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for the Association of Portland Cement Manufacturers ; (6) Molassin
Meal; (c) Union Coal Co., bags; (d) Market gardeners; (e) Messrs.
Paget, of Bristol, for feeding material; (f) Leeds Co-operative Stores;
(g) Garton & Sons, seedsmen; (h) Small potato bags for market garden
use.
Various kinds of different sewing machines are used for different
sets of bags required. In different industries in Deptford and elsewhere
I have been struck with the veritable inferno created by the
noise of machinery. One's admiration goes out to the brains which
conceived all such machinery, but it would be a fine thing if the nerveracking,
deafening noise could be eliminated somehow. The sewing
machines used in this factory are worked by electric power, the women
skilfully direct the edges to be sewn from end to end. We were struck
by the concentration shown by those manipulating the machines and
material; how greedily the machines "eat up" the goods ! The rooms
on the different floors are large and spacious. The wooden floors are
dry but the nature of the work tends towards dust collection. The
ventilation is good, being effected by windows and doors. Steam pipes
and radiators are in use. General cleanliness is good, though dust
collection had to be mentioned to the manager. We also pointed out
that the yard outside must be kept clean. There are 50 females and 9
males employed, and for these there are one w.c. and one glazed
earthenware stall urinal for the men, while the female accommodation
has been mentioned above. Instructions were given for the male w.c.
to be hosed down.
Spinning Company.
This one-storey building contains a machine shop, a spinning shop,
a carding and operating shop, and stores devoted to the making of
string and cords. The workshops are lighted by windows, and skylights
in the roof, and this is quite satisfactory, whilst ventilation,
secured by louvres in skylights, and open windows, was good. The
sanitary accommodation for the 28 males consists of one w.c. and one
urinal. The men's urinal was dirty and is to be cleansed with acid and
then tarred. For the 135 females there are four w.c.'s. It will be
noticed that this number does not conform to the legal requirements
and we are drawing the attention of the firm to the deficiency, six are
essential as there must be one w.c. for every 25. We were not satisfied