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92
Motor Disinfecting Van.—The motor van during 1936 completed
5,332 miles, carrying 4,823 cwts. of goods. The weight of goods carried
in the Disinfecting Van showed an increase of some 60 per cent, compared
with the previous year. This was due principally to the disinfection of
the bedding, etc., of some 368 families who were rehoused in the City
Council's dwellings and elsewhere, the number of articles dealt with
totalling 15,270.
Coroner's Court and Mortuary.
There were 254 bodies removed to the mortuary during the year by
order of the Coroner or to await burial. Inquests were held in 164 cases
but not in 80, while 10 bodies were received to await burial. Post-mortem
examinations were made in 158 instances.

During the year repairs and decorations were carried out at the Court
and Mortuary premises at a cost of £250. The works included the provision
of two new post-mortem tables in place of those existing and renewal of
the electric lighting system in a part of mortuary premises.
Note by the Senior Sanitary Inspector.
It has been suggested that after nearly 40 years' service as sanitary inspector
in Westminster, I should give a brief survey of the changes I have observed since
I took office with the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Pields in 1897, the year of Queen
Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
During these forty years I have had official dealings with all sorts and conditions
of men. In a district so rich in the variety of its interests I have received as sanitary
inspector abundant courtesy and goodwill, although in the early days conflicts
of opinion were not unknown particularly with those who had cause to fear the
visit of a sanitary inspector. Nowadays there is a general and widespread desire
for improvement and the sanitary inspector is more the friend and adviser of the
parties concerned.