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220
1908
anything else. The storage of bones, refuse, and fat, which, in the best regulated premises
is a difficult problem, becomes in basement kitchens a constant nuisance. Where there is no
yard the kitchen has to be used to store food (including milk), refuse, etc., while the heat
generated in the processes of cooking renders this storage doubly offensive.
The abolition of basement kitchens appears to be the only means of removing this
evil, and is really as necessary as was the abolition of basement bakehouses. It is forbidden
(and rightly) that clothing should be made in insanitary places, but it is of far greater
importance that the preparation of food should be prohibited in these places; and artificial
lighting, and half-yearly limewashing cannot make sanitary (for this purpose) any room
or place through which it is impossible for a current of fresh air to pass, and in which the
atmosphere is still further vitiated by the conditions I have already mentioned.
There is a decided improvement in the other kitchens, viz., those on the ground
floors and upper floors. The unsatisfactory kitchens registered in the year 1907 have been
reduced by at least 20 per cent. in the year 1908. But the question of refuse disposal is still
a difficult one, and I would again respectfullly urge the necessity of a (gratuitous) bi-weekly
clearance of refuse from all places where food is prepared. It is probable that a great
deal of sickness is caused by the foul odours arising from these accumulations, especial
in the poorer districts.
There are, in Islington, over 2,250 persons employed in kitchens, exclusive of those
kitchens attached to public houses. Of these, over 1,200 are women. The standard of
cleanliness among the kitchen employees is not a high one; but the employers seldom
provide any accommodation for them, and it is usual to find that the kitchen sink is their
only accessible wash basin. In Section 8 of the L.C.C. General Powers Act (1908) it
is laid down that" due cleanliness shall be observed by persons engaged in such places."
It is regrettable that the Act makes no order which shall compel the employer to provide
suitable means for the attainment of the personal cleanliness desired.

These figures represent the total number of the two half-yearly returns, viz., those
made in February and August, in compliance with Section 107 Factory and Workshop
Act (1901).
The number of outworkers residing in the Borough at the end of the year 1908 was
1,831, a decrease of 158 under the corresponding period in 1907 ; but as there is an increase
of 90 in the numbers sent away to other districts, the returns for the two years show but
little discrepancy in the totals, the difference being only 78.
Total number of outworkers' addresses received in 1907 5,056
„ „ „ 1908 4,978
78
Thirty-eight cases of infectious disease occurred on premises where work is done. In
all these disinfection was carried out and the patient removed to hospital where necessary,
under the supervision of the District Inspector.