Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-23
LOOKING AT A FARM.
Municipal officials and Councilmen
Visit the Neeld Place.
SEVERAL OBJECTIONS RAISED
Two Hundred and Fifty an Acre Considered
Pretty Steep.
CHARGING HIGH PRICES TO THE CITY

The visit of city officials and Councilmen
to the proposed new Poor Farm on Char
tiers creek yesterday was a pleasant affair
for those who attended, Notwithstanding
the long tramp over the property. A car.
load of persons, including Captain Neeld,
the owner of the farm. Mayor Gourley,
Chiefs Elliot and Brown, nearly all the
members of the Charities Committee, a
number of other Councilmen and half a
dozen citizens and newspaper men formed
the party.
When the train reached the Neeld farm
1t was stopped and the party began an in
spection of the property. An hour suficed
for this task and then an excellent luncheon
of sandwiches, spring chicken, etc. provided
by Captain Neeld, was partaken of in the
orchard.
Thence until the train started home the
party put in the time discussing the merits
and demerits of the farm. There was a
preponderance of opinion in favor of the
property, the members of the Charities
Committee, who had previously visited it,
showing off its good points.
Several Visitors File Their Objections.
There were several objectors, however,
the first objection raised being by Council
man MacGonigle. He declared for river
front and did not believe that Charters
creek was large enough to supply water for
big institution with 700 or 500 inmates.
Dr. Evans talked to Captain Neeld in the
presence of several listeners. mo fault
could be found with the topography, the
l. H. Of no,
said the doctor, ''but the most of it has been
wofully neglected, is covered with briars,
undergrowth and weeds, and it will cost
from S15, 900 to $40, 900 to put it in good cul-
tivation. If you will agree to return that
amount of money to the city after payment
has been made, will agree to vote tor the
purchase of your farm"
Captain Neeld took the proposition seri-
ously. He refused to consider it, however,
saying he owed nothing to the city, was not
even resident, and if Councils wanted his
farm at $3.50 an acre they could have it, but
under no other conditions.
ST bought this farm in 1868, said the
Captain, mot 1882, as has been alleged,
and will cheertully show nv deed for it.
I paid $50 an acre at that time. The coal
farm within mile of mine $500 an acre has
worth $3.50 an acre to-day, and in five years
will be worth $500 an acre"
They Think the Price Is Pretty stin.
Councilman George Wilson, think $3.50
an acre is a stiff price for this farm, but 1
have not seen any other at as reasonable
price. The city should get farm for $500
In my opinion.
lieve the farm worth over $50 an acre. If
the coal is worth 500 more the city gets it at
a fair price, but hardly think it is worth SO
much.
Mayor Gourley-It seems $3.50 is stiff
price but the farm Is q nice one and seems
to have no equal in CHARTERS Valley. 1t ap-
pears the city can't get property for the
same price an Individual could buy for. II
Councils decide to buy this farm will in
terpose no objections. 1t is not such terri
bly, high price after all, and, as we have an
even year in which to put up buildings and
transfer the city's wards from the old farm,
must be done at once.
Chief Brown was pleased with the farm.
Alexander Gilfillan and other farmers in the
vicinity corroborated Captain Neeld's state
ments, saying his farm was the finest in that
part OF the country, though they thought
the price little stiff.
An ordinance to buy the farm will be in
Councils next Monday.