Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-07-24
tiers

Augustas urgent need of new and
adequate fire alarm system was forci-
bly, emphasized by Frank w. Alden
of Waterville. representing the New
England Fire Insurance Exchange, and
chairman of the committee of that
organization which determines the
rates for southern kennebec county, at
q meeting Monday evening in the
aldermen's room, attended by men,
bers OF the city government, the men
OF the fire department, and several in
surance agents. The purpose of the
meeting was the consideration of
means by which the citys insurance
rates might be lowered Mayor Swift
presided as chairman.
Mr.. Alden explained that Augusta
is now graded in Glass c. along with
Lewiston, Auburn, Waterville. Saco
and Biddeford, and that the city lacks
10 IA points of the necessary amount
to be admitted to the Glass 3 group.
For the installation of a modern alarm
system alone the Exchange would
credit the city with Il points, he said
There are numerous slight improve
ments any one of which would make
up the difference AS an example of
the decrease in insurance rates that
would follow should Augusta achieve
the higher rating. Mr.. Alden stated
that on a combustible frame building,
on which the insurance rate is now
S12 on $1,000 for five years, and on
the contents, for which the rate is
$3.50 on $1,000, with the necessary
improvements made, the rates would
be $3.50 and S10.0S.
The lack of permanent members of
the department force was a decided
disadvantage. Mr.. Alden said. and he
advocated that on the west side of
the city there be established an auto
engine company of four permanent
men, q hose company of two perma
nent men, and a hook and ladder COM
pany of four; and that on the east
side there be a hose company of two
permanent men.
Among the many suggestions offered
by Mr.. Alden We're that the ladder truck
be placed in reserve and its place taken
by a combination auto truck; and that
the men a the department be subject
ed to regular drill under competent off,
GERS. The sem-annual or quarterly in
spection of fire conditions by the men of
the department would be of two-fold adj
vantage. he said. as while the men We're
seeing that no unnecessary sources of
danger were being tolerated, they would
also be becoming familiar with the
buildings and gaining a knowledge
which would be very useful in case of
fire in these structures. There was con-
siderable discussion relative to the pro-
posed erection of a new fire station and
the sentiment of the present seemed en-
tirely favorable. Mayor Swift and sew
eral others expressed the belief that the
citizens would favor such an undertake
ing should they consider the matter
carefully. AS the decrease in tax rates
would repay the outlay within a short
time. Among those who spoke briefly
w. Beck, George H. Macomber, Chief
Roy X Small of the fire department.
Alderman Anderson. chairman of the
fire department committee, Alderman
Giddings, a member of the committee,
and Hon E. c. CARL.
At the close of the speaking a rising
vote of thanks was extended Mr.. AL
den, and Mayor Swift announced that
an informal hour of socia bility, in the
nature of a reception to the new chief
of the department. was in order. Ba-
nanas, sandwiches and lemonade were
served and cigars were passed.