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253
have been thoroughly sound improvements. Doubtless the reverse
is also true. Some new processes have been introduced, such as
asphalting, mosaic floors, plaster-casting, pearl-handle making, and
some forms of furniture work (which used to be imported and are
now done here). Many new watch-making tools have been introduced
into the old watch-making trade of Clerkenwell. Germans,
Swiss and Swedes, appear to be chiefly responsible for this. I am
informed also that certain horological work of high standard has
been done in Clerkenwell by foreigners. One of the leading watch
tool manufacturers and dealers in Finsbury, and the head of a
well-known firm, tells me that whereas 50 years ago about 10 per
cent. of their kind of work was foreign made, now as much as 70 per
cent. is of foreign make. Consequently, Clerkenwell manufacture
has greatly declined, and many of the " chamber-men" have
vanished. He attributes this to competition, chiefly from Switzerland,
America, and Germany. Coventry also is now able to produce
similar articles to the old Clerkenwell produce at a lower price.
As my informant expressed it: "Cheapness has done it; the
foreigners have in many ways helped us and shown us good points,
and they deserve their reward." He further added that if foreign
immigration could be limited to skilled workmen such as have come
into Finsbury, it was a great benefit. Generally speaking, I have
formed the opinion that with the exception of the Italians, the
foreign immigrants now residing in Finsbury are of the better class
and are skilled. This applies also to many of the Italians, but
cannot be said of them as a whole.
THE JEWS.
In our various duties throughout the Borough we have met
with some 250 Jews, most of them of English birth. A
Jewish gentleman of long residence and considerable experience as
the head of a large firm in Finsbury tells me that there are probably
750-1,000 Jews resident in the Borough. And he agrees with me
that in all probability there are some two or three thousand Jews
and Jewesses (mostly English-born) at work in the Borough. The
same gentleman informs me that the foreign Jews in Finsbury are
chiefly in business for themselves as employers of labour. It is not
a residential quarter for foreign Jews. Formerly the St. Luke's
Division used to be such, but owing to the invasion of the City the