7© The Ftliration Works for the Improvement of the 



albuminoid ammonia. I analysed again, and found that it 

 contained free ammonia to the extent of "02, while the albu- 

 minoid ammonia had increased to '20. This, according to 

 Wanklyn's standards, rendered the water entirely unfit for 

 potable purposes. I think the Water Commissioners have in- 

 curred a very grave responsibility during the last ten years in 

 not filtering the water, although they had the facts before them 

 from the first, and not only the facts but the water also ! One 

 look at the public swimming bath ought to have given them a 

 lesson. And is it not possible that many avoidable deaths have 

 occurred from their apathy in the matter ? Filtration un- 

 doubtedly renders water purer and more wholesome. It has been 

 demonstrated, in fact, that the filtration of sewage through six 

 feet of a good porous soil rendered it as pure as Thames water. 

 The sewage of Merthyr-Tydvil has been disposed of by filtration, 

 and I think it is a pity that that of Belfast could not be dealt 

 with in the same way instead of its being sent down the Lough 

 to create a nuisance. With regard to the water supply of Belfast, 

 the thing wanted is, in my opinion, not filtration, but a new 

 supply. Rumours have reached me that there is a scheme 

 under consideration to bring the water from the Mourne 

 Mountains, and T hope it is true, for that water is pure and 

 very soft, while the supply, I believe, is practically unlimited. 

 In concluding my remarks, I congratulate Mr. Macassey on his 

 paper and on his conversion ; I congratulate the Water Com- 

 missioners on their new undertaking ; and I congratulate the 

 people of Belfast on the prospect of an improvement in the 

 quality of their drinking water, which, without wishing to give 

 any oifence, I as a chemist must call almost of a dirty — nay, a 

 filthy — character. 



Mr. Wm. M'Cammond. — As a member of the Water Board, 

 and a member of the Board when the scheme of Stonyford was 

 brought before the town of Belfast, I took a very great part in 

 it, and I am much pleased this evening with the report which 

 has now been made by our worthy engineer, Mr. Macassey. 

 Many years ago it was the intention of the Commissioners to 



