A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921.

ORDER XXIII.—COMMERCIAL, FINANCE, AND INSURANCE OCCUPATIONS (excluding Clerks)

Sub-order 1.—Commercial Occupations

776.—Roundsmen and Van Salesmen

barrowman: see roundsman ; some times specifically designated, e.g. baker's barrowman.
bungey man ; milk kitter: a milkman (q.v.) driving a milk float or bungey.
coal hawker, coal man: (i) buys coal from coal contractor (770) (q.v.) at coal depot; sells and delivers it, usually in small quantities, driving his cart on a definite round of streets;; (ii) is employed by coal merchant (770) (q.v.) to hawk coal.
delivery man: see roundsman.
milk kitter: see bungey man ; a kit is a milk float.
milkman, milk carrier, milk deliverer, milk hawker: sells or delivers milk in cans or bottles at customers' houses from hand barrow, float, or van; keeps book record of amounts delivered and makes returns to shop; collects accounts; usually also sells cream, butter and eggs; may clean barrow, float or van, tend horse in stable, etc.
roundsman ; barrowman, delivery man, vanman: sells milk, bread, or greengrocery, etc., at customers' houses from barrow or van; usually has retail shop as headquarters of his round; canvasses for new customers; is usually financially responsible to shopkeeper for barrow or van load; frequently drives horse or motor van, cf. driver (719/720).
vanman: see roundsman ; sometimes specifically designated, e.g. baker's vanman.
van salesman, van traveller: a roundsman (q.v.) retailing various kinds of merchandise from a van in country districts, e.g. groceries, mineral water, household goods, etc.

From: A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921,
Ministry of Labour, 1927. Digitised by Peter Christian, August, 2016. This text is in the Public Domain.