'Rules and Regulations for the Government of Tromode Flax-Spinning, Bleaching, and Sail-Cloth Manufactory, near Douglas, Isle of Man'
Date(s): 1 January 1850
Creator(s): Johnson, R.H.
Scope & Content: Issued by William Fine Moore of the Tromode Works and printed by R.H. Johnson of 3 Great Nelson Street, Douglas, this notice sets out thirty nine regulations with an explanatory note after rule thirty nine which reads, 'The above Rules and Regulations are intended solely for the purpose of maintaining proper order in this Establishment, and preventing wasteful and unnecessary expence, and notice is hereby given that they will be strictly enforced. Moreover, I rely upon the assistance and hearty co-operation of my Work People in detecting all Offenders, and in the carrying out of these measures, always remembering that their own interests are bound up with the interest of the Employer'.
Many of the rules had an automatic fine attached to them if they were broken and the fine was deducted from the wages of the offender.
Administration / Biographical History: William Fine Moore took full ownership of the Tromode Flax-Spinning, Bleaching, and Sail-cloth manufactory in 1846 on the death of his father James Moore. The manufactory was the largest business on the island with over 160 employees and premises at Tromode and also on Wellington Street, Douglas. Eventually work was centred fully at Tromode. William's attempt to set up another manufactory of sailcloth in Belfast (Monkstown) was not a success and the Northern Irish venture closed down in 1886. Efforts were refocused on the Isle of Man, despite it running at a loss and closing temporarily.
William Fine Moore was raised on the island and started work for his father aged 14, eventually going into partnership before taking over the business. In addition Moore was one of the originators and directors of a limited bank, a director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for a few years and also one of the founders of the Isle of Man Electric Telegraph Company (which was eventually sold to the British government in 1870).
Moore died on Wednesday 29 May 1895, after suffering from illness for some time. In his will he left one pound in gold to every employee (nearly 200 in number by 1895), to be distributed on the Christmas Eve following his death. This task fell to his son A W Moore who had been running the business with his father and had the unenviable task of closing the business for good in 1906. Depending on circumstances workers' fares were paid for return to England, Ireland or Scotland or a small pension paid out; those having put in 30 years of work were allowed to live rent free in the Tromode accommodation built for them. Arthur Moore died three years later in 1909.
Information drawn in part from the Isle of Man Victorian Society Newsletter no 96 Feb 2014 pp11-14.
Language: eng
Extent: 42 x 34 cm
Item name: notice
Collection: Print & Poster Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: P.6499
Record class: Business
Subject tags : #MM100LIBRARY&ARCHIVES