21 OCTOBER 1922, Page 36

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.) SIR, —I hope your article

on smoke will be widely read, and that you will go on hammering away at the question. Earlier in the year I was one of a deputation to the Minister of Health on this subject. He was suave and non-committal ; and the room was warmed by a fire of bituminous coal ! All authorities agree that it is the domestic hearth which is the culprit. Clean air is as vital for health and civilized life as proper drains. Not so long ago London houses had each its own cesspool in its own backyard. Public opinion was educated to condemn that. How many years of steady per- suasion will it take before we condemn this other domestic foulness ?—I am, Sir, &c.,

WILLIAM G. NEWTON.

4 Raymond Buildings, Gray's Inn, W.C. 1.