Page:Remarks on the Present System of Road Making (1823).djvu/154

 finances having induced the commissioners to employ great part of the savings of their income for that purpose, instead of applying the whole to the liquidation of the principal debt of the trust. This great debt has, however, been diminished nearly 500l. while the sum expended on the permanent improvements considerably exceeds 1,500l.

On the 25th March 1818, there was a balance in           £.  s.  d. the hands of each of the treasurers, with exception of the Bitton and Toghill roads; and the balance due to that treasurer has been diminished upon the whole account; there remained in the hands of the treasurers, on the 25th March 1818, the sum of                                1,987 14  5

In the hands of the general treasurer, from 5 per cent. fund                    £.502 5 11

Due by the Whitchurch road to the 5 per cent. fund, and included in the general debt                             300 0  0 802 5 11                                                        =============      Balance in hand, 25th March 1818                  £.2,790  0  4

It is very gratifying to report to the commissioners this material amelioration of the funds during the present year, when the income of the trust has suffered a diminution of 425l. 5s. occasioned probably by the depression of trade throughout the country.

It is to be regretted that the directions of the general meetings respecting the payments to the 5 per cent. fund have not been more punctually obeyed; but without entering into the circumstances of heavy debt and other difficulties, which have hitherto prevented payments from particular treasurers, I beg leave to call the attention of the commissioners to a consideration of the