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216
1908
boards in certain trades. Workers doubt the possibility of such a thing being done, but that
it can be done has been proved in our Colonies with a fair measure of success. These
recommendations, however, as some industrial experts have pointed out, do not seem
sufficiently far-reaching, as they stop short of factory workers, who, being congregated and
combined, would considerably strengthen the position.
Apropos of a remark made in last year's report with regard to the want of skilled
workers in various industries, and the regrettable decline of the apprenticeship system, it
is of interest to note that within the last year a Skilled Employment Committee has been
established in Islington. This Committee, composed of voluntary workers, has already done
good work in the way of placing boys and girls in suitable employment where a skilled
trade may be thoroughly learned. This may in a small measure help to solve the unemployment
problem, as, at present, a certain amount of work has to be sent abroad, as it cannot
be properly done in this country.
As regards forwarding lists of Outworkers twice a year, some employers have commented
on the fact that in February and August, when the lists must be forwarded, work is
not as a rule very busy, and that if (lists are forwarded then, these lists do not represent the
full complement of workers, as fresh employees may be taken on later, in the busy season.
This matter appears worthy of attention. The difficulty could perhaps be obviated by requiring
employers to forward names and addresses of all outworkers employed since the previous
lists were sent in.
Cleanliness.—During the year 181 instances of workrooms found in a dirty condition,
either in whole or in part, have been dealt with. Of these, 163 were cleansed under my
supervision before the end of the year. Some of these refer merely to the want of domestic
cleanliness of workrooms. Most of the workshops on the register are satisfactory in this
respect. In many of them the floors are scrubbed once a week and swept daily, which,
without exactly indicating an ideal condition, yet appears sufficient for all practical purposes.
The workers in some cases have certain parts of the floor allotted to them to cleanse, and
are responsible for their own sections. It is satisfactory to notice that some occupiers of workshops
and laundries cleanse their walls annually as a matter of routine, without waiting to
be asked.
Overcrowding.—Overcrowding was found in 7 workrooms during the year. The
number of employees was in each case reduced on notice being given. The small number
of cases dealt with has been probably due, as before, to trade depression, and a corresponding
decrease in the demand for manufactured goods. The seasonal rush of work which leads
to overcrowding has been conspicuous by its absence. As regards the space allowed for each
person, it almost appears an oversight in the Factory Act that a certain amount of floor
space is not made necessary, as in schools and elsewhere. Under the present arrangements,
in those workrooms which are pretty lofty, the workers are sometimes crowded together to
a certain extent, without being exactly overcrowded within the meaning of the Factory Act.
This appears anything but desirable, considering the exhalations from the bodies of the
workers and the impurities of the human breath.
Ventilation.—In two workrooms structurally insufficiently ventilated, additional means
of ventilation have been provided. As before, the subject of ventilation remains one of the
most troublesome of the matters to be dealt with. It is no uncommon thing for a workroom
to be provided with sufficient means of ventilation, and yet to be badly ventilated, through
carelessness or wilfulness on the part of the workers or employers. During the winter, in