Child Labour

Laws had been passed which prevented young children being employed in factories. Now it was the turn of agriculture. It was thought that young children should be in school, rather than in the fields, working. Not everyone agreed, though. Although the danger to children of the atmosphere in factories and the fast-running machinery were understood, agriculture was called "healthy". It was true that children may suffer "from being so long on their legs at bird-scaring" during long days. They might get wet and cold. But this was said to be only "an occasional" complaint. It was, the Commissioners said, up to the farmers to give young boys work which was not too hard for them. And parents should make sure the children were properly dressed for the weather!