Men.
3 steam dredging-vessels, having
8 men in each 24
43 lighters, having 4 men in each 172
9 lighters, having 5 men in each 45
14 barges, having 2 men in each 28
-- ---
69 Total 269
The ballast is delivered into the vessels from the lighters and barges
by men called ballast-heavers, who are employed by the vessel, and are
not in the service of the Trinity House.
I now come to the nature of the ballast labour itself. This is
divisible into three classes: that performed by the ballast-getters,
or those who are engaged in raising it from the bed of the Thames; by
the ballast-lighters, or those who are engaged in carrying it from the
getters to the ships requiring it; and by the ballast-heavers, or those
who are engaged in putting it on board of such ships. The first and
second of these classes have, according to their own account, “nothing
to complain of,” being employed by gentlemen who, judging by the wanton
neglect of labouring men by their masters, so general in London,
certainly exhibit a most extraordinary consideration and regard for
their work-people; and the change from the indifference and callousness
of the coal-merchants to the kindness of the corporation of the Trinity
House is most gratifying. The ballast-heavers constitute an entirely
different class. They have every one, to a man, deep and atrocious
wrongs to complain of, such as I am sure are unknown, and which, when
once made public, will at once demand some remedy.
* * * * *