A PUBLIC MORGUE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6128, 15 March 1898, Page 2

A PUBLIC MORGUE.

•■ — ■ • ■ r \ At the meeting of the City Council last night a letter was received from the Canterbury section of the British Medical Association on the subject of the location of the proposed morgue, and suggesting the new City Council yard (if purchased), a portion of the river banks, say opposite the Resident Magistrate's Courthouse, or a place behind the Museum, as fit sites for the morgue. The letter further suggested that the building should have three rooms that side?lightß were preferable to skylights, that there should be extensive ventilation, and ample table accommodation. Hot and cold water supply, a deodorising tank, and a supply of post-mortem instruments were also recommended. The letter was referred to the Reserves Committee. In its ordinary report the Reserves Committee recommended a site on the I river bank near the Chester Strett Fire | Brigade Station for the erection of a public 1 morgue. Councillor Kincaid stated that the committee was satisfied that it had chosen the best available site when water supply, sewerage, and as little nuisance as possible to neighbours, were considered. Councillor Gray pointed out that the proposed site was in one of the most crowded residential parts of the city. It was near an hotel, and was close to the Fire Brigade Station in which the men slept. Besides, the proposed site had been specifically granted to the city for fire brigade purposes only, and an Act of Parliament would be necessary to legalise, kg use for a morgue. He moved that the clause containing the recommendation should be referred back to the committee. Councillor Payling seconded this, and said that the proposed morgue would prove a public nuisance. Councillor Samuels agreed with Councillor Gray, and said that were the proposed site adopted the surrounding property would be depreciated. Councillor Morris said that he had expected opposition to the proposal, but characterised the arguments used against the proposed site as frivolous. . He argued that it would be impossible to obtain any central site without placing it close to someone's property; Councillor Sorensen opposed the adoption of the clause. Councillor Woods followed on the same side. Councillor Hamilton supported the adoption of the proposal. He thought there was no more suitable site than that recommended by the committee. Councillor Smith could not see that any harm would be done by referring the matter back to the committee. Councillor Kincaid said that the attempt that evening to again shelve the question showed that councillors were not in earnest. The morgue question ought not to be played with any longer, and the committee i had done its best to secure a suitable site. I The proposal to refer the recommendai tion back to the Reserves Committee was carried by seven to five.