People urged not to visit the morgue.

The Star-Sun, Nov 19, 1947 p.3.

Because there is not the slightest chance of any of the bodies being identified, officials and one parent this morning appealed to relatives of the missing people to refrain from visiting the morgue at the Christchurch Public Hospital.

"There is no possibility of the bodies being recognised," said the pathologist at the Christchurch Public Hospitai (Dr A. B. Pearson). In his request to the people not to view the bodies he was joined by the Medical Superintendent (Dr A. D. Nelson) and the chairman of the Hospital Committee (Sir Hugh Acland).

These sentiments were reiterated by the District Coroner (Mr H. P. Lawry) and the Superintendent of Police (Mr H. Scott)

Only one parent went through the morgue this morning. He was Mr Robert Hayman, of 23 Mayfield Avenue, whose daughter was among the missing.

"After viewing the bodies most easily recognised, I agree that identification is out of the question," he said. "I would advise people not to go there, and to spare themselves from a most harrowing experience."

The total number of bodies in the morgue early this morning was thirty-four, five having been brought in early on. Two hearses were being used.

Mr Lawry said that he did not think that it would be possible to make any definite decision regarding the inquests until the full extent of the tragedy had been ascertained. It seemed that they would have to wait and see if the number of bodies recovered tallied with the number of people posted as missing.