238 TRINIDAD. 



the colony into twenty-nine road districts, and provided for the 

 appointment of road commissioners, by triennal elections, and of 

 two auditors, and a treasurer, per district. 



The commissioners had the management and care of the roads, 

 bridges, and fences in their respective districts, with authority to 

 regulate the roads already laid out, to alter, or discontinue those 

 they might regard as useless ; to ascertain and define others, and 

 to make an assessment of two per cent, on all lands arid houses 

 within the district, according to certain fixed valuation an 

 allotted portion of the roads and funds being assigned to each 

 commissioner. Accounts were delivered twice a year to the 

 auditors for examination and approval, and reports forwarded to 

 the governor every year, in the month of January. The treasurer 

 received all the moneys, and applied the same to the expenses of 

 the roads, as directed by the commissioners. There were certain 

 penalties attached to commissioners, auditors, and treasurers, for 

 neglect of duty ; and also to persons making false or incorrect 

 statements, or refusing to make the due returns. 



Turnpike roads and toll-gates were established, namely, one in 

 the district of St. Joseph, another in that of Tacarigua, and a third 

 in that of North Naparima, with trustees appointed by the 

 commissioners. 



Bridges were to be kept in repair by joint contributions from 

 adjoining districts. Alterations in old roads, or the formation of 

 new ones, were decided by the council, on application of the 

 parties desiring the same. 



There were penalties attached for obstructing roads, and for 

 smoking or carrying fire on any public or private thoroughfare of 

 plantations and savannahs, so as thereby to endanger the adjoining 

 properties. 



Commissioners had authority to purchase lands for obtaining 

 materials to repair roads, and to enter upon private property to 

 obtain such materials, on payment of compensation ; also, to 

 borrow money with the consent of the governor and council 

 under pledge of assessments, and to clear out beds of rivers for 

 the transport of produce. 



Although very comprehensive, this ordinance never worked 

 well : however, it was changed only, and consequent on, the new 

 territorial division a new road ordinance being passed in 

 December, 1849. 



