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arrangement, greatly increased. The number of bodies received during
1953 was 583.
National Assistance Act, 1948
Burial of the Dead
Under Section 50 of the above Act it is the duty of the Council to
arrange for the burial or cremation of any person who dies or is found
dead within the Borough, and where no private arrangements are made
for the disposal of the remains.
Nine persons were buried under the provisions of this Act during 1953.
Removal of Aged and Infirm persons to Institutions
Section 47 of this Act provides for securing the necessary care and
attention for the aged and chronic sick by means of an order of the Court.
Several cases were removed either to hospital or County Council
homes for the aged but it was not necessary to invoke Section 47 during
the year as persuasive methods prevailed.
Services for Old peoples
The voluntary services in the district provide some assistance and
recreation for old people. The W.V.S. have organised five Darby and
Joan Clubs in various parts of the Borough so that one or more is within
reasonable reach of persons living in any part of the district. In addition,
the Albany Institute Old People's Club, although situated just beyond the
Borough boundary, is patronised mainly by Deptford people.
A Meals-on-Wheels service operates in the Borough. This supplies
meals to aged and infirm people in their homes twice a week, to five of the
Darby and Joan Clubs once a week, and to the Albany Institute daily from
Monday to Friday. The meals are obtained from the London County
Council's meals service and supplied to the old people at a charge of 10d.
each. The vehicle was supplied and fitted by the Borough Council,
which also provides the driver and maintains the vehicle. The remainder
of the work is done by members of the W.V.S.
During the year 4,676 meals were supplied.
Shops Act, 1950
In the course of their routine inspection the Sanitary Inspectors paid
attention to the ventilation and temperature of shops and the provision
of washing accommodation and sanitary conveniences.
Slaughter Houses
Two slaughter houses are licensed in this Borough but were not in use
during the year.
Baths and Wash-Houses
The Council maintains three swimming baths at Laurie Grove adjoining
the Town Hall. A plant giving continuous filtration and sterilisation
maintains the purity of the water at all times. The plant is capable of