Women Inspectors.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7543, 16 May 1903, Page 7

Women Inspectors.

CITY TRADERS ANNOYED AT THEIR METHODS.

Considerable annoyance exists among London linns as to the methods adopted by women inspectors of factories. Indeed, there is a movement in favour of petitioning the Home Secretary to take some action in the matter. The general outline of the complaint was given to an Express representative yesterday by the manager of one of the large London factories. He said:—

"We are being continually troubled by these lady inspectors, who come into the works at all hours and demand to be shown round at once, without any regard to the disturbance caused to our business. The workgirls get thoroughly disorganised, and are disobedient to their forewomen when these inspectors come in, and behave as if they were paid agitators. The heads of firms are treated as if they were oilice boys and incapable of speaking the truth. One lady inspector went to a factory after it was closed in the

evening and demanded admittance. The watchman refused, and she threatened to have him discharged. Yesterday one came in here and asked one of the girls if she had eaten any breakfast. The girl said 'No' ; adding that she did want any. The inspector did not ask if the girl had had her breakfast hour as usual. Tho fact is those lady inspectors have aii exaggerated idea of their own importance because they are appointed by the Secretary of State." Tho managers and others, interviewed were unanimous in their tribute to the courteous treatment at the hands of the male factory inspectors.