The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-01
PRATT CITY AGAINST SALE OF TIDEWATER 10 3. R., 1. S p. 60.
Commissioner Truss Meets With Citizens and Hears Many COmpIaints-Street
 Railway, Telephones and
 Lights Are Discussed

Commissioner J, R. Truss met with g large number of citizens of Pratt City last night at the city hall in that city and many matters concerning the welfare of that suburb were taken up and discussed. Commissioner Truss was asked what action the city commits sioners had taken on the sale of the Tidewater line. He stated that nothing definite had been settled but that Com missioners Weatherly and Barber had been appointed to investigate into the matter and find out who were the bondholders of the Tidewater. He also stated that the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company had offered to pay $1, ,500, 900 for the Tidewater and that this might be a scheme to make the city of Birmingham pay that price. motion was made and passed unan- imously in favor of the city buying the Tidewater line or any other cor poration than the Birmingham Rail- way, Light and Power company.
 Several citizens made complaint about the roads in Pratt City, espe- cially the road from Thomas through Pratt City to Ensley They claim this road is in a very bad condition and that whenever there is a very heavy rain the road near Village creek is flooded and that traffic is impossible. The citizens state that until some ar engagements are made to carry off the water more quickly it will be useless to fix the road. Mr. Truss stated that he would investigate the matter and do whatever he could to remedy con ditions He also stated that at pres ent there were a very few prisoners in the city jails to work on the roads owing to the installment plan of prts- oners paying their fines and he thought it would not be long before it would be necessary to hire laborers to work the streets Complaint was also made about several small bridges being in bad condition and that it was not safe for any heavy weight to pass over them such as the fire trucks. A note was made of this point and it will be in- vestigated immediately.
 The statement was made that the citizens of Pratt City think they have not been treated fairly in regard to having their streets sprinkled. They claim all of the other suburbs of Bir- mingham have their streets sprinkled and that Pratt City was entitled to the same treatment. Commissioner Truss promised to look into this mat ter also.
 Several street lights were also asked for in places where, it was claimed, they are badly needed. especially on several crossings. MT. Truss stated that this matter should be taken up with 1,1x I,a the head of that department
 The citizens stated that they want the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company to install gas main throughout the city and that some time ago they had signed petition and presented it before the commits sioners and the gas company, but that no action had been taken on the mat ter They state that the gas main that runs to Ensley comes within about three quarters of a mile from the cen- traI part of Pratt City and that they thought they were entitled to use gas in their homes and stores. This matter was also turned over to Commissioner Weatherly. N
 Complaint was also made about the telephone company, stating that cer- tain party living on one of the principal streets had signed contract and had made deposit for a telephone and that after keeping the party waiting for 1o days or two weeks that they refused to install the telephone and returned the deposit, on account of having to put in one telephone post before the line could be run to this residence. It was sug- gested that this matter should be taken up with Commissioner Barber.
 Just before the close of the meeting the citizens stated to MT. Truss that they were willing to do whatever they could towards helping the city and also gave a vote of thanks to Commissioner Truss for meeting with them and invited him to come again. MT. Truss stated he was very glad to meet with the Pratt City citizens and that his secretary had made a note of their requests and complaints and he would do whatever he could to help them to bring about the desired changes.
 GOLD FINISHED SCREEN
 A gold finished screen has just been installed in one of the local picture shows which has caused much comment among u-1--