The Penn's Grove record., 1916-03-17
More Taxes From duPOntS Needed For
Repairs They Cause.

The March meeting of the County
Board of Freeholders was held in the
Court House, in Salem. on the Sth. All
members were present. Director Grey
presided.
Mr.. Griscom, foe the Committee on
Supplies to County Jail, reported thir-
teen prisoners in Jail, seven white and
six colOred, at Il cost of $52.7S. or an
average of 10 $40 cents and in the road
camp, ten prisoners. six white and four
colored, at a cost of $104.53. or an aver.
age of 81 10 cents.
Mr.. Smith reported that the commit
tee on the Penns Grove road had DELAYED
to advertise for bids for the construction
of the Penns Grove end of the road, in
the hope of ascertaining whether the Sa-
lem and Penns Grove trolley line would
be far enough along in building as to
transport any of the material for the
construction of the road, as it would af-
feet the bidding. He read a letter from
the engineers of the trolley company. but
1T gave no assurance that they would be
able to do anything before May. and it
was thought best to invite bids at once,
and a resolution to this effect was pas
sed, the bids to be opened on April 10th,
plans and specifications having already
been approved.
A communication was received from
the Borough Council of Penns Grove.
asking the Board to reduce the height
of the road on Main St., Penns Grove,
some six inches, when the trolley line
is constructed, to conform with the
height of the curb ON each side. The
distance is about a quarter of a mile.
1t was stated that the road Will have to
be rebuilt, and it would be much better
to have it to grade.
A resolution was passed to have the
work done.
Mr.. Smith presented a resolution for
the building of the second section of the
Penns Grove road, extending from sec
ton one to Pennsville, and that a sur
vey be made and plans and specifca-
tons be prepared by the engineer. The
distance is about three miles and a third.
The estimated cost by Engineer Keasbey
is 100000, of which $4,000 is to be paid
by the county. 1t is to be of stone, with
ameisite top.
Engineer Keasbey thought this road
and the building of the Sharptown and
Penns Grove road. which is to come in
oANho VI ms Jul DC DullI Without
issuing bonds, if the building of the
latter is done in 1916 and the other in
1917, the increase in ratables in the
county, by reason of the increases of sew
eral millions on the DUPONT plants.
being sufficient to provide the money
necessary. The resolution was passed,
Mr.. Robinson voting against, and Mr..
Nav not voting.
Mr.. Heron submitted a proposition
from Smick & Harris. of Quinton, for
an iron fence on the Penns Neck cause
way, to cost about $500. He said the
committee had considered this too high,
and advocated the building of a wooden
fence, which was ordered, and left to
the committee, with power TO act. The
wooden fence will cost about 5000.
1t was stated that Thomas Wadding-
ton was unwilling to accept the offer
made by the Board at the last meeting.
to give him an increase of pay as over
seer of the convict road camp, in lieu of
his giving up fishing, and a resolution
was passed to permit him to go fishing
and return at the end of the season to
the road camp at S. a day as guard and
foreman.
1t was ordered that a fve-foot path be
constructed on the side of Penns Neck
bridge, over Salem creek, so citizens of
Salem may enjoy being at the creek
because the many automobiles and trolley
will be dangerous for them to be on the
bridge as heretofore.
Stems & Silverman. the engineers for
the Salem and Penns Grove Traction
CO., presented plans for the underworld
to strengthen Penns Neck bridge to sus-
tain the heavier trolley travel. Allen r.
Wilson, of Philadelphia, an engineer who
has had considerable experience in bridge
building for the Pennsylvania Railroad,
was employed to do the engineer work
for $1750.
Solicitor Keasbey advised the Board
that Paul Vockler had brought an action
for $4,000 damages, for injuries received
to his team by getting into a washour
at a bridge on the road from Elmer to
Palatine last September. The Board
ordered the suit defended, and at the
request of Mr.. Keasbey, J. Foreman Sin,
nickson was associated with Mr.. Keas-
hey in the matter.
Members of the Salem County Bar
asked the Board to place a telephone in
the Surrogate's office, which was granted.
Clark Petit, a member of the County
Board of Taxation, addressed the Free
holders in behalf of the taxpayers in
general in the county in reference to the
assessments of the dupont Powder Works.
He said that while many are assessed
at full value the powder works were as
sessed at only 10 peracent. The works
were assessed last year. 50, 81 in Up
per Penns Neck township and $135,129
in Lower Penns Neck, a total of $2,225,-
900. 1t should be assessed at $4,000
600. The Company pays only $13,500
into the county treasury. After the cost
of keeping the roads and schools up and
the extra police protection needed, there
is nothing left for the county. There is
not enough received from the Company
in taxes to meet the extra cost on the
county caused by the works being in the
county. Consequently it is a liability in