Typhoid in Hobart and Melbourne, and the influence of drainage on its prevalence

At the meeting of the Intercolonial Medical Congress at Melbourne, in 1889, the subject of typhoid was largely considered, and was adopted as the matter of discussion at one of the general meetings. At the end of that discussion a series of resolutions were proposed and carried unanimously.
The first affirmed : " That the prevalence of typhoid is owing mainly to insanitary conditions, and above all to contaminated water supply, defective drainage, and improper disposal of night soil." By the second it was declared : " That while there is reason to believe that the sources of the water supply of Melbourne are carefully guarded, it is certain that, as regards drainage and night soil disposal the arrangements are very unsatisfactory, and to these defects must be ascribed in great measure the excessive prevalence of typhoid fever year after year." By the third it was affirmed: "That in the opinion of this Congress, it is the imperative duty of the Government to take immediate steps for bringing about an improvement in the sanitary condition of Melbourne, and specifically for the construction of a proper system of underground drainage, which shall include the removal of night soil by water carriage." James Jamieson is the Health officer for the City of Melbourne