Question

why did some industrialists in 19th century Europe prefer hand labour over machines

Answer 1

because handlabour was cheap and in abundance and some products could be better finished by hands only like 500 types of hammers and 45 types of axes. And the industries were seasonal

Answer 2

it is because :-
a. Machines were costly, ineffective, difficult to repair, and needed huge capital investments.

b. Labour was available at low wages at that period of time.

c. In seasonal industries only seasonal labour was required.