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25
Volumetric smoke

Action taken in regard to smoke nuisances
During the year, there were fifteen complaints of smoke
nuisance, as a result of which seventy-seven observations were
made. Remedial measures were secured in all cases by informal
action.
Burial of the Dead
Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, imposes
on the Council the duty to arrange for the burial or cremation
of any person who dies, or is found dead, within the borough,
where no suitable private arrangements are made for the
disposal of the remains. The Council have authorised the
Medical Officer of Health to make arrangements for the burial
of any person to whom it applies.
Since the 5th July, 1948, the Council have arranged the
burial of 317 persons under Section 50, which also empowers the
Council to recover the funeral expenses from a liable relative
or the estate.
The work involves visiting and examining rooms (not
necessarily in Kensington, and sometimes while the body is
still there); making inventories; searching for Wills, tracing
next-of-kin, taking possession of money, valuables, insurance
policies, etc; interviewing relatives and others; interviewing
hospital authorities, registrars and police, and dealing with
correspondence, etc. Most of these cases are destitute and
friendless, and the rooms are often indescribably filthy and
infested.
In the twelve months ended 31st December, 1955, the
Council became responsible for the burial of thirty-three
persons dying in the borough. The following is a summary
of the action taken:-