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44
the hands of registrars, who are not always persons
capable of judging in these matters; and I am
strongly of opinion, that the Legislature should
definitely require, that in all cases where medical
certificates cannot be procured, or where they are
imperfect, or involve cases of sudden death, and
deaths from violence, an inquiry should be conducted
before a coroner's court. I know of no
other system which can protect society from the
possible risks of secret poisoning and other causes
of violent death. The Medical Officers of Health
in London have been impressed with the importance
of this subject, and on the 17th of March,
1864, I laid before your Board the following
correspondence:—
METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL
OFFICERS OF HEALTH.
75, Gower Street,
9th March, 1864.
Dear Sir,
We arc directed by the Association to request that you
will bring the annexed Memorial under the notice of your Vestry
or District Board, with a view to their adopting it in your
District. The grounds upon which an amendment is sought in
the present laws relating to the Registration of Births and
Deaths have been discussed fully at the Meetings of the Association.
The registration returns of your own district, with your'
own knowledge of the operation of the registration laws, will