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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 1959, 145 bodies were brought to the Mortuary where
post-mortem examinations were conducted by a Home Office
Pathologist. Thirty-four Inquests were held in the Town Hall.
Movable Dwellings
Thirteen families occupied movable dwellings under licence from
the Council during 1959.
Twenty-four inspections of the sites of the caravans were made,
and in no instance was a Public Health nuisance discovered.
Water Supply
The water supply of the area has been satisfactory in quality and
quantity, the Metropolitan Water Board supplying all properties in
the area by main.
Bacteriological examination has been regular, 36 samples being
taken during the year. All proved to be satisfactory.
Drainage
As will be seen from the Table of nuisances remedied, 296 instances
of choked drains were discovered during the year. A great many of
these chokages related to public sewers, i.e. drains receiving wastes
of two or more houses.
The Council accepts as a legal responsibility, the clearance of
public sewers, and the work is undertaken without any charge being
made to the owners or occupiers of the properties. Of the 296 cases
discovered, however, 200 related to private drainage, and in these
cases a charge is made for the work undertaken. Accounts were
rendered for £148 15s. 7d. for this work. The Smoke Testing of the
house drains of 11 properties was undertaken, and Accounts were
rendered for £23 2s.
Infestation by Rats and Mice
Seven hundred and thirty complaints were received in 1959 of
which 70 related to business premises. A charge is made for the service
provided in respect of business premises, whereas private residential
property is served free of charge.
During the year, Accounts for £105 5s. were rendered in respect of
business premises.
Baiting of certain sections of the main sewers known to be rat
infested, has been maintained during the year.
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