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of such body; the cost of such removal and re-removal to he
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 frequently
orders the removal of bodies for this purpose—but, until quite
lately, at your Vestry's charge.
Even now too little use is made of the mortuary, and especially
as a place of deposit for the bodies of those who have died
from infectious disease. Medical men can effect the removal
of the body in such cases, by Justice's Order (Sanitary Act,
1866, sec. 27), but only if persons live or sleep in the room
where the body is retained. A body in such a state, from decomposition,
as to endanger the health of the inmates of the same
house or room, may in like manner be removed to the mortuary.
The Infectious Disease (Prevention) Act, now being incorporated
with the Public Health (London) Bill, gives increased powers in
this direction, but I do not anticipate much effect from such
increased powers, unless medical men actively take up the matter.
"Very rarely do the facts of cases come to the knowledge of the
Medical Officer of Health, and then usually too late.
The Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working
Classes (1885) recommended provision of additional mortuaries
in London. What, however, is even more required, at present,
is power to compel removal of the dead to existing mortuaries,
when removal is necessary on sanitary grounds. The Commissioners
recognized this fact, by implication, in 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, moreover, that
in any case where the body lies in a room which is used by other
persons, it should, in the same manner, be removed." (Report,
* This section is re-enacted, in slightly varied terms, in section 24 of the
Coroners Act, 1887.