Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-03-19

the whole system into an up-to-date
condition. This has all been accom-
plished and six thousand dollars worth
of bonds retired without raising a
single rental. Mr.. Henry Richards has
proven himself one eminently fitted for
the Office of trustee, and as ! under
stand that his term of office expires
this year, it would be a worthy act as
showing the esteem in which he is
held, if the board of aldermen would
unanimously re-elect him.
SEWERS.
Next to a good water supply, comes
a respectable sewerage system, and
would advise that the city continue it's
policy of constructing some drainage
each year, always proceeding first, at
the points where the conditions are
most dangerous to public health. If
this method is followed, it will not be
many years before we have fairly
complete network of sewers.
OVERDRAFTS.
We have a provision which prevents
the overdrawing in any department or
appropriation. without the consent of
the city council, and l simply wish to
impress upon the minds of all, that
this is to be enforced to the letter and
all officials will be held to personal &C
countability if it is violated.
TOWN BURYING GROUND.
The burying ground on High street
presents a rather disgraceful appear
ance and | would respectfully advise
an appropriation, so that it may be put
in a proper condition. Supt. Smith of
Oak Grove Cemetery. or some other
competent person should be selected to
have charge of the matter, during and
after improvements are made.
FIREMEN.
A day should be set apart for the
purpose of testing the fire apparatus
and observing fireman's day. A
parade and friendly contests between
local and nearby companies, would be
If interest and value in keeping the
organizations in good form and would
better acquaint the members with
their duties and each other. | think
he people too. would like to see those
men who have fought the fires so sue
cessfuliy il past years, out in uniform
me day of each year.
FIRE PROTECTION AT SOUTH
GARDINER.
Several residents and heavy tax
payers in ward six, have spoken to me
'egarding q better system of obtaining
water for fire protection, and the rep
cesentatiyes from that section of the
city, should investigate the matter and
report. whether or not some feasible
method of storing water or distribut-
ing it through pipes can be devised.
This is the largest ward in the city and
it's interests deserve the fullest pro-
lection.
INSURANCE.
am a firm believer in insurance of
Ill kinds, and particularly fire in
surance. The buildings belonging to
the city and their contents, should be
insured for their full replacement
;alue if possible, and then in case of
ire destroying any of them, it will not
be a case of issuing now bonds or notes
- rebuild. 1t may be that all city pro-
gerty is now fully covered, and my
suggestion is only made upon the
theory that such is not the case.
CITY BUILDING.
Nearly every city and nearly every
town of any size in the State of Maine
las a city or town hall and an ade-
ruate building for municipal purposes.
One of the exceptions is the city OF
Gardiner. Other places have had
,encfactors, who, while living, have
seen fit to erect monument under
their own supervision and for this
worthy cause. Some places have been
provided for in this respect by will of
some then or former resident, but we
nave been passed by in the gift game,
not only in this. but in nearly every
other public manifestation Of interest
We have no public hall for meetings or
entertainments, no place for sports or
amusements, and with the class OF
people employed here. and their evil
lent desire to be entertained, it Is
| shameful that nobody will take hold of
the matter and provide for the emer-
gency. l suppose the good citizens OF
| the place would not wish to have the
city build one, but just the same
we ought to have building for mum
cipal purposes. containing a hall OF
| opera house. There is not municipal
building. schoolhouse. library or any
thing else in Gardiner belonging to the
city that presents more than al
ordinary appearance. and | do not be
| licve that would be truceOf any other
| place in the State.
| ADVERTISING THE CITY.
The Gardiner Board Of Trade has
| lone much to improve and develop the
| Industrial resources of the city. and VI
as a municipality directly benefited
| thereby, should do all in our power tc
aid it and thus aid ourselves. II
seems to me that the city ought L
advertise itself bit and instead OF
waiting for business to come, to &c
| for it, In line with that policy. VIII!
would it not be a good idea TO securf
a page or half page in one or moro OF
| the Boston dailieS. for day and in
| sert in large type an ad giving some
thing of information upon the following
matters: Population, City Debt. As
sessed Valuation. TaX-rate, Railroad
land Steamboat connections, Distanc:
from large centers, Number of Banks
| Capital invested in the same, Hotel ac
| commodations, Educational facilities
| Water-works. Lighting plants, Stree
cars, Churches, Raw materials. In