careless handling of tools is responsible for a daily toil of mishaps. We cannot guard against such things except by appealing to the workmen to use just ordinary common sense in looking after themselves. Minor accidents in the Ford plant were greatly reduced during the past year, and further reductions would be possible if the employees took precautions to guard against them.

Throughout the plant 800 pairs of goggles are in daily use " he said. "From the highspeed grinding machines to the lowly nail, danger lurks for the eyes, and the orders regarding the use of goggles are strictly adhered to in all departments. Many instances might be quoted of the part goggles have played in saving the eyesight of their wearers. Such safety devices do not only protect human life and limb; they inspire the workman to give his best work with the knowledge and confidence that injury of any sort is not possible unless he himself goes out of his way to find it. In the Ford plant the safety devices employed are of the latest and best designs, and all the men are encouraged to invent newer and better means of protecting themselves and their fellows."

With a view to reducing compensation expenditure to a minimum, 2,500 safety devices have been installed on machines in the Ford factory. Those devices include automatic switches on heavy presses, mechanically controlled safety gates on presses, and wire and metal guards on all cogs, gears, and other moving machine parts. The Ford plant is open at all times to safety managers who wish to make a study of the safety devices in operation there. Other firms are at liberty to copy any of the safety appliances that are used in the Ford factory.

Safety Devices on Pennsylvania Railroad

The Pennsylvania Railroad has announced its intention to spend over $8,000,000 in the installation of new automatic signals and traincontrol devices. By electrically operated mechanism, signals displayed at the side of the track will be duplicated in the engine cabs, two sets being installed, one on the engineer's side and the other on the fireman's. When the signal is unfavourable a warning whistle will be sounded. A train control system known as the "Stop and forestaller " device, has also been installed on various lines of this railroad. By means of this device, when a train passes a signal showing any indication except """ clear," the air brakes will be automatically applied unless the engineer works the forestaller controlled by a small lever in the cab, which "forestalls" the automatic action of the brakes. The engineer will

only do this of course when he has observed the signal and knows that the track conditions ahead willl permit him to bring the train under control.

The Practical Results of Employee-Repre

sentation

The vice-president in charge of manufacturing of the International Harvester Company states that step by step the company's works councils have advanced of and for themselves along the road of co-operation to a point where safety of workers and increased quantity and sustained quality of product are now among their primary aims.

The works council of to-day is a long way ahead of the grievance committee so familiar half a dozen years ago. Attention to safety by the heads of the works council of the Chatham, Ontario, works has brought about the result that in 1924, in 1925 and to date in 1926 the plant has not had a single lost-time accident. It takes employee co-operation to do it. Yet the majority of industrial corporations continue to overlook the possibilities which such councils offer, some perhaps through lack of interest; some through scepticism; many, no doubt because they do not realize what works councils are accomplishing and have no acquaintance with the new technique of management which is being developed by and through them.

As a form of the discussion of both management and employee problems, each of the works councils is discovering that quality is important from the employee standpoint as well as from the management standpoint.

"Make It Safe"

The National Safety Council, with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, has issued a pamphlet under the title "Make It Safe," in response to a demand for a simple illustrated booklet suitable for distribution among workpeople. It contains a general introduction showing the need for thoughtfulness on the worker's part, and instructions as to the use of safe clothing, and suggestions and warnings in connection with falls, burns, electricity, explosives, poisonous substances, boilers and tanks, power transmission, metal working and wood working machines, hoisting apparatus, vehicles and railroads. Instructions are given also in the proper method of resuscitation from electric shock or drowning. The prices of copies of the pamphlet are ten cents each; two to 99 copies, eight cents each; 100 to 499 copies, 7 cents each; 500 to 999 copies, 6 cents each and 1,000 or over, 5 cents each. The extra charge for imprinting will be $4 for the first 1,000 and $3 per thousand for additional thousands.

Travelling School in Northern Ontario

That the travelling school which has been recently put into service by the Ontario department of education in co-operation with the Canadian National Railways, to provide educational facilities for children of railway employees and settlers in the smaller communities on the Ruel subdivision of the National system, has proved to be a success beyond expectation was stated recently by Dr. J. D. McDougall, chief inspector of the department, on his return from his first inspection of the school. When Dr. McDougall visited the school it was stationed at its first stop, Nandair, a settlement about five miles west of the Capreol division point, and so great was the interest shown by all settlements along the subdivision that it is anticipated at least two more stops will have to be added to the five already on schedule for the

car.

Carpenters' Apprenticeship Classes at
Hamilton

A new class has been commenced at the Hamilton Technical Institute for carpenters' apprentices. This class is confined to young lads who are apprentices at the trade and intend to become mechanics and make the trade their livelihood. It is recognized that to make a success of this effort there must be co-operation between the employer and the journeyman working at the trade, the employer being willing to give the apprentice the opportunity to learn. The majority of the lads attending the class are indentured to their employers for a period of four years, with a set scale of wages increasing every year. The carpenters' union is pledged, as a party to the agreement, that the interests of the apprentice shall be well looked after and opportunities given him to become a competent mechanic. The principle of apprenticeship has always been advocated by the organized labour movement, particularly in the carpentering trade. It is now felt that lasting benefit to the trade will accrue from the recently inaugurated indentured apprentice system.

The Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, Calgary

The following article by W. G. Carpenter, Director of Technical Education for the Province of Alberta, appeared in the Alberta Labour News for September.

As a direct result of the report of the Royal Commission investigating extension of educational facilities in Southern Alberta the

Provincial Institute of Technology and Art was organized in 1916. After one year it was taken over by the Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment Board of Canada and conducted as a training institution for returned soldiers. This work continued until 1920 when the Institute was returned to the Provincial Government of Alberta. In 1921 the corner stone was laid for the magnificent buildings housing the Institute, and in 1922 work was begun in the new quarters. The growth of the Institute has been remarkable. In the school year 1920-21 there were given 40,685 student hours' instruction while in the year 1925-26 the student hours totalled 213,678, an increase of 425 per

cent.

The whole setting of the Technical Institute is such as to form a fitting tribute to the dignity of skilled labour. The outlook of the organization is toward the great industrial class. The program of studies contains quite a large content of so-called academic studies such as English, mathematics and science, which, while of sub-university grade, is most easily related by those who have a high school education, although mature students with a good public school education can gain control of it without undue difficulty. The content of these subjects taught is selected because of its applicational value. The practical shopwork and other related material are designed to bring the most useful assistance to the young man or woman planning an industrial career. Every encouragement, however, is given students to secure as much high school training as possible before entering the Institute. A high school education is not a compulsory requirement but it is very helpful. A high school education to-morrow will be as essential as a public school education is to-day.

In the shop courses instruction is given, using actual, man-sized, industrial equipment. In the mechanical engineering department work is actually done on steam engines, steam tractors, steam pumps, etc. In the gas engine and gas tractor departments the engine that is to stand the strain of actual use is the material for instruction. The motor car, the automotive electric equipment, the electric motor, generator, transformer or commercial testing instruments all constitute the exercise work in their respective departments. The girls make dresses and hats that are actually worn. This principle is a very important one in an educational process because through its application all the work is motivated from beginning to end.

The shops of the Institute are excellently equipped to do effective work. The workshop building is 317 feet long and 100 feet wide. To this there is being made ready for fall occupancy a wing 150 feet by 70 feet. The shop building houses two shops for mechanical and steam engineering; three shops and a testing room for industrial electricity; three shops for automotive electricity; three shops for gas engines and tractors; two shops for building construction and a large shop 100 feet by 70 feet for motor service work, with which are associated a vulcanizing room and an excellently equipped lecture and demonstration

room.

In addition to these facilities there is a splendidly equipped blacksmith shop, a warehouse and a modern service boiler and engine room. In the boiler room there are housed two 225 horse power high pressure water tube boilers equipped with mechanical stokers, overhead coalbunkers and the latest type of ash-conveying machinery. In the engine room a 150 kilowatt generator supplies light and power for the entire institution during the winter months. This unit with accompanying switch-board was completely erected by the students in the Institute. A hand-fired boiler driving a steam electric plant with a complicated switch-board furnishes an additional instructional unit in this department. A modern up-to-the-minute air compressor is being installed for next year's classes.

The interest in the work of the Institute has been very marked as evidenced by the large enrolment coming from a wide range extending over the province. In the term 1925-26 over 70 per cent of the enrolment came from points outside Calgary. Quite a large number of applications are received from Saskatchewan and British Columbia but in many cases it is necessary to refuse admittance because of lack of room. In fact there was not room in several classes for those who applied from points within the province. For this reason it is advisable to file an early application. The average age of the student body in the term 1925-26 was 20.6 years.

The main courses such as electrical, mechanical engineering, motor mechanics, long tractor, drafting, dressmaking and millinery are designed to cover about sixteen months' attendance. On successfully completing these courses a diploma is granted. Short courses are given in addition to these. Three six-week short tractor courses are run during the winter months. A farm construction course is offered

farmers in which six weeks are spent in the carpenter shop, six weeks in the tractor shop, three weeks blacksmithing. one week on brick, cement and mortar, and three weeks on farm machinery. This is a popular course for young farmers. A three weeks' welding course is being offered, beginning December 1st. A full equipment for oxy-acetylene and electric welding is being installed. Special arrangements are made for workmen who may be free for a period, to come in as part-time students. Facilities are present for doing a service to the building trades in woodwork construction, in bricklaying and in heating and ventilating. The Institute is ready to co-operate when the time comes for it to make a contribution to those preparing to enter these trades. There is no desire to make courses merely manual training courses, they must have an industrial outlook to be included in the curriculum of the Institute.

A service particularly adapted to conditions peculiar to our province is the instruction given through the mail-correspondence courses. Two sets of courses are already being given with splendid results, three courses for steam engineering and three courses for overmen in the coal mining industry. The fees for these courses are nominal. With the co-operation of the Boilers' Department of the Provincial Government and the Mining Branch these courses have been made to meet the requirements of these departments. Without being clouded in a great mass of irrelevant material what is required for the examination tests as set by these departments is found in these courses. This work is in charge of competent engineers.

Plans are under discussion anticipating an expansion in this type of work. There is a persistent demand for courses in electricity and in internal combustion engines, also in dressmaking and millinery. By co-operation with the other provinces in Western Canada it is hoped that a complete program may be worked out at a minimum expense. These courses open to persons living remote from the Institute opportunities of an unique nature, comparable to actual attendance in classes. This is the most democratic type of instruction it is possible to organize and its significance is of great importance. The Institute is desirous of broadening its influence along these lines.

The time is close at hand when there has to be a closer co-operation between the employer, the employee and the school, making good the absence of an adequate apprentice

system. Young men must replace the older men trained under the old efficient apprentice system. Trade conditions, with their complexities and competitions, make it impossible for the young man to master a trade without some formal instruction in the theory and related data of his vocation. This theory cannot be successfully given on the job nor can it be given as it should be without trade equipment. It is here that the school must

come in and make good the opportunity the industry cannot itself offer. In large industrial plants this is offered through privately organized schools. Alberta is in the van of progress in its Provincial Institute of Technology and Art which ever stands ready to co-operate on any constructive policy looking to the qualifying of Alberta men and women to profit by the great natural resources of their beautiful province.

Participation of Germany in the Interna

tional Labour Organization

One of the outstanding features of the Seventh Assembly of the League of Nations, which assembled in Geneva in September, was the unanimous approval by the forty-eight States participating in the vote on the admission of Germany into the League and of her functioning as a permanent member of the Council of the League. Those who are acquainted with the history of the International Labour Organization will be aware that Germany has been a member of this Organization since October 30, 1919; that she was admitted by a resolution of the First Session of the International Labour Conference, in pursuance of a desire expressed by the Labour Legislation Commission of the Peace Conference, and a decision of the Supreme Council of the Allies. By that resolution Germany was admitted "with the same rights and obligations possessed by the other members of the Labour Organization". A few weeks later, when the first Governing Body of the International Labour Office was appointed, Germany was allotted a seat on that Body, and from that day until now has taken an active and equal part with other nations in the activities of the Organization.

Belgium Ratifies Eight-Hour Convention

The ratification by Belgium of the EightHour Convention of the International Labour Conference was registered by the Secretary General of the League of Nations on September 6.

Hours of Labour in Japan

An Association known as the Japanese Association for International Labour Legislation issued recently a questionnaire in order to sound public opinion in Japan as to the expediency of the acceptance in that country of the Convention which was adopted at the

First International Labour Conference limiting hours of work in industrial undertakings to eight in the day and forty-eight in the week. The questionnaire dealt with the following points: the probable effect upon Japan of the ratification and enforcement of the hours convention, the reasons for or against ratification, and the time and procedure to be adopted for its enforcement. According to newspaper reports the replies received up to mid-summer showed that generally speaking workers, scholars, social students and employers in engineering and kindred industries are in favour of limiting the working hours in accordance with the Convention, while Chambers of Commerce and employers in the textile industry are opposed. It should be noted, however, that many of those who opposed the Convention are unaware that it contains special provisions for Japan.

Statistics of Industrial Disputes and Collective Agreements

The International Labour Office has issued lately two small publications dealing respectively with methods of compiling statistics of industrial disputes and methods of statistics of collective agreements.

In an introduction to the former publication it is observed that in modern industrial countries, labour disputes have become a regular and important feature of the economic life. They affect not only the private economy of employers and workers, but the national economy as a whole. The fear of a stoppage of the productive activity alone exercises a considerable influence upon the regulation of industrial relations. Moreover, such disputes have important moral consequences, as the irritation and suffering caused by them often increase the antagonism between the different classes of the community. For these reasons, statistics of industrial disputes have acquired increased importance, and in fact, practically all the industrial countries have found it neces

sary to publish such statistics. At the same time their character has changed. To-day they deal principally with the economic aspects of the disputes, and endeavour to present an index of changing industrial conditions.

It is further observed that in view of the above characteristics of the statistics of industrial disputes, it is evident that the improvement and standardization of the methods employed are of considerable practical importance. The fact that labour statistics generally are liable to be utilized and interpreted according to the various interests of the parties concerned holds good particularly in respect of the statistics of industrial disputes which imply acute conflicts of interests between employers and workers. In the second place, the statistics of disputes can serve a practical end from an international point of view: references are frequently made to the detrimental effect of disputes on the competitive power of a country on the international market. For this reason it is important to minimize as far as possible the existing differences in the methods of the statistics published in various countries.

Accordingly, the purpose of the report under discussion is to examine and compare the chief elements of the methods of compiling statistics of industrial disputes, and to outline where practicable the standards on the basis of which some degree of international comparability may be secured. The discussion is divided into four parts. In the first chapter, which serves as a basis for the detailed analysis, certain general problems of the statistics of disputes are concerned. In the next two chapters, disputes are considered from the point of view of the variations they present in their general character and the extent of their consequences, and the criteria of their classification are passed under review. The second chapter is thus concerned with classifications according to the "nature" of disputes, and the third with disputes according to their "importance". In the fourth chapter finally, disputes are regarded from the point of view of the risk to which productive activity is exposed, and the methods of calculating the "frequency" and "severity" rates are outlined.

With reference to collective agreements, the relating of conditions of employment by means of collective agreements is increasingly adopted in modern industrial countries. The principle of freedom of contract originally implied individual bargaining and the settlement of conditions of employment by means of individual labour contracts alone. According to this system, however, the high degree of inequality in the economic strength of the

contracting parties worked one-sidedly in favour of the employers. Therefore the prac tice of individual agreements has been modified in the course of industrial evolution. First, the State passed labour legislation establishing a uniform minimum standard for the general protection of the workers. Seeondly, having realized their common interests, workers have created organizations whose principal object is to introduce and apply the method of collective bargaining; the organization of workers, again, has often compelled employers to combine. As a consequence of the development of industrial organization, conditions of employment are at present regulated to a large extent by negotiations between employers and workers, the results of which take the form of collective agreements. Concluded for a given establishment or a group of establishments or industries for a limited period, collective agreements have, in fact, provided important standards for individual labour contracts and form an indispensible complement to the protection of workers by labour legislation.

It is evident therefore that the statistics of collective agreements may furnish valuable information as to the development of industrial life. The statistics are, however, of comparatively recent origin and in a somewhat undeveloped state. Before the war, only Austria, Germany, Sweden and France published statistics of collective agreements. Even at the present time the number of countries compiling regular statistics of collective agreements is small as compared with that of countries publishing other kinds of labour statistics. There is no doubt, however, that statistics of collective agreements, if their scope and methods are adequately defined, form an independent and indispensible branch of labour statistics. In view of the increasing importance of collective agreements in industrial life, it is both desirable and probable that the statistics concerned will develop rapidly in the near future.

The character of the statistics of collective agreements is not only social but also legal. An examination of the methods of the statistics concerned implies therefore some study of the legislation on collective agreements, which is of more recent origin than the statistics, and is, moreover, still in a state of development. The report under discussion, however, does not enter into an examination of the legal aspects of collective agreements beyond what is strictly necessary for the understanding of the statistics.

The discussion of the subject is divided into three sections: the first of which is concerned