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27
C (11) Mortuary
An up to date mortuary exists with refrigeration for 6
bodies to serve the Boroughs of Erith and Bexley and the
Urban District of Crayford. This building is situated at the
rear of the Council Offices, Bexley.
During the year the mortuary accommodated 158 bodies
and post-mortem examinations were carried out in 156 cases.
31 inquests were held. 54 bodies were from the Erith area,
and postmortem examinations were carried out in all cases.
There were 10 inquests.
C (12) Disinfection and Disinfestation of Bedding,
Clothing, etc.
A joint arrangement is in existence with the Bexley
Borough Council for the disinfection and disinfestation of
bedding, clothing, etc.
There is, also, a cleansing station for dealing with verminous
persons.
In the case of notifiable infectious disease, the service is
carried out free of charge.
It is also available to authorities who wish to make use
of the facilities and in these cases a charge is made based on
the cost of the work.
C (13) Welfare of Old People
The work of the Erith Old People's Welfare Committee
continued throughout the year and much good work was done
in visiting and provision of good neighbourly services. In
addition it has been possible in certain cases of extreme difficulty
to arrange assistance in cash or kind.
During the year the Committee arranged a week's holiday
by the sea for a coach load of needy old age pensioners. This
scheme has been followed up and several coach loads will be
sent during 1954.
In an endeavour to revive an old custom, namely an
annual dinner for needy old folks, the Committee arranged a
Christmas dinner and entertainment for 200 old people on
Boxing Day and this proved most successful.
C (14) National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 50 (Burials)
During the year it was necessary for the Council to carry
out one burial under the provisions of the above Act.
This case, an unidentified newly born male child was
found in a brown paper wrapping in a quiet lane in the
Borough. The body was taken to the mortuary and enquiries
were made by the police in an endeavour to trace the mother
or other person responsible, but without success.