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(b) During the year, agreement was reached with the
London County Council to enable the Borough Council
to set up a third smoke measuring station in the
Welfare Centre, Redcliffe Street, South Kensington.
Readings commenced at this new station on the
1st January, 1957.
General observations
The results obtained during 1956 have continued to reflect
trends noticed in previous years. Pollution has continued higher
during winter months, falling to a minimum during the months of
June and July.
Deposited matter is found to be heavier in North Kensington
than in South Kensington, whereas the sulphur readings were higher
in the South than the North of the Borough.
It is now possible to compare results obtained during three
consecutive years. Although the general inference from these results
is that atmospheric conditions in the borough have gradually worsened
over the period in question, it should be noted that the relative
differences are small, particularly in the case of deposited matter.
The variations may be accounted for by differences in climatic conditions
in each of the three years, and it will be necessary for results to be
obtained over a longer period before any firm conclusions can be
arrived at.
Action taken in regard to smoke nuisances
During the year there were twelve complaints of smoke nuisance
as a result of which seventy observations were made. Remedial measure
by informal action were secured in all cases except one. In this case
the Public Health Committee decided to give a warning that legal
proceedings would be instituted if further nuisance occurred.
Burial of the Dead
Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, imposes on
the Council the duty to arrange for the burial or cremation of any
person who dies, or is found dead, within the borough, where no suitabl
private arrangements are made for the disposal of the remains. The
Council have authorised the Medical Officer of Health to make
arrangements for the burial of any person to whom the Section applies.
In the twelve months ended 31st December, 1956, the Council
became responsible for the burial of twenty-seven persons dying in the
borough. The following is a summary of the action taken
(a) Cases where the funeral
expenses have been fully recovered 14
(b) Cases where part only of the expenses
has been recovered 8
(i) Number of these where balance
of expenses will be recovered 1
(amounting to
£6. 18s. 1d.)
(ii) Number of these where there was
no further estate or "liable"
relative 5
(iii) Number of these where "liable"
relatives were unable to
contribute 2