The type-writer

*THE WORKER*

Brisbane June 23, 1894

Profit-producing Machines.

It is a fond argument of pseudo-political economists that the invention of labour-saving machinery even under our present social system, results in benefit to the many. How about this: The type-writer is a labour-saving machine, as many unfortunate solicitors' clerks out of employment can testify to their sorrow. Previous to the general use of this invention, the scale of costs allowed by law provided that 8d. per folio should be allowed to a solicitor for copying. That he made a reasonable profit can be understood when you hear that he could get the copying clerk to do this for 2d. per folio piecework, leaving him sixpence for doing nothing. The typewriter can turn out three copies of a document at once in half the time an expert copying clerk can do one, and at less than half the cost. By the way, the usual thing in a solicitors' office is to have three copies of a document made, especially in court work. The scale still remains unaltered at 8d.                       Squire.