240 TRINIDAD. 



The ordinance which at present regulates the matter was 

 passed in August, 1854. It does not entirely repeal the ordi- 

 nance of 1849, but it abolishes the distinction between royal and 

 ward roads, and places all the public roads of the colony under the 

 direction and management of local road-boards subject, how- 

 ever, to the supervision and control of a central board. 



This central board consists of the governor, for the time being, 

 and, at the least, six other persons to be by him appointed, from 

 time to time of whom not less than two are members of the 

 legislative council. There is a secretary attached to the board, 

 with a salary of 500 per annum, paid from the funds applicable 

 to the uses of the roads in the several road unions. 



The central board sits, for the despatch of business, at the 

 government house, at least once in each month. It has power to 

 distribute and class the several roads of the colony into road 

 unions, also to proportionate the debts due by the royal roads, in 

 respect of advances made over each ward. 



It has power to make rules and regulations : 1st, For the 

 government of local boards, and for regulating their proceedings ; 

 2nd, As to the mode in which funds available shall be distributed 

 among the different wards forming road-unions ; 3rd, As to making 

 and keeping in good order the public roads. 



Local boards are formed, in the different unions, consisting of 

 the warden and auditors ; in them are vested the direction and 

 management of the roads of each union. They meet, at least, 

 once in each quarter, but may be called together oftener, if neces- 

 sary, by the warden. At the first meeting of the third quarter, 

 the warden lays before the board a statement showing the extent, 

 nature, and probable expense of keeping the roads in repair, 

 during the ensuing year ; also, estimates for any new road or 

 bridge which may require to be established. The local boards 

 have power to make order for laying additional rates, if necessary, 

 and to raise moneys, byway of loan, for road purposes. In case of 

 a member of any local road-board dissenting from the majority, 

 or objecting to their proceedings, the question is referred, for 

 decision, to the central board. 



The frequent alterations of our board-ordinances, the apparent 

 uncertainty which governs this most important branch of the 

 public administration, must be a subject of surprise, and yet are 

 easily accounted for, when matters are duly considered. Laws 



