is a fearful loss of life that might be prevented by proper sanitary measures. In 1873, the annual death-rate per 1,000 on the population of 68 of the largest English towns, due to the above cause, was 3.6, while in the rest of the country it was 2.9. In 1875, the corresponding death-rate of seven New Zealand towns, referred to below, was 8.63, while in the country districts it was 3.17. In Wellington, there would be a saving of 32 lives each year if the mortality was lowered to 23.1 per 1,000—the average of English towns in 1873. But the most startling fact is, the difference between the proportionate healthiness of the town and country districts in New Zealand compared with that of England. In England, in 1873, the death-rate of 130 largest towns was 23.1 per 1,000, and in the rest of the country 18.4, giving a proportion of 1.27 deaths in the large towns to 1 in the country. Now, in seven of the largest New Zealand towns the average death-rate was 25.91, and in the rest of the country it was 13.31, or 1.96 deaths in the towns to 1 in the country. If the New Zealand towns were as healthy, relatively, to the country districts as the English ones are, then their death-rate would be only 16.9, and the saving of life would be as follows:— Number of Lives that would be saved in One Year. 1875 Estimated Mean Population. Proportion of Deaths per 1,000 of Population. If the Death Rate was the same as in average English Towns. If the Towns were proportionately as Healthy to the Country Districts as compared to England. Auckland 13,084 35.77 166 247 Thames 8,259 18.16 10.5 Wellington 10,956 26.01 32 100 Nelson 5,805 27.39 26 61 Christchurch 10,611 20.44 18 144 Dunedin 19,153 22.24 102 Hokitika 3,461 21.38 15.5 25.91 302 680.0 In Wellington, I may remark in conclusion, the present mode of construction of sewers is highly objectionable, inasmuch as they are of wood, and cannot be prevented contaminating the subsoil; neither are they so durable as pipes, and are therefore more costly in the long run. They have flat inverts, and so present the least scouring power, and are liable to be infested with vermin. I exhibit a diagram shewing the increase in depth of the same quantity of water in three figures—square, circular, and eggshaped sewers, all having the same area.