With the
opportunity of seeing these great works in progress, and of
visiting, during my holidays and long evenings, most of the
manufactories and mines in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, I
could not fail to pick up considerable knowledge, and an
acquaintance with a vast variety of trades. There were about
thirty other pupils in the works at the same time with myself;
some were there either through favour or idle fancy; but
comparatively few gave their full attention to the work, and I
have since heard nothing of them. Indeed, unless a young fellow
takes a real interest in his work, and has a genuine love for it,
the greatest advantages will prove of no avail whatever.
It was a good plan adopted at the works, to require the pupils to
keep the same hours as the rest of the men, and, though they paid
a premium on entering, to give them the same rate of wages as the
rest of the lads. Mr. William Hutchinson, a contemporary of
George Stephenson, was the managing partner. He was a person of
great experience, and had the most thorough knowledge of men and
materials, knowing well how to handle both to the best advantage.
His son-in-law, Mr. William Weallans, was the head draughtsman,
and very proficient, not only in quickness but in accuracy and
finish. I found it of great advantage to have the benefit of the
example and the training of these very clever men.
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