212 TRINIDAD. 



Trinidad, a regular network of railways, under the condition that 

 the colony would grant the company, on each side of the line, 

 where traversing crown property, a certain extent of land pro- 

 portionate to the extent of miles constructed; also that the 

 colony should guarantee to the shareholders a minimum interest 

 of six per cent. This was found to be a much too onerous 

 condition, and the scheme, besides, was deemed much too compre- 

 hensive. The matter dropped in consequence. 



At a later period, another company suggested the adoption of 

 a more restricted scheme, but under conditions pretty similar to 

 those which had been formerly rejected. The offer was declined. 



Sir Arthur Gordon, whilst administering the Government, 

 had recognised the great difficulty of constructing roads and 

 maintaining them in good condition, on account of the nature of 

 our soil and the difficulty of procuring good road materials, and 

 come to the conclusion that, after all, railways might prove cheap 

 means of communication. He had not time, however, to initiate 

 the measure, but when in London mooted the question. 



His successor, Sir James Longden, had the good fortune of 

 beginning the work — viz., the construction, eastward, of the line 

 to Arima, a distance of sixteen miles ; but it devolved on Sir 

 Henry Irving to complete this our first railway. It succeeded 

 beyond all expectations ; and it was decided almost immediately 

 to extend the line from St. Joseph southward to Couva, and 

 later on to San Fernando, a distance of about twenty-five miles, 

 thus connecting the southern and northern divisions of the 

 island and its two principal towns. 



Passenger fares. — First class, eight cents a mile ; second 

 class, four cents a mile ; third class, two cents a mile ; children 

 under twelve years, half-price ; goods, according to classes, from 

 half a cent to two cents per 100 lbs., or portion of 100 lbs., per 

 mile. Sugar, molasses, cocoa, rum, and coffee, are carried under 

 special arrangements. 



General superintendent, £300 ; clerk to superintendent, £250; 

 messenger, £37 10s. : £587 10s. ; lithographic press printer, &c, 

 £256. 



Traffic Department. — Traffic manager, £450 ; assistant, £250; 

 clerks, collector, head guards, under guards, police, gatekeepers, 

 signalman, porters, £2,257 : total, £3,017. 



Stations. — San Juan, collector, porter, £108; St. Joseph, 



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