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Mortuary.
The administration of the Beckenham Mortuary is the responsibility
of the Public Health Department, the Mortuary Attendant being
a member of the Medical Officer's staff.
During 1951, 109 bodies were brought to the Mortuary where post
mortem examinations were conducted by a Home Office Pathologist.
The Mortuary Attendant is responsible, under supervision, for the
maintenance and cleanliness of the building, the reception and
collection of bodies, assistance at P.M's. and the preparation and
arrangement of a Town Hall room for the purposes of Inquest. Charge
is taken of any clothing or valuables found on deceased persons and
next-of-kin are immediately informed.
Rat and Mouse Repression.
Great advantage has been taken by the resident Beckenham
population of the free service of assistance given in the extermination
of rats and mice.
The problem is widespread throughout the Borough and whilst
major infestations are very few, we have to exercise continual care to
control the nuisance.
Much of the rat infestation is confined to the gardens of properties
and other open spaces, but the house mouse continues to accept every
opportunity presented to nest and increase in domestic properties.
Speedy reporting by the public (now a statutory duty under the terms of
the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act) enables us successfully to
combat and minimise this particular problem. 861 complaints were
received during the course of the year and the Rodent Operators paid
5,862 visits in the course of their work. I would like to record that I
have received many expressions of thanks from residents for the manner
in which the Operators have carried out their work. The presence of
this vermin is frightening to so many people, particularly housewives
with young children, and speedy removal of the pest is a great relief.
A similar service is extended to business premises, but here a charge
is made. 73 such premises were serviced and accounts rendered for
£95 7s. 6d.
The whole of this work is carried on with the co-operation of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries whose Officers have paid many
visits to the Borough during the year.
December, 1951, brought the completion of the eleventh treatment
of the Beckenham foul water sewers. This work first commenced in
October, 1946, and has continued twice yearly since. Infestation
continues to be severe in the northern part of the Borough. The older
sewers provide a problem.
It appears to be a general opinion that surface infestation is
closely allied to, and probably arises from, sewer infestation. This is
certainly not the case in the greater part of Beckenham. The Coney
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