PUBLIC WORKS— ROADS AND BRIDGES. 297 



Government of New South Wales. It may appear somewhat striking 

 to a person unacquainted with the Colony that much is done by the 

 central Government which, in other countries, is left to local autho- 

 rities ; but the reason for this is apparent. The population of the 

 interior is so scattered, and so small in comparison with the immense 

 area — more than half as large again as France by the way — that it is 

 impossible for the people themselves to carry oiit what local Avorks arc 

 required, except in the townships. All of these of any size have become 

 incorporated and carry out their own municipal works, in which, in 

 the early years of their existence, they are assisted by grants from the 

 Government. It has been the policy of the central authorities, who 

 desire to see the principle of local government extended as much as 

 possible, to encourage this spirit of '' self help"; but from the very 

 circumstances of the case, it must be many years before the people of 

 the Colony can be in such a position as to be independent of the 

 Government in the matter of public works, and it is, therefore, satis- 

 factory to know that such excellent work has been done in the past, 

 and that, all things considered, the system at present in operation is 

 a good one, intelligently and efficiently carried out. 



