for a bold comprehensive treatment of the subject with which they had to deal, and under their instructions a scheme of drainage was propounded by their engineer sufficiently broad to take in the Ealing of that day, and with sufficient allowance for years to come. The expense was, when compared with the rateable value, somewhat heavy, but the rapid increase of the place, and the name gained for its high sanitary standard, proved very soon that the Board was correct in the broad view taken. The good name then gained has never been lost; and, rather unusual though it be, the increase of population shows a decrease of death-rate, so that at the present time, 1896-7, with an estimated population of 31,500, the figures stand at a rate almost unprecedented, viz., 9'7 per 1,000; the average for the three years 1876-7-8 was 17.7 per 1,000. It may here be noted that Ealing was the first place in the Thames valley where a systematic and successful attempt was made to prevent the sewage passing into the river Thames. Dr. Lethby, the eminent chemist, on behalf of the Thames Conservators, expressed himself in the highest terms of commendation on the work done, and the example set by Ealing to other districts similarly situated.

The great hindrance to progress, viz., the old Highway Board, still remained, its power being co-extensive with the parish of Ealing. The formation of the upper part into a Local Board district did not limit its power as a Highway Board, and the roads and paths still remained as heretofore. A few years sufficed to shew that the dual management could not exist any longer, and Brentford having decided to follow Ealing in the establishment of a Local Board, joint steps were taken to abrogate the old Highway Act, and in the year 1870 the roads and paths came into the hands of the Ealing Local Board. It was a critical time for Ealing, there were some who strongly advocated that the "reformation" of the roads and paths

should be done systematically, but a "little at a time". Much consideration was given to the subject, and, fortunately the bolder course was adopted and, with the advice of their officers, it was decided under one contract to renovate the roads and paths, and a sum of £10,000 was spent. The contract was taken by Messrs. Mowlem, Burt, and Freeman; and within twelve months such a change had been effected as to astonish many who had advised a more cautious policy, with the result that before the year had passed away it was recognised that property had risen in value to such an extent as to more than repay the capital charges upon the money borrowed to carry out the improvements; from this period it may be said that Ealing's prosperity was secured.

The northern portion of Ealing had still remained uncared for, but upon the decease of the old Highway Board application was made to the Government to incorporate it. with the Ealing district. This consent was given in 1873, and three new members were added, Mr. E. M. Nelson, the present chairman, Mr. R. Dawes, and Mr. Merrilees, men of the same stamp as those who had commenced the work.

The crying want of the northern district being a system of drainage, and the fall of the land being northward, a system of sewers was designed by the engineer to the Board, the terminal being a small sewage farm of some twenty-two acres, in the most west corner of the district, where a system of treatment identical with the southern works was carried out, but with the addition of intermittent filtration of the sewage effluent through the land before it passed into the river Brent, which formed the northern boundary of the farm, and of the district.

The question will naturally arise: where was the home of the Local Board? And the answer is a very simple one; the monthly meetings were held at the before-mentioned Cross House, at the north-west corner of St. Mary's Church

yard; and the engineer and surveyor's office was the first floor of a house in the High Street, the ground floor being used as a barber's shop. Some few years passed and a removal took place to some premises at the corner of the Broadway and Railway Approach, where both officers and Board found accommodation which, although somewhat contracted, was a vast improvement upon the former. The time had now, however, arrived when the growing prosperity of the place seemed to suggest that a more fitting abode should be found for its Local Parliament, and it having been decided that the Board should do its own team work, a plot of land was purchased at the west corner of the Mall, and the Surveyor was instructed to prepare plans for suitable offices and board-room, together with stable for seven horses, forge, fire-engine house, etc. The buildings were erected, and fully answered the expectation raised both as to the convenience of all engaged, and the economy of the plan adopted with respect to the Board keeping its own horses; indeed, to such an extent was this realised that it soon became apparent that more accommodation must be provided, and questions relative to baths, free library, fire station, etc., having been again and again brought under discussion, it was decided to look the question fully in the face, and if possible make such a provision as should meet not only the present but future necessities for many years

to come.

With this view negotiations were opened with Mr. G. Wood for the plot of land, extending from the Uxbridge Road to the Great Western Railway, the site now occupied. The proposal was met in a liberal spirit, the purchase was arranged, and the first instalment of the present comprehensive establishment, in the shape of public baths, was erected, these being so constructed as to allow of being floored, so as to serve as a gymnasium in the winter. It is not necessary to give details of these, suffice it to say that,