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districts to which they belonged. Communications were received from other
sanitary authorities relating to 2,810 outworkers, 163 of which were residents
of other boroughs, and their addresses were forwarded to the authorities concerned.
A table is appended giving the numbers of addresses of outworkers
received from surrounding sanitary authorities during 1908.
The number of outworkers brought to our notice in 1908 was 4,185, as
compared with 4,578 in 1907 and 2,975 in 1906 Of these 2,985 were residents
in Shoreditch as compared with 3,431 in 1907 and 2,259 in 1906. It is to be
noted in respect to these figures that in many instances the names and
addresses of outworkers are duplicated owing to lists being sent in twice a year;
moreover, in a number of instances the same outworkers are employed by more
than one firm. The numbers given above, therefore, as mentioned in previous
reports, are far from representing the actual numbers of individual outworkers.
Most of the outworkers in Shoreditch are engaged in work connected
with the making of wearing apparel, artificial flowers, paper bags and boxes,
and brushes. Tables are appended showing the distribution of outworkers
as regards trades in the Borough. During the year some 2,577 visits of
inspection were made to places where homework was carried on. The work
carried out in compliance with sanitary notices served in connection
therewith included the construction or reconstruction of drains in 13,
instances, the disconnection of sink waste pipes from drains in 14, the disconnection
of stack pipes in 6, the reinstatement of stackpipes in 40, and of
eaves gutters in 33, the paving of yards in 33, sculleries in 12, and areas 3,
the reconstruction of water.closets in 23 instances, the repair of flushing
apparatus in 22, and other work in connection with the water supplies in 23
instances; 342 rooms, 30 yards and 49 water.closets were cleansed and whitewashed;
repairs were effected in connection with roofs in 28 instances, floors
16, stairs 11, doors 2, and window.frames 4; and in 45 instances dust receptacles
were provided. Twelve cases of overcrowding came under observation
in outworkers' premises and were abated. Altogether 219 sanitary notices
were served in respect to these premises.
During the year 17 cases of infectious disease were certified in houses
where home work was carried on : five cases of scarlet fever were notified at
addresses where clothing was being made, two where french polishing was
being done, two where paper bags and boxes and two where brushes were
being made; four cases of diphtheria, one of erysipelas, and one of epidemic
cerebro spinal fever were certified at houses where paper bags and boxes
were being made. In all cases the usual steps were taken to prevent the work
being a means of spreading infection. No difficulties were experienced in
connection with this, and it was not necessary for any action to be taken
under Sections 108.110 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901.
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