New Britain herald., 1917-02-12

plumbers during the day. pipes hay ing been frozen in many places dur ing the night. X The temperature served to thlcken the ice on the various ponds although the ice harvesting season is about over, all the dealers having filled their repositories, it is probable that an additional crop will be cut at White Oak for shipment to other sec tions.
 FoOtpads Feared.
 Conditions in town resulting in a large measure from the advent ot scores of "hoaters,' some of whom represent dangerous gangs from Varl- ous parts of the country, have become such that citizens, especially when carrying much money, move around the streets at night with extreme eau tion fearing that they may become the victims of footpads The town is rather nervous over the presence of so many strangers of none too whole some appearance, who turk about in the darkness. and seem to be bent on nefarious business and some of the merchants are said to be making practice of carrying revolvers on their way home from the stores.
 One prominent citizen had his sus picions aroused a few evenings ago by a pair of dangerous looking individuals who followed him. The man had considerable money on his person and the pair, which stalked in his wake, acting so strangely that he expected to be attacked before he reached home.
 He turned in to a neighbours house to allow them to pass but they went along but a short distance, taking their places behind a tree near his home. He called on a friend who ac companied him the balance of the distance. While they were not mo- tested the men figured that beyond question the strangers had planned a robbery and would have attacked their quarry had he not secured .com- pany.
 The townspeople are getting wrought up over conditions and it is probable that something will be done to secure added protection for the citizens. There is talk of asking the railroad to appoint man to do duty at the freight yard every night, keep ing an eye on the transfer station help and other strangers who came here ostensibly looking for work as truckers
 Tells of Missionary Work.
 Rev. Harry Farmer. of New York gave a most interesting talk at the morning service in the Methodist church yesterday concerning his work as a missionary in the Philippine Isl ands. MT. Farmer is a close personal friend of the pastor, Rev. w. A. Goodell and he came here at his in vitation.
 His address proved very interesting and was listened to by a large con- gregation.
 Easy For Relief Board.
 Members of the board of relief are having an exceptionally easy time this year despite the reports of dissatisfac- tion over the report of the assessors Although they have already held three sessions only four property owners have appeared to complain regarding the raise in their assessm ents, and the indications are that not many addi- tional protests will be received.
 At Saturdays session, Reuben Day was the only taxpayer to make an appearance. MT. Day thought the as- sessors placed too high a valuation on his property and he wanted a reduc- tion
 The board will hold but two more public meetings They will be in ses- sion Saturday afternoon and again on the 21st, the last day allowed by law for the filing of appeals for relief.
 Brief Items.
 
 Rev. J. w. Denton gave a report on the mid-winter prophetic conven- tion which he attended in Boston re- gently at the evening service in the Advent. Christian church yesterday.
 Frank Morgan, porter at the Hotel