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thirteen premises, mainly those of upholsterers and manufacturers of cushions and pillows, are
registered. Four samples of hair and three of fibre were taken during the year and found to comply
with the statutory requirements.
The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Regulations, 1961, came into operation on the 1st August
and supersede the Regulations of 1951 and 1954. Used wood wool is now prescribed as filling material
to which the Act applies.
Burial or Cremation of the Dead.
Under section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, it is the responsibility of the Council to
arrange for the burial or cremation of the body of any person who has died or been found dead in the
Borough where no other suitable arrangements for disposal have been or are being made.
Nine burials and four cremations were arranged during the year.
Transportation of Bodies Abroad.
In certain cases where bodies are transported overseas, the Medical Officer of Health of the district
in which death has taken place is asked, where applicable, to furnish a certificate to the effect that
the deceased did not die from any infectious or contagious disease and that no recent epidemic of
dangerous infectious disease had occurred in the district.
During the year two certificates were issued in respect of bodies being transported to Iraq.
Cremation.
The Medical Officer of Health is Medical Referee for the Council's Crematorium, which is situated
at the St. Marylebone Cemetery, East Finchley. During the year 1,961 certificates authorising
cremation were issued and since December, 1937, when the crematorium was opened, 23,050 cremations
have taken place.
The annual number of cremations continues to increase and in 1961 this was 36.45 per cent. of that
of the total deaths in England and Wales, representing 2 per cent. more than in 1960.
Dog Nuisance.
The Council's new byelaw dealing with this nuisance came into operation on 31st May, 1960. It
provides that:—"No person being in charge of a dog shall allow the dog to foul the footway of any
street or public place by depositing its excrement thereon."
Contraventions reported by the Streets Nuisance Inspector during the year resulted in the issue of
seven summonses, two of which could not be served. Five convictions were secured with penalties and
costs amounting to £8. 1s. 0d.
Street Photographers.
A local byelaw, made by the Council under section 146 of the London Government Act, 1924,
came into operation on the 1st August, 1952, prohibiting the importuning by a street photographer
of any person, in certain prescribed streets or public places, for the purpose of taking or selling any
photograph. An offender against the byelaw is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding
£5. As the administration and enforcement of most other " good rule and government " byelaws
have been referred to the Public Health Committee, a similar course was followed in regard to this
byelaw, more particularly as the officers of the Department, including the Streets Nuisance Inspector,
are continually about the streets.
During 1961 the Council took out one summons resulting in conviction and a fine of £3. 0s. 0d. with
one guinea costs.