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DECEASED PERSONS
Inquests. Inquests were held on 50 residents of the Borough,
the verdicts being 7 deaths due to road accidents; 21 other accidents;
15 suicides; 1 acute alcoholism; 1 misadventure; 2 manslaughter;
1 murder and 2 open verdicts.
Burials. Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, places
a duty on the Council to arrange for the burial of any persons found
dead within the Borough where no private arrangements have been made.
23 such burials took place during the year - 18 adults and 5
children, at a cost of £266 of which sum £129 was recovered by the end
of the year either from the estates of the deceased persons, from liable
relatives or by way of grants made under the National Insurance Act 1946.
15 requests for burial came from H.M.Coroner's Officer, 7 from
relatives and one from a friend of the deceased.
It is often necessary where persons living alone have died in the
Borough, to dispose of the contents of their homes. This is done in
conjunction with relatives of the deceased, or with the Treasury
Solicitor where there are no known relatives, and has the effect of
releasing the accommodation for housing purposes as soon as possible.
FREE WASHING FACILITIES
The Council provides free washing facilities in 16 of the twentytwo
Public Conveniences in the Borough, with the aim of promoting food
hygiene and cleanliness.
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