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The filtered water is then aerated, thereby assisting in the
maintenance of bacterial purity. It is then heated by calorifiers to
about 75°F. It re-enters the swimming pools through suitable inlets at
the shallow ends. Scum troughs are being provided on the sides of the
pools which draw off any pollution which may accumulate near the surface,
together with any dust which settles thereon.
The new equipment has been designed to give a turnover period up
to hours, which is about twice that obtained from the old plant. By
this means, quicker purification of water is obtained and is particularly
beneficial during peak periods.
The whole of the new equipment has been designed to comply with
the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health for indoor swimming
pools.
Samples of the water in the pools are taken from time to time,
and during 1959 the results obtained were well within the bacteriological
standards recommended by the Ministry of Health. The residual chlorine
similarly was maintained within the concentration advocated.
Public Mortuary
For many years, the Council maintained a public mortuary at
No.lA, Hornton Place, W.8. From 15th April, 1958, the Coroner decided that
all bodies of persons dying within Kensington coming under his jurisdiction
should be taken to the Hammersmith Mortuary, which adjoins the West London
Coroner's Court. Consequently, the Council decided to close their premises
and made an arrangement with the Hammersmith Borough Council that all
Kensington cases should be accommodated in the Hammersmith Mortuary. The
agreement provides that an annual payment of £500 shall be made for this
service.
Details regarding the number of Kensington cases admitted to the
Hammersmith Public Mortuary since the agreement commenced are as follows:-
15th April, 1958-31st December, 1958
By Order of Coroner 251
On application of Undertaker 5
Total bodies admitted 256
1st January-31st December, 1959
By Order of Coroner 372
By Order of Police 4
On application of Undertaker 7
Total bodies admitted 383
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 the Section applies.
In the twelve months ended 31st December, 1959, the Council
became responsible for the burial of thirty-one persons dying in the
borough. The following is a summary of the action taken:-