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52
surroundings to which they are accustomed and this is an aspect of the matter
which must never be forgotten. Fortunately, of the old people living in unsatisfactory
circumstances dealt with it was necessary in only two cases to
resort to legal action, and then only after all other means had failed.
Some 27 of the more difficult cases were reported to the Public Health
Committee, and these persons were dealt with as follows:-
Removed to old people's home on Magistrate's Order 1
Removed to hospital on Magistrate's Order 1
Voluntary removal to old people's home 4
Voluntary removal to hospital 21
Total 27
Two cases were dealt with under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act:
(i) An elderly man found to be living in indescribably filthy conditions
in a basement room. The Magistrate's Order required this person's detention
in Part III accommodation for a period of three months. He was subsequently
transferred to a hospital, in which he died.
(ii) A man needing hospital treatment, who was quite incapable of looking
after himself and was living in insanitary conditions. The Order made in
respect of this person required his detention in hospital for a period of
three months. This Order was carried into effect in November. The man was
still in hospital at the end of the year.
Throughout the year the staff of the department investigated the cases of
97 persons who were considered to be living in insanitary conditions and in
need of care and attention. Every case was fully investigated and involved
a total of 399 visits.
SECTION 50. (Burial and Cremation). This Section imposes a duty on the
Council to cause to be buried or cremated the body of any person who has died
or been found dead in their area, in any case where it appears to the Authority
that no suitable arrangements for the disposal of the body have been or are
being made. Burials to the number of 90 were arranged by the Department at a
total cost of £532 2s. 0d.
Adults 32
Children under 16 years 24
Stillborn children 34

The financial position in relation to the burials arranged by the Department
in the year under review is:-