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182
1903]
reported that in the majority of cases the condition of the homes, as regards
cleanliness, was satisfactory. Indeed she has reported verbally that many of
them are so clean, well furnished and comfortable, that it is almost waste of
time to revisit them. No overcrowding was discovered, nor have the Inspectors
reported any cases in which there was a deficiency of ventilation. In cases
where infectious diseases occurred prompt measures were taken to disinfect the
premises and the goods.
Places where Food is prepared for Sale.—Under this heading are
included kitchens of hotels or restaurants, eating houses, tripe and fried fish
shops, and all other places where food is prepared for sale. During 1902
special attention was given to the condition of restaurant kitchens by Inspector
West, who examined them with a view to ascertaining their structural defects.
During 1903 Miss Gray commenced an inspection, which she had not quite
finished at the end of the year, but which she is making with considerable
minuteness, with the object of ascertaining the conditions under which the
food is prepared, and the state of cleanliness of the kitchens, utensils
and servants. In her report for the year she draws a striking contrast between
the kitchens of working men's dining rooms and those of the more pretentious
restaurants. It reads as follows : " Here, as in other districts, the kitchens of
working men's dining rooms, which are usually on the ground floor, compare
favourably, on the whole, with those of more pretentious restaurants, where
they are in the basement. One is impressed by the fact that good management
is the most essential point, as with equal advantages, in one kitchen
there is nothing but dust and disorder, in another everything is clean and well
kept." Her account too as to the removal of refuse is well worthy of consideration,
for there is no doubt that a more frequent removal of refuse would be
most desirable. The subject has been under the consideration of the Public
Health Committee, who are in communication with the Works Committee on
the subject. Miss Gray's further remarks respecting the lighting and ventilation
of underground kitchens are entirely endorsed by your Medical Officer of
Health, who cannot see any reason why these places should not be placed on
the same footing as underground bakehouses.
Workshops notified to H M. Factory Inspector.—135 workshops
were notified to the Factory Inspector of the district, in which 378 persons
were employed, of whom 20 were male " young persons," by which term is meant
that they have ceased to be children, but were under the age of eighteen
years.