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every 100 lbs. of coal burned in an open domestic fire, some 3. 5 lbs. of smoke gets
into the atmosphere as compared with about 8 ozs. from factory furnaces; (3) the total
annual weight of domestic smoke is much in excess of that from industrial sources;
(4) industrial smoke is evenly spread over the year whereas domestic smoke is concentrated
into the winter months when atmospheric pollution is most dangerous; (5)
industrial smoke, usually emitted at a high level, has a greater chance of dispersal
whereas low level domestic smoke readily becomes concentrated in certain weather
conditions; (6) of the grime found in every town, it is the sticky tarry domestic
smoke deposit that is most difficult to remove. There is still the problem of pollution
of the atmosphere by sulphur dioxide which is produced in the burning of almost
all fuels. While this problem awaits solution, it is no excuse for delaying the
abolition of smoke. In any case, the open fire burning raw coal not only creates the
worst kind of smoke, but because of its low thermal efficiency, emits more sulphur
dioxide per unit of useful heat than any other fuel. To rid the atmosphere of smoke
will require the full co-operation of industry and householders. Industry will have
to develop new methods and technique, while the householder will have to learn to
use smokeless fuels. The gardener will have to exchange the bonfire for the compost
heap, while shopkeepers and other traders will have to dispose of containers, packages,
etc. by methods other than burning, prom the health and economic aspects, clean air
is most desirable and is worth some effort and adjustment by all.
Throughout the year attention has been given to unfit houses. By informal
action every effort is made to secure repair and improvement, but if these fail, the
provisions of the Housing Acts must apply. In other words the Council has to take
action to get the house repaired, closed or demolished as the case may be even while
shortage of alternative accommodation continues. There is also the problem of the
house which, though structurally sound, lacks modern amenities. The 1951 census showed
that, in the Borough. 18 per cent of families in single occupation of houses lacked
some, or all, of the following amenities:- piped water supply, cooking stove, kitchen
sink, water closet and fixed bath. As restriction of space is putting a limit on the
number of new houses that can be provided, consideration has been given in recent
years to measures which might improve the condition of existing houses. Legislation
has been introduced which permits local authorities to loan money to meet the cost
of repairs and to make grants towards the cost of improving houses. During the years
1955-59, the Council has given loans towards the repair of 49 houses and made grants
for the improvement of 107 houses. Much more needs to be done and owners of old but
sound houses should study carefully the booklet 'New Grants for Better Houses' issued
by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Pood hygiene is now more a matter of personal hygiene and food handling than
of food premises. In recent years, there have been great improvements in the construction
and equipment of food premises and the change must be apparent to all.
There is no shortage of food and customers can exercise discrimination in their
patronage of shops. They could do much to set standards, but the more hygienicallyminded
shop staffs are only too often disappointed by the ignorance of, or indifference
to, food hygiene shown by their customers.
A busy year has been tackled steadily by my staff, and their industry has
ensured smooth running of the Department. To the Council for their support and encouragement
and to my colleagues in other Departments, I would like to record my
thanks.
I remain,
Your obedient Servant,
A. ANDERSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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