All the machines at Hanbury Street are driven by electric power that is supplied by the Stepney Council at a cost of 1_d_. per unit for power and 3_d_. per unit for lighting.

An elderly man whom I saw there attending to this machinery, was dismissed by one of the great railway companies when they were reducing their hands.  He had been in the employ of the Salvation Army for seven years and received the use of a house rent free and a wage of 30_s_. a week, which probably he would find it quite impossible to earn anywhere else.

The hours of employment are from 6.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. if the man is engaged on outside work, or to 6 p.m. if he labours in the workshop, and the men are paid at various rates according to the value of their work, and whether they are boarded and lodged, or live outside.  Thus one to whom I spoke, who was the son of a former mayor of an important town, was allowed 3_s._ a week plus food and lodging, while another received 9_s._ a week, 5_s._ of which was sent to his wife, from whom he was separated.  Another man, after living on the Army for about two years, made charges against it to the Carpenters’ and Joiners’ Union.  He returned and apologized, but had practically to be kept under restraint on account of his drinking habits.

Another man spent twenty years in jail and then walked the streets.  He is now a very respectable person, earns 27_s._ 6_d._ a week, and lives outside with his wife and family.  Another was once convicted of cruelty to his children, whom he placed under the boards of the flooring while he went out to drink.  These children are now restored to him, and he lives with them.  Another among those with whom I happened to speak, was robbed by a relative of L4,000 which his father left to him.  He was taken on by the Army in a state of destitution, but I forget what he earned.  Another, the youngest man in the Works, came to them without any trade at all and in a destitute condition, but when I saw him was in charge of a morticing machine.  He had married, lived out, and had been in the employ of the Army for five years.  His wage was 27_s._ 6_d._ a week.  Two others drew as much as L2 5_s._ 11_d._ each, living out; but, on the other hand, some received as little as 3_s._ a week with board and lodging.

Amongst this latter class was a young Mormon from Salt Lake City, who earned 4_s._ 6_d._ a week and his board and lodging.  He had been in the Elevator about three months, having got drunk in London and missed his ship.  Although he attended the Salvation Army meetings, he remained a Mormon.