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9
but no less for the other side of good neighbourliness, to reduce that lack
of consideration which allows a person to keep his chickens where they
are of the greatest inconvenience to his neighbours, or to irritate his
neighbours by noises or by the lighting of bonfires, by his compost
heaps, or putting out food for the birds which attract rats which do not
remain in his garden. The effects of his action may not be limited
to his immediate neighbours. So very much of the smoke of towns,
especially of one such as this where there is comparatively little industry,
comes from the domestic chimney. An appreciable reduction in the
pollution of the atmosphere can be brought about only if substantial
numbers of householders will take those steps which they can to reduce
the amount of smoke which they are at present causing to be emitted.
Reference is made in the report to complaints about the condition of milk
bottles; these cases too are mostly the result of thoughtless action or carelessness
of some members of the public. In these many ways, the healthiness
of a district might depend not on the activities of a local or central
administrative body, but on those of the local residents.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
CARYL THOMAS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Council Offices,
Kynaston Court,
Harrow Weald.
5th May, 1955.