In 1741 an illiterate tiler wanted to cut a 'score' of oaks 'to build a sheep-pen'.
The now-cut meat was turned over to yet another two accomplices, a tiler and the second police officer, who used a second lorry to distribute it.
We have been short of bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, tilers and similar people.
The position as regards slaters and tilers has somewhat improved recently, but there is still a serious shortage of plasterers.
This man, however, in spite of being a qualified slater and tiler, and also the only surviving mainstay of the business, was refused release.
I do not know the total number of tilers and slaters in this country, but it is a small number.
For the time being the deficiency is most acute among bricklayers, plasterers, slaters, and tilers.
It could not possibly keep on its staff a tiler, because there is not enough work.