PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 1025 
domestic catchment. The old cess-pit existed unchallenged during 
that long period, and for some years afterwards in many places, 
while scavenging was practically unknown. The atmosphere was 
polluted by the presence of noxious trades in the very heart of the 
city. The creation and securing of wealth shut out every other 
consideration of a less material nature, and the people did not 
awake from their lethargy, until death had found them “ten 
thousand several doors for men to make their exits.” The new 
Corporation of Sydney, under the Act of 1857, it is said, worked 
wonders for its welfare, although at the same time, history admits, 
it was only about ten years ago that an ample supply of wholesome 
water was found for all its citizens. However, if the leading 
requirements of every large community are enumerated, it will be 
found that she is well abreast of any city anywhere. 
The capital city of Victoria followed much on the same lines, 
with the exception that in its water supply it anticipated this city 
by many years, while in its drainage system it has been as many 
years behind. Within the last three years, as we are all aware, 
a drainage system on the most modern lines has been inaugurated, 
and when completed will place Melbourne in the front tank of 
well-sewered cities. For many years Adelaide has had both water 
and sewerage in excellent condition, and has been acknowledged 
by visitors generally to be the cleanest city in Australia. 
We cannot, therefore, be said to have remained inactive in 
securing improved sanitary conditions for our largest populations. 
If we take into consideration the large expenditure involved in 
carrying out the engineering works necessary to meet their require- 
ments in respect to water and sewerage, it will readily be conceded 
that advances have been made towards better sanitary conditions 
than was to have been anticipated even a few years ago. There 
are good grounds for some degree of satisfaction, when it is recol- 
lected that Sydney has expended £4,154,000 upon its water 
supply, and £1,892 000 upon its sewerage arrangements ; that 
Melbourne has spent £2,400,000 on its water supply, and on its 
drainage system, when completed, upwards of £5,000,000 ; and 
that Adelaide, small as it is, has on each of these works, spent 
respectively the sums of £1,491,000 and £516,000. 
It may be said, that a water supply and system of drainage are 
necessities of city life, and, apart from the question of health, 
would come into existence on grounds of convenience or from, 
business motives ; still without them, city life would be intoler- 
able inthelongran. Water supply and sewerage are fundamental 
requirements, and must exist if sanitary conditions are to be main- 
tained. Whatever may be the details of an organised system of 
public hygiene, these must exist as a basis. In the present 
condition of these cities, there is certainly some grounds for con- 
gratulation, and future hope of still better things. 
37 
