554 



PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION J. 



most defective, these shafts, from the heated state of the atmo- 

 sphere, and their direct exposure to the sun, would become 

 powerful upcasts. As Julius W. Adams says in his work on 

 " Sewers and Drains," they would enable the sewers to breathe and 

 ventilate themselves at all times. 



The result of the deep drainage system on the sanitary condition 

 of Adelaide has been most marked. Barring the unhappy ex- 

 perience of 1883-4, the smells and nuisances have disappeared. 

 Public health as well as comfort has been greatly promoted. 

 There can be no doubt that the general amount of sickness during 

 the last three or four years has been greatly lessened. The 

 following mortality table confirms this statement : — 



MORTALITY TABLE 



Shewing the death-rate per 1000 of the population of the City of Adelaide 

 from the year 1879 to 1887, both inclusive. 



Note. — A is the death-rate exclusive of deaths in public institutions of 

 persons not resident in the city. 

 B is the death-rate from all causes. 



I admit the brief period over which the table extends, and 

 would not press its conclusions very strongly. But I regai^d it as 

 more than a mere coincidence that during the last period of three 

 years, the death-rate fell so much. 



In conclusion the drainage of Adelaide was undertaken none 

 too soon. Since its completion there is no room for doubt, that 

 the health and welfare of its citzens have been manifestly 

 augmented, and let me also say, that even when the final word is 

 uttered on the question of ventilation, there still remains the 

 important fact, that from being notoriously unhealthy, Adelaide 

 is now admittedly the cleanest city in Australia. 



