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It is also advised that an approach might be made to the
Locomotive Superintendent at Stratford. Special observation is
being kept to record engine numbers, etc., with a view to obtaining
evidence, since locomotive smoke is very objectionable.
Page 12—Domestic Smoke and Fuel Consumption
During 1954 this was—
Coal Coke, Coalite, Phurnacite &? Briquettes Total
65,700 tons 16,700 tons 82,400 tons
The tonnage per house was 2.48 and per household 2.12 and
attention is drawn to the small consumption of solid smokeless
fuel.
Attention is drawn to the fact that an application was made
to the Ministry of Fuel and Power for a larger allocation of
smokeless fuel to the Borough.
"All night" burning fires give rise to a far greater pollution
than ever before and there is a ready sale for these fires. Gas
coke is used for space heating, but probably more because of
the shortage of coal than for any other reason. For burning
on open fires, it should be broken or screened to the correct size,
i.e., not larger than l£in. to 2in.
The only remedy for the domestic smoke now being produced
is a large increase in the solid smokeless fuel supply suitable
for the ordinary grate and there appears to be no grounds
for optimism.
Swimming Baths and Pools.
(a) Municipal Baths, High Street.
Mr. W. Cantes, the Superintendent and Engineer, kindly
contributes the following :—
" The number of slipper bathers showed a decrease of
approximately 3,700 compared with the previous year, probably
because of the increase in the number of houses with bathrooms.
"From January 1st to December 31st the baths were open
on 295 days. The number of swimming bathers during this period
was 138,533. The maximum load was on September 24th when we
had 969 bathers. During this period we also had 117,477 slipper
bath bathers."
During the year three samples of swimming bath water were
taken for analysis and on each occasion a good report was received.
(b) Whipps Cross Bathing Pool—This is a large open-air
pool situated in Epping Forest, in the area of the Borough of Leyton
and a few hundred yards from the Walthamstow boundary.
It is administered by a joint Committee representing the two
Boroughs.