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1905]
190
Homework.—During the year 221 lists containing the names of 1793
outworkers were received from persons who gave out goods to be made at
home. These contained the addresses of 947 persons who lived outside the
Borough, and they were, therefore, forwarded to the Medical Officers of Health
of the authorities concerned with them. In addition to these, 1903 names and
addresses of homeworkers employed by firms outside Islington were received
from the Medical Officers of Health of various boroughs. Thus there were left
the names and addresses of 2,749 outworkers who were to be dealt with in
Islington. It is unsatisfactory to find that many were unknown at the
addresses given and, therefore, could not be found. A considerable number
also had removed or had ceased work, while others were found to be already
on the workshop register as employers themselves. The majority of the
remaining cases are duplicated, as the lists are sent in twice a year.
Notwithstanding the reduction in the gross number of the premises of
outworkers, caused by deducting the re-duplications, nevertheless a greater
expenditure of time than in the case of workshops is necessary, for the outworkers
themselves are frequently absent from home when the Inspector calls,
having gone to the warehouses. Consequently several calls have to be made
before an inspection or a re-inspection can be made.
Miss Brown has pointed out that in all probability we have not as yet discovered
all the Islington employers of outworkers, for according to a recent
order of the Home Secretary, Box making, Brush making and other industries
are now to be included.
It is satisfactory to note that in only n instances were cases of infectious
disease notified on the premises of outworkers, in 4 of which wearing apparel
was made.
Places where Food is Prepared.—Towards the beginning of the
year Miss Gray completed the inspection of these places which she had
undertaken in the latter part of the preceding year and it is to be regretted
that she left the employment of the Council before she had reported on their
condition. Nevertheless, the Medical Officer of Health has gathered from her
in conversation that for the most part they were in a good state, but that what
was required above everything was power to compel the proprietors to keep
the vessels used in the preparation of food in a cleanly condition. This is a
matter of the utmost importance, because there is possibly no greater cause of
ptomaine poisoning than uncleanly cooking utensils.