Butlers Wharf, a simple but effective counterbalance system is used for checking the weight of boxes. The warehouse staff wear flat-caps while the office workers stand out in their bowlers. The two uniformed men in peaked caps appear to be security staff .c 1910.
A system of casual employment was operated in London docks whereby men would queue up to be taken on each day. This was unpopular but continued well into the 20th century. Large numbers were required when trade was good because almost all the work of moving and loading goods was done by hand. c1910.
Butler's Wharf, Bermondsey, c1910. Crates of goods wrapped in straw for protection are unloaded in London and set on the conveyor belt to the warehouses. The small hut in the centre of the picture is probably where the overseer kept records of the cargo.