Norwich bulletin., 1912-04-04

The regular meeting of the Westerly Board of Trade was held Tuesday evening in the town hall and was call ed to order by President Alberti R. Stillman, with 25 members in attend ance. Immediately at the opening he introduced Charles Wilson Brown, pro- lessor of geology at Brown university, who gave @ learned and interesting talk on the subject The Economic Value of Rhode Island Marsh Lands. He explained the cause of these swamp lands and demonstrated how, they could be drained and converted to az ricultural purposes, especially for cran- berry culture. At the conclusion of the able address Professor Barnes received 8 unanimous vote of thanks. He ad- vocated development of peat produc- ton and said there were thousands of acres of peat grounds in Rhode Island and that it Is business project that deserved the consideration of the Board of Trade, and told the sections where located and the volume of product.
 At the business session Dr. John Champlin reported that representatives of prospective concerns had visited Westerly and negotiations were being made for locations. The company that planned to occupy the Main street property has not yet abandoned lease or purchase of the mill property, al- though the $2O,00O subscription in stock had not been reached.
 Frederick c. Buffum reported for the municipal improvement committee, recommending the paving of Broad street, and suggested that the Board of Trade arrange a plan to submit to the financial town meeting providing for the pavement and for an appro- priation to carry on the work to com pletion. He also suggested the paving of Main street near the Sherman plant. He also called attention to the dirty condition of the streets and recom- mended the placing of receptacles for rubbish and have a general cleaning up before the summer season opens. Twenty years ago he took no stock in the death dealing facilities of the flies, but now there Is general fear of flies, for they are a dangerous Insect. He advocated the general destruction of flies on a scientific basis and told that 1t could be accomplished by keeping the premises perfectly clean and disin- fecting the interior of the houses. He said this is a matter that should be considered by the health department.
 J. Fred Barber, Lafayette F. Foster, John A. Lanihan, Louis Solomon and Charles Goldberg were elected to mem bership.
 James NJ. Pendleton reported that efforts were still being made for an early morning train to New York for the special accommodation of Watch Hill summer visitors. There is more activity at the New York end than at Westerly and he suggested that Direc- tor Miner, who has interests in Vest erly, be invited to aid in the work.
 In discussing the suggestion regard ing the paving of Broad street James M Pendleton said that the public li- brary, the high school, new courthouse and town building were located in that street and that he believed vitrified anything else Some may not consider it proper for Westerly to have any thing but granite blocks, as their man ufacture Is the industry of the town; therefore, the matter should be given further consideration by the committee before action is taken.
 Frederick H. Buffum said he realized that it was bad business to talk vitri- fled brick in Westerly. but he favored brick for Broad street as that pave ment is noiseless and clean, compared with granite blocks.
 President Stillman and Dr. John Champlin also spoke in favor of the brick pavement.
 Irvine o. Chester presented resolu- ton stating that the greatest need of the town Of Westerly is a system of sewerage, and that action be taken at the next meeting that may result in a system satisfactory to the people. The resolution was referred to the health committed