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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.
Six persons were buried under the provisions of this Act during 1954.
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 after persuasion, but it was necessary to invoke Section 47
in one case during the year.
Services for Old People
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.
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.
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
filtering the whole of the water in the baths within four hours and the
system of " break-point" chlorination ensures the purity and safety of
the water even during periods of maximum use.
Two of the swimming baths are open all the year, but the large bath is
closed from October until April, during which time a sprung floor is put
in place and the building is used as a hall. In addition to the swimming
baths there are 60 slipper baths for public use at Laurie Grove.
At the Evelyn Baths, Clyde Street, there are 60 slipper baths and
facilities for Russian Vapour Baths and Foam Baths, and in addition a
public wash-house is provided.