Dry Earth System of Conservancy. 107 



I am glad to be able thus to assure you bow easily tbe system 

 may be carried, out in the places I have indicated. 



If I have drawn a true picture, it is clearly the duty of the 

 rural municipalities to adopt means for at once carrying the 

 system into operation. 



AetiCle Till — On Pauperism in New South Wales, by Alfred 

 Roberts, JSsq. 



[Read 9th December, 1869] 

 Having always thought that the consideration of subjects con- 

 nected with Social Science would be as acceptable to the mem- 

 bers of this society, as it would be beneficial to the community, — 

 I do not feel called upon to offer any apology for introducing to 

 your notice one that is somewhat alien to the nature of those 

 which have hitherto been submitted to your attention. My object 

 is to induce discussion upon an important social topic, and thus, 

 if possible, strengthen the position of those who are called upon 

 to deal with it practically, — I am fully sensible that I cannot treat 

 of "Pauperism" exhaustively, or offer new views respecting it — 

 and that the natural aversion which exists on the part of the 

 educated classes in England to enter fully into matters of this 

 nature, prevails to a greater degree in our young and prosperous 

 community. It is evident, however, that a subject of so much 

 importance cannot be shirked by avoiding it ; we may perchance 

 obtain a brief respite, but only to be compelled to face the evil in 

 a more advanced and confirmed stage. Pauperism is a disease 

 for which remedies must be vigorously applied in its earilest stage. 

 I trust, therefore, that others more capable, and with more time 

 at their disposal may be induced to take up the discussion which 

 this paper is intended to open, and that practical results may 

 arise from it. 



It is quite unnecessary that I should trouble you with any sen- 

 sational aspect of the mode in which our infirm and poor are at 

 present relieved. The efforts hitherto made may, upon the whole, 

 be considered to have proved successful, as they are undoubtedly 

 humane in principle. We are called upon to consider them only, 



