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owners of lead factories to have everything provided on the premises
for the comfort and well-being of the persons employed, and the
work-people compelled under penalties to use them, very little advance
towards the improvement of health will be made. Mr. Redgrave
in his Report on this subject, has made some very valuable observations
to which I would direct public attention.
Mr. Redgrave concludes his Report in the following words:—
" I feel most strongly that, in an occupation such as that of the
whitelead manufacturer, the factories should be periodically visited,
and the work-people examined by a medical man; and that on the
appearance of symptoms of illness, a visit to a medical man should
be the first step."
Open Spaces.
In my Report for the Quarter ended July 3rd, 1880, I had the
pleasure of recording that a piece of ground known as the Friends'
Burial Ground, situated in Baker's Row, Whitechapel, consisting of
about an acre and one-eighth of an acre, had been dedicated to the
use of the public as a recreation-ground. This vacant space, now
converted into a garden, is well kept, and is highly appreciated by
the inhabitants of Whitechapel and the vicinity, as is shown by the
numerous frequenters of the locality. Since the date of the above
Report, I have the satisfaction of recording that another piece of
ground situated at the back of the London Hospital, and which is
partly in the Parish of Whitechapel, and partly in the Hamlet of
Mile End Old Town, has been set apart for the use and recreation of
the public. The extent of this piece of ground is about half an acre,
which, although small, is nevertheless valuable, for it will not only
afford relaxation and enjoyment to many, but will prevent more
houses from being built in this already overcrowded locality.
On my visiting this recreation ground, now laid out with much
taste, and ornamented with trees and flowers, and provided with seats
for the comfort and convenience of the people, I was much pleased. A
fountain of fresh filtered water is provided for the use of the visitors.
As more open spaces in London are needed for preserving the health
of the inhabitants of overcrowded London, it is to be hoped that the
example which has been set by the Committee of this small recreation-ground
will be followed in every District.