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only 11½d. being found on his person. Expenses incurred by
the Council were, however, partly reimbursed by a death grant
from the Ministry of Pensions & National Insurance.
3. Mr. J. H. died in a common lodging house in the Borough on
8th June, 1956 and, no relatives having been traced, the Council
undertook the funeral arrangements. Expenses, less the sum
of 19/7 ½ d. in cash found on the deceased's person, were borne
by the Council.
4. Mr. H. J. S. died at his home on 27th August, 1956 and, there
being no known relatives, arrangements for the funeral were
made by the Council. The deceased's effects, including a quantity
of furniture in good condition, were taken into store and, by
agreement with the Treasury Solicitor who administered the
estate, were subsequently purchased by the Mayor from her
Contingency Fund for distribution to old people. Funeral
expenses incurred by the Council were met from the estate.
5. As no relatives could be traced the Council arranged for the
burial of Mr. S. T. J. who died on 21st October, 1956, in a
furnished room he occupied. The only property of the deceased
was a quantity of old and dirty clothing which was
destroyed. The Council's expenses were fully met by a
death grant from the Ministry of Pensions & National Insurance.
6. Mr. F. E. died in a common lodging house on 28th October,
1956 and no relatives were traced. It was ascertained that his
employers were prepared to meet the funeral expenses but
they did not wish to be concerned in any way with the disposal
of the estate and, in these circumstances, the Council undertook
to arrange for the funeral. The estate, which has not yet
been wound up, is being administered by the Treasury
Solicitor.
PUBLIC HEALTH (LONDON) ACT, 1936, SECTION 122
Under the provisions of this Act, the Council have authority to
remove and cleanse personal effects where it is considered by the
Medical Officer of Health that the condition of such articles is likely to
cause the spread of infectious disease.
During 1956, visits were made to the homes of 28 old people who
were senile, seriously ill or incontinent. In each case quantities of
soiled bedding and personal clothing were found and it was considered
essential to have these effects cleansed in the Disinfecting Station. In
most cases it has been necessary for the articles in question to be collected
at regular intervals for cleansing and return to the owners.