View report page

54
WORKSHOP SUPERVISION.
The home workers' lists as received are filed in the manilla files referred to, the names and
addresses of all residing in outside districts being sent on to the proper officers. Copies of
such communications are kept in a special press-copying book.
With the inception of work practically new to the district, considerable difficulty might
have been anticipated as to the rights of entry and inspection. It is satisfactory to be able to
record that admission was refused at 7 workshops and workplaces only, and that in all but 2
instances, letters from the Medical Officer of Health explaining the law, removed all difficulty
at a subsequent visit. One of the exceptions was found to be working alone and admission
was not insisted on. In the other the workroom was given up before a second visit was paid.
The total number of inspections made by the three Inspectors during the nine months was
3,628 (See Table 36).
On April 1st there were 555 workshops of various descriptions on the Register of the
Department. The Inspectors added 800 new workshops and removed (as closed, removed,
etc.,) 138, leaving 1,217 workshops on the Register at the close of the year. The 1,217 workshops
comprised 2,144 work-rooms in which 6,314 workers were employed, viz., 4,391 women,
1,269 men and 655 young persons. Dressmaking, laundry work, tailoring and millinery are
the principal trades of the district. In Table 35 the workshops have been classified as much
as appears useful.