122 Surface and Underground 



The photographs of Elizabeth- street (which I now submit) 

 taken by Messrs. Perry & Co. during heavy rain storms, 

 will give some idea of the vast body of water that passes 

 down that street during a storm, but it is only by actual 

 inspection of the scene after the flood has subsided that any 

 conception can be formed of the destruction of property 

 caused by such sudden inundations. 



18, Collins-street East, 

 May 16th, 1864. 



Aet. XXX. — On the Surface and Underground Drainage 

 of the City of Melbourne, By A. K. Smith, Esq., C.E. 

 F.R.S.S.A. 



[Abstract of paper, read 21st November, 1864.] 



This paper on the Underground Drainage, is a companion 

 one to that on the Surface Drainage of Melbourne, read 16th 

 May, 1864. 



The author, in forcible language, showed the great danger 

 arising from want of proper sub-drains, and the consequece 

 existence of foetid pools, cesspits, and other abominations, 

 under and around human habitations, and he also warned 

 his auditors that fine streets and superficial external cleanli- 

 ness, will not prevent the evil consequences of concealed 

 nuisances. The author illustrated his statements from his 

 own experience in Melbourne and elsewhere, and supported 

 them with competent medical authority. 



The author then proceeded to show at length — 



That great facilities exist in Melbourne for efficient sewer- 

 age, owing to the abundant supply of water. 



That the experience obtained during many years by the 

 General Board of Health in England, has established the 

 soundness of the principle of tubular drainage-pipes for 

 sewerage of towns and cities, and the great economy and 

 efficiency of them when in use. 



That pipes varying from four inches up to twelve inches, 

 have been and are successfully used for drainage in lieu of the 

 old brick drains (nearly as many feet in diameter), to the 

 great benefit of health, the more efficient removal of sew- 

 age, and a vastly decreased cost. That the amount requisite 

 for removing deposit alone from the old drains of large size, 

 forms a very large proportion of the first cost, of the pipe- 



