LABOUR-SAVING MACHINERY. 413 



moving one at a time whenever very severe obstruc- 

 tions were encountered. 



This gentleman goes on to speak of the prejudice 

 in England against labour-saving machines, owing to 

 the impression in the minds of workmen that they 

 render manual labour unprofitable and undesirable. 

 But this is a mistake, as has been proved repeatedly ; 

 improved machines rather than lessening create a new 

 demand for labour, although it may be, I admit, labour 

 of a different kind to what was required before their 

 adoption. In consequence of this prejudice a system 

 of labour prevails in England, in various departments 

 of manufacture, that was in vogue fifty years ago ; 

 whereas, America and Continental nations have in 

 many instances adopted the improved system. 



It is probable that between 1000 and 2000 men 

 are employed in America in preparing wheel-timber 

 and materials, and in making wheels for the British 

 market. This is a fact to be greatly deplored. 



I must again refer to Mr. Hooper, to whom I am 

 indebted for copies of papers he has read and 

 reports he has made at the various Exhibitions on the 

 subject of carriage construction. In a paper read by 

 him at the City and Guilds of London Institute at 

 South Kensington, he says, in speaking of wheels : 

 " Many alterations are shown in the form, materials, and 

 system of construction. Many wheels are made with 

 malleable iron bands to the stocks ; and being provided 

 with morticed spaces, they carry the spokes more 

 firmly than when framed into wooden stocks, and are 

 rendered more durable, although at an increased cost. 



" A plan has been introduced of bedding the axle- 

 boxes in the stocks with bands of indiarubber, one at 



