1841 - Evidence on the employment of children


January 4, 1841.—MR ASTON’S BUTTON MANUFACTORY, ST PAUL'S SQUARE.
The shops in general are light and airy; one for 6 workpeople is 18 ft. 9 in. by 9 ft., having one row of windows and a pitched roof. Another, which is considered as the worst on the premises, is for 27 people, 17 of whom are children and 10 women; this shop is 24 ft. 5 in. by 13 ft.; it is high and has a double row of windows. The clerk stated that this was very hot at night. A “cutting-out” shop, for women only, is dark and low; it is for 8 persons, and is 12 ft. by 11 ft. 7 in., and is 7 ft. 3 in. high. The japanning shop has an unpleasant smell, and is hot from the stoves it contains. I saw a boy 10 years’ old at work who was pale and looked sickly.
There are 3 privies placed in different yards; which are, however, used in common, although, by proper regulations, they might easily be kept distinct. The yards are large, and the premises are altogether open and spacious. Being holiday time the people were not at work.
Every facility was afforded by the proprietor.

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