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problem of smoke from railway locomotives. Practical methods of
co-operation between observers of local authorities and officials at railway
stations were agreed and recommended to local authorities. The by-law
dealing with the permissible issue of black smoke was also freely discussed.
In framing their by-law for London the L.C.C. had compromised with the
Federation of British Industries and had conceded a period of 3 minutes
in the aggregate in a continuous period of 30 minutes instead of a 2-minute
standard advocated by the Committee. This concession was, however,
to remain for 5 years, after which the original period of 2 minutes would
become operative. It is a matter for congratulation that in these times
of trade depression a by-law acceptable to all parties should have been
made. Previously there had been no legal standard, and this by-law,
which awaits confirmation by the Minister, is at least one benefit conferred
by the Smoke Abatement Act, 1926. As regards by-laws requiring the
provision in new buildings, other than private dwelling houses, of such
arrangements for heating or cooking as are calculated to prevent or reduce
the emission of smoke, the Committee were unable at this stage to suggest
a by-law capable of practical application.
Atmospheric Pollution.—During 1929 the Council was apprehensive
of the possible danger to public health by the pollution of the atmosphere
likely to arise from the emission of flue gases from the large power stations
that were proposed to be erected in somewhat close proximity to the
south-western boundaries of the City—namely, in Battersea and Fulham.
The Medical Officer of Health was instructed to obtain information as
to the methods in vogue for measuring atmospheric pollution. This
was done, and the necessary instruments were subsequently purchased
and installed.
Two types of apparatus are used for this purpose. One of these is
known as the Automatic Air Filter, and measures the amount of suspended
impurity in a measured volume of air. One of these instruments was
installed at the City Hall, and daily readings have been taken since the
1st August, 1930.
The diagram on the opposite page indicates in graphic form the varying
amounts of suspended dirt from month to month estimated as the average
pollution for the whole month shown at each hourly interval of the
twenty-four hour cycle.
It will be noted that the maximum amount of pollution occurs each
day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and a lesser peak is evident
in the evening between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. As the year advances the
morning rise increases greatly and tends to be maintained at a high