Distribution of hoppers (1914)

Post date: Apr 26, 2014 6:25:1 PM

Extract from Kent Messenger of 10th October 1914 reporting on Malling Rural Council

THE HOP-PICKERS.

Reporting on the hop-picking, Mr. Souter said 7,327 adult immigrants¹ were accommo­dated at 41 encampments, against 6,861 last year. In addition, he estimated there were between 12,000 and 13,000 children.

The pickers were distributed as follows :

East Malling, 1,119;

West Malling, 294;

Ight­ham, 92;

Leybourne, 48;

Offham, 930;

Ad­dington, 200;

Mereworth, 280;

East Peck­ham, 2,732;

and Wateringbury, 1,632.

The accommodation provided was as follows :

Huts 1,453 against 1,424 last year;

tents, 302 against 291;

sheds and barns, 47 against 22;

house carts, 38 against 57

- No infec­tious cases were reported among the pickers.