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30
The mortuary and post-mortem chambers were, last summer, limewashed and
painted throughout, and the walls of both chambers were tiled with white glazed
earthenware tiles to a height of 5 feet from the floor. Thereby cleansing is facilitated
and the appearance of the mortuary chamber is immensely improved. The artificial
lighting of the post-mortem room has also been improved, and a supply of hot water
has been provided by means of a gas heating apparatus.
The provision of a suitable place in connection with the mortuary for the reception
of empty shells when not in use came under the consideration of the Public
Health Committee. Formerly the crypt of the adjoining church was used for this
purpose, but this arrangement being no longer deemed advisable, it was decided to
erect a small additional chamber opening into the mortuary for this purpose.
The inquests held numbered 339 as compared with 331 in 1897, 301 in 1896, and
313 in 1895. The new Coroner's Court erected by the London County Council was
opened in April last. It is situate quite close to the Vestry's mortuary.
The number of post-mortem examinations made in the post-mortem room attached
to the mortuary was 164 as compared with 159 in 1897, 128 in 1896, 109 in 1895, 60
in 1894, and 29 in 1893.
Consequent upon the resignation Mr. Wilton, the late mortuary keeper, who had
held the post for more than twenty years, by reason of age, Mr. Watson, who had
had several years experience as a mortuary and post-mortem porter at the London
Hospital, was appointed by the Public Health Committee on October 6th, to be
mortuary attendant at a salary of 30s. per week, and to give his whole time to the
duties of his office.
The following regulations were settled by the Public Health Committee with
respect to the duties of the mortuary attendant:—
(1) Bodies shall be received into the mortuary at any hour of the day or night.
(Persons desirous of making use of the mortuary are requested by notice
affixed to the entrance to make applications between the hour of 8 a.m. and
8 p.m. During the night time in cases of emergency only.)
(2) The mortuary attendant shall reside in or near Calvert Avenue.
(3) The mortuary attendant shall be responsible for the general management of
the mortuary, for the enforcement of the Vestry's by-laws as to the maintenance
of cleanliness, decency, and good order therein, and he shall keep
such books or registers as the Vestry may from time to time prescribe.
(4) He shall ascertain and record in the case of each corpse received upon the
premises the following particulars, viz.:—
(а) Christian name and surname of the deceased ;
(b) Sex; (c) Age; (d) Cause of death;