11 MARCH 1899, Page 3

Sir W. Richmond in a letter in Monday's Times announces

that an influential Society has been formed for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Public Health Act of 1893 as regards black smoke. We may mention for the use of those, and we trust they will be many, who may want to join, that the secretary is Mr. Owen B. Thomas, 59 Chancery Lane. Nothing could be more promising than the names of the Committee, and the Society's programme is practical and con- centrated. There is no evil better worth fighting than that of black smoke, for it is black smoke which puts a curse on our city life, and helps to degrade the population of the poorer quarters of London. If the black smoke and grime could only be got rid of, London, with its noble tidal river and its splendid parks and gardens, might be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and also one of the most habitable. As it is, it is hopelessly dark, dirty, and depressing, though not actually unhealthy.