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177
The bodies removed to the mortuary in the twelve
months ended March 25th, 1893, were admitted upon
application as follows:-
1. At the request of relatives of the deceased . 6
2. At the request of undertakers 58
3. At the request of the Coroner (inquest cases)
Cases of sudden death 103
Cases of violent death 46
149
4. Brought in by the Police Found dead 18
Accident cases 4
22
5. On account of death due to infectious disease 4
239
In 106 of the above cases post-mortem examinations were
made by authority, principally under the Coroner's warrant.
The mortuary comprises two chambers, for infectious
and non-infectious 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
during the time required to conduct a post-mortem examination
ordered by the Coroner; "who" may order the removal
of a dead body to and from such place for carrying out such
examination, and the cost of such removal shall be deemed
to be part of the expenses incurred in and about the holding
of an inquest." * The Coroner orders the removal of
bodies for this purpose in nearly all cases. Even now,
however, 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
* Coroners Act, 1887, section 24.
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