Norwich bulletin., 1915-08-03
Conditions.

There was a certain degree of sen- timent in the Westerly town council against renting the town hall for any purpose. but this sentiment was over ruled in annual financial town meet ing. when a vote was adopted that the hall De rented at sum that would pay all costs and allow for the or dinary wear and tear, and that the free use of the hall be given charitable purposes or sessions of a public nature and all under the direction of the town council In compliance with that town meeting vote. the council appointed a committee, composed of Councilmen Flynn. Robinson and Larlxin, to con- sider the rates to be charged for the use of the halI- That committee re- ported at the regular meeting of the town council held on Monday these rates of rental: For one night, with night. $S0 and $5 an hour for each additional hour; Union street entrance, $25. Without heat, Broad street en- trance, $25: Union street entrance $20. For rent of hall in day time, with heat isoad Sroad street entrance trance s2S; Union Broad street entrance, $20; Union street entrance $15. The report was accepted and rates adopted.
 The committee reported that they did not consider 1t within their prov ince to prepare the regulations govern ing the use of the hall, but Council man Robinson said the committee was not opposed to renting the hall for dances and would permit legitimate refreshments. This statement was at. the previous meeting to the effect that dancing and refreshments be barred
 President Cu1ley then asked if the council would decide as to who would be allowed to nave the hall. | - (InIIncflUnan Gaf6 if n up to the council to say who could use the hall. as the financial town meeting had voted that the hall be rented for public purposes.
 Councilman Robinson favored rent ing the hall for anything, as the peo- pie had so directed. He could see no harm in the use of the hall for a dance or dog show.
 Clerk Whipple, custodian of the building, said that he would not have anything to do with the rental of the hall unless the council adopted specific regulations and unless there was an established set of rules he would re- sign the custodianship.
 Councilman Haswel said so long as the hall was wanted for a legitimate purpose, there could be no discrimina- ton on the part of the council
 Clerk Whipple said there could be if there were any such desire.
 Town Solicitor Agard stated that Lu0E6 COulQ De no Q1SCT1m1ndLlOu against persons, but there could be discrimination in the purposes for which the hall was to be used, but that could not be anticipated.
 Clerk Whipple said that if the seven members of the council did not care to assume the responsibility of renting the hall, at will. he surely would not Were he in absolute control, there would be no dances. no refreshments nor dog nor poultry shows in the town hall, he said.
 Councilman Haswell offered a mo- ton that the present special commit tee on town hall with the custodian, be empowered to rent the hall at their discretion, but in compliance with the. vote of town meeting. The vote was to 2, Councilman Thorpe not voting. President Culley informed MT. Thorpe that the rules of the council required all members to vote. MT. Thorpe de- clined to vote and said he was not fully satisfied whether this matter could be best left with free commit tee, or be governed by established reg ulations. President Culley then de- clared the vote a tie, and as chair man he dissolved the tie and defeated the motion.
 It was then voted that Councilmen Flynn, Robinson and Larkin be con tinued as the town hall committee. and report to the next regular meeting specific regulations concerning the leasing of the town hall.