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mechanical power" is used being classed as non-textile factories,
and the others as workshops. In the former class provision is
to be made of fans for regulating temperature and carrying off
steam, also for the separation of stoves for heating irons from
ironing rooms, and for the good condition and drainage of the
flooring. Small laundries worked only by resident members of
the same family are exempt from the operation of this section.
Bakehouses.—Section 24(1) extends to every bakehouse the
previous provision as to bakehouses in the larger towns (of over
5,000 inhabitants). The definition of "retail bakehouse" in the
Act of 1883(s.18) is unsatisfactory, inasmuch as it limits the
term to the retail shop occupied together with a bakehouse, and
consequently precludes its application to other small shops to
which it ought properly to apply. A great many bakehouses are
owned by persons who sell elsewhere by retail the bread baked
in them. If steam power is not used in these they are not
"factories" under the Acts. They therefore do not come within
the meaning of the Factory Acts at all. It is desirable that this
omission should be met. Clause 3 of the same section extends
to every bakehouse the operation of the Regulations under the
Act of 1883, which dealt only with bakehouses not let or occupied
before that year.
Dangerous or Unhealthy Trades.—Special Provisions for Health
are dealt with in clauses 25—31; but as these clauses appear to
be placed within the sphere of the Inspector of Factories rather
than of the Sanitary Authority, they will be described later.
Under the heading "Miscellaneous Amendments'' the only
clause directly concerning Sanitary Authorities is the 33rd,
which secures the due provision of closet accommodation, &c.,
for factories or workshops in places which have not adopted
section 22 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1890.
The clauses of the Bill not mentioned in the above account
come within the sphere of duty of the Inspector of Factories.