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

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Kingston upon Thames 1948

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]

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41
PART VIII OF THE ACT.

Outwork.

Nature of Work.No.. of out-workers.
Wearing apparel -Making etc.8
Brass and brass articles20
Total 28

The above details are an extract from Form 572 (Revised)
and apart from the figures given, there is a 'nil' return in
respect of other questions.
9. CAMPING SITES.
Apart from the limited use of Stevens Ait, a small
island opposite the Northern end of Canbury Gardens, there are no
camping sites in the Borough.
10. SMOKE ABATEMENT.
During 1948, complaints continued to be received
regarding alleged grit emission from a dyeing and cleaning works,
which were mentioned in the 1947 Report. Investigations were continued,
and after consultations with the Ministry of Fuel and
Power, arrangements were made for a supply of smokeless fuel
pending delivery of a specially designed grit arrester, which,
although it had been ordered early in the year, and certain parts
had reached Kingston, delivery had not been completed by the end
of the year.
Further complaints were also received in respect of
heavy smoke emission from an engineering works. In this case also,
difficulty was experienced in obtaining delivery of suitable
fuel. Some improvement was obtained, however, by a review of
stoking methods. This factory changed hands in October, and with
subsequent increased pressure on the steam raising plant, further
nuisance occurred. After consultation with the firm's specialist
engineer, a change of fuel was arranged as a temporary expedient
until a complete review of the steam raising plant could be
effected.
During the autumn of 1948 a serious nuisance occurred
by the emission of dense black smoke from the chimney of a
brewery. The onset of the nuisance was sudden and, upon investigation,
was found to be due to a change of fuel from coal to
pitch creosote mixture. Unfortunately both boilers at these
works had been converted to the new fuel so it was impossible to
avoid continuance of the nuisance during the initial period,
and until modifications could be effected.
Investigations showed that adequate tests of the flues
had not been made prior to the installation of the new burners.
Many air leaks were found and eventually the boilers were completely
reset and the flues were completely overhauled. When this
work was completed and the stokers had become experienced in
their duties, the plant was operated efficiently with production
of a negligible amount of smoke.