NOISE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1929, Page 3

NOISE

We who form this present generation have grown very sensitive to obstreperous, noise and find it lias a very bad effect on the nervous system, with grave reactions on all kinds of mental work. In this respect as in many others* we differ from our ancestors. If we take up a novel like ‘ Pickwick ’ we find the characters rather liked to be awakened by the clatter in the cobble-stoned inn-yard or street below their "bedrooms. Grooms and coachmen talked in stentorian tones interspersed with bellowed laughter, maids rattled pails, and twirled mops to an accompaniment of shrill cackle; while horses made their iron-shod hooves ring on the stones of the street. All these sounds made pleasant morning music for our sturdy .ancestors. But we moderns have other noises, e.g. the motor car, of which a former generation knew nothing. And when the aeroplane becomes as popular as the runabout car, then we shall have the added strain of unceasing volleys of noise from the sky. Even now, many people who live near the various aerodromes cannot sleep without cot-ton-wool in the ears, or some similar device to deaden the constant racket.

.It may be objected that we shall gradually become habituated to noise, and end bv disregarding it. But recent experiments go to show that the damage done by incessant din is very real indeed. To show the economic and financial view we may cite from a brochure on the subject recently issued by the International Labour Office. “ As to the results of official experiments on noise and the way in which it affected industrialism, it was found that ‘ noise,’ even when not of a marked intensity, causes a marked diminution in the capacity to- work, and frequently resulted in a serious drop in output, which fell at times as low as 40 per cent.” We naturally ask, “Is there .a rcmedv?” Fortunately, there is one readily applicable and perfectly practicable. It is 'found in the use, in mattresses, of the sound-absorbing seaweed which is found on the shores of Nova Scotia. The great new Midland Bank in the heart of the city of London has been lined with this marvellous seaweed, with the result that while all the pandemonium of London traffic roars in the street, inside the building a whisper can be heard across the great hall.

The same substance can even be incorporated in the stone which is to form the structure of new city buildings. The demon of noise is routed by tin's simple device, but one thing appears to be essential: the seaweed must be of the kind found growing on the rocks of Nova Scotia : later experiments will tell us exactly why. Men of affairs upon whom the conduct of our great businesses devolves can only work efficiently in a serene atmosphere. To them the constant clangour of traffic or industrial din penetrating their rooms from without is a serious hindrance. This new discovery has obviated a great handicap in City business life, and it is now sure to come more and more into use as our great cities are rapidly being re-built on a mammoth scale.