SHIRTMAKING AT A PENNY EACH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1248, 30 October 1875, Page 21

SHIRTMAKING AT A PENNY EACH.

At th.6 Southwark Police Court, in the course of Friday, two respectable-looking women attended before Mr Benson to ask his advice under the following circumstances : — One of the females said she worked a sewing-machine at home, and a few days ago she called at 3 Trinity street, Borough, and received two dozen coloured shirts to make. They were cut out ready for stitching, and she had to leave a deposit of 2s. When she took the shirts home a number of them were turned out as not being properly made. Aa the fault lay with the cutter, she demanded the money for her work, as well as the deposit, as she felt assured she had got into queer hands. As they refused to pay her she attended before his Worship for advice. Applicant here handed the shirts returned to her to his Worship, who, after inspecting them, asked her what she was paid for making such shirts, and applicant replied that she was only paid a penny for each shirt, and out of that she had to find cotton, cut and make the button holes, and sewr the buttons on. Mr Benson observed that it seemed to be very unremunerative work. How many could they make an hour ? Applicant replied that they could not finish more than one in each hour, although they used a machine. Mr Benson expressed his surprise that anyone should accept such unremunerative work. Applicant said that .th-ey undertook it as an experiment, but they found it would not pay, consequently they wanted their money back. The other young woman informed his Worship that she gave nine guineas for her machine, but Buch work would not pay the interest on the money. Some of her shirts were turned out, and her deposit was withheld. Mr Benson told them that it was more a case for the County Court, but he would send the sergeant to the house with a recommendation td settle with them. The applicants then thanked his Worship, and withdrew with the omcer.

/tt c are requested to state that the firm °* if " ™ W - Le « dhan > °row, and Robarts, of 27, Clements Lane, London, having been dissolved by mutual consent, Mr JN . * . Kobarts will continue the business, under the style of N. F. Robarts and Co. 1, -bast India Avenue, Leadenhall atreet, London, E.O. '