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220
year 100; in the fourth year 97; and in the fifth year 109. The
building comprises two chambers, for infectious and noninfectious
bodies respectively, separated by " a place provided
for post-mortem examinations," which is highly convenient,
and much appreciated by medical practitioners. 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; the costs of such 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
ordeied by the Coroner." (Sanitary Act, 1866, sec. 28.) The
Coroner, or his officer rather, now occasionally orders the
removal of bodies, but at your Vestry's charge always.
The use made of the Mortuary amply justifies the expense
incurred in its erection. As time passes the institution will
probably be even more appreciated and used; especially should
medical men and clergymen see fit to inculcate the propriety
of removal of the dead, in suitable cases. Medical men can by
certificate secure the removal of an infectious body, or of a
body in an offensive condition from decomposition, on the Order
of a Justice, under Section 27 of the Sanitary Act, 1866.
The Royal Commission on the Housing of the WorkingClasses
recommended provision of additional mortuaries. What,
however, is more required, at present, is power to compel removal
of the dead to existing mortuaries, when removal is necessary.
The Commissioners recognized this fact by the further recommendation
that " in the event of a death from infectious disease
the body should forthwith be removed to a mortuary in cases
where it would otherwise be retained in a room used as a
dwelling by others." They thought it desirable, moreovei-,
" that in any case where the body lies in a room;vhich is used by
other persons, it should, in the same manner, be removed."
(Report, p. 31.)