New Britain herald., 1916-05-12

De reached that because of the pro- sressive step this year the city should stop there
 Building Values Increased $9.f93,2O2.
 The building operations in New Britain in the past eight years repre- sent an investment of s9,193,202 and Il Is debatable question if New Britain has progressed correspond ingly in the Improvements of it's fire department for the protection of that investment. There were 463 brick Buildings added, representing an eSti- mated expenditure, according to the building permits, of $5,260,747; 95S frame buildings of the value of $3,251, ,97O and S69O,114 for repairs and alterations. The extension of the fire zones in the last two years has caused an increase in the construc- tiCn of brick buildings and legislation by the council was directed with the view of reducing the fire hazard. The records of the building depart ment disclose that 3.126 new tene- ments were added during that period. The classification of buildings accord ing to tenemcnts is as follows: Cot ta ges, 312; two-tenements, 194: three tenements, 322: four-tcne- ments, IT; five tenemcnts, II; six tcnements 22S; scven-tenements :: ht-tcnomcnts, s: nine and ten tenements, one each; tWelVc-tcnc- ments. 8.
 It appears to this board that th" organization of the fire department on a more permanent basis is essen tjal as the motor apparatus is sup planting horses Men are wanted at U tus arrives and fourteen to eighteen men added to the permanent force will take care of the average fires, but, a large fire will call for fire re- serve forco to help out in such a condition: also, in case of sickness or during the vacation season. This fire reserve force will also be a school for future permanent men needed.
 This board has, without any ex- pense to the city, fitted up a repair shop equipped with all the necessary tools for tho repair of any of our motor fire apparatus There are many first class mechanics in the de- rartment who are much interested and anxious to learn more thoroughly the details of motor construction.
 Fire Alarm System.
 In recent years vast improvem ments have been made in fire alarm signal systems and in the opinion of this board New Britain will do well to consider the purchase of the more modern equipment. The necessity of getting alarms promptly and cor rectly appeals to all. A recent in ventory shows an investment of 5000 in the fire alarm system. There are sixty fire alarm boxes and forty-five miles of wiring in the system More fire alarm boxes are required.
 In the opinion of the members of this board Superintendent Cooley should have a motor car, also it is n necessary for efficiency in his depart ment that he should have a compe- tent assistant to aid him in his work al all times The several miles of wire to be laid soon means consider able expense for horse hire, which the need of a car and con- sequent saving to the city.
 Economy Of Motors.
 The economy in motor equipment has been proved to the satisfac ction of the board of public safety. By the IT, ost careful purchasing the cost for upkeep has been held down to $2OO 9 horse in spite of the advance in prices. Therefore it cost $400 for each horse drawn equipment, but now the cost is nearer $700 per pair of horses There is also an additional expense for the upkeep of the ap- paratus.
 The records of the expense of the cars for three years follow: No. 1 .....$48.52 $29.s7 s2s.47 No. ...... 42.OS 53.OO 16.71 ii. & L..... 6 mos) 32.47
 The financial statement of the fire department account follows:
 Appropriated ExDended Payrolls $39, 100000 $37,915.46 Supplies for hor-
 ses ....... 2,50O.OO 2,4oo57 Fire alarm re-
 pairs " 5OO00 4s2 63 Lighting ...... 5O000 49C.34 Repairs to ap-
 paratus ..... 5oo.oo o77.s7 Incidentals .. 10000 3S6,46 Supplies .... S00.00 S7513 Repairs to build
 ings ...... 60O.OO 725.79 Coal and wood.. 100000 1,42OO0 New equipment. 6,250.00 6,699.57 Horse hire and
 purchase =. $500 Insurance . 250.00 332 % rental 65O.00 G49.7O Bell rental ... 10000 10000 Chairman's sal
 ary ..... 300.0O 29555 .. 275.0O 27539 Care of quarters 120.0O 1O791
 $54 4,045.00 S54,79O96 By transfer . 750.00