The Builder, No. 1, December 31, 1842

by Various

TREATMENT OF WORK-PEOPLE BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.

In an article under this head it was mentioned that the parliamentary inquiry into the payment of wages in goods had shewn, that there are persons extensively engaged in manufactures of various kinds, who feel that the employment of bodies of workpeople involves a degree of responsibility to care for their general well-being, and who act on that conviction in a manner highly creditable to themselves, and conducive to the excellent object they have in view. These employers are of opinion that to regard as a machine a man whose skill or industry assists them to maintain their own families in respectability, is altogether unchristian, and that by viewing workpeople in such a light, they would deprive themselves of some of the finest opportunities of usefulness, and of cementing the bonds of society.

Of course, as the intention in moving for a committee of the House of Commons was to expose grievances, it was not likely that any examples of conduct distinguished for its humanity would be found in the pages of the report. As we remarked, however, when formerly writing on the subject, illustrations of this kind might be obtained by any one from our own neighbourhood. We had only last week the pleasure of visiting an extensive range of school buildings just erected on the best principles, in connection with Messrs. Marshall’s mill at Holbeck. In that suite of rooms there are between 300 and 400 children under daily instruction, independent of about 160 boys, who work half-time at the factory, and are at school either in the morning or afternoon of every day; the same gentlemen have also instituted girls’ and infant schools (which are situated elsewhere), and a night school, attended by young men and women from the mill, whose improvement in conduct as well as attainments, in consequence of this arrangement, is spoken of as highly gratifying. In the several schools every thing seems to be done to promote the comfort of the young, and to cultivate habits of cleanliness and decorum, as well as to impart an excellent plain education.[2] Plans for affording the means of recreation to the adult workpeople have also been devised in connection with these buildings; and all manifests that a sincere interest is felt by the members of the firm in the welfare of every class in their employ.

The principal example of attention to the interests of workpeople which came under the notice of the parliamentary committee, was that of Sir John Guest and Co., at their iron and coal works, Dowlais. These works, which were established from thirty to forty years since, “in an isolated place on the top of a hill,” in Glamorganshire, have now a town around them (Merthyr Tydvil), and nearly 5,000 persons are employed by this firm alone. In the first instance, great difficulty was experienced by the workpeople in procuring the means of lodging, but in the course of time this was removed by the erection of a large number of cottages at the expense of the company, and by the people being encouraged to build dwellings for themselves. The cottages belonging to the firm are stated to be low-rented, convenient, well built, well drained, and the taking of them is quite optional with the workpeople; while the granting of loans to steady men to build cottages for themselves has been pursued to a considerable extent, and has been found to attach them to the place, to keep them from the ale-house, and to produce and confirm in them a feeling of independence.

The amount of each individual’s wages at this extensive establishment is settled every Friday evening, and the whole of the hands are paid on the morning of Saturday; shewing that a large number of workpeople is no barrier to the early payment of wages if employers are determined to adopt that highly beneficial practice.

Nearly twenty-four years ago, Sir John Guest and his partners recognised the responsibility which attached to them as employers by erecting large schools, near the works at Dowlais, chiefly for the education of the children of their workmen, but (like Messrs. Marshall) not confined to them. There are at present about 220 girls and 250 boys under instruction, the children being admitted at the age of six, and usually remaining until thirteen years old. The teachers are well paid, and the whole expenses of the schools are defrayed by the workpeople and employers together, in the following manner:—Twopence in the pound is stopped every week “for the doctor” from the wages of every one in the works, of which 1½d. is appropriated to provide medical attendance for the families of the workmen, and the remainder goes towards the support of the schools. Each child is also expected to pay one penny a week, and whatever is wanting to make up the amount incurred in maintaining the educational establishments is contributed by the company. In connection with the schools, it is worthy of notice that Mr. Evans, the manager at Dowlais (from whose evidence our facts are drawn), expressed before the committee a strong conviction, as the result both of his own observation for above twenty years, and of the statements of colliers themselves, that for a collier to put his child to work in the pits very young is decidedly bad economy; instead of gaining, the family loses by it in the long run, while the unfortunate victim of error or cupidity becomes decrepit and unfit for work when individuals of the same age are in possession of mature strength. Very few of the children taught in the schools at Dowlais become colliers, the greater number being qualified for employment as carpenters, smiths, and, in some instances, even book-keepers. “We derive very great advantage,” says Mr. Evans, “from having children in the works who have been educated there; they are of great use to us.” Here, then, is a proof to masters who have not yet exerted themselves for the elevation of the families dependent on them, but are disposed to do so, that such a course is not only beneficial to others, but brings a reward to every one who adopts it. The medical attendants on the workpeople at Dowlais consist of three regular surgeons and a dispenser, whose services are remunerated chiefly by the money stopped from the wages. In 1827 a fund for the relief of the sick and aged was formed, one penny in the pound being stopped every week to furnish the necessary supply for the wants of those who are thus unable to provide for themselves; this fund is at the disposal of a committee, elected yearly by all the contributors.

From the peculiar circumstances of the district, when the works of Sir John Guest and Co. were established, and for many years after, it was desirable and even needful that the firm should afford their workpeople the means of obtaining the necessaries of life by maintaining a shop on the premises. In 1823, however, they closed it, but once again opened it at the request of the men in 1828. On the act against truck shops being passed in 1831, the workmen were called together and desired to state whether they wished the store belonging to the firm still to be continued. The votes were taken by ballot, and thirteen only were given for the discontinuance; but as there was not perfect unanimity, the company thought it best that the shop should be finally closed at that time; and the increase of population having had the usual effect of attracting private individuals to supply the wants of the community, the only result of this step was to shut up an establishment where the labouring classes were always sure of buying good articles at a moderate price. The accommodation being no longer necessary, we think the company’s decision was a wise one.

It is gratifying to find that no loss whatever has been entailed on Sir John Guest and Co. by all the beneficial regulations adopted by them on behalf of their workpeople. On the contrary, “by the education of the people,” Mr. Evans states, “we have gained more than we have spent upon them.” And this gentleman expressed himself as feeling certain that if a similar system were extended over the manufacturing and mining districts of the whole country, it would prove the cheapest and most effectual mode of benefiting both the working classes and employers, and consequently society at large. Of course, the details of the system at Dowlais, or at any other establishment of which an account is before the public, are not essential to its being adopted with advantage in other parts of the country, though the success which has attended those plans gives them a title to careful consideration; the thing to be desired is, that each employer should ask himself how far he can adopt the principle, and then carry into operation the dictates of his own judgment and conscience.—Leeds Mercury.

[2] The ventilation of the new school-rooms appears to be remarkably effective—a point of great importance where so many individuals are for three hours at a time congregated together. The playground also is being extremely well laid out.