78 STATISTICS OF THE COLLIERIES OF 



most classes of skilled workmen to the importance of educa- 

 tion. Parochial and national schools are numerous, and may 

 be reached almost invariably within two miles of the collier's 

 dwelling, but few miners' children are said to attend. 



The following comprises the information which I have ob- 

 tained as to the efforts made by the colliery owners of this 

 district to promote the education of their workpeople. 



Kirkless Colliery; Mr. Thicknesse, M.P. A school is sup- 

 ported by the owner, the number of children being limited to 

 70, which appears a sufficient number for the wants of the 

 place. 



Gidlow and Swinley Colliery; the Executors of the late 

 Joseph Rylands. A school building and a portion of the 

 books is provided by the proprietors, who also pay £20. per 

 annum towards the teacher's salary. Each scholar pays two- 

 pence per week to the teacher besides. 



Messrs. William Hill Brancker and Co. ; Bispham Colliery, 

 subscribe to schools in the neighbourhood. 



Bickershaw Colliery; Messrs. Ackers, Whitley, and Co. 

 A school is supported partly by children's pence, the re- 

 mainder by the company. 



Haydock Colliery; Messrs. Richard Evans and Co. A 

 school supported partly by the owners and partly by chil- 

 dren's pence. 



Astley and Tyldesley Collieries; Messrs. Sam Jackson 

 and Co., subscribe to Astley Free School, and can send 8 

 children. 



Burnley, Habergham, Marsden, and Padiham Collieries; 

 the Executors of the late John Hargreaves. A school sup- 

 ported partly by the colliery and part by voluntary subscrip- 

 tion — about 70 children attend. 



Hopwood Colliery ; Mr. Robert Gregg Hopwood. No 

 school actually attached, but several greatly supported by 

 people connected with the works, and many of the men and 

 boys attend. 



