William Wellesley Pole. John Bastard, an apprentice to the Master Shipwright at Sheerness...

William Wellesley Pole. John Bastard, an apprentice to the Master Shipwright at Sheerness has petitioned regarding his circumstances following the death of his father. With no other means of support, his current pay is inadequate and he asks for 7s. per week plus subsistence, as paid to other apprentices in similar circumstances in other yards. He has served 3 years and 4 months of his apprenticeship and is an active boy. John Bestland, the Master Shipwright at Portsmouth, has reported similarly on a Shipwright Apprentice at that yard, who has served 1 year of his time and is of superior ability. Recommended that he is given a weekly allowance, additional to his earnings, until half his time is served, long before which, he will be capable of taking a man's berth. Give the rules relating to apprentices entered upon the 'old establishment'. Ask that these boys, as well as any others who are later found similarly situated, are allowed additional money until they have served half their apprenticeships when they will be entitled to 1/3 of their earnings.