March 19, 1914 Luton News

Walter Runciman of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries addressed a large meeting at the Winter Assembly Hall when he spoke in support of farmers and warned of fears of a shortage of labour.

Child labour exercised Luton Town Council when it passed by-laws restricting the hours children could work.

It was decided a child under 10 could not be employed, and a child going to school should not be employed for more than 23 hours in any week the school is open six or more times.

A girl under the age of 16 cannot work in street trading and a boy under the age of 14 who is not exempt from school attendance shall not be engaged in street trading from 8.15am-5pm.

Auston Walker, of Cromwell Road, Luton, was before the courts for not sending his child to school. He claimed the child had been too sick.