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pure air from without into the bakehouse is, the injury which the dough
sustains by being allowed to cool much during the process of fermentation.
There are, however, hours every day when air might be freely admitted into
the bakehouse, without any injury to the bread, but in many places advantage
is not taken of these hours to change and purify the air of the place.
It is important to remember, that the gas which is evolved from dough during
fermentation, and the fumes which arise from the charcoal and ashes when
withdrawn from the ovens, are of a most poisonous nature, and unless fresh air
be freely admitted to the bakehouse, and provision be made for the escape of
the noxious gases, the atmosphere of them must exert a most injurious effect on
the health of those employed in them. The gases are not odorous, and have
rather a stupifying effect, so that workmen are not likely to complain, a
circumstance which makes it more necessary that others should enquire into
this matter.
In 13 places the drainage was not good, or there was too direct a communication
with the water closets. In 15 there were sleeping rooms on the level
of the bakehouse; in only 4 of them were these rooms opposed to the requirements
of the Act. In one place only was it ascertained that a youth under 18
years of age was employed between the forbidden hours. In two places youths,
said to be over 18 years of age, did not look to be so old.
Since the inspection, all the bakehouses, with one exception, have been
brought into conformity with the provisions of the Act; but it will be necessary
that they should be periodically inspected, to see that the regulations are not
from time to time disregarded. Some bakehouses in this parish are probably
equal to any in London, and might be referred to as models of excellence. The
system of night work and long hours is very objectionable, and it is to be hoped
that it will be soon given up in all establishments, as it has been already in
some of the best. The employment of machinery, instead of manual labour, is
not only more cleanly, but also more healthful, and has the advantage of being
more expeditious, and thereby shortening the hours of labour.
The carrying out of this Act of Parliament, in addition to the two recent
measures requiring the licensing of slaughterhouses and cowhouses, has entailed
on myself and the Sanitary Inspectors much additional labour. Independently
of these new departments of work, the parish itself is increasing so rapidly in
population, that the sanitary measures required are more and more extensive,
and the labours of the Sanitary Staff thereby increased.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Tour obedient Servant,
THOMAS HILLIER.