In 1885, drainage from Newtown to the sea was by means of an open stream.   The Hospital Trustee's House Committee Minutes from 22/6/85 record that a Deputation from the City Council waited on the Committee, proposing that the Trustees recommend to Government that it contribute toward the covering in of the Hospital portion of the drain from Newtown.

On 6/7/1885, the House Committee resolved to inform the Town Clerk that the Committee has no power to act in the matter of the proposed 'Adelaide Road Stream Culvert', as the land is not vested in the Committee.

By October 1885, it was noted that the Newtown Drain project had started, and that there was urgency in obtaining proper drainage from the Hospital.  However, minutes of the House Committee note on 24/6/1886 "Urgent need to connect water closets to drainage system", and again on 11/11/1886, "Closets not yet connected with sewer."

On 6/1/1887, a deputation from the House Committee sought Government advice on drainage.   On 25/11/1886, the Chairman had discussions with the Works Committee on the question of drainage, and it was decided that the pipes already laid in the Hospital grounds would have to be re-laid.  On 25/5/1887, the lowest tender of £197/14/4 for connecting pipes to the sewer was accepted.

There followed further delays due to the correct grade of pipe not being available.   However, by some time in 1888, the connections were effected.