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68
PIGEONS.
Complaints of the nuisance and damage caused by the congregation of pigeons in the
City have again been numerous, and continual attention has been necessary in order to
attempt to keep the number of these birds within reasonable limits. The practice of feeding
adopted by so many visitors, together with the ideal nesting facilities readily available at
such places as St. Paul's Cathedral and other City churches and public buildings, renders
the problem of adequate reduction difficult.
Some 529 birds have been caught by the expert engaged by the Corporation, and all
destroyed under my supervision, with the exception of one ringed bird, which was sent
to the Secretary of the Homing Union for return to its owner. One hundred and thirty-four
other pigeons were destroyed at request.
I should add here that every precaution is taken by those responsible to ensure that
the work is not attended by any element of cruelty.
EXHUMATION AND RE-INTERMENT OF BODIES.
City of London Cemetery.
During the year the bodies of nine persons buried in the City of London Cemetery, at
Ilford, have been exhumed and subsequently re-interred in other graves in the same cemetery.
These exhumations are carried out at the request of members of the deceased's family
under licence issued by the Home Secretary, and the work of removal and re-interment
is supervised by one of my representatives. The greatest care is exercised by the Cemetery
Staff and other responsible persons to ensure that the operations are carried out with proper
reverence.
DISCOVERY OF HUMAN REMAINS AT
(i.) Houndsditch and Back Gravel Lane, and
(ii.) Bank of England.
During the course of rebuilding operations at each of the above-mentioned premises,
human remains were unearthed. In the case of Houndsditch and Back Gravel Lane, the
quantity was very small and bore obvious evidence of age and previous disturbance. The
customary notification to the Coroner and City Police was made, and the remains subsequently
reverently reinterred on the site.
In regard to the discovery at the Bank of England, the quantities here were very much
larger, and the work of exhumation covered a period of 4½ months. Arrangements had
been made by the Bank of England Authorities to reinter such remains as were found in
a special vault purchased at Nunhead Cemetery. The total number of cases removed was
98, which represented approximately 800 bodies. Supervision of this work on behalf of
this Department was entrusted to one of your sanitary inspectors, Mr. G. H. Fowler, who
was assisted by Mr. G. E. Harrington.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACT, 1901, &.C.
Factories, Workshops and, Workplaces.—The premises upon the Register number 3,744,
in which are included 8,385 workrooms, &c.
There were served 1,702 notices during the year for various purposes under the Acts.