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card for stokers was discussed. The Committee has now issued two sets
of such cards, one applying to coal and coke furnaces and the other for
oil burning plants. The Council has purchased a stock of these cards,
which have been distributed by the smoke inspectors and it is believed
that they have proved useful as a contribution to smoke abatement.
Investigation of Atmospheric Pollution—Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research.—In view of the work undertaken by the City Council
in relation to the investigation of atmospheric pollution, the Department
mentioned invited the Council to appoint members to the Standing
Conference of co-operating bodies. This body consists of representatives
of local authorities, industrial undertakings, scientific societies, &c.,
actively interested in such investigations. The Council appointed your
Medical Officer of Health and Mr. C. H. Cribb, one of the City's public
analysts, as their representatives. On the death of Mr. Cribb (which took
place on 13th June, 1932), Mr. J. McLachlan, his successor as public
analyst, was appointed in his place. The Council's representatives
attended the meetings held in May and October when matters relating
to administration of smoke legislation and research were discussed.
Sulphur Gas—Measurement of.—Readings have been taken of the
amount of sulphur impurities in the atmosphere during the year by means
of apparatus devised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research, which has been installed at the City Hall. By means of this
apparatus a measured volume of air is passed through a solution of
hyperol. All the sulphur compounds in the air passed through the
apparatus are absorbed by this solution, and can be identified and
measured by chemical analysis. The results obtained during the year
are shown on the opposite page :—