736 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION J. 
REALISATION. 
The scheme I have propounded is no ideal one; it is quite 
within the sphere of practical politics, and if anything is to be 
done a commencement should be made at once. It is a matter 
not only affecting one colony, but all, and the meeting of this 
Association affords the opportunity to take action. A recom- 
mendation to the Government of each colony from such a body 
as the General Council, backed up by the personal influence of its 
members, would at least secure attention. And if, at the same 
time, the general public could be instructed through the Press, a 
great advance would become possible, more especially as I believe 
the time is ripe fora change. The evils of the old “ happy-go- 
lucky” system are beginning to be felt, and already, in at least 
two instances, private corporations are taking the initiative. I 
refer to the well-arranged suburb of Kensington, near Sydney, 
the plan of which I have carefully examined and can highly 
recommend; and to that of Hopetoun, near Melbourne, of which 
I know less. The plans of Kensington were designed by an 
architect, laid out by a surveyor, and checked by an engineer. 
This is as it should be. The architect is the one man who by 
training and experience combines in himself a knowledge of all 
the conditions of town-planning, and to him should be entrusted 
the task of initiation. He is, or should be, conversant with all 
kinds of buildings and their requirements, the general principles 
of form and beauty, the devising of good lines of access and 
communication, and the requirements of sanitary science. At 
the same time, the surveyor should be jointly associated with the 
architect, as he has a practical acquaintance with the details of 
laying-out, and would naturally carry forward the scheme to 
completion in the field ; while the engineer comes in as a valued 
and necessary specialist on the questions of drainage and water 
supply, &e. I therefore claim, on behalf of my professicn, the 
honoured position we once occupied, but froin which we have been 
too long excluded, viz., that of chief designers of our towns and 
cities, and this claim is being recognised. Those shrewd business 
men, the auctioneers and land agents of Melbourne and Sydney, 
are beginning to appreciate the aid we can give, as they find that 
it Jays. The field thus opening is one that will require the highest 
skill, and may well satisfy the ambition of the most talented 
among us; and if, at the same time, we can secure the aid of 
such legislation as I have indicated, we may indulge in the hope 
that the towns of the future will far surpass those of the present 
in convenience, healthfulness, and beauty. 
7.—ILLUMINATING PUBLIC CLOCKS. 
By Sypney Gippons, F.C.8. 
