Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-01-31

Readfeld, stated that in his opinion
it would cost Sa0o0 to put the road in
safe condition for the use of both
teams and autos. The town had eX-
, penued 500 on the road in the past
two years and mile for mile he be-
lieVed it cost more than any other
road in the town.
Representative Peacock stated that
he did not oppose opening the road if
il can be put in proper shape. but the
people of the town did not think they
could afford all of The expense of re-
pairs and wanted some aid from the
State. He explained at length the
condition of the road and presented
Il series of pictures to the committee
illustIating some Of the worst features.
Senator Allen of Kennebee had been
detained by other duties 81 arrived
at the hearing after the discussion of
the Readfield ease had nearly closed
He put more ginger into the discussion
however and he and Mr.. Peacock We're
soon in lively tilt Mr.. Allen favor
ed opening the road regardless of
what might happen to the resolve in
its favor. He did not consider it a
Very good proposition TO attempt TO
keen the road closed until it was GER
tam that State aid could be secured
for repairing it. as the resolve Ger
tainly would not be passed until the
! road is opened. He explained how
much the road is used and declared
that the summer business of that sec
ton OF the State was being injured
as the road is hlacklisted by the auto
mobile owners.
Mr. Peacock stuck TO his position
that the town ought TO have assur
ance of State aid before the road is
opened to autos as it is now dangerous
for them and the town cannot stand
the expense of repairs. He offered
10 pay the expenses Of the committee
for visit of inspection if they would
go out and look the place over. This
seemed to impress the committee most
favorably.
Senator Packard,s act to provide for
board of read commissioners in
towns that do not have a board Of
public works started debate before
the committee. Senator Packard ap-
peared in behalf of his measure, eX
planning that it was intended 10 pre-
ment of roads and the introduction of
inexperienced men into this part of
town affairs.
Dr.. l.. NJ. Fulton of BoWdoinham.
formerly senator from Sagadahoc. OPP
posed the measure because it is man
datory. If it was made optional he
would favor its passage.
Senator Maxwell of Sagadahoc also
opposed on about the same grounds,
believing that the local boards of Sc
leetmen can best handle the road
question and that there would be no
advantage in having an additional
board. The new roads bill would also
help towns in getting the most for
their road money.
Parker l.. Hardison. State highway
commissioner, thought the act would
be beneficial in preventing friction
between highway commissioners and
selectmen. His office has found that
there is a great deal of such friction
and anything that would promote
more harmony in road work would be
of benefit To the State,
The committee heard a bunch of
pleas for State aid in repairs for roads
and bridges, during the afternoon, in
Guiding the resolve in favor of the
eastern span of the old Town Milford
bridge. This case vas presented to
the committee by Representative J.
Fred O'Connell Of Milford, who ex-
planned that the bridge had original
~ been toll bridge. but has recent
ly been taken over by the State UNI
der provisions of the act granting the
original charter
The bridge has been in very bad
condition for scme tine and repairs
were authorized by Governor Plaisted
and council and enough work done to
place the structure in a fairly safe
condition. More work is now neces-
safy or the bridge will have TO be
closed to all travel 1t is owned and