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71
Rainfall.—The following information has been obtained from
the Meteorological Office, Air Ministry, and refers to the rainfall at
the Ferry Lane recording station:—
Average rainfall, 1900-1909 23.21 inches
Average rainfall, 1910-1919 24.82 „
Average rainfall, 1920-1929 28.23 „

Air Raid Precautions.—A great deal of work has been necessary
in regard to this matter, and the original scheme providing fixed
first aid posts for the whole population within half a mile has been
developed. Up to the time of the September crisis ten schools
had been allocated as fixed posts, but it was then realised how
unsatisfactory these would be. Contracts were then entered into
by your Council for the erection of 10 "ad hoc" posts, each post
consisting of three Nissen huts each 16 feet wide and 48 feet long
with air locks at each end and joined by a corridor.
The central hut is divided along its long axis for the decontamination
and cleansing of both sexes. One of the laterally placed
huts is allocated to each sex for first aid.
The huts are provided with air filters and hot and cold water.
They are rendered splinter proof with earth covering.
Drugs and dressings were also ordered in September, and these
have now been distributed to the posts.
In order to supplement the ambulances and cars for stretcher
parties and sitting cases eleven trailer ambulances, each taking
six stretchers, have been provided.
No reference to the subject would be complete without full
acknowledgment of the generous and unstinted assistance which
has been given by the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and in particular
by Dr. J. L. McKenzie Brown, who has accepted the appointment
of Honorary First Aid Commandant.
His enthusiasm, industry and tact have rendered bearable a
necessary but distasteful task.