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147
Inspection of Home Workers.
During the year, 400 visits were paid to the homes of outworkers.
Special instructions regarding cleanliness and ventilation were given
where necessary, and all structural defects were dealt with. Generally
speaking the majority of these homes, belonging to the more industrious
section of the poorer classes, are kept in a satisfactory state by
the occupants. Frequently they are more cleanly than houses kept by
women who are not home workers. A woman who is energetic enough
to add to the family finances by her personal industry, will make the
additional effort of keeping the home and inmates clean and comfortable.
Unfortunately when the husband is out of work or dead and the
woman becomes the sole bread winner other conditions prevail. Having
to work excessively long hours for so small a pay she is handicapped
and therefore unable to keep her house in a satisfactory condition,
and the good effects of the health inspector's visits are nullified. Any
legislation whereby the payment of the home worker would be placed
on a less precarious basis would be welcomed by all seeking for economy
in administration as well as improvement in the health of the people.
The overwrought physique of the sweated worker, with underfed
body and weakened constitution, and consequent lack of resistance
to the inroads of disease, must be one of the causes of an increased
death rate.
Premises where Food is Prepared for Sale.
These premises were kept under supervision during the year.
The number of inspections was 134, and include hotel kitchens,
restaurant kitchens, coffee shops, eating houses, fried fish shops, eel pie
shops, oyster bars, ham and beef cooking, sausage making, meat
chopping, etc., or any place where food is cooked or prepared for sale
to the public, or intended for human consumption.
The premises added to the register during the year numbered 12,
and removals 7, leaving 121 premises on the register. 11 notices were
served for amendment of various defects and for cleansing, and these
were complied with.
The premises were found generally well kept and in good condition,
and the occupier always ready to comply with any request as to
amendment or cleanliness of the premises.
Bakehouses.
The number on the register at the end of the year 1913 was
68—62 as "workshops" and 6 as "factories." During tne year 1 was
added to the register and 7 removed.
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