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51
The standard of the conveniences varies. No criticism can be levelled at
those at which there are attendants; at these too, there are facilities for washing,
a service which is free to those who wish to take advantage of it. The
standard of some of the others though is not so satisfactory, and at none
of those at which there is no attendant are there facilities for washing.
Unfortunately, the establishments at which there are no attendants are
open to abuse and to the wilful damage by hooligans. This sort of thing
goes on even at the conveniences at some of the parks such as Alexandra
Park where there is someone in the grounds. It is so regrettable that this
sort of thing should happen, that there should be this wilful damage in
spite of the precautions which are taken and the provision of stout fittings.
It ought to be possible to provide many of the smaller establishments
which ought not to need the care of a full-time attendant. Conveniences
with attendants are very costly services, the total cost for the district being
nearly £18,000 a year.
DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD
Burial Grounds
There were no changes during the year in the provisions for the
burial of the dead, particulars of which were set out in the Annual Report
for 1954.
Cremation
Because of the difficulties arising from the legal construction of the
word "crematorium," the Council decided to take no further action in
regard to the proposed use of the Old Vicarage site. A number of other
sites were considered, including one at The Warren House estate, two in
the northern part of Pinner Park Farm, one in the southern part of the
some farm, and also land at Carpenders Park. The Sub-Committee,
while favouring the site at Warren House, instructed that planning
permission be sought in respect of all schemes.
Burial
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council
can arrange for the burial or cremation of any person who has died or
has been found dead in their area if no other suitable arrangements are
being made.
Each year there has been a small number of requests for these
arrangements for burial to be made. In this last year there was only one.
Mortuary
The district is served by the one mortuary at Peel Road which is under
the care of a full-time mortuary attendant, Mr. C. Russell, of 30 Lome
Road, Wealdstone.
The arrangement by which bodies from the Wembley area should be
received in the Corporation mortuary at a charge of £2 each pending the
Provision of a new mortuary in Wembley was continued.
During the year 423 bodies were received in the mortuary, 140 of
these being from Wembley. Post-mortem examinations were carried out
on all but four of the bodies admitted. Inquests were held on fifty-four.