Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lambeth, Metropolitan Borough of]
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157
(f) No infectious bodies received either at High Street or
at Wanless Road.
There were 49 suicides investigated (18 drowning, 4
poisoning, 5 hanging, 11 throat cutting, 5 shooting, 3
coal gas, and 3 on railway track); and 122 accidental
deaths—falls 41, run over 38, crushing 8, poison 2, strangulation
2, overlying 10, burns and scalds 17, and drowning 4.
Of the total 383 bodies received, 238 were males and 145
females. The yearly averages for the two decennia 18911900
(Parish) and 1901-10 (Borough) are respectively (a)
bodies received 355.8 and 399.8, (b) post-mortems conducted
210.8 and 218.4, (c) sittings of coroners' court 194.0 and
175.7.
The mortuary for Norwood has not yet been provided,
but it has been provisionally arranged on the plan for such
a mortuary in connection with a small part of the freehold
site (south-eastern corner) in Rommany Road, which is
being developed by the Council for a Dust Depot at
Norwood.
The old Watch House (the residence of the High Street
Mortuary Keeper) was condemned during 1912 on the
ground of its dampness due to its unfavourable site and
the absence of damp courses and concrete, etc., and a
temporary residence was provided for the Mortuary Keeper
at 206 Lambeth Road.