CXIV. DISCUSSION. 
from such catchments as the present one, without filtration 
or treatment of some kind. In his opinion, we were draw- 
ing near the time when some treatment of the water more 
than it at present received, would be required, and this 
should not be lost sight of in preparing estimates.’’ In 
reply, | would say that I think the Doctor is justified in 
directing attention to the necessity of preserving the purity 
of the supply. In these days it is difficult for the water 
authorities to obtain complete control of catchment areas. 
Our experiences are being repeated at Melbourne at the 
present time, where they have been compelled within the 
last few weeks, to accept a gathering ground for their 
additional supply, on terms that are far from satisfactory. 
The Board at Melbourne desire to obtain complete control 
over the catchment area of the O’Shanassy River, but 
have only been given the right to a narrow strip on each 
side of the river and its tributaries, the Government reserv- 
ing to itself the right to cut timber, and occupy for that 
purpose the whole of the remaining area. Under such 
circumstances it will be impossible to preserve the purity 
of the water, and the consumers may look forward to 
additional expense on account of the necessity for filtering 
it. On our own catchment area the Board has had a hard 
struggle in the past, to prevent occupation, and as coal 
mining extends under the area, their constant vigilance 
will be necessary to avoid contamination of the streams. 
It was hoped that the catchment areas for the proposed 
additional supply from the Woronora could be preserved 
solely for gathering water; but a difficulty has already 
arisen, which it is perhaps undesirable to enlarge upon at 
this stage, but the difficulty still remains notwithstanding 
the warning which has been given, and to all appearance 
it is likely to cause trouble in the future. The Doctor has 
pointed out that such difficulties may be overcome by filtra- 
tion—but at what cost! Only those who are aware of the 
