P.J.A. August 17, 1970.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32378, 18 August 1970, Page 16

P.J.A. August 17, 1970.

Sir,—From experience of years in Christchurch and other towns, I find the domestic open fire is the culprit in the suburbs. During my early years of residence in north-west Christchurch the air was beautiful day and night Post-war urban sprawl has completely changed the atmosphere. We realise Christchurch has its peculiar atmosphere problem, but this

used not to cause the foul air that now prevails. Note the evening chimney smoke which soon descends with atmosphere moisture followed by poisonous, smelling fumes. I will forgo the cheerful blaze for the healthy air we once enjoyed. But have a thought for possible power failures or shortages. Oil is not the complete answer. Legislation should allow one open fireplace to each house, with clean fuel for emergencies. I remember three long failures when we were glad to cook on open fires, and for warmth during heavy snow. Central heating is not for everyone.—Yours, etc., SOOTY CITY. August 17, 1970. Sir,—Mr 1. R. Densem stresses the platitude that disease thrives where pure air is in short supply. The local question posed by the scare warning of his list of diseases is: will a scarcity of pure air in Christchurch and its suburbs eventuate in increase of those diseases? Of course it would, but the scarcity does not exist Almost daily a fresh lot blows in either from the sea or the mountains, and the volume of supply is ample for the future. Anyone who disbelieves Christchurch is rarely without it within any 24 hours would probably believe Napoleon got his cancered stomach—removed from St Helena to London. for examination—from the smoke of his camp fires. —Yours, etc., A. B. CEDARIAN. August 17, 19”0.