The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1907-03-26
BOARD OF
ALDERMEN
LengthyD Discussion over Grooved
Rails vs.. Flanged Rails
for Trolley Roads.
SEWERAGE COMMITTEE REPORT

Pursuant to adjournment the board
Of aldermen met on Friday evening IN
the board rooms. Mayor Bennell pub
liclv announced that it was an adjourn
ed meeting called to hear objections TO
the proposed sewer scheme. lie asked
if anyone desired to be heard. NO one
responded and Alderman Mowery of
the sewerage committee OF the board
stated that the committee reported IN
favor of the acceptance OF the report
except as to the size of the pipe from
Abbett avenue to the disposal grounds
which they recommended be increased
to twenty-four inches from twenty.
The report was received and resolu-
tion stating all the facts was adopted
referring the matter back to the COM
mission for amendment. Alderman
Mowery was delegated to present the
matter.
The sewerage commission was IN ses-
sion in the ante room and Immediately
conferred and presented supplement
t,al report embodying the change sug-
oested and raising the cost of the work
Sl5, 600.
formal resolution was then passed
adopting the plan as amended py bne
commission and the board adjourned
only to reassemble Immediately 10
special meeting.
The town clerk was directed to Sc
cure from the state sewerage commls-
sion formal action on the plans as re-
ouired by law. Alderman Rutan pre-
sented an ordinance calling for spe-
cjal meeting to vote on the sewer re-
port on Tuesday, April 30, which un-
der suspension of the rules was passed
Alderman Day of the street comnlt-
tee brought up the matter OF Uhe rdlls
for the proposed trolley road on Speed
well avenue as the company desires a
definite answer in order to place the
order for rails. He told of trip OF in
spection of the street committee IN ln-
yestigating the matter which trip IN
cluded Millburn, Bellville, Newark ana
Nutley. The alderman said the COM
mittee was not in entire agreement as
to the findings and he made lengthy
report as the minority in favor OF a
girder rather than a grooyed rall,
claiming that the girder rail is the bet-
ter where the tracks are laid In ma
cadam street. He told that he had
visited firm of street railway en-
eineers and they told him the same
thing.
Alderman Rutan for the majority
said that he and the third member OF
the committee. Alderman Arnold, were
inaccord that the grooved rails is fal
sunerior to the other. The ordinance
nrovides for a grooved rail or such
other as the board and company may
a,,ree upon and the conclusion to use
the grooyed rail was reached only after
long discussion with the trolley repre-
sentatiyes one session lasting till near
Nv midnight. The committee was un-
able to find any grooved rail filled with
dirt as Alderman Day had commended
would be the case. He moved that the
grooved rail be used.
Alderman Day warned the board to
move cautiously as the blame for a
mistake would fail on the members.
Alderman Thompson spoke briefly
in favor Of the grooyed rail stating
that he had been looking into the mat
ter since the application came up a
year ago and was thoroughly convinced
OF the superiority Of the grooYed as
against the girder rail. He Illustrated
+ his remarks and contention that the
fanges of the wheels clean out the
groove by forming paper models o.
grooved and girder rails.
Alderman Meslar said he had rail
roaded eighteen years and knew some.
thing about rails. He was also in favor
Of the grooyed article and compared
its use to that Of guard railsand plank
inc at crossings The Dover rail- the
Hanged variety is wagon breaker as
he could prove from his own expert
ence.
Alderman Arnold said that when
the grooved rail is properly laid there
isno trouble.
Mayor Bennell said he had been tolc
by an Orange man that the fiange raj
is better where the paving is only ma
cadam.
Alderman Mowery protested that
he was not thoroughly informed but
Alderman Rutan said he ought TO bt
after sitting with the joint committee
a show Of hands was taken and al
voted for the grooved rail except Al
derman Day who hung out for the cir
der rail and Alderman Mowery who
passed. Mayor Bennell voted for The
grooved rail,
A Successful Fair.
At the close Of the fair held on Sat
urday for the benefit Of st. Peters
tower fund, as announced in TIL
CHRONICLE, a delegation of the youns
enthusiasts waited on the rector Will
the gratifying sum Of $275. 90 as the re