16 



from the census to 1884 was 24-5. In 1885 and '86 the average 

 was 21-5. This is a most welcome diminution. You wdll have 

 noticed that in drawing this comparison I have not closely fol- 

 lowed the official estimates, but have allowed a wide margin for 

 adverse factors. I am not anxious to strain these figures beyond 

 their legitimate use ; we Avant a longer time and larger numbers 

 before we can draw positive conclusions. Meanwhile Ave may 

 fairly assume that the abatement of city nuisances, the speedy 

 removal of filth from our premises, and the blessing of pure air, 

 have produced the beneficial results we are entitled to expect from 

 them, and that a large part of the remarkable reduction of mor- 

 tality in Adelaide is due to the completion of our new system of 

 drainage. 



Gi.!^t-#^>=5L-'-a 



