Norwich bulletin., 1912-10-08

Mayor T. c. Murphy had two mat ters of importance outside of the reg ular routine which he brought before the common council meeting on Mon day evening, the first a forceful criti- eism of the condition of the sidewalks in the city. and the second a report on his attempt to secure an answer from the Connecticut company upon the trolley extensions which it is desired to secure here.
 All the members were present when the mayor called the meeting to or- der, except Alderman Dr. W. c. Mo- Loughlin. Because of the annual town meeting to come the same evening, the council meeting was called earlier than usual beginning at 7.25 o'clock.
 Alderman M. H. Hourigan for the public works committee recommended removal of a tree on Asylum street, petitioned for by c. E. Whitaker. On petition of W. F. Leete regarding sew CT injury the committee will take ac- ton this week. Both reports were &C., cepted
 Councilman E. B. Baker spoke for the police committee favorably upon a resolution increasing patrolmen's pay, and the committee recommended to refer it to the finance committee for the estimates for next year. This was voted.
 Mayor Murphy spoke upon the mat ter of requests by the common coun- ell to- the Connecticut company for trolley extensions here on Boswell avenue and for Maplewood extension. This was first taken up about June 13. The mayor had Clerk Stephen B. Moore read the registered letter which his honor had written Vice President Storrs, on October 2, on this matter, stating that unless some satisfactory answer were received by October 12 the mayor would feel obliged to yield to the public demand that the matter be referred to the public utilities com mission.
 The reply of Vice President storrs was also read, in which MT. Storrs said that he was waiting for figures re- garding certain grades. The mayor re- marked that this was only the same kind of answer that they had been get ting before.
 Mayor Murphy's action in this mat ter was approved by the council, which reaffirmed its desire to have him pro- ceed on the lines that had already beer followed.
 Criticism of Sidewalks.
 Mayor Murphy then read to ths council the following reoommendar tions, touching on sidewalks:
 Gentlemen of the Court of Common Council: There is a matter of great importance for this council to act up. on-the wretched condition of tht sidewalks in this city. Upon investi- gation I find that there is not ont street in the city but that has some walks that are dangerous to public travel. They are dangerous in tn, daytime as well as at night. If those walks are not repaired before winter sets in, we will find damage suit against the city. Our street commis sioner should repair all walks that ar, maintained by the city and put then in proper condition; he also should no tify the property owners where walk are in need of repairs.
 I would suggest that. as far as pos sible, the gutters that are not pavet on streets with large grades should be paved, and if that Is done, the ex pense will not exceed that which woult occur from washouts after the rain storms.
 I find the curbing on many streets ai bad as the walks. On some of tn l streets you will find some of the cub ing gone and the remaining parts ar out of grade.
 find no fault with anybody per sonally, but these are the condition which the property owners can see fo | themselves.
 For the past few years the city ha expended much money for the widen l ing and improving of it's streets, bu these improvements are not any nor necessary than good walks, which ar used at all times by the public. hope you will provide some mean to prevent the city from lawsuits an give to the travelling public good side walks.
 The statement was accepted and tn