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This table gives the rainfall for the months of January to December of the
year 1915, and the amounts found of insoluble matter, tar, soot and dust, also the soluble
matter, together with the sulphates, ammonia and chlorine in the volume collected.
The results as given by the Public Analyst have been re.calculated into metric tons
per square kilometre during each month.
One metric ton per square kilometre is equivalent to approximately 9 lbs. per acre
or 2.56 tons per square mile. Although the presence of much impurity in the
atmosphere has been long known, the above is the first definite record extending over
a complete year, obtained by your Officers of the fact.
In examining the foregoing table it will be appreciated that in the month of
November only, the amount of deposit registered as falling in the City amounted to
21.48 metric tons per square kilometre, which is equal (estimating the City as an area
of one square mile) to no less than 55 tons avoirdupois.
Of this mass of dirt nearly 35 tons were soluble and included the chemicals
mentioned, and 20 tons were insoluble and consisted of tar, carbon and grit.
In addition to the foregoing a daily observation has been made at mid-day at the
Guildhall of the purity of the air by a new dry method by which the suspended
matter can be readily demonstrated.
Since the 1st January until the 31st December, the amount of the impurity
at noon has varied from a trace to three milligrams per cubic metre of air. This
includes times when there has been a slight fog, but no dense fog has yet been
tested at the Guildhall.
The exigencies of space will not permit here a comparison with similar observations
at other places, as for example, Malvern and Sheffield, where results are widely
divergent. The value of the work commenced is evident and is an indication of
the necessity of its continuation during the ensuing year.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACT, 1901.
FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS AND WORKPLACES.
The premises at present upon the Register number 3,943, in which are included
8,087 workrooms, &c.
There is a slight increase in the number of premises registered.
There were 2,384 notices served during the year for various purposes under
the Act.