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instances of discourtesy, they have, for the most, part, been overcome by a
little patience and a desire to conciliate; and if, in a very few instances,
I have met with persistent and intentional rudeness, I have felt that such
cases must be expected, and were no criterion of the central feeling, which
has, I think I may say, been one of friendliness to the woman Inspector.
Bearing in mind that inspection must of necessity be disagreeable to the
occupier of the premises inspected, I have always tried to carry out my duties
with as little unpleasantness as possible. The question of ventilation of
workrooms is, as you know, one which has caused Miss Squire and myself much
thought and consideration. I have long formed the opinion that unless the
Inspector can secure the hearty co-operation of the forewoman or employer
in this important particular, her efforts to secure a better state of things are
generally unavailing. Until health teaching is more widely spread among
the younger generation of working people, nothing will persuade dressmakerhands, and more especially tailoresses, that the requirement of fresh air is
anything but a ' fad ' on the part of an Inspector who is longing to find
fault with something. I find that all forms of inlet ventilators are regarded
with suspicion by the inmates of workrooms, and are even less likely to be
kept open than a window ; and although I know that outlet ventilators
require more skill in fixing, and are theoretically less perfect, I cannot but
think that some such form of ventilator is the only one which has any
chance of success in those places where windows are not kept open. Gas
iron-heaters I regard with more and more disfavour, and I should be glad to
see them banished from every workroom, so great is the vitiation of air
which results from them, even when they are placed under the chimney.
Employers allege that the removal of them from the workroom would entail
great inconvenience upon the workers, and there is some force in this objection. although in many cases it is not insuperable. I lately visited the works
of William Sugg A Co., Limited, and had a long conversation with a
foreman. I begged that they would consider whether it was not worth their
while to bring into the market a cheap and improved form of iron-heater,
properly provided with some means for carrying off the products of combustion.
I also pointed out that the high price of ventilating gas burners
now in the market, practically excluded them from the average workroom, although there could be no question as to the great advantage which
would accrue from their introduction, or as to the probability of their
being gradually adopted if the price were moderate. My suggestions were
received with favour, but it remains to be seen whether they will bear
fruit. I also suggested a form of combined iron-heater and warming
apparatus, which the foreman seemed to think practicable. It has suggested
itself to me, and the same thing seems to have struck some employers, that a
printed paper setting forth the requirements of the Vestry with regard to
workrooms, would be of service to occupiers ; this is not, however, I am
aware, the moment at which such a suggestion could be made with
advantage."