I have no hesitation in declaring, unequivocally , that the labour is too much for children to bear. Of what use can education be to those who are employed. I hold in my hand a copy of a bill which was brought into parliament in the year 1815 by the late Sir Robert Peel, whose memory will long be held in grateful remembrance by the labouring classes in the manufacturing districts, for the humane exertions to shorten the hours of labour in factories. The object of the bill was, to limit the hours of labour to ten hours and a half a day. We had to struggle with the same difficulties as those who are advocates of his views now.
Numerous frauds are committed, and the provisions of the act are continuously violated.
It is a common trick, according to the inspectors' reports, for parents to send children of a healthy appearance and sufficient age to a surgeon to procure a certificate, under a false name, for the younger brother or sister. Find the book you want in seconds by author, title or subject.