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were noted under four heads, viz.:—First, the cleanliness
and ventilation; secondly, the sleeping accommodation provided
for the men; thirdly, the existence (if any) of offensive
nuisances or bad drainage about the premises; and, fourthly,
the hours of work, with a view of collecting information as
to the motives for the present night work, and the chances
of abolishing it.
In the Hanover and May Fair Sub-districts, 25 bakers
were visited. One, who lives in Grosvenor Mews, refused
admission; the remainder very cordially agreed in the expediency
of the visitation, if only as a means of disabusing
the public mind of exaggerated statements to their prejudice.
Dr. Druitt, who visited them, said that no details should be
made public, supposing anything amiss should be found; and
the masters, on the other hand, readily agreed to the few
suggestions for the improvement of ventilation, and of sleeping
places, &c., which were offered to them. The inhabitants,
therefore, may eat their bread with increased confidence
in the cleanliness of the manufacture, which will be made
still the subject of occasional supervision. In many of the
bakehouses, the arrangements for ventilation were elaborate
and complete: and, in some instances, the sleeping accommodation
provided for the men in the house, testified to
great thoughtfulness for their welfare.
Whilst there yet remain some things which can be done
for the men in this parish, we cannot help remembering, that
there are few workmen who enjoy better wages, or higher
privileges, in the shape of lodging, food, and fire; and that
with sobriety and honesty they might, if single, save money.
As for the hours, the statements are too conflicting for us to
speak positively at present.
If, as is stated, some housekeepers insist on having their
new bread by eight in the morning, though they do not
allow it to be tasted till the next day; if hot rolls are a