London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of Westminster 1915
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]
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The following is a summary of the work done in connection with smoke prevention:-
| 1915 Total. | 1914 Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints received | 67 | 42 |
| Observations taken | 2,022 | 2,288 |
| Notices issued— | ||
| Preliminary | 128 | 104 |
| Statutory | 6 | 3 |
| Summonses | - | - |
In six cases complaint was made of smoke entering rooms from
adjoining chimneys, due to the chimney being too low or defective.
Notices were served with reference to smoke being emitted from
1 traction engine and 1 fixed engine.
Two notices were also served with respect to chimneys outside
Westminster from which black smoke was blowing into the City.
Many of the nuisances arose from the inability to obtain steam coal
or coke, a.nd some through the regular stokers having joined either the
Navy or the Army, and the temporary men engaged not being used to
the work of stoking; but every effort has been made to prevent
nuisances.
Offensive Smells.—Complaints were received in a number of instances
of offensive smells, and 8 notices were issued in respect thereof. These
arose from burning fat and refuse, petrol fumes, defective flues, &c.
Complaints were also dealt with arising from barges laden with
house refuse.