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50
To such an extent has this pressure been exercised that we
constantly hear of cases in which incorrect addresses are
apparently deliberately given, or fictitious names used by persons
who take work home from the different factories or workshops.
In other cases a system seems to have sprung up under which
one person receives the work and afterwards distributes the same
amongst her friends and co-workers, who hope by some such
means to escape the over-inspection and officialism, that the
intended beneficent, but wrongly directed legislation of the last
few years has brought about.
370 wrong addresses or denials that work is done on the
premises seems highly significant.
The very acme of disappointment seems to have been reached
in connection with this matter, which unfortunately is only
"a thrice told tale,'' and which in connection with so many
matters of a similar kind, might be very briefly summed up in
three short sentences.
1. Agitation and demand for improvement of the law in
the worker's interest.
2. After long delay and enquiry, a Bill is introduced
ultimately crystallising into an Act of Parliament, which
might be well termed "an essence of compromises," and
which—
3. Leaves the worker with a fresh batch of troubles if he
has been lucky enough to get rid of any of his old ones.
Enquiry by
Select
Committee.
In J une last I was requested to give evidence before the
Committee of the House, which sat to enquire into the question
and by direction of your Committee I submitted evidence, of
which the following is a copy.