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B—Confectionery Manufacturer.
The works consist of two long well lighted and well ventilated
workshops. In one of these the floor is boarded and is treated as
described in A. The floor in the other is made of a hard impervious
patent material, easily cleaned, and far more satisfactory than if made
of wood or cement. The process is just the same as in A, and the
ingredients are imported. Thirty females and twelve males are
employed. The female sanitary accommodation consists of two w.c.'s
in separate well ventilated enclosures ; the w.c.'s are of a modern
pedestal type. The women's accommodation is in a yard by itself and
is excellent. There are two w.c.'s for the men and in one of them our
Inspector has recently given instructions for improved ventilation and
lighting. This work was in process of completion on my visit.
A room is provided in which the women can have their meals. Two
things annoyed me. The washing accommodation consisted of sinks
and taps, without soap or towels. This has now been remedied.
Again, the ground at the rear contained barrels, cases and lumber, and
the ground was uneven. The cases, etc., have now been taken away,
and the surface of this ground is being levelled to prevent the possibility
of puddles accumulating, and to enable the whole yard to be kept clean
and tidy.
C. Confectionery, Tea and Cocoa Firm.
This firm is engaged in the blending and packing of tea, the manufacture
of cocoa, chocolate and various kinds of sweets, the making of
tin boxes, not only for their own preparations but also for other firms,
including even small boxes to hold face powder for ladies' toilet. The
factory is entirely self-contained ; it has its own printing works for litho
and letterpress, and it generates all its own power. There is endless
machinery used for the different processes.
Ventilation. This is carried out by a special plant. Fresh air is
propelled into the room by a machine-driven fan : it passes through
metal and wooden ducts to all the different rooms, and the exhausted
air is passed out through natural openings. Exhaust fans are present
in certain departments, as, for example, that in which the cocoa is
ground (dust creating). As the factory is only one storey high, this
system of ventilation is very efficacious.