86 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



It was about this period in our history that the inhabitants began 

 to chafe under the administration of their affairs by the Justices of 

 the Peace assembled in Quarter Sessions. All the business of the 

 local municipalities, except such as was covered by the regulations 

 passed at the town meetings, was in their hands and they were in no 

 way answerable to the people for their conduct of public affairs. 

 Sidney had grown to be a populous township and the inhabitants 

 felt that they should have more to say in the management of their 

 own local affairs. In the year 1836 there were no less than thirty-six 

 overseers of highways appointed yet not a single cent of their taxes 

 could be expended upon their highways except upon the order of the 

 Justices based upon the report of a surveyor appointed at the Sessions 

 and under the control of the Justices.^ 



From this time forward the minutes bear evidence of a deeper 

 interest being taken in public matters. The by-laws for 1836 were 

 as follows: — 



"All horned cattle to run at large with the exception of those 

 that are known to be breachy. Horses under the same restriction 

 as horned cattle. Any horned cattle or horses running at large 

 contrary to law the owner shall pay 5/- fine. Lawfull fence to be 

 foure feet and a half in heighth. Seed hogs found running on the 

 highways or commons the one (owner ?) shall pay 5/- fine Town Meet- 

 ing to be held at the school house in the 5th con. 4 corners January 

 1837." 



In 1837 we observe a further development in the municipal 

 machinery. Joseph N. Lockwood was elected moderator, this title 

 having been revived the previous year; and, in addition to the usual 

 officers, three commissioners were appointed, the moderator being 

 one. Forty-two overseers of highways were appointed and for the 

 first time since 1793 the overseers of highways were relieved of their 

 duties of passing upon the sufficiency of fences when required to do so 

 and thirty- three fence viewers were chosen. The following by-laws 

 were enacted at this meeting: — 



"Lawful fence shall be four feet and a half in heighth. Hogs 

 under the restrictions as in 1836. Bulls to run at large. Horned 

 cattle to run at large until they do damage. Horses not to run at 

 large under the penalty of one shilling and three pence fine upon the 

 owner of each Horse Running Contrary to Law. Twenty shillings 



' Even the fees and perquisites of every town clerk and pound keeper were fixed 

 by the Justices in Quarter Sessions, see 33 George III, Cap. II, Sec. XIII and 34 

 George III, Cap. VIII, Sec. III. 



