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118
comprises two chambers, one for infectious, and the other
for non-infectious, bodies, separated by a "place provided
for post-mortem examinations." This "place" is designed
"for the reception of dead bodies for and during the
time required to conduct any post-mortem examination
ordered by the Coroner," who "may order the removal
of the body for carrying out such post-mortem examination,
and the re-removal of such body, such costs of
removal and re-removal to be paid in the same manner,
and out of the same fund as the costs and fees for post-mortem
examinations when ordered by the Coroner." (Sanitary
Act, 1866, sec. 28.) The Coroner has ordered the removal
of several bodies, and now appears desirous of availing
himself of the Mortuary, which is highly convenient for
himself and for Medical witnesses who have to make postmortem
examinations.
In congratulating your Vestry upon the completion of the
handsome and appropriate building now dedicated to public
use, I may, perhaps, be allowed to recall the fact that in my
first annual report, for the year 1871, I drew attention to
the need of a mortuary. Shortly afterwards a Special
Committee was appointed to consider how this want might
be supplied. The Committee devoted much time to the
subject, but were ultimately obliged to report that they could
not obtain a site. In my annual report for 1873 I first
referred to the Parish Churchyard as a suitable site, but the
suggestion was not approved by the then senior Churchwarden.
Gradually, however, the idea of placing the
Mortuary in this position grew into favour, and was ultimately
accepted as the solution of the site-difficulty.
A question has been raised, whether one Mortuary is
ufficient ? Without committing myself to a final answer
to this question I would point out that the Mortuary site is
central, and at no very great distance from any part of the
parish. It is the fact, moreover, that, once a body has to be
removed, the cost is much, if not quite, the same, whether