New Britain herald., 1916-03-18

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 per cent. of what they have paid, in case they have never drawn benefits. Others advocate the abolition of the entire association.
 But the common council or city meeting may knock all of these prop ositions in the head, in which case all worry has been for naugnt.
 The 19.6 tax rate for the coming year is being received with anything but pleasure. The mayor himself has expressed disappointment that it must be so large. But maybe that is be- cause he fears it may have a bearing on his record and affect his chances at the polls.
 Despite the administration and it's efficiency or lack of it, the situation was partially inevitable. Last year the rate was 17 3-4 mills. Since then the city has had improvements. Next year many moro improVem entS will be made and must be provided for There are really lots of improve ments covered by this rate. Next year the rate should not be so large, for last year the state tax appropriation was a mill and a half and only one mill was provided. This year it is one and One-half mills. which, with the half mill not paid last year, makes a state tax of two mills. The school tax has gone in this year for an extra mill, making a total of three mills accounted for. Also on account ot the trade school which is not nclud- ed this year, there will be a rebate to the city next year Among other i'm provements are the white way lighting system for the center; mu- nicipal slaughter house. permanent motorized fire department; ten new policemen, new barn at the town home ana other things Invaluable.
 As the thing stands now the first district tax rate will be fifteen mills and the second district will be four mills.
 Building Inspector Rutherford has won many friends by his recommenda- tion to change the theater ordinance so that the police department shall have charge of the officers doing thea ter duty. In the past the theater managers engaged a particular super numerary officer and paid him. He has thus been in the employ Of the theater and while no fragrant com p1aints have been made against the work of the supernumeraries it has been but natural that they favor their employee for fear of losing their job if opposing him. Previously thea ter policeman was never heard to re- port to the prosecuting attorney when a thcater was overcroWded. Neither was he ever heard. of his own accord, to order admission refused Co new 1
 
 Under the proposed ordinance the i chief of police will assign a man to a ! theater. The city will pay him and ! the theater man will reimburse the 1 city The theater man will have nOtl- ing to say as to hiring or firing the Ot- ticer and the latter will be unhamp- cred in doing his duty. He can report crowded houses and similar things that will be his duty to do and at no time fear that by antagonizing tho tn eater man he may lose nls position which nets him a desirable sum dur ing the week. This plan is faNorabIy regarded by the public
 Always in the spring time much complaint is heard about the condi- ton of sidewalks. The city has sidewalk inspector whose duty is to see that walks are in good condition and doubtless he will soon be on the iob and compel the rclaying of brok- en or frost heaVed walks. One condl- lion which should be remedied is where melting snow and water is al lowed to accumulate on the walks un- til the pedestrian mas to splash through several inches of water to pass A man is fined for leaving snow ,n his walk. bur it is preferable to walk on snow than to have to wade 1 hroush unnecessary puddles. Proper elevation of walks and when necessary he shoVelling of a small trench through snow packed to the side of he walk will allow the water to drain If and make the city a more pleas mt place in which to live.