Bank Committee: July 17th 1933
4816 On Minute No 4438, the Committee were informed that the agreement with the Masonic Temple relating to the cornice etc at the new Bank Head Office premises, had for some time past been with the Solicitors to the Masonic Temple Authorities for approval, and the Town Clerk was instructed to take steps to expedite completion of the matter.
On Minute No 4746 (Provision of safe deposit installation) the following report of the Town Clerk was submitted as to the completion of the contract with Messrs Chubb and Sons Lock and Safe Company Ltd:
SAFE DEPOSIT INSTALLATION AT NEW HEAD OFFICE.
In pursuance
of the above Minute I beg to report that I have prepared, completed and affixed the Corporate Seal to a contract with Chubb &
Sons Lock and Safe Company Limited for the erection and completion of a safe deposit installation at the new Head Office.
I ask that the Minute be discharged.
4817 RESOLVED:- That Minute No 4746 be discharged.
4823 The following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee was presented:
New Head Office Premises - Provision of Counters, etc.
Your Sub-Committee have considered tenders received for the provision of counter, screens and fittings to the Banking hall, counter to Attendance Office in Basement, and screens to Accounts and Secretarial Offices at the new Head Offices of the Bank. They recommend that the lowest tender, that of Messrs F Restall Ltd of Birmingham, at the sum of £2,240, be accepted; the work to be completed within a period of twelve weeks.
The counters, screens and fittings are to be supplied to the specification prepared by the Architect (Mr T Cecil Howitt) and the work to be carried out under his supervision.
4824 RESOLVED:- That the tender of Messrs F Restall Ltd at the sum of £2,240 for the provision of counters, screens and fittings at the new Head Office premises (the work to be completed within a period of twelve weeks) be accepted; and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and affix the Corporate Seal to the necessary Contract.
With reference to the forthcoming opening of the new Head Office premises of the Bank, the General Manager submitted communications he had received from the Town Clerk upon the matter, after consideration of which it was:
4842 RESOLVED:- That the necessary steps be taken to invite HRH Prince George to open the new Head Office of the Bank at a suitable date
after the end of October, and that the Town Clerk and General Manager be instructed to take any necessary action in the matter.
Bank Committee (Special): August 10th 1933
4848 On Minute No 4842, the Committee were informed that HRH Prince George had consented to open the new Bank Central Head Office premises on Monday, November 27th, and the Town Clerk had been requested to submit a draft time table in due course for approval.
The Committee discussed the preliminary arrangements and the Town Clerk pointed out that the time of the Opening Ceremony would have to conform to the wishes of the Prince, and the question as to whether the Ceremony should be performed before or after luncheon would depend upon the time of His Royal Highness' arrival in Birmingham. In this connection, the Town Clerk was asked to ascertain whether it was the wish of the Lord Mayor to entertain the guests to lunch on behalf of the City, as otherwise it was decided that the Bank Committee should make independent arrangements in this connection.
The Committee also decided that a Commemorative Dinner should be held at the new Central Head Offices in the evening of the 27th November, and in this connection, the General Manager was directed to notify Mr Neville Chamberlain of the proposed arrangements, with a view, if possible, to ensuring his presence at the Opening Ceremony, Luncheon and Dinner. The hope was also expressed that HRH would consent to be present at the Commemorative Dinner.
The Town Clerk was accordingly directed, upon hearing the views of the Lord Mayor upon the proposed arrangements, to prepare, in conjunction with the General Manager, a suitable time table on the lines indicated above and to submit the same to the appropriate quarter.
The Committee then discussed further details of the proposed arrangements and, after having submitted to them a specimen brochure prepared by Mr Clamp, the Publicity Expert, (estimated to cost approximately 4/6d. each for 3000 copies) and draft lists of guests to be respectively invited to the Opening Ceremony, Luncheon and Commemorative Dinner, it was:
4849 RESOLVED:- (1) That the General Manager be directed to instruct Mr Clamp to prepare a draft brochure on the lines of the specimen submitted for the approval of this Committee, it being contemplated that a sufficient number of copies of the brochure should be provided at a total cost of not exceeding £500.
(2) That the General Manager be instructed to submit complete lists of guests to this Committee when the arrangements for the Opening Ceremony are definitely settled.
(3) That arrangements be made for the invited guests to the Opening Ceremony (including Members of the City Council) to inspect the new building, but that the general public be not admitted on the Opening Day; and that the General Manager be directed to make any necessary arrangements in this connection with the Chief Constable, and as to admission by ticket and the reservation of a roped-off space in front of the building during the Ceremony, etc.
(4) That the General Manager be instructed to make suitable arrangements inside the new Banking hall, with the object of enabling HRH to address the guests should he desire to do so.
With reference to the question of commencing business at the new Bank, it was:
4850 RESOLVED:- That the General Manager be instructed to arrange for business to commence at the new premises on Tuesday, November 28th, and to arrange for the necessary transfer of books, materials, etc after conclusion of the Commemorative Dinner on the 27th November.
The General Manager submitted the following report as to additional appointments in connection with the New Head Offices:
Report of the General Manager on additional appointments in connection with the New Head Offices.
The only appointments which I consider it necessary to make are, an Engineer, a Telephonist, a Lift Attendant, and Canteen Staff. These matters have received the careful consideration of the Chairman of the Bank and the Chairman of the General Purposes Sub-Committee, with the result that I am able to put forward the following proposals and observations:
ENGINEER.
The person to be appointed would look after the whole of the electric light installation, motors, electric clocks, dictagraphs and internal telephones, heating and ventilating plant, etc, at the Head Office, inspection and minor repairs to electric light installations at Branch Banks, and supervise the work of any contractor carrying out electrical work.
Seven applications have been received (without advertisement) for such a post, including one from Mr A E Maggs, aged 33 years, the foreman electrical engineer who has carried out the whole of the electrical installation and internal telephones, dictagraphs, clocks, alarm bells and call bells, and who is conversant with the plenum plant and the heating system. It is felt that Mr Maggs's knowledge of the whole system of heating and lighting, and his experience generally, would be of great advantage to the Bank, and the Committee are strongly recommended by the Architect and Clerk of Works to secure his services. Mr Maggs is undoubtedly a worker; during the many visits I have paid to the building I have always found him industrious. He asks for a wage of £5 per week, and now receives £4. 10. 0. per week plus overtime. It is recommended that he be engaged at a commencing wage of £5 per week, plus overalls.
TELEPHONIST.
Several applications (without advertisement) have been received, including one from Miss Marjorie Rayner, aged 30 years, who has been in the Corporation telephone exchange service for six years. Miss Rayner is the operator who generally deals with Bank calls, is familiar with our Branch Bank telephone numbers and the names of the different officers. She has proved herself courteous and obliging, and her application is strongly backed by Head Office Senior Officers. It appears that Miss Rayner is not on the permanent staff, as she did not pass the medical test at the time, but she has been retained for over six years as a temporary operator at £135 per annum.
Miss Rayner told me that Dr Prosser, who examined her, thought she was diabetic, but she has produced certificates from Mr R Gittings, MD, MRCP, of Newhall Street, and from Dr Coulter of Sparkhill, stating that she is not diabetic, and is in good health. I have consulted the Treasurer, who did not consider the examination meant she was definitely turned down, and thought it a case for re-examination, which I have requested the Treasurer to arrange. Subject to such re-examination proving satisfactory, it is recommended that Miss Rayner be engaged as Telephonist at a commencing salary of £135 per annum.
LIFT ATTENDANT.
Several applications have been received (without advertisement) and in response to a private advertisement 329 replies have been received, These have been examined, and a selection made therefrom.
The Corporation rate of remuneration is £2. 10. 7. per week of 48 hours, but in view of the irregular hours of the Bank staff, including duties on two evenings of the week, I consider the wage should be fixed at a figure per irrespective of the hours which have to be worked. It is therefore suggested that the wage be fixed at £2. 12. 6. per week, plus uniform.
For this post I trust the Committee will agree to the engagement of a disabled ex-Serviceman of good recommendation, providing the disability is not too serious for the particular work he would have to undertake; and I recommend the matter being left to the Chairman to make such appointment.
CANTEEN STAFF.
To settle this matter, it will first be necessary to determine the position with regard to the present Caretakers, Mr and Mrs Kirtland. They were appointed in September 1927 as Caretakers at a joint wage of £3 per week, the man also to act as Commissionaire and the woman as Cook in the Canteen. They were also required to undertake the cleaning of the second floor and rooms on the first floor at the usual rate per hour paid to cleaners. One or both of the Caretakers must always be on the premises, unless approved deputies are acting during holiday or sick leave. Subsequently a difficulty arose under the Superannuation Scheme, Mr Kirtland being 42 years of age, and Mrs Kirtland 56, and therefore too old to join the Scheme. After consultation with the Treasurer, the joint salary was divided so that Mr Kirtland received £2 per week and Mrs Kirtland £1 per week. Mr Kirtland received an increase of 5/- in 1928 and 2/6 in 1930, so that his wages to-day are £2. 7. 6., and those of his wife £1. The payment for cleaning work and supervision of Cleaners at Edmund Street and Easy Row comes to 10/- each per week. Mr Kirtland is now 47 years of age, and Mrs Kirtland 62, so that she has only 3 years to go before she reaches the age of 65.
For the New Head Offices it is essential that the Canteen arrangements should be divorced from the Caretakers. The male Caretaker will be required to act as Commissionaire and Messenger during office hours, and it is suggested that the supervision of the cleaning staff should be upon the female Caretaker. These are important changes in the terms of engagement of the present Caretakers, and it is suggested that their present appointment be terminated by the usual month's notice, and fresh terms offered them as indicated in this report, at a wage of £2. 7. 6. per week in the case the male Caretaker, and that £1. 10. 0. per week in the case of the female Caretaker, the two combined to have joint responsibility in respect of the premises.
This being decided, the way is open to make appointments of the Kitchen Staff to deal with meals for 55 persons in three relays of ½ hour each on four days of the week, and for light refreshments on Saturday mornings in three relays of ¼ hour each. To cope with this a staff of one Cook, one Assistant, and one Waitress would be required, and by comparison with other Corporation canteens reasonable payments would be:
Cook, £2 per week.
Assistant, £1. 10. 0. per week.
Waitress, £1 per week.
The present Assistant, who is paid £1. 10. 0. per week, could continue her service, as she is quite satisfactory, so that the new appointments would be a Cook and a Waitress. It is recommended that the engagement of suitable persons at the wages mentioned above be left to the Staff Canteen Committee, with the assistance of Mrs Shaw. It should be made clear that the wages of the Kitchen Staff would cover services for the whole week if found necessary, although it is unlikely that they would be wanted on Thursdays. For extra services required at the annual Balance period, the Kitchen Staff would share in the bonus usually allowed by the Committee.
4851 RESOLVED:- That Mr A E Maggs be appointed, as Engineer at the new Central Head Offices, to carry out the duties indicated in the foregoing report, at a commencing inclusive remuneration of £5 per week, plus overalls, the date of his taking up duties to be settled in conjunction with the architect.
4852 RESOLVED:- That, subject to passing the necessary medical examination under the Superannuation Scheme, Miss Rayner, at present engaged as temporary telephone operator in the Corporation Exchange, be appointed telephonist at the new Bank, at a salary of £135 per annum, the appointment to commence as from the 20th November, 1933.
4853 RESOLVED:- That the General Manager be authorised to engage a man, not exceeding age of 45 years, for the post of lift attendant preference to be given to a disabled ex-service man, at an inclusive remuneration of £2. 12. 2d. per week, the appointment to commence as from the 20th November, 1933.
The General Manager submitted the following report as to the proposed arrangements for the canteen service at the new building:
Canteen Arrangements.
The present caretakers (Mr and Mrs Kirtland) are responsible for the safety and cleanliness of the premises; the man acts also as Commissionaire, whilst the woman is responsible for cooking meals for the staff. The appointment is a joint one, and requires the presence of one or other always on the premises, unless approved deputies are acting during holiday or sick leave.
Mr Kirtland is 47 years of age, but Mrs Kirtland is 62 years of age and has, therefore, only three years to go before she reaches the age of 65.
The restricted accommodation of the present canteen means that only 35 members of the staff can be catered for, the remainder having to take meals elsewhere on the premises or go outside.
To assist in the cooking and preparation of the meals an assistant is provided at a cost of £1. 10. -. per week, and Mr Kirtland has to leave his duties as Commissionaire in order to cut the joints and help with the serving.
The arrangement is one which cannot apply at the new Head Offices, where the whole staff will be catered for, and where the Commissionaires must attend to his own duties. There will also be more cleaning to supervise.
Mr Kirtland receives £2. 7. 6. per week and uniform, and Mrs Kirtland received £1. -. -. per week, their apartments and emoluments being valued at 16/- per week. In addition they receive £1. -. -. per week for cleaning, in lieu of engaging other persons.
It is suggested that Mr and Mrs Kirtland should become caretakers of the new building; that Mr Kirtland should act as Commissionaire during staff hours, that Mrs Kirtland should be responsible for supervising the cleaning of the premises, and that suitable salaries should be fixed. Neither of them should have anything to do with the Canteen.
For the Canteen it will be necessary to engage a cook, an assistant, and a girl waitress, to cater for 55 meals in three relays of half-hour each on four days in the week, and for light refreshments on Saturday mornings in relays of ¼ hour each. By comparison with other Corporation Canteens I think the wages of the cook might be fixed at £2 per week, the assistant at £1. 10. 0. per week, and the waitress at £1. -. -. per week if a girl of say 18 to 20 years of age is engaged.
It would, of course, be understood that such appointments would be whole-time, ie the kitchen staff would be required at Balance and other times to prepare meals, as required, without extra payment.
4854 RESOLVED:- That Mr and Mrs Kirtland (the caretakers at the existing Head Office) be appointed caretakers of the new Central Head Office premises; Mr Kirtland to act as commissionaire during staff hours and Mrs Kirtland to be responsible for supervising the cleaning of the premises; their present duties in connection with the canteen to cease; and that the wages of Mr Kirtland be fixed at £2. 7. 6d. per week and the wages of Mrs Kirtland at £1. 10. 0d. per week, the new appointment to take effect as from the 27th November, 1933.
4855 RESOLVED:- That the General Manager be instructed to engage the following personnel
for the canteen at the new Head Office premises:
Cook - at a wage of £2. 0. 0. per week.
Assistant Cook, at a wage of £1. 10. 0. per
week.
Waitress .... " " " " £1. 0. 0. " "
4856 RESOLVED:- That all the above appointments be on a whole-time basis, the hours of work to be fixed to suit the requirements of the Bank from time to time.