London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Kensington 1905

Annual report on the health, sanitary condition, etc., etc., of the Royal Borough of Kensington for the year 1905

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The businesses carried on at the registered premises are set out in the subjoined list:-

Trade or Business.North Kensington.South Kensington.Total in tha Borough.
Art needlework112
Blind-maker-22
Blouse-maker235
Boot header1-1
,, closer2-2
Cardboard box maker-11
Corset maker235
Cracker maker1-1
Dressmaker and ladies' tailor67329396
Dyer and cleaner448
Eyelet hole finisher1-1
Firewood manufacturer1-1
Furrier224
Hair wash manufacturer1-1
Hosier-11
Lamp shade maker112
Laundries (workshop)21314227
„ (factory)65-65
Machinist-11
Mantle maker-44
Milliner53843
Outfitter-22
Photographer21113
Printer-22
Restaurant and dining room keeper384179
Silversmith-11
Spice merchant1-1
Tailor15419
Typist-22
Upholsterer11112
Waistcoat maker2-2
Wig maker-11
Total428479907

"The several premises were inspected by us more or less frequently according to the needs
and circumstances of individual cases; all complaints, and they were not many, received immediate
attention. At several workshops improvements of ventilation, a matter within the jurisdiction of
the Council, were carried out upon our recommendations; and improvements in arrangements for
warming likewise, though this is a matter which legally falls within the province of the factory
inspectors. With regard to these and all matters connected with our duties under the Act, we
gladly testify to the almost universal willingness of employers to conform to the requirements of
the law, and also to the courtesy with which our visits and suggestions are received.
"Overcrowding.—In upwards of thirty instances this ' nuisance ' was detected, and abated,
upon service of written intimations, excepting in one instance, when proceedings had to be taken, a
fine of £2, with costs, being inflicted.
"Sanitary Conveniences for the two sexes appear to be now generally provided. In only one
instance was it necessary to take proceedings under section 38 of the Public Health (London) Act,
for default. A fine of £5, with costs, was inflicted. Subsequently the requirements of the section
were complied with.
"In no other instances did it become necessary to take cases into court, and we seldom had
to ask for statutory notices, due attention being so generally given to the requirements endorsed on
written intimation notices.
"Outworkers.—The addresses of 22 outworkers working for firms in the Borough but residing
elsewhere, were forwarded to the Medical Officers of Health of the respective Boroughs; whilst the
addresses were received of 162 persons residing in the Borough but working for firms in other
Boroughs.
"The number of outworkers employed in connexion with Kensington workshops
is small as compared with other Metropolitan Boroughs; and not very many of them are
solely dependent on this occupation for a livelihood. As far as we could ascertain, about 50
employers, presumably employing outworkers, failed to send in the half-yearly list of names and
addresses. But employment of outworkers is to some extent seasonal, and in the case of laundries,
to no inconsiderable extent, is necessary only between the two dates, February 1st and August
1st, when the returns become due.