Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-24
EvERYBoDY'S BUSINESS,

A Usual, Proves 70 be Nobody's Business
The Need Of a Good Road on Neville
Island-Au OIL Derrick That One Has to
Drive Around.
The adage "what Is everybody's business
is nobody's" is exemplifed on Neville Is
land. Neville Island constitutes the township
of Neville, and enjoys all the autonomy incl
dent to such corporations. The figures are
not at hand giving its population, but as it
has two churches and two schools it is con-
siderable. 1t has one road running its full
length, between six and seven miles, on the
extreme northern edge of the island.
Time out ofmind the township has had two
road supervisors, but it is said no one has
any recollection of their, having ever exer-
cised the functions of their Office, and, in
never got any compensation for their SER
vices. The present Incumbents are Messrs.
J. B. Gibson and H. T. Hamilton.
Just why the supervisors are elected no
one seems to know unless it be on the prin-
ciple adopted by the railway corporations
that lay tracks on lines of roads SO as to
hold their charters. Each property holder
in theory keeps the road in front of his
place 10 repair, but, in fact, over half of the
highway is never in good shape at any
season, and there are places where it is
dangerous at all seasons. A gentleman
named Kerr, living near the lower end of
the island, has his section almost as smooth
as the best of our vulcanite streets, but
when you get off ii, coming toward the city'
you run plump into mud hole.
Some of the owners seem to grudge suf-
fcient land to give the requisite width for
the road, and in one place, for consider
able distance, there is but IL or 13 inches
margin between the outside wagon track
and 30-foot precipice, with the river at the
bottom. A drive along there with a spirited
horse is about as hard on the nerves
as anything imaginable. and for years
casualty has been expected. When one
does come, the township will have bill of
damages to foot, and the cost may be greater
than would be the making of a fine drive
the entire length of the island.
It is matter Of wonder to some people
that the supervisors do not make the road
good in front of their respective properties,
and charge the township with the work, as
they are said to have authority to do if they
choose.
In one place there is an oil derrick partly
OH the road, and drivers must make sharp
DETECTION to get around it. As the boiler is
also on the roadside, and the river bank on
the other, you must know the nervous tenn
permanent of your horse, fully, if you e1-
pect to get past safely.
A gentleman who has given the subject
study-he is responsible msn-ssys that
he will give bond to make a road 20 feet
wide along the island for s., 900 mile. and
a road not only equal to any drive in Pitts
burg for smoothness and solidity, but one
that can subsequently be kept in repair
at cost OF 500 a year, and he
will be believed by any man who
takes drive over the ground. Almost
anywhere along the line gravel is abundant
within 100 yards, and there are good roads
at short intervals down from the road to the
gravel beds. In some places portable der
rick could be used to hoist the gravel right
onto the spot where it is needed.
One thing is almost certain, viz: If that
proposed road, though the center of the
island is not soon built, the township will
pay damages that will make some of the
conservatives groan during the remainder of
their earthly pilgrimage.