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226
1910]
Overcrowding.—There is a marked increase in the number of workshops which were
found overcrowded during the year, rising from 8 in 1909 to 24 in 1910. In each case the
number in the room was one above that allowed under the Factory and Workshop Act.
The additional person was usually the "city girl" who is only in the workroom for portions
of the day; nevertheless the premises must be considered overcrowded under these circumstances,
as while she is in the room she is a person requiring 250 cubic feet of space,
otherwise her presence is detrimental to the well-being of the other workers.
Ventilation.—Insufficient means of ventilation were found in 5 cases during the year
and additional ventilation was provided for 8 premises. Comparatively few workrooms are
fitted with mechanical ventilating appliances. In the small workrooms they are unnecessary
as the natural means of ventilation {e.g., windows, chimneys) if properly used are sufficient,
and are of greater educational value to the workers. If the employees become accustomed
to open windows in their workrooms it is more probable that they will continue the custom
in their homes.
Sanitary Accommodation.—During the year 3 instances of insufficient accommodation,
95 of closets in a foul condition, 76 of unsuitable or defective closets, and 3 of closets not
kept separate for the sexes were found. During that period one nuisance arising in
premises from insufficient accommodation was remedied, 95 closets were cleansed, 71 were
repaired and separate approaches to the conveniences used by the sexes were made in one
case.
Miscellaneous defects.—These cover a wide range of nuisances such as defective
floors, walls and ceilings, dampness, low temperature, etc. During 1910 the number found
amounted to 87, and 85 were remedied before the close ot the year. Any defective drainage,
together with any nuisances which came under my notice more directly connected with the
residential portions of the premises visited, were referred to the inspector of the districts
in which the premises were situated.
Workroom Cards.—During the year 298 cards have been distributed to the occupiers
of workshops, specifying the number of cubic feet in each workroom and the number of
persons allowed to occupy such room during ordinary working hours and during overtime.
Notices.—Intimation notices have been served with respect to 68 premises, these
consisting of 12 factories, 54 workshops and 2 workplaces. One statutory notice was served,
but not enforced as the factory became empty and has not since been occupied. As may be
seen from the figures with the majority of nuisances it is unnecessary to serve a notice,
the defects being remedied upon verbal instruction.
Workplaces notified to Home Office.—During the year 100 names and addresses,
together with the number of protected persons employed, have been forwarded to the Home
Office. These are workshops where no Abstract of the Factory and Workshop Act was
affixed or which had not been visited by H.M. Inspector of Factories. It is quite a small
minority of occupiers who notify the occupation of a workshop to the Home Office, so that
there are probably still a considerable number of unregistered workshops in the Borough,
as many trades are carried on in dwelling-houses with no exterior indications that they
are business premises. If these occupiers also abstain from advertising for employees there
is every prospect of the workrooms remaining undiscovered. It would seem advisable that