MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. 219 



being royal roads. The expenses of the ward roads were defrayed 

 from the ward funds, and those of the royal roads partly from the 

 ward funds and partly from the general revenue. 



This ordinance was partly repealed by the Act of 1854; at 

 present all the roads of the colony are placed under the manage- 

 ment of the Public Works Department, and the expenses 

 defrayed from the public funds. 



The frequent alterations of our roads' ordinances, the 

 apparent uncertainty which so long governed this most important 

 branch of the public service, must be a subject of surprise, and 

 nevertheless are easily accounted for, when matters are duly 

 considered. Laws may appear unexceptionable on paper, but 

 their execution may be so full of difficulties as to render them 

 null and nugatory. It would seem, on reading our road 

 ordinances, that provision is made for everything, except what is 

 most essential — viz., persons qualified to determine, direct, and 

 superintend the making and repairing of the roads. The wardens 

 had each in his district the charge of the roads and bridges ; and 

 yet many before their appointment had been merchants, clerks, 

 or planters at the best ; in fact, anything but fit agents for this 

 special duty. I must acknowledge, however, that it was a 

 prevailing opinion in the colony that any individual might be 

 turned into a good road officer — a great mistake, as I think. 

 The making and repairing of roads, especially the construction of 

 bridges, should be entrusted to persons having special knowledge. 

 The Public Works Department has lately been remodelled, 

 and a staff of competent engineers appointed ; yet I apprehend 

 that the department has not been properly organised in all its 

 details, a great deal being still left to untaught subaltern officers. 

 We should not lose sight of this ; a small portion of our roads 

 only is as yet macadamised or even properly drained; not a 

 few are mere bridle paths, and bridges generally are very 

 primitive structures. It will require time and money before our 

 highways are put in proper order. As I conceive matters, an 

 bngineer should be appointed to each province, and take charge 

 oi the roads of his province, especially of the main roads. The 



ocal Road Boards should have the superintendence of the local or 

 ward roads, under the control and guidance of the engineer of 



he province, it being their interest to have them in good condi- 



ion. They might be of invaluable service. 



