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97
the time of the officers of the Department during the
summer months, owing chiefly to the Welsh Coal
Strike, which extended from about April 1st to
September 1st. All the manufacturing chimneys
were watched, and notices under Section 24 of the
Public Health (London) Act were served in respect of
several of them. By the use of coke, special apparatus,
&c., the nuisance was abated by all but two of the
parties or firms concerned. Summonses were taken
out against the Deburgo Cycle Works in Amberley
Road and the Metropolitan Electric Supply Company,
Ltd., in respect of the generating station in Ashmore
Road. In the former case, the works were closed
almost immediately after the issue of the summons,
and the same was adjourned sine die. The latter case
was, after several hearings, brought to a successful
issue. The following is a brief account of the proceedings
: —
The Electric Light Company having failed to comply with the notice
served on them to abate the nuisance caused by the escape of black
smoke, a summons was taken out, and the case came before Mr. Lane,
Q,.C , on May 26th. The Company admitted the nuisance, but pleaded
lack of Welsh coal and their inability to deal with soft coal through their
furnaces being constructed for smokeless coal. The case was then
adjourned sine die.
Between May 26th and June 16th frequent reports were made of
smoke nuisance by the Vestry's Officers, and further complaints were
received from the London County Council. The Vestry then directed
the summons to be re-inserted in the cause list, and counsel to be
briefed. The adjourned summons was heard on June 30th, when Mr.
Byron appeared for the Vestry. The Company again admitted the
offence, but pleaded that sufficient Welsh coal could not be obtained, and
that, failing that supply, they had done their best to minimise the amount