Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-05-14

AfN'NNs, AHN AtfctttH was UnAtiN put
before the meeting upon the motion of
city Clerk Newbert that 1t was the
sense of the meeting that the lot at
the corner of Eastern avenue and stone
street should be selected
The Playground Matter.
The next article on the warrant for
the school meeting was the purchase
of lots adjacent to the Williams street
school for playground and this ques-
ton also was discussed at considerable
length,
Frank G. Harrington of the Board
of Education explained in some detail
the need of the playground He said
that hitherto the school had a play
ground through the courtesy of abut-
ting owners, whs had donated the use
of considerable ground to the school,
but now the owners had divided the
property into house lots and soon the
present playground would disappear.
He explained that the equivalent of
nine lots, running through to Pearl
street extension, could be purchased
for about $500.
Numerous question followed his
statement. Ira H. Randall wanted to
know why SO large lot was neces-
sary as playground. A. w Brooks
asked Samuel Titcomb what the price
of eight lots extending in a different
direction from the school building
would be, and he was told that they
could be bought for $4,000
Ira H. Randall finally formulated a
definite motion to the effect that the
Board of Education should be authorized
TO expend sum of not exceeding $500
for land for a playground.
City Treasurer Niles l.. Perkins, before
the motion was put, was on his feet with
the statement that the city had none 800
much money to expend at the present
time and suggested that it was best to
find out where the city stood financially.
first I'VE have clamored for a new
school building and got it. and there viii
soon he clamor for new fire station"
said he. He claimed that upon the VAL
uation figures of 1911 the city's borrowing
capacity of per cent. amounted to but
s375,eoo that the bonded Indebtedness
was now $4,000. and that the $4,000 for
the new school building would bring it
up TO $4,000 within $1,000 of the limit
How about the new valuation, MIR.
Perkins?" inquired Walter NJ. Sanborn
Charles S. Pettengili came forward with
suggestion that the school committee
secure a lease for 10 years upon land on
the east side of the Williams school, with
the understanding that the city should
afterwards purchase the land leased at
a sum not exceeding $500.
Ira H. Randall suggested. amid laugh
ter, that Mr.. Titcomb, the owner of the
land give the city a lease of it for that
period.
Councilman r. w. Hanks wished TO
know what was to become of the old
Middle street school building and lot.
and was informed by Mr.. Brooks that it
would probably go towards the purchase
of new lot and foundation for the new
building Mr.. Harrington remarked that
the land for the proposed playground
could not be leased for less than 500 or
SIPS and that for period of 10 years
would amount to nearly the proposed
purchase price.
The playground matter was finally dis
posed of by the passage of the Pettengill
motion, after it was amended by Mr.
Brooks so as to provide for the leasing
by the Board of Education for one year
only of land adjacent TO the Williams
school for a playground. with the uit-
derstanding that the matter of purchase
would again be brought up at the annual
school meeting, next year.