New Britain herald., 1916-03-23

suit in the property owners getting lower insurance rates. Alderman Chamberlain said as he understood 1t the callmen system is an outgrowth of the old volunteer system when the tremen donned helmets and red shirts and made a lot of noise in getting to a fire. He was in favor of the plan to make the department permanent. Councilman Dolan said he was not opposed to modern de- partment, but spoke of the need of the south west section of the city for a fire house. Councilman Me- DOnough profesScd ignorance as to what is intended. He wanted to know if it meant 12 callmen and 12 sub stitutes as well as the permanent force. If it meant that it was &il right. He believed in a permanent department but thought they shoE'd go about it carefully and he didn't want to see the fire engines aba1d- oned. Sometimes tho hydrants freeze and motor apparatus is not equipped to thaW hydrants. whereas the fire engines can be quickly utilized for that purpose.
 Another thing he thought tractors would be better than pumping en- zines. Clerk Magnell explained con- corning the substitute proposition. Councilman Curtis favored the pro- position when it can be done on practical basis He thought the pres ent plan immature. He understood many% Of the callmen sleep at the fire stations and fires often occur in the night the men must respond promptly to some fires. He then at tackled Ihe proposition to malntam the department with but A men. lie had obtained information rom Bridgeport and found that nine men are required there to company and more for the hook and ladder. Hc didn't think the proposition would appeal to the fire underwriters. Clerk Magnell said there need be no fear over the insurance rates and quoted Maiden and HaVerhil1, Mass, cities about the size of New Britain where they maintain similar forces and use motor apparatus. Alderman Jester favored the adoption of the depart ment estimate and so moved. The motion was carried. Councilman Cur tis moved for the adoption of he rest of the estimates and they were passed. .F.' 't' ." -'
 Tax Rate Approved.
 The tax rate as recommended by the board of finance and taxation, tif- teen mills for the first district and four mills for the second, was pre- scented in the form of resolutions anu adopted. Councilman Curtis as soon as this action had been taken re- marked that he had said the rate would be nineteen or twenty mills, but was doubted The facts were self-eVident.
 Ordinances Adopted.
 Building ordinances and the new ordinance to govern the policing of theaters, laid over from last week, were taken from the table on motion of Councilman Stadler and adopted. Alderman Chamberlain presented a resolution adopting the plan of the park commission for the new north end park. Mr. Chamberlain explained that his action merely called for ap- proving the plan as presented. It was adopted
 Turntablc Matter.
 Clerk Thompson read notice from the public utilities commission re- garding the hearing next Monday on the petition of the railroad company to postpone enforcement of the order to operate dinkey locomotives head on from April to October. Council man Curtis thought the mayor and corporation counsel should attend the hearing and oppose the action. His motion was amended to add the rail- road committee. Mayor Quigley said he had no objection to attending the hearing, but wanted it understood that the city of Bristol was also peti- tioning for the postponement. He called upon the clerk to read d long communication from Mayor Dutton on the subject. Councilman Curtis was still in favor of the mayor cor pOratiOn counsel and committee at tending the hearing and seeking to get some definite promise regarding the enforcement or the commissions order.
 On motion of Councilman Stadler the rule introduced last week regard ing the presentation of petitions for salary increases WIS slightly amended This was on the recommendation of the corporation counsel In future all such petitions must be presented at the January meeting of the council. 1t was voted to consolidate the salary and ordinance committee and to term the new committee the salary and or dinance committee.
 Other Matters.
 The civil service commission on the advice of the corporation counsel pre- scented for adoption certain rules re- lating to the physical requirements for both policemen and tiremen. The board of compensation and assess ment reported on street, grade and building lines on Adams street be- tween Vine and Lincoln streets, ben efits and damages being in each case $90.97. The report was adopted. For