George Goodwin (Extracts)

    He is the  superintendent of the Company's general affairs and has sent in a return of all those under 13 and 18 years of age employed at the Butterley Company, both in their forges, iron and coal mines. He has been 45 years at the works.  So far from the iron works being injurious to the health of children, he considers it to the contrary.  He has known many contagious fevers have been in their neighbourhood their work people escaping.  He also thinks it cannot injure the eyesight.  He cannot recollect an individual going blind belonging to the working of the company. He also considers the children and parents are satisfied as they always have scores waiting to be employed........ to prevent the employment of children under 10 years of age would be an impediment to the works.  The Butterley Company have a club to which every person whose wages amount to 8s per week contributes 1s per month and receives in case of accident or illness, 6s per week ad medical assistance in cases of serious accident should the funds fall short, the company pays the deficiency....... The company, besides the school lately erected for them at Ironville, contributes to the Ripley Church Sunday School. The mechanics in the works have a reading society to which the company have rendered assistance. They have no rules printed as to punishments but it is generally understood that none will be allowed beyond mere correction.  They do not employ any under 14 in the iron works.  They are all apprenticed for seven years.  They receive 6s per week to 11s for maintenance and 1s a week for tools......