Air pollution

Press, 15 February 1982, Page 12

Air pollution

Sir,—As is usual every year when autumn approaches the Suestion of clean air for hristchurch is brought out from under the carpet to where it is swept at the beginning of each summer. Members of the Clean Air Society deserve the highest praise for their fortitude on our behalf They are supported by the World Health Organisation’s high assessment of Christchurch pollution which frequently exceeds maximum permitted levels. Banning open fires would combat much of this but at least the first step should be efficient and regular cleaning of domestic chimneys and oil-burning heater mechanisms. The filthy stench in the suburban built-up areas of Christchurch each winter speaks for itself. What a letdown for the beautiful garden city each summer.—Yours, etc.,

(Mrs) BETTY ADAMS. February 12, 1982.

Sir—Mr L. H. Carmichael (February 12) suggests that the Clean Air Society’s support for the production of smokeless fuels from the gasworks was inconspicuous. In fact there were several large advertisements showing our support. Coal gas was a Governmentsubsidised product under the close surveillance of the New Zealand Gas Council. In 1974, Mr E. F. Gorman (former manager of the Gas Company), tried unsuccessfully to gain Government support for the importing of liquid petroleum gases to Lyttelton from Melbourne with equipment to have been used later to bring gas from the North Island. He thought then that the Maui field allowed the gas industry nothing and was. confined to producing cheap fuel for the North Island. In November, 1978, the society realised that the gasworks would be closed and we published a statement on smokeless fuels from coal which is attached for your correspondent —Yours, etc., P. V: NEARY, president, Clean Air Society. February 12, 1982.