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any light or ventilation, and there were several cases in which, although not in
direct communication with the bake-house, the position of the water-closet was most
unsatisfactory.
Defective flooring, which was oftentimes in a filthy condition from the
accumulation of flour trodden into it; this was especially noticeable where
confectionery was made.
Difficiency of light and ventilation, filthy conditions of walls and ceilings, and a
general want of cleanliness were met with in several cases.
In nearly all cases the water supply was direct from the main; a few cisterns
were found to be in use, as a provision against the water being cut off, and in two
cases it was found that the cistern which supplied the water for flushing the w.c. also
supplied that used in the bake-house.
In 33 cases the sinks were within the bake-house, most of them were efficiently
trapped and disconnected; in several, however, the waste pipe was found untrapped,
going directly into the drain without any means of preventing the entrance of sewer
gas into the bake-house.
I was unable to obtain any information as to flooding in the bake-houses through
the drains by storm-water during heavy rains, but I think it desirable that no drain
having connection with a sewer should have any opening directly in the bake-house,
and see. 15 of the Factory and Workshops' Act 1883, which applies to all bake-houses
not in use before June 1st, 1883, should be made applicable to bake-houses which were
in use before that date.
There were 5 cases in which animals (cats and dogs) were found in the bakehouses.
Limewashing of the walls and ceilings was required in 16 instances.
There were one or two instances in which the bake-houses were used as places
for drying clothes, which were hung out on lines stretched from wall to wall.
In one establishment the flour loft, which communicated directly with the bakehouse,
was used as a sleeping apartment for 6 of the employees.
There were no cases in which overcrowding was found to exist.
Of the 93 bakehouses, 56 were underground, 29 above ground, and 8 partly
underground.
Of those situate underground 35, or 62.5 per cent. were found to be efficiently
lighted and ventilated.
Of those above the level of the ground 26, or 89.6 per cent. were found satisfactory
in this respect, and 6 out of the 8 which were partly underground, were found
to be satisfactory.
The majority of the bake-houses, therefore, were satisfactory, so far as the light
and ventilation were concerned at the time of inspection, and steps have been or are