From the Evening News, February 15, 1972

LOCAL textile firms have been hard hit by the power cuts, With very few exceptions, mills are being closed two, three of four days a week because of the regulations. Householders are also being warned to make sure their homes are absolutely secure because of the threat of black-out burglars during power cuts.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, February 15, 1947

HAVING, on the advice of a West Country friend, advertised for a maid in two South Wales newspapers, a Bolton housewife was surprised to have replies from two 16-year-old secondary school girls. Both were anxious to get the job. Both applicants have been invited to come to Bolton, and the housewife will choose one, and recommend the other to several friends ready to engage her.

Apart from the fact that Welsh girls have a flair for domestic service, the restricted opportunities of employment in South Wales compel many to seek it outside.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, February 15, 1872

EARLY CLOSING

Sir, - As this is a subject which causes much hope in young people behind the counter, and one which has proved successful amongst the majority of working people, I think it ought to be taken up by every apprentice, and an appeal made to employers for shorter hours. If we are to be a healthy class of people, we must have a little recreation. It is next to impossible to go to an evening class or prayer meeting, which might be well attended if we were to close a little earlier. Had we not Sundays, it would be work and sleep throughout the whole year, with the exception of three days; and Saturday, instead of being one of the shortest days of the week, is one of the longest. It wants nothing but a thorough investigation, and I feel sure there must be some relief, not only to employed but to employers, who would get to see their children oftener, having as it is to go to business before they get up, and returning after they have gone to bed. Hoping the subject may be taken up and carried out with better results than has attended it on former occasions, - I am, yours &c., LONG HOURS.

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