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32
SMOKE AND ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
Nine instances of smoke nuisance or annoyance from chimneys were dealt
with during the year. Some of these were of a temporary character and did not
recur, others were abated upon the service of the usual form of notice upon the
offenders and there has been no occasion to take further action.
As mentioned in previous reports, the annoyance and the evil from coal smoke
cannot satisfactorily be dealt with by law until the enactments at present in force
are strengthened or amended. The dirt and discomfort from smoke continues,
although in a lesser degree than in former years, and for which the enormous
numbers of the chimneys in surrounding Greater London are largely responsible.
Difficulties in the way of obtaining suitable coal and skilled labour are still a
fruitful source of trouble.
A critical examination of the air in the City was commenced in the year 1914,
in conjunction with the Committee for the Investigation of Atmospheric Pollution,
appointed by the International Exhibition and Conference in London, 1912,
and an apparatus consisting of a large rain gauge is mounted upon the roof of one
of the Corporation's buildings in Golden Lane, and the rain.water from a known
area of surface is collected monthly. This rain.water, containing the soot, grit and
dust washed from the air, has been submitted for examination to the Public Analyst
and the results tabulated. For comparison the results obtained from similar
observations made upon the Thames Embankment by the London County Council
are added.