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213
case where the body lies in a room which is used by other
persons, it should, in the same manner, be removed."
(Report, page 31). These powers have been given, textually,
in the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, but they will
be of little avail without the voluntary assistance of
medical practitioners; for very rarely does the Medical
Officer of Health hear of proper cases for removal, and then
usually not until it is too late to intervene. It may be added
that under the provisions of the new Act, Sanitary Authorities,
alone or in combination, are required to provide mortuaries.
INQUESTS AND CORONER'S COURT.
The number of inquests held in the year ended 25th
March last, was 196 : of these 172 were held at the Coroner's
Court, and 24 at public institutions. In February, 1890, the
County Council passed a resolution to the effect, "That all
Coroners having jurisdiction within the administrative County
of London, be instructed, as far as it is practicable, and
accommodation is available, to cease holding inquests or
Coroner's courts in public-houses." This resolution had good
effect, the number of inquests held at public-houses in this
parish having fallen in the same year to 37. In the past two
years no inquest in this parish was held at a public-house.
The room placed at the service of the Coroner at the Town
Hall, is unsuitable for the purpose, but no better accommodation
can be provided within the building. A scheme
under consideration contemplates the acquisition of a site at
the rear of the Town Hall. To give effect to it, compulsory
power of purchase is necessary, and the County Council have
consented to obtain such power for your Vestry by the insertion
of a clause in their General Powers Act.
The Public Health (London) Act, 1891, Section 92,
requires the County Council to "provide and maintain proper
accommodation for the holding of inquests," and enables them,
by agreement with a Sanitary Authority, to provide and