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44
REPORT OF MISS A. TATTERSALL.
To the Medical Officer of Health.
Sir,
I beg to present my twenty-third report of work clone in factories and
workshops, among out-workers, inspection of homes of children attending
school in a verminous condition and suffering from scabies, and investigation
of complaints of various kinds.
Many changes have taken place in the Borough since I took up the
appointment of Woman Sanitary Inspector in 1900.
During the last few years the number of workshops has tended to
decrease, largely owing to small employers, some with under a dozen
workers, having installed electric or gas power, much to the benefit of the
employees. The majority of the workshops are good, a few being in basements,
but none that could possibly be termed underground.
The outworkers also have decreased. I think employers have realised
it is more satisfactory to have their work, especially clothing, made under
their supervision, rather than in homes, where it is sandwiched between
domestic duties.
In regard to the homes of verminous children, the improvement has
been marvellous. I think of when investigating these complaints, the
house door opened to emit an abominable odour, but I have not experienced
that particular smell for a long time; it is unusual now to find no furniture
and no bedding, which, in years gone by, was quite usual. The
standard of living and comfort has risen immensely, in spite of the acute
housing shortage, which leads to many nuisances.
I regret to say farewell to my work and to you, sir, and all my fellow
officers. I have had very happy years here and shall always be interested
in the welfare of the Borough.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
ALICE TATTERSALL.
(See also Tabulated Statement on page 45.)