London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Holborn 1922

Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1922

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82
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
Public Mortuary.
The Public. Mortuary provided by the Council is situated in Goldsmith Street.
During the year 42 bodies were deposited. There were 29 post mortem
examinations made. and 31 inquests held. The inquests are held in the Court
Room at the Council Offices. On 10 occasions bodies awaiting burial were removed
to the mortuary on account of inadequate accommodation in the homes; 30 bodies
were brought in by order of the Coroner, and two by the Police.
Inquests.
During the year 67 inquests were held on the bodies of Holborn parishioners.
Many of these died outside the Borough and the inquests were held in the
district where death took place, the deaths being subsequently transferred to
Holborn. The causes of death certified as a result of such inquests were:— Natural
causes, 21; Accidents, 10; Suicide, 10; Misadventure, 8: Wilful Murder,1;
Execution, 1; Want of attention at birth, 1.
Revenue Acts.
No application was received under these Acts.
Dangers from Flies.
With a-view to bringing to the notice of residents in the Borough the dangers
arising from flies and emphasising the importance of taking all possible steps to
prevent or minimise such dangers a special illustrated leaflet was printed for
general distribution. A large number of such leaflets were distributed through
the elementary schools. Permission for the use of the school organisation was
given by the Education Committee of the London County Council and the teachers
of the schools kindly co-operated in the matter.
Dirty Tenants.
From time to time complaints are received from owners respecting the
difficulties experienced by them in keeping their property up to the standard
required by local authorities owing to the dirty and destructive habits of tenants
It is repeatedly alleged that through carelessness or wilful damage by tenants
repairs and cleansing become necessary with unreasonable frequency and that it
is impossible to maintain even the minimum requirements of the local authorities
without financial loss.
These statements have sometimes been found to be well-founded, particularly
in the poorer class tenement lodging houses where no responsible keeper or landlord
is resident.