UNCONTROLLED NOISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22779, 15 January 1936, Page 14

UNCONTROLLED NOISE

A feature of the recent Health Exhibition at Southampton was the renewal of the attack on uncontrolled noises. Wing-commander T. R. Cave-Browne-Cave, professor of engineering at University College, Southampton, defined noise as a sound which was offensive to the hearer. He said that a certain sound though offensive to some might not be a noise to all who heard it. Medical authorities had obtained evidence that noise was actively harmful to the sick and to those of nervous temperament, and to almost everyone during the period of learning or of creative work or while they were attempting to sleep. It was not for the engineer to study psychological problems too closely, it was for him to determine how noises which were offensive could be reduced. A letter had been written to The Times, he continued, inviting considered expressions of opinion ns to which were the most offensive noises. An analysis of the very large number of sensible replies received showed that the exhausts of motor cycles and sports cars were by far the worst offenders. it was therefore decided to investigate at University College, Southampton, how far exhaust noise could be reduced without loss of power. The investigations were proceeding satisfactorily. He dealt with other sources of noise, such as the motor horn, aircraft, tram cars, and piledriving, but said he doubted whether the public generally realised what groat efforts had been made to deal with the trouble. The Anti-Noise League was a body of people who, working with very small funds, were doing their best to bring about the reduction of those noises which were causing discomfort and really serious damage. He hoped that the measures being taken by the Minister of Transport would be effective in reducing major offenders to a reasonable level.