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200
1914]
orders. The makers of artificial flowers, to mention one trade, have done well since the end
of November. Their raw material used to come from Germany—especially the cheaper sorts—
and, in a smaller degree, from France. Now France is beginning to renew her supplies, and
England, too has started to capture a portion of the German trade in these commodities.
Among trades which suffered from the war and which have proved to employ workers
adaptable to altered conditions, I may instance box and trunk-making. Workers in this line
are now employed making haversacks and other military equipment.
CONDITION OF WORKSHOPS.
There is little or no change to report in the conditions of factories and workshops,
which continue to require unceasing supervision on the part of inspecting officers. In many,
many cases repeated warnings have failed of effect, and formal notices to abate certain
breaches of regulations have had to be resorted to. Employers of labour seem to delight in
allowing the Borough inspectors to take them to the door of the Court before complying with
official requirements.
All employers are not, of course, tarred with the same brush, and in fairness to some
it must be said that the class of worker who fills their workshops is not taught cleanliness at
home, and consequently does not practice it when out at work.
My observations lead me to the conclusion that there is not so much overcrowding in
the workshops of Islington as there is in other boroughs. I take leave to think that constant
attention and instruction by Borough officials have largely contributed to this state of affairs.
Employers, too, are acquiring a better sense of what may be gained by the observance of
hygiene.
In many trades, notably ladies' bag-making, men and women are employed in the same
workroom. This is a condition which is greatly to be deprecated. I have no complaint to make
against the British workman when thus thrown into close contact with workgirls and workwomen
; but the foreign workman, from my experience, has little sense of decency in any
direction. The latter's habits of loose speech and personal uncleanliness are deplorable. He
spits on the floor and indulges in obscene language. Strong as this accusation may be, it is not
too strong.
Unfortunately, where foreign workmen are employed and where they are not, the men's
and women's conveniences are not kept distinct. I need not labour the objections to this
system, save to remark that it is regrettable.