Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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where overcrowding is most likely to exist. In reinspecting
51 houses which had been recommended for registration in the
two preceding years, but not registered (either because the
conditions improved, or were not considered bad enough), I
found 12 cases of overcrowding, or 23 per cent. The actual
percentage of overcrowding in the Borough is no doubt intermediate
between my own and the Inspectors' figures, say 5 per
cent. of houses. Overcrowding here means less than 300 cubic
feet for sleeping per adult, and 400 cubic feet for living and
sleeping; two children under 10 being counted as one adult.
18. Smoke Nuisance.—133 Observations of smoking chimneys
were made, compared with 105 in 1902. Much smoke
nuisance occurred from the chimneys of the Royal Dockyard.
Observations showed that one shaft emitted black smoke for
46 minutes, and lighter smoke for 96 minutes out of 2½ hours;
another chimney emitted black smoke for 59 minutes, and
lighter smoke for 40 minutes out of 2 hours. A copy of the
observations was sent to the Chief Superintendent, with the
result that considerable improvement took place. Complaint
being made that certain South-Eastern Railway engines emitted
unnecessary smoke en route, an inspector was stationed where
he could observe and take the numbers of offending engines;
particulars as to 10 offenders were sent to the Traffic Manager,
and here also improvement resulted.
Observations were made, and nuisance observed at the Town
Hall New Buildings; notice was served, and the nuisance
abated.
24 observations were made on bakehouses, 48 on private
factories in North and South Woolwich, and 30 on chimneys of
the Royal Arsenal, and no serious nuisance found. As regards