ANNUAL ADDRESS. V. 



increased to an extent which taxed to the utmost the capacity 

 of the Botany supply, and at the same time the pouring of the 

 sewage of the city for nearly a quarter of a century into the 

 harbour caused alarm to the citizens. This led to the appoint- 

 ment of Commissioners whose labours culminated in recommending 

 a more extensive source of supply, and a new system of sewerage 

 which would divert the sewage from the waters of the harbour. 

 When the schemes were brought into operation, the control of 

 same was transferred from the City Council to a Board, which is 

 municipal in character and government, inasmuch as the majority 

 of the members are indirectly elected by the ratepayers, who have 

 to pay for the benefits derived from their services. 



As the City increased so did the suburban areas in a greater 

 degree, necessitating carrying out works of street forming, storm- 

 water channels, kerbing, etc., and in many cases the construction 

 of roads reflected considerable credit on the responsible officers, 

 notwithstanding the chronic state of scarcity of funds. Having 

 sketched somewhat imperfectly, I am afraid, the development of 

 municipal engineering in connection with the metropolis, and 

 before leaving this portion of the subject I would like to draw 

 your attention to some photographs and sketches in connection 

 with the early system of water supply to the city. I might state 

 that two of the sketches are from the pencil of Mr. C. H. Woolcott, 

 for many years Town Clerk of the city and connected with the 

 City Commissioners who preceded the Council, and to whom as 

 a young aspirant for honours in the field of engineering I am 

 indebted for much sound advice and assistance. 



In considering the second point, viz.: — Municipal Engineering 

 in its relation with the ratepayer, I think it is obvious that what- 

 ever may be dispensed with, there is one consideration which is 

 paramount and that is, funds. It is at this point that the rate- 

 payer is indispensable, for without him, "funds" would be a minus 

 quautity. When we compare the municipal government of the 

 oity and suburbs, with say, provincial towns in Great Britain and 

 America, we cannot but be forced to the conclusion that, not with- 



