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predecessors, who advised the ventilation of the iron-heaters, either by placing them under the
chimney openings, or by providing special hoods and flues to carry off the fumes; or, where this
was not feasible, by the entire removal of the iron-heater to a separate room or passage. I have
endeavoured to carry on the good work initiated by them, and am pleased to observe that in all
cases where dressmakers have changed houses, they have arranged for the gas iron-heaters to
be placed outside the workrooms, thus tacitly acknowledging the value of the advice given to
them, and the benefit accruing therefrom.
" Excessive Moisture.—In some of the newly-registered laundries recently transferred to
the borough, I have found the washhouses to be filled with steam to an unnecessary extent.
Notice has been served on the owners to remedy this defect by providing additional means of
ventilation.
" Tidiness.—Though I am able to report a distinct improvement during the last five
years, there is still a good deal to be desired with regard to the sweeping and' tidying of workroom
floors. That this is an improvement easy of attainment is evidenced by the many wellkept
workshops in both districts.
" Complaints.—These are usually received from workers, visitors, or societies, such as
the Industrial Law Committee, the Women's Industrial Council, etc. Complaints relating to
sanitary matters in connection with workshops, etc., are always attended to as soon as practicable.
Whether anonymous, or otherwise, they generally prove to be well founded. Complaints
regarding long hours of work are referred to the Lady Factory Inspectors' Department at the
Home Office. His Majesty's Superintending Inspector of Workshops has forwarded complaints
of nuisances observed by the factory inspectors, all of which have been dealt with.
" General.—I am pleased to report that my visits, as a rule, are welcomed by employers,
who recognise, when informed, the propriety of carrying out the duties devolving upon them
under the Acts of Parliament, and the Orders issued by the Factory Department of the Home
Office. It is satisfactory to notice that, so far, in no case have I experienced any difficulty in
obtaining admission to any of the workshops recently transferred to the borough. It is to be
regretted that there are no means at present available—e.g., by public notice—of bringing to
the attention of employers the obligations and duties devolving upon them. Frequently, on
first visits, when I find defects, especially with regard to overcrowding, the offence appears to
have arisen not from wilful disregard of regulations, but from want of knowledge of the
existence of regulations."
Miss de Chaumont appends to her report a Table (vide page 51) setting out particulars of her
work during the year, so far as it admits of tabulation. But probably the most valuable service
she renders to the Council and the community arises from the exercise of moral influence, leading
to the due carrying out of the requirements of legislation devised for the protection of women,
" young persons," and children.