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I have attended at Alaska Works and witnessed the
process complained of. The evolution of sulphuretted
hydrogen gas is very decided, but the smell is not perceptible
outside the building in which the process is carried
on. Some time ago the firm, at my suggestion, not
only covered in with corrugated iron the place where this
operation is done, but carried a zinc chimney to a height
of several feet above the building—which is a lofty one
—and placed therein a gas jet to ensure an upward
draught. This, however, has not been found a sufficient
remedy, for on testing the vapour which escapes from the
top of the chimney the presence of sulphuretted hydrogen
gas was clearly proved. This gas, although much diluted
with atmospheric air, may be found a nuisance at some
distance from the premises and be highly objectionable,
although probably not so very injurious as many persons
would consider it to be. The firm are anxious to adopt
all possible means to prevent a nuisance, and an endeavour
will be made to decompose the gas before it passes up the
chimney.
12th September, 1898.
During the nine weeks that ended on the 10th day of
September the number of births registered in the parish
was 537, and of deaths 219. These figures represent an
annual birth rate of 36.4, and an annual rate of mortality
of 14.8 per thousand of the estimated population. The
number of deaths of children under one year of age was