View report page

62
One family stayed three days for observation re Small-pox,
and 6 persons stayed only an hour while their clothing was
disinfected. In 1901 the shelter was used by four families
comprising 11 persons.
The Mortuaries.
40. The Woolwich Mortuary in Sun Street was used for the
reception of 164 bodies, compared with 156 in 1901. 10 were
for custody only, and 154 for inques's. One of the bodies was
a case of infectious disease, viz., Small-pox.
This latter case gave rise to a complaint, bred doubtless of
panic, as to danger of infection from the contiguity of houses
to the mortuary. I advised that there was not any danger of
infection being spread in this way. There was no complaint
as to any nuisance connected with the mortuary and it was at
all times maintained in a satisfactory manner.
41. The mortuary chamber for temporary custody of bodies
at Eltham was completed in June. It was used for five
bodies during the year; three of these were for post mortem
examinations and inquests, a purpose for which this mortuary
was not intended. It appeared that the Acting Coroner had
authorised its use for the purpose, in ignorance of the Borough
Council's intentions and the County Council's recommendations.
Some inconvenience both to the friends of deceased
persons, and to medical practitioners concerned is involved
in holding inquests on Eltham bodies and making post
mortems at the Sun Street Mortuary, and the question of
adapting the Eltham Mortuary for post mortem examinations
is now occupying the attention of your Committee. The keys
of this mortuary are kept at the Eltham Health Office.