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There was some indication of improvement for the first days after the
decision of the case, but the smoke then became denser and more
continuous, culminating on the nights of the 14th and 15th September
in continuous streams of the densest and blackest smoke observed
during the coal strike. The Solicitor to the Vestry was instructed on
September 6th to bring the fact of the continued and increasing nuisance
to Mr. Bennett's notice. This was done on the 8th of that month,
and in consequence a fresh summons for nuisance from black smoke
(not for non-compliance with the Order of August 13th) was issued
under the 24th Section of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891.
After various delays the case was heard on 21st October, by Mr.
Bennett. Evidence was given on behalf of the Vestry as to the continuance
of the nuisance and to its increase in the early days of
September, and as to the possibility of hard Welsh coal being obtainable
in certain quantities throughout the strike. The Company
endeavoured to show that they had adopted every possible precaution to
get rid of the nuisance and had given their coal merchants a free hand
with instruction to supply the best coal obtainable. Mr. Bennett, however,
found that the Company had not used the best means practicable,
as it was proved that the nuisance was worse on certain days than others,
and during the absence of a certain official on leave than when he
was in charge of the station. He fined the Company £5 with 10 guineas
costs.
The strike ended on the 1st of September and on
the 20th or 21st of that month Welsh coal was again
obtainable. Since that date there has been no
nuisance from smoke. The Company are now under
orders to adapt their boiler, plant, furnaces, and shaft,
by alterations, etc., so that coal, other than smokeless
Welsh, may, if occasion arise, be used without giving
rise to nuisance. If further proceedings be necessary
at any future period, such proceedings will apparently
be for a penalty for non-compliance with the Magistrate's
Order.
Manure Nuisance.—In May, 1898, a notice
requiring the removal of manure from stables every