Campaign Against Smoke

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31542, 2 December 1967, Page 12

Campaign Against Smoke

It is not surprising that in Christchurch, which suffers more than any other city in New Zealand, much interest has been aroused in the problems of air pollution. The Christchurch Regional Planning Authority has taken a responsible part in stimulating this interest; perhaps most credit should go to the Christchurch Clean Air Society, which has intelligently and persistently campaigned for action. Last week a Health Department chemical inspector’s report on air pollution in Christchurch offered the occasion for taking stock of progress. Unfortunately, the inspector’s account shows that least progress is being made just where it is needed most. The greatest source of pollution is the domestic coal fire; and smoke from coal burnt in household grates is increasing, not diminishing, thereby offsetting the considerable and worth-while reductions in smoke from industrial chimneys. This is a problem of education. Only public awareness of the considerable cost in money, health, and comfort that is the consequence of the inefficient burning of coal will lead to any significant change in our ingrained domestic habits—and thus to lifting the pall of smoke that settles over the city throughout most of the winter. Local authorities and government departments are drawing attention to the inefficiency —and high cost—of many household fires. The Coal Centre, opened in Christchurch recently, offers free advice on the efficient use of coal. The Halswell County Council is advising persons building houses in the county to consider how to get the most heat for their money. The advice was prompted by the findings of the six-year study of air pollution conducted by the Regional Planning Authority. These are among the small beginnings in what must be a very extensive effort to convert householders to less extravagant and less of heating their homqs-