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OPENING OF NEW CREMATORIUM
The new Crematorium situated on land adjoining the Eltham
Cemetery was officially opened on the 16th July, 1956, and operated
from the 15th August, Information on the design of the crematorium
and of its modern features has been given by me in a previous
Annual Report. The Crematorium is under the administration of the
Woolwich, Greenwich and North-West Kent Joint Crematorium Committee,
comprising the Boroughs of Woolwich, Greenwich, Dartford, Bexley and
Erith and the districts of Chislehurst and Sidcup, and Crayford.
Cremations from other areas are also accepted. Originally two
cremators were installed, but having regard to the number of cremations
now taking place, the Joint Committee have decided to provide a third.
Prom the 15th August to the end of the year 580 cremations took place.
The number from each district was as follows:- Woolwich 168;
Greenwich 34; Chislehurst and Sidcup 55; Dartford 4O; Bexley 123;
Crayford 23; Erith 37 and other areas 100.
MORTUARY FACILITIES
The Borough Council has an arrangement with the Boroughs of
Lewisham and Deptford whereby mortuary facilities are provided by
these two Boroughs. Nearly all these cases are referred by the
Coroner. Those from the Eltham area go to Lewisham and those from
Woolwich, Plumstead and Abbey Wood to Beptford. Payment is made by
the Council to these neighbouring authorities for this work.
BURIAL OF THE DEAD
Arrangements were made during 1956 for the burial of nine persons,
who had died in the Borough, other than in hospitals, under authority
given to the Council by Section 50 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, where it appeared that no other suitable arrangements were
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