AGREEMENTS AND INDENTURES

Contracts for labour are in the following forms:

(1) Apprenticeship indentures which have been promoted by

(a) Various Poor Law Authorities.

(b) Parents or guardians.

The apprentice is 'to learn and be instructed in the art, occupation or employment of a cotton spinner, or in such other employment as ... shall think proper to employ him (her) in'. The firm undertakes to provide meat, drink, washing, lodging and wearing apparel.

(2) Agreements to 'serve as a just and honest servant' for a specified term entered into by

(a) Children contracted by their parents for a small wage usually, 9d per week for the first year and 1/- per week for the remaining term together with food and accommodation and sometimes clothing.

(b) Adult workers for varying wages stated in each agreement.

Method of entry:

Age of child is stated when given ie. in apprenticeship indentures, but not in free labour agreements.

Length of term is stated in all free labour agreements, but not in indentures where the period of apprenticeship is the standard "until the age of twenty-one years" (boys) and "until the age of eighteen years or until marriage whichever first shall happen" (girls).

The original numbering has been retained. Several are missing.