460 Report S.A.A. Advancement of Science. 



thought that 1 am entirely opposed to sewage sewers, for towns 

 are allowed to grow 10 such lengths, and carry such enormous 

 populations on small areas that sewers are undoubtedly a very quick 

 and easy manner of removing foul matters. But because it has been 

 found necessary, no other satisfactory means having been discovered, 

 to introduce sewage sewers into our larger towns, it does not follow 

 that every town and village should be so provided, and therefore 

 when other methods are in vogue at these places, let them be as 

 decent as possible, and improved upon at every opportunity. 



There were other questions connected with Sanitary Science to 

 which at first I intended referring ; I think, however, that I have 

 chosen the most urgent portion of my subject, and that it has been 

 amply sufficient for the scope of a short paper. Before finally con- 

 cluding, a few words with reference to the work of the Sanitary 

 Inspector in this country may not be out of place. Year after year 

 Blue Books are published dealing with the Public Health. Insani- 

 tary conditions are continually being pointed out. Suggestions have 

 been made that Sanitary Inspectors should be appointed under Divi- 

 sional Councils to supervise the work of sanitation in the various 

 villages within their area, but I have not heard of a single 

 such appointment being made. Qualified Inspectors have been 

 brought into the country by Municipalities from time to time, but, 

 to my knowledge, several have drifted into other professions and others 

 may follow their example. This surely is a pity, and a retrograde 

 rather than a progressive movement. It is important, I think, that 

 Municipal Officials should be more in touch with one another for 

 the interchange of ideas. Sanitary progress has been very slow, and 

 will continue so, so long as the smaller towns and villages fail to 

 appoint qualified men and try to improve matters by simply writing 

 to another town whose system might be good or might be bad, but 

 totally unsuited to those seeking information, though no one is in a 

 position to point this out. 



It is with appreciation that I acknowledge the honour of having 

 been asked to write this paper, and the duty has been a pleasure to 

 me. I trust that rnv views have been clearly expressed, and if it 

 is considered that they have been directed in the right direction 

 that good will result. Personally, I shall look forward with interest 

 to perusing papers on this or other branches of this subject in con- 

 nection with future Congresses of the South African Association for 

 the Advancement of Science. 



