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Typo: A Monthly Newspaper and Literary Review, Volume 5

[The Apprentice Question]

The Apprentice Question.—The apprentice question is one fraught with much difficulty, and, for that reason, should be constantly kept in view by societies. The subject has been under discussion from time to time, but, so far, reform has not been general. Like the preceding, this question largely depends upon local circumstances— the terms one society may be able to make may be quite out of the reach of another society working under less favorable conditions. From the Council's point of view, an employer in only entitled to as many apprentices as will keep up his supply of journeymen without assistance from outside sources; apprentices, in fact, were originally claimed on this principle, but the percentage necessary for this purpose has not been satisfactorily settled. That the percentage allowed by some societies is too high there is no doubt. The Council are of opinion that a fair percentage would be one apprentice for the house, and one for every three journeymen permanently employed. All apprentices should be legally bound for a term not less than seven years, and turnovers should be rebound. Societies should also use their influence in getting a Bill passed through Parliament making the binding of apprentices compulsory. If such a law were made it would be of vast benefit to the printing trade, as it is the only means by which the country towns, where there is nothing but « apprentices » working at the business, could be reached.