260 Transactions.—Miscellaneous. 
complicated and unequal civilization, any vestiges, or survivals, more un- 
questionably unjust than those which I have been speaking of. The 
kitchen refuse-heaps of Denmark, and the stone hatchets of the Valley of 
the Somme, are no more indicative of barbarous times and men, than are 
many of the present opinions and laws which affect women in relation 
to property and other matters. In this respect, the said opinions and 
laws are as genuine relics of old savagery, and as veritable fossils of 
barbarism, as any flint implements, or pithecoid skulls, dug out of Kent's 
Hole, or the Enghis, or Neanderthal Caves. 
Art. XXII.—Draining of Towns: Results of having Outfall Drains within 
Sydney Harbour. 
Communicated by W. R. E. Brown, Registrar-General. 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, December 7th, 1876.] 
Wuen the subject of the drainage of towns was lately brought before this 
Society, the discussion assumed somewhat of a local aspect. In view of the 
conflicting theories held and of a possible large expenditure on drainage 
works, I requested Mr. Von Dadelszen, of my department, who was 
about to visit Sydney, to endeavour to obtain some information as to 
the practical results of allowing the harbour to be a receptacle for the 
drainage of the city ; more especially with regard to the effect on the health 
of the inhabitants. The latter data are not obtainable on account of 
reasons given, but their absence is, however, far from being evidence that 
the health of the population is not, in parts of the town, seriously affected 
by the cause stated. On the contrary, the evidence given before a Board 
constituted to inquire into the subject of “the sewerage of the city, and on 
the best means of protecting the inhabitants thereof,” points unmistakeably 
in the other direction. From the length of the letter, addressed to me by 
Mr. Von. Dadelszen as the result of his enquiries, an abstract only can be 
given, and I cannot do more than refer any gentleman who may desire fuller 
particulars, to this and the reports of the Board, and the evidence taken 
before it. The evidence taken before the Board contains much that is well 
worthy of attention. 
I trust that the experience gained may not be thrown away upon us, but 
that the evils, proved to exist, may serve as beacons to prevent us wasting 
health and material resources by adopting systems that have been found 
insufficient or injurious :— 
* According to request, while on my late visit to Sydney, I called on 
