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43
CREMATION.
The number of Cremations carried out at the Corporation Crematorium at
Uford last year was 18, being 5 less than in 1906, and a reference to the
Table on page 48, shows that a slight decrease is recorded at several other
Crematoria, the total number in the Kingdom during 1907 being 706, as
compared with 743 in 1906.
In view of the steady annual increase in the numbers from 1885 to 1906,
it would appear that this is merely a casual fluctuation, and does not indicate
in any way that the process is becoming less popular.
Apart from any matter of sentiment, there can be no question that the best,
quickest, and most sanitary method of disposing of a dead body is to reduce
it to ashes in a properly constructed furnace.
Cremation solves the question of intra mural burial. It would be far more
convenient and more in accordance with modern science if the remains of
those the Country honoured by laying them to rest in our Abbeys and
Cathedrals, were always cremated, and their ashes alone deposited in the place
of sepulchre.
Moreover, our churches could receive within their walls, without danger to
the living, as in the past, the remains of those who had been their supporters
during their lifetime, should their survivors desire it.
The managers of several of the Crematoria in the United Kingdom have
favoured me with some notes on their experiences of Cremation.
The Hon. Secretary of the Birmingham Crematorium remarks :—
"I have found that in many cases where a deceased person had left
"instructions for cremation, the relatives being adverse to cremation,
"would not permit of the body being cremated, and I have also found
"that undertakers can greatly influence relatives of a deceased person
"either for or against cremation in accordance with their own ideas.
"We have recently learned of cases in which the above facts have taken
"place."
The Superintendent of the Sheffield Crematorium states :—
"Although the total shows an increase of 12 only over last year, I am
"of opinion that Cremation is becoming more popular."