Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-15

steam railroads, Il: telegraph compan-
les. four; telephone companies. 120;
water companies. 172; warehousemen.
five; wharfngers. 20.
During the past year 81 formal re-
ports have been made; five covered
valuations Of utilities in whole and one
In part; six were on inadequacy of
service; seven were for certificates of
safety; IS dealt with accidents and
the balance were on miscellaneous
subjects.
Organization
The demands on the time Of the en-
cheering staff has increased rapidly
during the past year. Complaints re-
curing valuation, valuations on the
initiative of the commission, grade
crossing Investigations and other minor
matters have made an increase in the
force necessary. At the present time
the department consists of a chief en-
gineer and seven staff engineers. Dur
ing the summer months two additional
engineers were hired to assist in the
field work Of valuation. The work is
performed under three different Sec
tons: Valuation, Inspection and In
vestigation, and Water resources. It
is the practice of the department to
assign men from one section to an
other to whatever work they are quail
fled TO do. 1t is found that this meth
cd results in economy Of operation.
Corporation
1.-THE department heartily endorses
co-operat ton in its work and believes
that results obtained during the past
year justify the statement. 1t is hoped
that this phase Of the work may be
extended. In continuing the work of
making Typographical map of Maine
and investigating its water resources,
the department continues its co-opera-
ton with the United States Geological
Survey on the same basis as last year.
Ten companies and individuals have
furnished records Of discharge at vari-
GUS important guaging stations. The
University of Maine continues it's CO.
operation on the same basis as last
year. The services rendered the de-
partment by the engineering faculty
of the University In the Investigation
OF bridges and in other lines has ma
terially facilitated work in those cases
which call for expert knowledge. The
state laboratory of hygiene has assist
ed by analyzing samples of water and
giving expert advice.
Valuation
Valuation Of public utilities have
been and are being made for two pur-
poses, rate making and issuance of Sc
h0
snow in all appraisals. the elements of
value. In certain cases this Is impos-
sible. The department always reports
to the Commission the conditions sur
rounding each case whenever it Is con-
sidered incomplete.
The City of Bangor Water Board has
completed valuation of it's plant and
filed the report with the Commission.
Inspection
The chief engineer and his assistant
have made two complete inspections of
the steam and electric railroads during
the last year. One was started in the
early spring and the other during the
summer season.
During the year and in accordance
win the recent act Of the Legislature,
lenders of an approved type have been
paced on all cars operated on steam
railways. The inspector reports that
these tenders have been placed in ac-
cordance with the recommendations Of
the Commission with two exceptions
: rthe case Of these two cars. the COM
panles concerned have given assur-
ance of compliance with the law at an
early date.
Grade crossings have been inspected
curing the past year with a view of
oetterlng conditions if possible. All
crossings over steam railroads have
oeen visited by the inspector. Trans
portation has been by motor driven in
spect1on car or by automobile. Stons
at each Of the crossings vera made -
enable data on each to be obtained IN
Iorns devised for the purpose and n
ske'ch made of the local conditions
each crossing. Approx
mately 1900 inspections have been made
ana IN many cases looking to the i'm
mediate improvement Of conditions
nave been made, and favorable action
obtained. 1t Is planned to have a ful,
report OF this investigation available
during the early part Of the wear 1912.
The investigation will be extended i'm,
mediately to grade crossings on cleo
trio railroads.
Special Investigations.
The department has made a physical
inspection and determined the unit
stresses for two railroad bridges of
two spans each. 1t was found that un-
der actual operating conditions they
are safe for public use at this time.
Seven inspections Of new construc-
ton have been for the purpose of
e granting certificates Of safety. In all
cases. tests under actual operating con-
oitions were required before recon-
were made for granting
the came. All construction was found
to be in accordance with the plans and
safe to operate with one exception.
The deficiency in this latter case was
pointed out to the parties concerned
and favorable action obtained.
Several cases Of inadequacy Of tele-
phone service have been reported, in
vestigations made and the causes re-
moved.
Four cases Of poor service in con-
nection with water utilities have aris-
en-. In two cases plans have been SUBJ
mitted looking to improving the same.
Two cases are still pending.
Tho general studies Of conditions az
fecttng the operation of gas, electric
and water utilities are being continued.
Tentative rules Of service have been