153—Combinations.

Rate paid.—2s. 6d. per dozen.

Remarks (153, 154, and 155).—This work was done in a workshop. These articles were supplied by the "owner," and made by one of her best workers for this exhibit. They are samples of a "shipping order."

In order to make the business pay learners are apprenticed as follows : Serve throe months, no pay, then serve three months at 3s. per week, then three months at 5s. per week, then three months at 6s. per week. At the end of two years the girls are paid at the rate of 9s. per week. After three years the girls are put on better-class piece-work, and earn 15s. to 18s. a week. The poorly paid work is always done by the learners, who often leave in disgust, when a new girl is easily obtained. The above are the prices paid to "owner" by a city firm.

Button-holes are made by a girl who is paid 10s. per week; if better work is slack, then all hands do above work. Average earning, 9s. 6d. a week.