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Generally speaking, the larger manufacturers were able to achieve a higher standard of hygiene
than owners of small factories; financial considerations no doubt influence this matter but it is
realised that many benefits, though not always easily measured, are to be derived from well-maintained
premises. On the staffing side there is keen competition to persuade machinists to enter factories and
all manner of inducements are offered. One small employer, with a staff of eight, who was faced with
this problem, carpeted his workrooms and passages, and claimed that this type of approach removed
his labour difficulties.
The plague of seaweed flies in various south coast resorts had its repercussions even within central
London. After consultations with interested bodies it was discovered that these flies were attracted
by certain organic chlorides employed as solvents in metal de-greasing, dry cleaning processes, and
with adhesives used in the millinery and dress belt manufacturing trades. The flies apparently associated
the smell of the solvent with the seaweed to which they are normally attracted. The many instances
in which these insects were found in premises in the Borough were dealt with successfully by the
Department's disinfestation service.
Nuisance from fumes, noise and vibration coming from factories generally continued to be the
subject of numerous representations by residents. Many complaints of this nature came from
occupants of mews dwellings. Originally used for stabling horses on the ground floor with living
quarters for the servants above, these premises are now in great demand and much money is spent
on converting the upper floors into modern flats. The stables have long since been replaced by garages
and factories, frequently with attendant noise from such things as panel beating and nuisance from
paint-spraying and other plant. Town planning legislation tends to curb the establishment of new
businesses but has no effect upon existing occupiers with pre-planning rights. It was again found
that only by the ready and willing co-operation of the factory occupiers could some of these difficulties
be overcome.
Nuisance from fumes is also sometimes caused by gas boilers extensively used in the garment
manufacturing trade to generate steam for pressing. The flues of these boilers usually project through
the window or wall to the open air and the fumes emitted can be a source of serious nuisance to
neighbouring occupiers. A contributory cause is often the corroded condition of the plant, due to
prolonged use without proper cleaning, and this can give rise to dangerous pollution within the
workrooms as well as affecting nearby tenants. Apart from regular cleaning, it is strongly
recommended that the flues should be carried above the roof level and away from adjacent windows.
This applies especially where there are large boilers.
Out-Workers.— One hundred and nine employers submitted lists in respect of a total of 927 out-workers
(362 contractors and 565 workpeople). Of these, fifty-four contractors and twenty-three workpeople
operated in the Borough. The nature of the work upon which the out-workers were engaged is
indicated below :—
Wearing apparel 850
Furs 9
Buttons 30
Umbrellas 4
Household linen 6
Textile weaving 3
Brushes 1
Jewellery 18
Electro-plate 1
Lampshades 3
Artificial flowers 1
Racquet and tennis balls 1
Total. 927
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials.— At the end of the year there remained on the register ten
premises where rag flock or other specified filling materials are used in the manufacture of cushions,
pillows and other articles of upholstery. Five samples of hair, two of felt, one of coir fibre and one
of wadding were taken and submitted to a prescribed analyst. All were found to comply with
statutory requirements.
The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951, also requires premises used for the
manufacture or storage of rag flock to be licensed, in respect of which an annual fee of £1 is payable,
but no application in this connection was received.