Flaxmill Workers

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 87, 15 November 1912, Page 2

Flaxmill Workers

HOUSING CONDITIONS AND SANITATION. AN OFFICIAL REPORT.

A report by Dr. H. Chesson (district health officer) and Mr. D. Carmodv (inspector of factories) on accommodation ajtd sanitation at fiaxmills in the Manawntu and Horowhenua counties was laid on the table of the House of Representatives on November 7 by the ! Minister for Public Health. The report states that 35 mills, three cutters' camps, and two private camps were visited. Tho officers were accompanied on their inspection by Mr. Broad (representing the Flaxmillcrs' Association) and Mr. Stone (president of the Employees' Union). "Tho general impression conveyed was that the owners wore in practically all instances prepared to do anything within reason that was considered necessary for the provision of proper accommodation and sanitation at the mills." the officers state, "and it seems only necessary that some uniform standard should be adopted for them to follow." ACCOMMODATION. The report goes on to state that at most of the mills accommodation was not. satisfactory, but that- it is only fair to point out that the men themselves bad not taken any steps to improve that which was provided or even to keep it clean.

"On completion of the tour of inspection," the report states, "Mr. Stone felt compelled to acknowledge how uch the men wero to blame for the unsatisfactory condition ot their quarters, and what'a great 'eye-opener' the investigation had been to him. The permanent wood and iron buildings which most of tho mills possess, it is stated, could, generally speaking, be made quite comfortable with slight structural alterations. The air-space in most of the buildings visited was far in excess of the minimum of 240 cubic feet laid down by thonShearers' and Agricultural Laborers' Accommodation Act, but the officers state that this standard is far too low and should be at least doubled. Windows in the buildings visited were small and badly placed, and were generally found closed. All the so-called tents on flaxmills, the report continues, are erected on wooden frames and are covered with ruberoid or sacking. They thus become huts of an unhealthy type, and it is recommended that their use should be prohibited. The use of bona fide tents might be permitted for limited periods. On some mills an iron building is provided with a large open fireplace at one end for the purpose of drying clothes when the men get wet while at work. The officers recommend that similar provision should be made at all mills. WATER SUPPLY. Most of the mills, it is stated, have a fairly good water supply from artesian bores, wells and tanks, but seven obtain water from the Oroua and Manawatu rivers, a supply liable to serious contamination. CATERING. In all the mills visited, the report states, the food appears to be of good quality and well cooked and the diningrooms, witli a very few exceptions, were -veil-kept, clean, airy and tidy. In some eases better provision could be made for the keeping of stores, and in two instances stores were actually kept in the cooks' sleeping apartments. DRAINAGE AND PLUMBING. Drainage and plumbing, with a few exceptions, have been quite neglected. No baths are provided at any of the mills, and it is recommended that shower baths with hot and cold water hid on, should be provided at every mill. Lavatory basins should also be provided. / In reference to cutters' camps, or mills working on the royalty system, it is suggested that the actual owner, and not the miller, should be made responsible for providing accommodation. RECOMMENDATIONS. The report concludes with a series of recommendations. At least 400 cubic feet of air space and, preferably 500 feet per man, should be provided, and 45 square feet of floor space per man. In very few cases was the existing accom nidation found to he below these standards. Windows with movable sa.■■•'"■ it, and ■zlav'd areas equalling onetenth of the floor space are recommended. In. all cases the water supply which can he obtained from artesian bores or fro'n rain-water tanks should ho approved by the district health officer. Other recommendations are that sufficient privy and urinal accommodation, drainage and plumbing, dryingrooms, and baths should be provided. It is suggested that future awards should include a clause making it a condition that men must keep their quarters clean and scrub the floors with soar) and water once a week, and always before leaving the job. It is recommended as eminently desirable that the officers of the Labor Department should in conjunction with the di'-trict I'Tilth officer in all matters re- j latin? to «-anitation, including ventilation, H,ir" ,+ 'ng, or water supply, or anything ft ft"'- •■ "irrr the health of tho persons employed.