Revised Jun 22 2021
The magistrate for the time being is obliged to superintend the execution of all public works, among which are ranked the building of houses, fresh thatching them—which is necessary every seven years—reparations and alterations of the church, roads, and water-tanks, three of which have been cut out of the solid rock, on the west side of the island, for the supply of vessels, &c. In these public works, one member of each family (excepting that of Mr, Nobbs) is obliged to assist. With regard to the school-house and schoolmaster's residence, they are kept in repair, and altered as required, by the parents of those children who attend; the labour contributed by each family being proportionate to the number of children it sends.
When a man marries, he takes a share of his father's land, which land is equally divided among his children. The wife takes her proportion from her own father's land, and joins it to her husband's land; so that the young couple come immediately into their landed property.
It may appear strange that even the rocks upon the sea-shore should be shared out as private property: but they are of value for the collection of sea salt.