 The boats were owned by the Commissioners, but the men were responsible for the provision of a horse, shovels and barrows.In 1886, new terms of employment were negotiated by the Commissioners, as they felt that the wages earned by the men were excessive.In 1920, the Ouse Drainage Board was established, and responsibility for the maintenance of the river banks passed to them, so the Commissioners laid off the men and sold the boats.