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76
The Guild approached the Hampstead Council asking for its
co-operation, and submitting a code of requirements which they had
drawn up detailing the structural and sanitary arrangements of such
premises, of which the following is a copy:—
"That all saloons are adequately ventilated and in a cleanly
condition. This specially applies to those in basements. That
all drains have been inspected and tested and found to be in a
good condition, trapped and ventilated (all lavatory basins must
be separately trapped). The following disinfectants to be used,
viz., Cyllin solution, in the proportion of one teaspoonful of Cyllin
to one quart of water, or Izal solution in the proportion of one
teaspoonful in one pint of water.
This certificate will remain in force during the pleasure of
the Council."
One hairdresser made application, and carried out certain works
required, and a certificate as above was granted. This was the first
of the kind issued in any Metropolitan Borough (1904). The Medical
Officer of Health for Hampstead stated that only one man applied and
the latter hung his certificate in his shop. The other hairdressers did
not think it worth while. The barber who complied with the conditions
did not raise his prices.
In Bermondsey, regulations were instituted in 1909, but after 1911
no applications were made. In the City of London certificates are
given to hairdressers who comply with regulations; the certificates
are given annually.
With the example of these and other authorities before me, I proceeded,
not with too great hope of gaining the co-operation of the
barbers, to approach the local hairdressers to sound them on the subject.
The aim and object was to raise the standard, to inform the public so
that they might demand an improved service. The Secretary of the
local branch of the Barbers' Federation wrote asking whether I could
meet some of the representatives at the Town Hall. A very satisfactory
meeting was held with five representatives of the Incorporated
Society of Hairdressers. They seemed to be anxious to carry out their
duties on advanced hygienic lines; in fact, out of the 50 (approximately)
barbers in the Borough a number were anxious to be registered at the
Town Hall.