly away ill for the next two months. This year the Committee forgot the past and invited him again, and so far he appears to have safely survived. A large number of the staff attended, together with Mr. J. G. Skittrell, head of the firm, and distinguished visitors, such as Mr. Wratten, of Kodak Ltd., from business associates of the Company. It was also pleasing to see visitors from other laboratories present. The whole evening went with a swing, and great credit is due to the Hon. Secretary, Mr. 1). D. Milne, who organised the function. The speeches were as speeches should be but If A MlCHTSHIFT IS SOMETHIflC YOU HEAR WHILE YOUR NIGHTIE' \S II THE WflSH but you know wiiat I mean. Well, what about it '.' If you knew the amount of time and energy used by your social representatives you would be amazed. And, look you ! Apart from their ordinary service there is a social evening to plan and scheme for — when? JANUARY 20th, 1939 Now here's a chance for any budding (or blooming) musician, crooner, impersonator, juggler, sword-sw allower or double act, who consider that they should be among Carol Levis's discoveries, to make a name for themselves. Don't sent a postcard. Simply let your social representative know the type of entertainer you are. Amateur dance bandsmen are especially welcome. The Social is being held at the G.P. Restaurant, Wardour Street, W.l, where we shall be able to do the Lambeth Walk. Unfortunately larger accommodation would mean greater expense, and bearing in mind tin' super outing the Committee are planning for June 25th, a small charge of ninepence is being made for the refreshments, which will b e in the form of a running buffet. So cut your smoking down and reserve your wind. When you arrive at the "place de concorde" come out of your shell, drop your reserve, put your best foot forward, and have a scrumptious time.