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140
1898]
united action among them the middleman is able to make his own bargain with each
individual and the work is often done for the merest pittance, and all expenses of houseroom,
lighting, heating, machines, cottons, &c., fall on the worker, who brings the work
out from the shop and takes it back finished. The system is doubtless a convenience to
the few, but on the whole it seems to me that the advantages are outweighod by the
disadvantages, i.e., tho tendency to lower the price of women's labour all round, in many
cases, the neglectcd condition of the homes, and the danger of the spread of disease by
means of the articles which are made in such surroundings.
I am glad to be able to report that I have met with very little opposition in the course
of my work. The employers have, as a rule, received me in a friendly way and have
shewn themselves ready to act on my suggestions for the improvement of their workplaces.
Nature of Business.
Number of
workshops.
Number of workrooms
therein.
Dressmaking 274 316
Tic making 81 91
Mantle and costume making 70 102
Millinery (infant and adults) 63 95
Fur sewing,, 48 61
Artificial flower making 33 69
Blouse making 35 41
Tailoring 28 28
Bcadwork 24 26
Underclothing making 20 22
Leather goods making 13 25
Apron and pinafore making 11 13
Boot upper and infant shoe making 10 16
Dressing gown making 9 10
Corset making 6 6
Cardboard box making 5 12
Rag picking and sorting 5 12
Wig making and dolls hair work 4 7
Shirtmaking 4 5
Collar and cuff making 4 5
Confectionery 4 24
Curtain making 3 4
Boys' suits 4 6
Fancy goods making 3 6
Lamp and candle shade making 3 5
Brace making 2 4
Button hole making 2 3
Umbrella making 2 2
Toy making 2 5
Baby linen sewing 2 2
Frilling making 2 2
Surplice making 2 2
Photograph frame making 2 1