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Stoves—their possible cause of a nuisance.
Stoves of the slow combustion and water heating type are
becoming very popular and are being installed in existing buildings
without provision for the efficient discharge of the products of
combustion. This often gives rise to a nuisance due to offensive
and noxious odours.
The usual method of installation is simply to stand the unit
on a floor and carry off a flue pipe, generally made of iron or
asbestos composition, to the roof. In a very short time this pipe
becomes a miniature coal tar distillery. The practice of carrying
off flue gases in such a manner is undesirable, since a stack
of such description must of necessity remain comparatively cold.
A consideration of combustion at this part will explain the
reasoning.
Coal burns to CO'2, and during the process other gases are
evolved from what are known technically as volatile matters. They
are many, but our interest is centred in the compound '.'Ammonium
Sulphide," a condensate easily obtained and possessing a characteristic
pungent odour. This substance condenses on the sides
of the flue and trickles down to the base and under certain conditions
is again evolatilized, producing a noxious odour. The
conversion back to gas of these liquors is intermittent and the
odour is sometimes wrongly associated with foul drains.
In future legislation, regard might be given to this matter.
Railway Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845.
Regulation of Railways Act, 1868.
Two Railway Companies were warned in respect of excessive
emissions of smoke from certain of their locomotives. In each
case considerable improvement followed.
Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1885.
Public Health Act, 1925.
Bye-laws under Municipal Corporations Act, 1882.
Tents, Vans and Sheds.
During the autumn, conditions at an encampment of van
dwellers reached a state of overcrowding such that official notice
became necessary, and the owner of the land was informed that
he would not be permitted to let vans for habitation except under
suitable conditions. At the year end, action was being taken by
him to obtain orders for possession of the vans.
Various van dwellers staying temporarily at a Fair Ground in
the Stratford Area, were the source of trouble through carelessness
in failing to keep surface gullies clear with consequent discharge
of offensive liquids on to a public roadway adjoining.
Following instructions by the proprietor the trouble ceased.
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