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1909]
226
stoves. All were provided with flues when the matter was pointed out. Iu one small workroom
with one worker the girl complained of head-aches. As she was shut up all day working near the
stove with the window closed, this was scarcely to be wondered at. She confessed to feeling better
after the change was made. The matter of temperature is really not a sanitary provision within the
meaning of the Act, unless the purity of the air be interferred with when it can be dealt with by the
Local Authority.
Sanitary Accommodation.—During the year 3 instances of insufficient accommodation, 185
of closets in a dirty condition, 45 of closets unsuitable or defective, and 13 instances of accommodation
not separate for sex»s were found. Of these 171 have been cleansed and 41 repaired under my
supervision. The other instances with accompanying defects in the same premises have been dealt
with by Inspector West.
Miscellaneous Defects.—Other defects, such as defective floors, ceilings, cisterns, dustbins,
etc., were found to the number of 121. Of these 9(5 had been remedied before the end of the year.
Any defects found on inspected premises, which concerned more especially the residential portion of
the house, have been referred to the District Inspectors, and have been dealt with by them, together
with any instances of defective or unventilated drainage.
Workroom Cards.—During the year 359 workroom cards have been distributed specifying
the cubic contents of each room, and stating the number of employees allowed during ordinary
working hours and during overtime. A small percentage of the workrooms on register are used as
bedrooms, consequently, according to the Order of the Home Secretary, which relates to workrooms
used as sleeping apartments, the allowance of cubic capacity for each worker during the day is 400
cubic feet instead of 250, as ordinarily required. This fact has been duly entered upon all cards
supplied to such workrooms. There does not appear to be any information given under the Act as
to the amount of cubic space required during overtime worked in such workrooms. Fortunately
overtime does not appear to be worked here in any of the workrooms used as bedrooms, so this
matter has not come up for decision.
Notices.—During the year 147 intimation notices have been served ; 31 in connection with
factories, 104 in connection with workshops, and 12 in connection with workplaces and 1 statutory
notice. As before, most of the defects found have been remedied after a verbal notice has been given,
so that a written notice has not been necessary.
Complaints from Home Office.—Three complaints from defects have been received from the
Home Office. Of these one had been remedied before the end of the year, and this fact was duly
notified.
Matters referred to other authorities.—One matter, viz., employment in a house which was
dilapidated and dangerous was referred to the London County Council and dealt with by them.
Two other matters, viz., an apparently insufficiently guarded hoist in a workshop, and the taking of
meals under what appeared to be unwholesome conditions, have been referred to the Home Office,
together with any instances which came under notice of illegal overtime.
I remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
JOSEPHINE J. BROWN,
(Sanitary Inspector of Workshops.)