PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECTIONS. 285 
Hitherto we in the Australian Colonies have enjoyed a remark- 
able immunity from epidemic sickness, owing, no doubt, chiefly to 
our geographical position. Situated as we are at a great distance 
from those countries with which we have had any considerable 
trade, diseases have had time to develop and die out during the 
necessarily tedious voyage of vessels carrying passengers to our 
shores ; but now, when in a few weeks rapid mail steamers 
bridge over the distances which at one time took as many months 
to traverse, we can hardly hope to obtain protection in this way. 
source that we may one day receive a blow, in the shape of some 
terrible epidemic, which half a century’s prosperity will hardly 
suffice to repair. 
Tn all the Australian Colonies tl q ti y +t; i . 
but the thoroughness with which it is enforced varies very much 
in several, and there is no mutual agreement between them as to 
what is and what is not necessary for our common weal. 
a8 = R | 
and the sick ; and then, after 
i That this 
tion, come on to their destination in quarantine. 
been received 
es. We 
egulations common to all the Colonies ; 
‘vould manifestly be for the benefit of all 
