New Britain herald., 1916-10-06
WASHINGTON MUST
 SEEK ANNEXATION
Charter Revision Committee So
 Informs Village Delegation

Kensington people interested in the proposition of annexation with New Britain got their hearing before the charter revision committee at city hall last night and while the meeting was not without profit to both sides it did at times resem ble a horse swapping on a village green. The charter revision committee. of which only half the members were present, apparently had had change of heart since it's initial meeting some two weeks ago and some Of the members took the attitude that all the benefits to be derived from an- nexation were Kensington's and they ought to be willing to come into the city without asking questions.
 On the other hand the Kensington residents who attended the meeting were quite alive to their own interests and though apparently more than willing to come half way in the mat ter were not ready to offer supplied ton for the privilege. Ex-senator Claude w. Stevens of Kensington led the village forces and, when 1t be- came apparent the charter revision committee was not offering annexa- ton or anything else to Kensington, declared with some spirit that Ken sington is not keen to be annexed. They had come to be shown. he said, and understood that the purpose of the meeting was to get together on the proposition and find out just what was to be given and taken.
 On the other hand T. H. Kehoe of the charter revision committee main tained that the whole affair was simply an echo of the hearing two years ago when Kensington came here seeking for water. According to his idea the charter revision committee was simply there to give a hearing to Kensington if it wanted water or an- nexation and New Britain was offer ing nothing. MT. Kehoe also explained to the visitors that they would have to take pot luck with New Britain if they came in on the question of taxes and also on improvements. Senator Landers, who was very much interested in the annexation proposi- tion when the committee met two weeks ago, unfortunately was absent last night and some things that were said in favor of annexation at that meeting were missing last night.
 Gaffney Presides.
 Judge B. F. Gaffney, who was chosen chairman at the organization meeting, attended for the first time last night and after hearing the ar guments on the subject of annexa- ton advised the KensingtOn people that the proper procedure is for Ken sington to take the matter up in public meeting, gain an idea of what the people want to do in the matter and later on have conference With New Britain. With this understand ing the hearing terminated and the Kensington delegates departed.
 Sparring for Opening.
 When the meeting opened Mayor Quigley, who left early to attend a republican rally, informed Judge Gaf- rey in response to a question that the purpose was to discuss Kensington annexation. The chairman called on Senator Stevens to talk for Kensing- ton Mr. Stevens said while his people were there to be shown, he would say that Kensington needs city water and asked if it could be se- cured without annexation. Mayor Quigley replied negatively and ex- plained that the New Britain had se- cured it's water rights for this city alone and to provide another com munity with water might invalidate the rights and cause the city to pay damages. Judge Gaffney added that such an action might invalidate the city's water bonds. MT. Stevens said he thought it would be possible to get around the trouble by charter amendments.
 A question then arose as to how much of Kensington would be an- nexed and Sen. Stevens stated that the village line was supposed to run northward from Stockings corner reaching the village at Mott's corners, southeast of the village. MT. Stevens said annexation, would mean that Kensington would lose it's identity and what went with it and they wanted to know whether it was going to be worth while. It was explained that the tax rate in Berlin is 16 mills and 15 mills in the second or outside dis trict of New Britain. Mayor Quigley said the second district of New Brit ain may be abandoned on the recom- mendatiOn of the committee. He further informed the Kensington del egation that Kensington would prob ably be a burden on New Britain for a number of years as the city would be compelled to assume KensingtOn's share of the Berlin town debt, would have to repair streets, provide water and police and fire protection as well as take care of the schools.
 New Britain's Front Door.
 Senator Stevens said New Britain would gain a front door by taking IT. IT r1-