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78
It is evident from the foregoing that the work
of my department involved in the inspection and
supervision of the sanitary improvement of
factories and workshops is yearly increasing.
Indeed, at times, the proper performance of these
responsibilities has been a serious tax upon the
resources of my staff, but I have always gladly
afforded every aid at my command in assisting
the officials of the Home Office in carrying out
what I believe to be one of the most necessary
and salutary pieces of legislation ever entered on
the statute book.
The interest taken in the present day in the
health of the working classes, and of workwomen
in particular, is ever increasing, and the powers
of local authorities are nowhere more usefully
employed than in their endeavours to improve
the sanitary surroundings of an important
section of the industrial community that so
largely contributes to the wealth of the nation,
but who in the past were, unfortunately, often
powerless to invoke our aid without running the
risk of being thrown out of their employment.