MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. 239 



It divided the roads of the colony into royal and ward roads. 

 The roads termed royal, were five in number, namely, first, the 

 western royal road, from Port of Spain to Point Cum ana, or the 

 sea-shore, at the entrance of the ward of Careenage, and through 

 the wards of Mucurapo, Cocorite, and Diego-Martin. Second, the 

 eastern royal road, from Port of Spain, eastward to the sea-shore, 

 and through the wards of Laventille, Cimaranero, Aricagua, St. 

 Joseph, Tacarigua, Arima, Guanape, Aripo, Funere, and the high 

 woods to Manzanilla, with a branch to Toco, and another to 

 Mayaro. Thirdly, the San Fernando royal road, from St. Joseph, 

 southward to San Fernando, through the wards of St. Joseph, 

 Lower Caroni, Chaguarias, Carapichaima, Couva, Savanetta, 

 Pointe-a-pierres, and North Naparima. Fourthly, the Naparima 

 royal road, from San Fernando, eastward to the mission of Savannah 

 Grande, through the wards of North Naparima and Savannah 

 Grande, with two branches thence eastward to Mayaro, and south- 

 ward to Moruga. Fifthly, the southern royal road, from San 

 Fernando to Cedros, almost invariably skirting the sea-shore, 

 through the Lagoon, Orapuche, La Brea, Guapa, and Trois. 



The royal roads were placed under the superintendence of sur- 

 veyors and inspectors appointed by the governor for that purpose, 

 whilst the wardens of the several wards were charged with the 

 superintendence and keeping in repair of all other public thorough- 

 fares, not 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. 



The roads were inspected once every year, and a report thereon 

 in writing addressed to the governor, stating the condition of such 

 highways, bridges, and ferries with a statement of the repairs 

 and improvements required. These reports, as also all roads' 

 accounts, were made up to the 31st of December, and laid before 

 the governor and council. 



This ordinance furnished rules and regulations to be observed 

 upon petitions for opening new roads, or for altering or discon- 

 tinuing any established road, with provisions against obstructions 

 on roads, smoking, or carrying fire, &c. ; but, strange to say, it did 

 not contain any clause relating to the width of public highways. 



Nota. In May, 1851 , an ordinance was passed to authorise the 

 advance of moneys for the improvement of the royal roads of the 

 colonv. 



