Another aid to personal solvency was provided in 1926 by the establishment of a thrift scheme (originally for women only) to which deposits could be made by payroll deductions, a very convenient way of saving money. This scheme bears its own expenses, but the Company makes an annual contribution as sponsor. Deposits are invested in trustee securities and mortgage loans, including loans to employees for house purchase—a popular service; interest is paid, at present 4 per cent per annum on balances up to £400 and 3 per cent above. Retired employees can leave their balances in the scheme and deposit pension money up to £1000. There are more than 9000 members with an average balance of £35 each.

CANTEENS
The daily round was not only lightened by provision for sickness and retirement: it was also brightened by the building of new canteens. As Trafford Park is a non-residential area, only a few can get home for a midday meal. In the primitive times of 1902 there was just an eating shed with rough tables and tea-brewing kettles, and since then only some small canteens had been provided. Now, in 1921, two large canteens seating a total of 4500 were opened.

The workmen's canteen, off K aisle, had one half run on the cafeteria system and the other as a restaurant the meat course known as the 'dinner' being brought round to the tables on wagons. At the cafeteria end, meat with two vegetables and pudding were obtainable from 7d to l0d. Old customs die hard, and it was very many years before the canteen was used to capacity.

The staff canteen was opened a few months later and was also split into two sections, one for men and one for women; this parting of the sexes persisted until the end of the last war. Waitress service was provided throughout, and a dinner costing about 1s could be selected from three meat dishes (or vegetarian) and four sweets—apples and oranges thrown in.

A workgirls' canteen was opened in a small building near the foundry in 1921 and extended in 1928, when with the adjacent foundry canteen it catered for all the girls who stayed for dinner.

LONG SERVICE ASSOCIATION
Towards the end of 1922 some of the older employees suggested the formation of an association to link together and watch the interests of those who had been with the Company from the very early days, say for twenty years. Upwards of 200 out of the 300 men and women eligible attended a preliminary meeting. A further meeting on April 16,1923, set up the present 'long service association', electing A. Walmsley as chairman, an office he retained for