 John
Elizabeth's always got some breakfast ready for us before we go.
 We're
very lucky to have one of these nice new factory houses. Our own
tap. And a privvy in the yard we don't have to share either. All
for 2shillings and 8pence a week.
The best thing though is that even if I stopped working in the
factory tomorrow, though I don't know what I'd do if I did, we could
still keep the house, as long as we paid the rent.
It's not like that if you've got a farm cottage. Elizabeth's cousin
at Silverton lost his job last Lady Day, he's got a bad back, and
the whole family were turned out of their cottage. It's a good job
Elizabeth's mother could take them in or they'd have ended up in
the workhouse.
 It
may be noisy and dirty in the factory and sometimes there are accidents
with the machines but it beats farm work. That's hard work. Out
in all weathers and low wages too. And these new farm machines mean
fewer jobs than there used to be. |
 Elizabeth
Get up a bit earlier to blacklead the range before I light it.
We might have a bit of porridge for breakfast for a change. After
they've gone to the factory I do my daily jobs,  empty
the chamber pots in the privvy outside and fill the water jugs in
the bedrooms for washing. Then it's turn the sheets.
 I'll
sweep and dust the bedrooms too, sprinkling some damp tea leaves
on the floor to keep the dust down. Eliza, Ellen and Alice have
the attic bedroom and Frank and Edwin have the bedroom next to us.
We're very lucky to have 3 bedrooms in our new house. At my sister's
all the children have to sleep in one room. More to clean though.
If there's time I might alter some of the older ones' clothes to
fit the younger ones.
 Frank
will run the errands when he gets home, a bit of neck of mutton
to stew for supper and we might need oil for the lamps or candles.
Alice will look after Edwin till the others get home just after
6pm.
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