FUEL USE SURVEY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30190, 23 July 1963, Page 13

FUEL USE SURVEY

Air Pollution Study A survey of householders' fuel use carried out in Riccarton and Sydenham on Saturday morning by 100 sixth form pupils from the Cashmere High School and the Christchurch Boys' High School met with excellent cooperation by the public. Professor S. R. Siemon, head of the chemical engineering department of the University of Canterbury, who is chairman of the air pollution committee of the Christchurch Regional Planning Authority, said the survey was part of a study of Christchurch air pollution which had been carried on over a period of five years. Pupils taking part in the survey were briefed on their work by Professor Siemon on Saturday morning before they set out with their questionnaire. During the day 59 areas were covered.

Until the whole picture was completed no information would be made public, said Professor Siemon yesterday. This was expected to be some time next year, he said. The purpose of the questionnaire was to relate fuel use to air pollution. He said both the chosen areas had been closely studied and a good deal of information about the level of air pollution and meteorological conditions had been obtained in the last four years. Asked if other similar surveys would follow Professor Siemon replied that there could be, but this was unlikely. It depended to a great extent on the information obtained on Saturday. He said he was grateful to the boys and girls who took part for their willingness and efficiency and also to the members of the public involved for their excellent cooperation.