The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-06-06

city's unfortunate increases, but l an pleased to state that matters Tn this department are conducted in a ous!, ness like manner that renects cieul' on the city.
 Health Department. The health Of the city during Lhe year has been exceptionally good, tns freedom from contagious diseases pS ing remarkable. The establishing of medical inspection for the schools and the appointment of nurse 10 CO., operate with this inspection, l believe has had a tendency to prevent the spread of disease among the children and, by taking a disease in its lnc1p- iency, saved the lives of many of the school children The establishing of free clinic at the police and charities building under the direction of the board of health is one of the marked improvements in this department and is will accomplish much for those children, who are less fortunate than their companions. I wish to thank the physicians and dentists who are giving their time and knowledge for the benefit of this department and I consider that they are doing noble work that will reap its own reward.
 Garbage Problem.
 The question of the disposal of the city's garbage is 8 serious and per picking, one. It has been conducted carefully by the board of health and an advisory committee of citizens. The contract has been awarded to Charles Fischer with the strict proviso that the garbage must be reduced without a nuisance. There seems to be some question as to his ability to prevent a nuisance. For the benefit especially of those of our citizens liv- ing in the vicinity of the garbage plant I will say that their interests will be carefully guarded and if the contractor can not carry out the terms Of the contract to reduce without nuisance, I will recommend that every legal measure be taken to stop the operation of the plant until such time as the terms of the contract can be carried out.
 Board of Education.
 A great responsibility rests upon the board that has charge of the education of our children. Over one-quarter Of the entire amount expended for the maintenance of the city's departments is expended by this board. It is in- deed a credit to the city that it is en- trusted to men who have the interests of the city at heart and give to the same attention they do to their own business. l would suggest that every new school be constructed so that sub- stanttal additions may be made with out in any destroying the value or architectural design of the building.
 
 of the city government be taught in the city schools, including the power and authority of different officials and a general idea of the system of local government.
 Stratford Avenue Bridge.
 would recommend that the steps already taken towards the condemn ing of land at the eastern approach to the lower bridge be completed and that the city acquire the title to such, to provide a wider approach to the bridge in anticipation of the con- struction of a new bridge which is only a question of a few years in my judgment.
 By virtue of a resolution adopted by your honorable body, a bill was prepared and presented to the gen. eral assembly, by the provisions of which, the street railway company would be compelled to pay a reason able and equitable part of the cost of a new bridge on which it operates its cars. Several hearings have been had on this measure before the legts- lative committee and the wisdom of enacting such a bill into law has been strongly urged on part of the city. The committee has not report ed on the measure. l sincerely hope that the report will be a favorable one and that the legislature will adopt it. Such a law would mean much to Bridgeport in a financial way. The need of a new bridge at East Wash ington avenue is pressing and as I have already stated it will only be a few years before new structure will have to be built to replace the lower or Stratford avenue bridge. There seems no good or logical reason why the street railway company, whose tracks and heavy cars make wider and stronger bridges, at these points, necessary, should not be obliged to pay a fair and proportionate part of the cost thereof.
 CongratuIates City.
 In referring to the work of the past year, I cannot refrain from congrat- ulating the city upon the great sav- ing resulting to the city from the re- linquishment by the Bridgeport Fly drau1ic company of all further claim, under it's contract with the city, for water supplied to our hydrants. And aside from the pecuniary gain to the city, this action on the part of the company terminates the disagreeabie controversy which has been renewed annually at every meeting of the board of apportionment and taxation since the contract between the com pany and the city was made in 1906. For this water supply $12,000 was be-
 
 advancing years the number of hy- drants will increase and this appro- priation would have had to be in creased correspondingly. Therefore this annual saving on the water SUD- ply means a total saving to the city of over S200,000 for the remainder of the twenty-year term of the contract with the company.
 Modern Accounting Methods.
 I have had under consideration for the past year at least the modernizing and systematizing of city accounts so that uniformity might. be secured in all the departments of our city gov ernment. My idea is not to have an elaborate, cumbersome system, but one at the same time simple and eff fective as a check and balance so that we may have at all times accurate, copious reports on all matters per taining to city affairs in every depart ment.. The city auditor and I have discussed this matter at various times during the past year and I find that his views are in accord with mine on
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