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General Purposes Sub-Committee: January 11th 1932

 

The General Manager submitted an application from Mr J W Wilson to be included in the list of Architects for work at Branch Banks.

 

1725   RESOLVED:- That the name of Mr J W Wilson be added to the list.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee: February 8th 1932

 

On Minute No 1717A (Outside illumination of branches), the General Manager submitted the following report which had been circulated to the members:

 

Outside Lighting of Branches.

 

Following upon visits paid to branches by the Chairman (Councillor R R Gelling) and Alderman Sir Percival Bower, the General Electric Company were requested to quote for Flood-Lighting and "Neon" Outlines to Key Signs according to the decisions reached by the Members of the Committee referred to in respect of each branch. In 7 cases it was considered that flood-lighting only would suffice; in 18 cases "Neon" outlines to the Key Signs were considered sufficient, and in 20 cases both flood-lighting and "Neon" outlines to Key Signs were considered desirable. Further, at Ladywood Branch it was thought that an effective flood-lighting scheme could be arranged for the entrance, and at Erdington it was thought that the tower light might lend itself to "Neon" lighting.

 

The General Electric Company have quoted for each individual branch, the cost varying from £18. 18. 4d for flood-lighting at Sherlock Street to £71. 2. 10d for flood-lighting at Handsworth; and from £22. 0. 10d. for "Neon" outline to Key Sign at Ward End to £54. 4. 3d. at Little Bromwich. The wide variation in the cost of flood-lighting is due to the extent of the frontage occupied by the Bank, corner sites being much more expensive to deal with. The variation in the price of "Neon" lighting to Key Signs is due to the different kinds of current - where alternating current supply is available the cost is, roughly half of that in cases where direct current supply is available.

 

Excluding Erdington Branch, the total cost for flood-lighting would amount to £931. 12. 8d. and for "Neon" outlines to Key Signs £1,549. 1. 10d. In the latter case the quotation is for a single surround in the case of double-sided Keys; if two surrounds are supplied to each of the double-sided Keys, there would be an increase in the cost of £189. 16. 10d.

 

In addition, there will be an extra charge of £3. 11. 6d. for time switches, and for taking down the Key Signs and forwarding same to the Company's Works at Wembley, and refixing, the Company would require to be paid 17/6d. per Sign. Should it be necessary for the control switches to be carried back to a point near the electric light switches in the Bank, there would also be an extra charge.

 

In connection with Erdington Branch, the General Electric Company quote for a "Claudegen" Neon installation to deal with the lighting of the tower on three sides, leaving the fourth side to be dealt with at a later date if considered desirable. One scheme would be to have 33ft. of tubing burning intense red and 24ft. burning vivid blue, as outlining on three sides of the tower, which would cost £71. 15. 0d.; another scheme would be to have 11ft. of tubing to burn intense red and 19ft. to burn vivid blue as outlining on the fourth side of the tower, to be erected at a subsequent date to that of the first scheme, at a cost of £39. 5. 0d.; the third scheme would be to have the design of the Key comprising 7ft. of tubing to burn intense red, to be mounted one upon each of three sides of the tower, and to be fixed to existing glass panels, at a cost of £22. 5. 0d.; the fourth quotation is for a fourth Key design to be mounted on the fourth side of the tower at a subsequent date, at a cost of £12. 15. 0d. If the whole of the four schemes were combined and dealt with at one and the same time, the cost would be £146. There would be an additional charge for low tension wiring and auto starter and time switch, which would work out in the case of any one single scheme at £16. 14. 0d, or, if the whole work is carried out at the same time the cost would be £17. 16. 6d. In other words, to do the whole thing complete, as suggested, would cost £163. 16. 6d. 1/8th In the case of "Neon" lighting for a single surround to the Key Sign, the consumption is given as  unit per hour with alternating current, and ¼ unit per hour with direct current. In the case of a double surround to the Key Sign the consumption is give as ¼ unit per with alternating current, and ½ unit per hour with direct current. In the case of lighting the tower at Erdington the consumption would vary from 1/8th unit per hour to 1 unit per hour, according to the scheme selected.

 

As regards Ladywood Branch, the General Electric Company say that "Neon" tubing would not be suitable for the facade.

 

In several cases it will be necessary to provide new Key Signs, as the existing Signs are not worth the expense of "Neon" lighting. These Signs vary in cost from £14. 2. 0d. for single-sided Keys to £18. 12. 6d. for double-sided Keys.

 

Some years ago an experiment was made with a larger Key Sign of a different construction. This sign was fixed at Aston Branch, and is a great improvement on other Key Signs, always showing up well from a lighting point of view. The cost of this single-sided Key Sign was £32. 10. 0d. It would be worth while considering whether this type of Sign would not suffice, without introducing a "Neon" outline.

 

As an alternative method of illumination, the General Electric Company have quoted for superimposing "Neon" lighting, to burn intense red, on the letters "BIRMINGHAM MUNICIPAL BANK" which appear on the stonework of Bank buildings. Where 8" letters are used the cost would be £59. 5. 0d for the three words with alternating current, and £80. 5.0d. with direct current. Where 10" letters are used the cost would be £73. 5. 0d. with alternating current and £95. 15. 0d. with direct current. The consumption in respect of this type of lighting is given as ½ unit per hour for 8" letters with alternating current and 1 unit per hour with direct current; and in the case of 10" letters 5/8th unit per hour alternating current and 1¼ unit per hour direct current. These prices are based on one branch only. If all the branches are treated in this manner, there would be a reduction of £252 on the whole amount. There would also be an extra charge of £10 per installation in respect of low tension wiring.

 

The experiment which has been tried at Aston Cross Branch certainly gives an improved effect at night with regard to the Key Sign, the "Neon" outline making the Key much more prominent. The flood-lighting is in operation when the branch is open for evening business, ie on Mondays and Fridays, and makes the premises more prominent, but on evenings when the Bank is not open there is still the same dullness about the building.

 

1734 After discussion the Sub-Committee were of opinion that in view of the considerable cost involved by the schemes at the various branches, no action be taken in the matter at the present time, and decided that the General Committee be informed accordingly.

 

Finance Sub-Committee: January 11th 1932

 

623 On Minute No 615, the General Manager reported that arrangements had been made for the experimental varnishing of the doors of Branches, and Minute No 615 was discharged.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee: February 15th 1932

 

Outside Illumination of Branches.

 

Your Sub-Committee have considered a comprehensive report prepared by the General Manager setting forth details of schemes for the outside lighting of the Branches by flood lighting and the provision of "Neon" outlines to key signs. They are informed that, excluding the Erdington Branch which would require to be specially treated, the cost for flood lighting would amount to £931. 12. 8. and for Neon outlines to key signs £1549. 1. 10., with additional charges for time switches, removal, and re-fixing of key signs and carriage expenses.

 

After careful consideration your Sub-Committee are of opinion that, in view of the considerable cost involved by the scheme, no action should be taken in the matter at the present time.

 

Bank Committee: February 15th 1932

 

After consideration of the foregoing report relating to outside illumination of Branches, the Committee were of opinion that although the schemes referred to in the report were too costly, further enquiries should be made into alternative and more economical methods of outside illumination of Branches. It was accordingly:

 

4328   RESOLVED:- That in view of the considerable cost for carrying out the scheme prepared for the outside illumination of Branches as mentioned in the report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee, these schemes be not proceeded with; but that the General Purposes Sub-Committee be instructed to make enquiries with a view to some more economical system of illumination being adopted at suitable Branches.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee: March 14th 1932

 

With reference to the question of the outside illumination of branches, which was referred back to this Sub-Committee by the General Committee at their last meeting, the General Manager submitted a letter which he had received from the General Electric Co suggesting that the Bank should adopt the proposed illumination scheme at a few suitable branches.

 

After consideration the Sub-Committee were of opinion that it would be desirable to carry out Neon lighting to key signs at suitable branches where alternating current supply was applicable, but that it was not advisable to adopt flood lighting as at Aston Cross branch.

 

After consideration suitable branches at which the Neon Lighting to keys would be desirable, it was:

 

1752   RESOLVED:- That the General Committee be recommended to approve the Neon Lighting to Key Signs at the Northfield, Cotteridge, Selly Park, Billesley, Hall Green and Witton Branches and that the General Manager obtain tenders therefor; also that in the event of the Pype Hayes Branch being on Alternating Current Supply a Key Sign be fixed and illuminated by Neon Lighting. The General Manager was further directed to consider the possibility of an illuminated box sign showing the name of the Bank on the stone facia.

 

Finance Sub-Committee: March 14th 1932

 

649 An application from Messrs F Restall Ltd to be included in the list of contractors for interior woodwork at Branches was acceded to, but it was decided to take out from the list the name of Messrs Parnall and Sons.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee : March 21st 1932

 

Outside Illumination of Branches.

 

Your Sub-Committee have further considered this question which was referred back to them by your Committee at their last meeting.

 

They are of opinion that, although the time is inopportune for a general scheme to be put into operation, it would be desirable to arrange for the illumination of certain Branches where alternating current supply is available. They are further of the opinion that flood lighting as at Aston Cross Branch should not be adopted.

 

Your Sub-Committee have come to the conclusion that the Northfield, Cotteridge, Selly Park, Billesley, Hall Green and Witton Branches would lend themselves to Neon lighting of key signs and they recommend that arrangements be made accordingly and the General Manager instructed to obtain a tender.

 

Bank Committee: March 21st 1932

 

4375   RESOLVED:- That the recommendations contained in the foregoing report for the Neon Lighting of key signs at suitable branches supplied with alternating current be approved.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee: April 11th 1932

 

On Minute No 1752 (outside illumination of certain branches) the General Manager submitted the following report:

 

Outside Lighting of Branches.

The original quotation of the General Electric Company according to the decisions of the Committee as to outlines to Keys, was as follows:

 

 

The new quotation amounts to £187. 19. 9d., but is based on a double outline to the three double-sided Keys, the Company considering that a single outline to such Keys would not be satisfactory.

 

In addition, there will be an expenditure of 17/6d. per Key for taking down, sending to the Company's Works at Wembley, and refixing.

 

The decision to have a Neon outline to Keys set at right angles to the front of the buildings in the cases of Northfield, Billesley and Hall Green, might be reconsidered. It is doubtful whether the effect would be as good as in the case of single-sided Keys. If single-sided Keys are considered the most suitable for Cotteridge and Witton, it is difficult to appreciate why double-sided Keys should be used at Northfield, Billesley and Hall Green.

 

We have recently experienced trouble with the Neon lighting at Aston Cross. The glass tube is cracked, but the Makers are unable to say definitely what has caused the crack.

 

There is a drawback to the present system of Neon lighting to Key Signs, viz, that electric bulbs inside the Key Sign cannot be replaced without calling upon the Company to attend to same, the Neon tubing preventing access being obtained to the bulbs without disturbing the tubing.

 

If Neon lighting is to be adopted, it would be advisable to fix up a maintenance contract, otherwise it may prove an expensive matter if we have to call upon the Company frequently for repairs, etc.

 

I have obtained a quotation from Messrs W H Fraley and Sons Ltd for single-sided Keys, two of which would be required at Selly Park. The price for Keys similar in size and make to the one at Aston Cross would be £14. 2. 0. each, and for Keys similar in size and make to the one at Aston Cross, £32. 10. 0. each. I am surprised at these prices. They show no reduction as compared with five years ago. I do not consider the prices reasonable and suggest that we try to obtain the Keys from elsewhere. It should be possible to obtain an effective box-sign with the Key painted on the glass, and I think enquiries might be made in that direction.

 

After consideration it was:

 

1760   RESOLVED:- That having regard to the inconvenience which would arise from the fact that the electric bulbs inside a Key sign could not be replaced without calling in the assistance of the General Electric Co to disconnect the Neon tubing and also to the cost of single-sided Key signs, the General Manager be instructed to make enquiries into other methods of illumination and for the provision of Key signs at a lower cost, with a view to experiments being made before any general scheme of illumination is adopted.

 

The Sub-Committee considered representations which had been made by the Etna Lighting and Heating Co pointing out that they had not been given the opportunity of tendering for work at branches during recent years and asking that their representative should be allowed to interview the Sub-Committee.

 

1763  RESOLVED:- That the Chairman and General Manager be authorised to grant an interview to the firm on the matter.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee : April 18th 1932

 

Outside Illumination of Branches.

 

At the last Meeting of your Committee, the General Manager was instructed to arrange for the installation of Neon lighting to key signs at six selected branches.

 

It transpires, however, that the fixing of the Neon tubing to these signs prevents the replacement of electric bulbs inside the key sign when the same burn out, without interfering with the Neon tubing, and therefore the Company would have to be called in to effect replacements.

 

Your Sub-Committee are further surprised to find that the cost of key signs shows no reduction on the price of those supplied some years ago, and they do not feel justified in asking the General Committee to sanction any further expenditure on the outside lighting of branches until a more satisfactory and less expensive type of sign has been discovered. Your Sub-Committee have, therefore, directed the General Manager to make further inquiries into the matter and report thereon.

 

Bank Committee: April 18th 1932

 

4402  RESOLVED:- That the action of the General Purposes Sub-Committee in directing the General Manager to make further enquiries with a view to obtaining a more satisfactory and less expensive  type of key sign for illumination purposes, before any general scheme for the outside illumination of Branches is adopted, be confirmed.

 

Bank Committee: June 20th 1932

 

The General Manager reported that he had been approached by a Mr W Russell, Painter and Decorator, 167 Vicarage Road, Aston, with regard to the treatment of the doors of Branches.

 

4488   RESOLVED:- That the General Manager be instructed to arrange for Mr Russell to carry out his method of treatment at one of the Branches as an experiment.

 

General Purposes Sub-Committee : October 17th 1932

 

Outside Illumination of Branches.

 

Your Sub-Committee report that the experiments with illuminated key signs at Wheeler Street, Alum Rock, and Sparkhill Branches have proved that the signs supplied by Messrs Woolens, Ltd, are a great improvement on the old type of key sign.

 

They have accordingly given instructions for similar signs to be fixed at Saltley, Duddeston and Yardley Branches.

 

With regard to the Acock's Green Branch, the General Manager has been directed to confer with the Secretary of the Gas Department with the view of a joint scheme of gas illumination being adopted, and has also been instructed to prepare a special scheme for illuminating the Alcester Road South premises when completed.

 

Bank Committee: October 17th 1932

 

4539   RESOLVED:- That the actions proposed to be taken for the installation of illuminated key signs at certain branches be approved and confirmed.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                         Continued .... 

 

 

 

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