Page:The Laboring Classes of England.djvu/104

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98
A FACTORY CONDUCTED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.

by that indefatigable friend of the factory laborers, the Rev. G. S. Bull; and that it was opened for the children previously to the introduction of the Factory Regulation Bill.

When the children arrive at the age of thirteen years, they are then permitted to work full time; and on leaving school they are presented with a handsome Bible, with the following inscription on the inside of the cover:—

"This copy of God's Holy Word was given to

on attaining the thirteenth year of her age, as a reward for good conduct during three years attendance at Messrs. Wood and Walker's Factory School.

"May you ever 'read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest;' may you 'embrace and ever hold fast the blessed promises of everlasting life,' contained in this Sacred Book.

"May it be your guide through life, and your support in the hour of death.

M. Balme, Schoolmaster to

Messrs. Wood and Walker.
184—."

Bradford.

The young women in this establishment are of a superior cast. This arises in part from the care which has been taken of them when they were children, and from the rules respecting their government now they are grown up, which rules are strictly enforced. The principal of these are, that no married females shall be allowed to work in these mills; and that any "single female" being known to conduct herself improperly, must instantly quit her employment. The hours of labor also, not being so long as at most places, allow them more time to learn domestic habits and improve their minds. They enjoy also a great