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215
[1900
had been exposed to infection it was disinfected at the Council's Disinfecting
Station, and at the same time the tradesman who supplied the work was
notified of the fact.
In reference to the work carried on at home by outworkers, Miss Brown,
one of the Female Inspectors, has made some very valuable remarks in her
report, which are well worthy of very careful thought and study by everyone
who takes an interest in matters that affect the working classes very closely.
Restaurant kitchens and places where food is prepared.—In a
report which was presented to the Public Health Committee in July, the
Medical Officer of Health pointed out that there were 336 restaurants and
places where food was prepared and eaten in the Borough, and that it was
most desirable that they should be closely inspected, but that unfortunately in
Islington, in consequence of the limitation of the staff, comparatively little
attention had been given to them, although such visits as had been made had
undoubtedly led to improvements. He recommended that they should be
visited more frequently and as this would require a very large portion of the
time of an Inspector, it would be advisable to appoint one, who should be a
woman, for the purpose. He, therefore, advised that another Female
Inspector, who would devote her time to this work and to the inspection of
the homes of outworkers, should be appointed. This recommendation was
adopted by the Council, who towards the end of the year appointed Mrs.
Young. It is, therefore to be hoped that much good will be effected in the
course of the current year, as undoubtedly there is much scope for useful
work.
There were at the end of the year 147 laundries, containing 308 workrooms,
on the register, as compared with 161 in the preceding year and with 193 in
1904. These figures show that there has been a considerable decrease
in their numbers, which is chiefly due to the absorption of the smaller
laundries by the larger establishments, in which for the most part steam power
is used. They were, of course, closely inspected, and it is satisfactory to be
able to report that they were found in a very fair state. They show a general
improvement upon previous years.
Workshops notified to H.M. Inspector.— Under section 133 of the
Factory and Workshops Act it is required that the Medical Officer of Health,
when he becomes aware that any woman, young child, or person is employed
in a workshop to which no abstract of the Act is affixed, shall forthwith give
written notice to H.M. Inspector for the district.