THE MORGUE QUESTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11557, 19 April 1898, Page 6

THE MORGUE QUESTION.

At the meeting of the City Council last evening the question of a public morgue was again discussed. A petition was read from residents in the vicinity of the Colombo Street Bridge, and from persons who used the bridge (altogether signed by ninety-eight persons), urging the Council not to give effect to its resolution to erect a public morgue in the vicinity of the Fire Brigade Station. The Rev T. H. Lyon also wrote in a similar ■ strain on behalf of the trustees of the Cambridge 'Terrace Primitive Methodist Church. Councillor Gray moved, pursuant to notice, that the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council adopting the report of the Reserves Committee fixing the site for a morgue on the river bank close to the Fire Brigade Station, should bo rescinded. In doing so ho pointed out that there was at present a morgue at the police station which could be utilised; or failing this, that an endeavour be made to arrange with the Hospital Board for the extension of the morgue at that institution. Councillor Samuels seconded the motion. Councillor Smith moved an amendment to the effect that no further steps should be taken towards the erection of a morgue on the Chester Street Reserve until an endeavour had been made to come to some arrangements with the Hospital Board for making additions to its morgue, and for using the same for the city. Councillor Payling seconded the amendment. Councillors Woods and Smith spoke in support of the motion and amendment, which were opposed by Councillors Loughnan, Sandstein, Morris, Kincaid, Sorensen and Hamilton. Councillor Gray desired to withdraw his motion in favour of the amendment, but the Mayor refused permission. On being put, the amendment was . carried by seven votes to six, and the j | Reserves Committee were instructed toJf I jyfc/oach the Hospital Board to see whaffli (Mmd be done in the matter. Jmpf