London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Kensington 1891

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington]

This page requires JavaScript

236
merely as a sentimental objection to the present sources
of supply, but also as a danger to health. Hitherto, however,
the oral evidence has not shown—either by reference to
outbreaks of disease, or by statistics of disease-prevalence
in the districts supplied by the Companies—any injury to
health resulting from the use of the river waters. Testimony
has been borne to the success of the Companies' endeavours
to improve the filtration of the water, which is all the more
remarkable having regard to the evidence adduced as to the
pollution of the rivers by sewage, manure, trade refuse, &c.,
in contravention of the provisions of the Rivers Pollution
Prevention Act, which, in the interests of public health and
decency, should be enforced with the utmost strictness.
GAS.
The subjoined Tables, based on the quarterly reports of
the Chief Gas Examiner, summarize the principal results
(averages) of the daily testings, at the Ladbroke Grove
Station, of the "common gas" manufactured by the Gas
Light and Coke Company at their Kensal Green Works.

1. With respect to Illuminating Power.The maximum, minimum, and average illuminating power, in standard sperm candles, the statuary standard being 16 candles, was as follows:—

Maximum.Minimum.Average.
Quarter ended March 31st17.716.016.4
Quarter ended June 30th17.216.116.5
Quarter ended September 30th16.816.116.4
Quarter ended December 31st17.016.016.4
Averages, whole year17.216.016.4

It appears from these results, that the average illuminating
power of the gas, at the station, was higher than
the Parliamentary standard, and that, excepting on one
occasion, the minimum was above the requirements.