Biography:
1. William Barker was mixing composition at pay of 1/6d per day ( Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
2. He started work as a Labourer in the Corning House in August, 1792, and according to Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793, earned 2/-d per day. He was still in the Corning House on the 31st January 1794 earning the same 2/-d (Supply 5/216).
3. A letter written to the Board on the 15th May 1795 (possibly by the Storekeeper) making comments on a Petition on William Barker late "Millman at this place." recorded that for many months before his discharge, his character was very bad, he frquently came to work drunk and absented himself for 2 or 3 days at a time without leave. His shortcomings meant that his partner at the Mill was frequently obliged to work for 18 hours, and that Barker had frequently been cautioned. He was suspended for 3 days, but on account of his large family, he was given a final trial, notwithstanding which, he went on as before. The night of his discharge, after two days of absence, "...he came to duty in Liquor and left his mill running in much danger of her blowing up." In fact, he had gone into the Town seeking the Clerk of the Cheque, "... from Whom he desired a further absence of three days which he refused." On returning to the Works he was met by the Master Worker, to whom he was insolent, and he was discharged on the 11th July 1795 (WASC 475).
