B PILFAST 



NATURAL HISTORY 

 AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 



SESSION 1905-6. 



ytk November, igo$. 



Professor Johnson Symington, M.D., F.R.S., F.R.S.E., 

 in the chair. 



BELFAST CIVIC UNDERTAKINGS. 



By Arthur H. Muir, C.A. 



{Abstract). 



As the population of any town grows, the interdependence of 

 its inhabitants increases. The mere fact of a large number of 

 persons living within a comparatively small area necessitates a 

 great number of activities not previously required, e.g. Scheme 

 of Drainage and Sewage Disposal, Public Health Precautions, 

 Street Lighting, Policing, Public Parks, &c, and renders possible 

 a number of other activities mutually beneficial, but impossible 

 without a centre of population, e.g. Tramways, Public Baths, Gas 

 Manufacture, Electric Light and Power Manufacture, Markets, 

 Free Libraries, and Cheap Concerts for the people. 



Under the title of "Belfast Civic Undertakings" are included 

 all undertakings for the good of the Community which are con- 

 trolled by Local Authorities. These consist of the undertakings of 



1. Belfast City Corporation. 



2. Belfast Harbour Commissioners. 



3. Belfast City and District Water Commissioners. 



4. Belfast Poor Law Guardians. 



