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170
For comparison, details are given in tabular form of the work
carried out by the late Vestry of Lambeth in connection with the
Wanless Road and High Street Mortuaries during the five years
(1896-1900).
The number of post-mortems conducted for the Borough
during 1901 is 205, as compared with 253, 281, 275, 285 and
267 respectively during 5 years (1896-1900) for the old
Parish, i.e., 67 less than the yearly average (272.5) during the
same quinquennium. Of the post-mortems, 50 took place at
Wanless Road, and 155 at High Street.
Unfortunately, it has again to be reported that the mortuary
and post-mortem rooms at High Street still remain in an unsatisfactory
condition. These buildings are totally inadequate,
and quite unsuited to present day requirements, and it was
hoped that a plan for their rebuilding and re-arrangement (with
enlargement) would have been dealt with during 1904—the
Council having voted £500 for such necessary work. Difficulties
have, however, again arisen causing delay.
Extra Mortuary Accommodation for Lambeth.
A letter was received during 1901 from the Guardians drawing
attention to the need for additional Mortuary accommodation
being provided in the Borough of Lambeth, not necessarily for
the reception of the remains of persons awaiting inquest, but
where bodies of poor people, whose friends, or relatives, are
unable to make adequate and sanitary arrangements at home, may
be taken, pending interment.
Such need is well-known, and it is unfortunate that a site in
Norwood has not yet been obtained for the purposes of an extra
Mortuary there (as approved by the Council on May 16th, 1901,
and by the late Vestry on May 11th, 1896).