New Britain herald., 1915-02-09

man filling said that events since the last netting have caused him to change his mind. Since Saturday he has been advised by Chief Rawlings that two or three accidents have occurred to the car and Saturday morning O'Keefe had trouble in starting the car on Main street. He also backed into the garage and broke off side lamp. Since o'clock last night Chief Rawlings reported that O'Keefe's incompetency has made 1t necessary to have an expert come here and overhaul the machine. Mir. filling said his personal conclusion is that it is unwise to place the car in charge of Officer O'Keefe. Mir. Holmes also was familiar with the conditions and he asked permission to withdraw lis previous motion to retain O'Keefe as patrol driver. MT. Meehan did not think this course necessary. Chair man filling ruled against MT. Meehan Here MT. Healey made his report on C'Keefe. saying that he had analysed the report of Chauffeur Shepard. which he declared a weak one. He merely agreed that OKeefe could drive the car, but avoided mention of his ability to care for the car. MT.
 
 has absolutely no knowledge of the car and has learned nothing about it during the past four weeks. His opinion is that he has proved himself to be an incompetent man and should be dropped as driver.
 Meehan Wanted More Time.
 Commissioner Meehan said that while he does not care to retain in competent men. he does feel that he ought to be given an extension of time. as a matter of courtesy, of one week in which time he may investi- gate these complaints himself Mr. Holmes thought there has been ample time for MT. Mcehan to have investi- gated events during the past week had he taken advantage of his oppor- trnities. Mir. Alling suggested that MT. filling question Chief Rawlings later in the meeting. Mir. Holmes agreed to this but insisted that the matter be closed before the meeting adjourned. MT. Meehan replied that he thought MT. Shepard's report was favorable to OKeefe, but last week he had courtcously agreed to allow MT. Healcy more time. Therefore, he argued, he too, should be given more time. MT. IIeehan then moved that last weeks motion to retain Okeefe be tabled until next week MT. Holmes again objected, declaring that Mir. Mcehan had had ample time to investigate the matter had he taken the interest of the rest of the board
 Mr. Meehan said that he knows a little about a car and that to his view MT. OKecfc is competent to operate the auto. Mr. Meehan's motion to 1,l InJ called for a vote on the original mo- tion. Mir. Meehan was tne only one favorinc O'keefe's being retained, the other three members voting "no.'
 OKccfc Is Finally Dismissed
 Mir. Healoy then moved that O'keefe be dismissed as patrol driver, not to affect his standing as a special officer. It was passed, after Mir. Holmes had seconded it.
 William flames New Driver.
 Mir. Healey then presented the ap- plication of William J. flames as patrol driver. He is well endorsed and seems to be competent. He moved that he be appointed C. X. Renee and William Kinney both rec commended Mr. Flames as a driver and a mechanic. MT Holmes seconded Mir. Hcaley's motion and 1t was rasscd. IIc is to be given a week in which to resign his present job and