When the chocolate is sufficiently ground it is put into a stove to attain the correct temperature, and is then passed on to a moulding-table, where it is pressed into tin moulds, and shaken till it settles.  After passing through a refrigerating chamber, the contents of these moulds are ready as cakes of hard chocolate for putting up in the well-known blue “Mexican,” or the dark-red “Milk,” packets.

It would, of course, be interesting to proceed to an inspection of the many processes involved in making all the dainties that are prepared with chocolate, and of the numerous trades concerned in the production of packages, boxes, and fancy cases, did space permit.  Room after room might be visited, bright in the daylight, or equally well lighted by electricity at night, humming with busy machines; some peopled with girls—­among whom only men wearing a certain badge on their arms are allowed—­some with men and boys, but all vibrating with a genial air of content as well as of busy occupation.  Suffice it to say that half the handicrafts of the town seem represented in this centre of industry, in every department of which order and cheerfulness reign supreme.  Each would require a chapter to do it justice, for everything employed in packing seems to be made on the premises, and that, too, on a system of piece-work paid for, not at the lowest possible price, but on the basis of securing a satisfactory living wage to the average worker.  No wonder the faces around are bright, no wonder that openings at the Bournville factory are in demand, and that long service for the firm is the boast of so many of the employees.  Among these, a little band of about thirty still upholds the traditions of the old firm that laid the foundations of the present company in the city of Birmingham.

[Illustration—­Black and White Plate:  Packing Room, Bournville.]

The work hours are forty-eight each week, and the wages depend both on age and length of service, no man of twenty-three years of age and over twelve months’ service receiving less than 24s. weekly.  There are no deductions for sick club or fines, the sick fund, as before stated, being a free gift from the company.  Offences and late time are entered in a record book, and an opportunity is given to wipe off all past records by two years’ good service.  The Athletic Club, with over 500 voluntary subscribers, runs three cricket, four football, and two hockey teams, besides bowling, tennis, swimming, and other sports.  One of the most interesting events of the Cricket Club is the annual match with a team representing Messrs. Fry and Sons, of Bristol, the oldest established cocoa firm in this country.  In friendly opposition to the “Bournville Club” are the teams drawn from the “Youths’ Club,” and other outside organizations.  A summer camp of over a hundred boys has been successfully held at the seaside for some years past.

[Illustration—­Drawing:  SUGGESTION BOX.]