New Britain herald., 1917-12-27
GOVERNMENT MAY BULL
 MUNlTION FACTORIES !
SELECTMAN ALLlNG OF BERLIN
 IGNORES NEW BRITAlN'S OFFER
Has Not Replied to Fire Commissioners Letter Suggesting Agreement on Use of Department.

There has been considerable critical 1 comment made today by both Berlin and Kensington residents and local 1 city officials regarding the alleged ac- tion of First Selectman Willard I. AL ling last evening when fire threatened to devastate the center of Kensington. Lately the New Britain fire commis- sioners notified the Berlin selectmen that they wished to reach some def mite agreement concerning the use
 of the New Britain fire apparatus for fires in Berlin and a schedule of fees
 was outlined. It is said that when
 the fire broke out in Kensington last
 evening First Selectman, filling was
 besearched by some of the townspeo-
 pie to summon the New Britain de-
 partment but he demurred. In this
 connection it is said that he made the
 statement that the wind had shifted
 and there was no need of calling for
 assistance.
 City Department Saves Property.
 Eventually, however, one of the
 townspeople, John J. McCabe, took
 the matter into his own hands and
 telephoned to Mayor G. A. Quigley,
 setting forth the facts and asking for
 help. The mayor immediately got
 into communication with Chairman A.
 E. Magncll of the fire commission and
 the fire department was dispatched to
 the scene. By the arrival of the local
 department and the efficient work rem
 dered by the f1remen there is no doubt in the minds of the Kensington
 citizens that the Malley property, which was threatened with destruc- tion, was saved as was, possibly. other ! adjoining property which might have
 caught fire had not the organized fire ! department, with chemical apparatus, 1 arrived to give aid to the willing but
 hampered volunteer f1remen in Ken
 sington.
 i Boards Letter Not Answered. In commenting upon the situation
 this morning Chairman Magnell of
 the fire board had but little to say
 other than that as yet his board has
 received no reply to a letter sent to
 Berlin on December IA relative f ], fire department service. A copy of ' this letter which was mailed to each l V" tAAo A1OA HI 0CtCCllHCN IOllOWS. New Britain. Conn, Dee. IA, 1917. ITO the Seiectmen, Town of Berlin. | "Gentlemen:-
 At times during the past few
 years calls for assistance with the aid
 of our motor fire apparatus have been
 received from Berlin in cases of fire. In responding. to such calls the city has taken the chance of liability of injury to its n4en and damage to it's apparatus. Believing that there should be a definite understanding and agreement concerning such service in
 the future we submit the accompany ing agreemen" for your acceptance and signature under which conditions, only will we continue to give assist l ance. Please return for our sigma ture.
 "Yours truly. -e
 Board of Fire Commissioners, "A. E. MAGNELL. chairman, " New Britain, Dec. 14, 1917. An agreement entered into this - day\ of -, 19-, between the selectmen acting for and in behalf of the Town of Berlin, and the Board
 of Fire Commissioners of the City of New Britain.
 u lo IIluIudIAy d6IScO dAu ulu0F- stood that circumstances and condi- tions in New Britain shall be the first consideration of the New Britain fire department before responding to calls for aid. Subject to the above, the New Brit ain fire department will respond to alarms in Berlin only when called by a member of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Berlin, or such per- son or persons authorized by said Se- lectmen, to caH~the fire department-a list of such persons to be furnished by the Selectmen of Berlin, and notice of any changes or additions shall be given in writing as they are made. Calls for the fire department shall be | made through ire headquarters. tele- l phone 931. "1n consideration of the services of tho fire department of the City of New, Britain, in accordance with the fore going provisions, the Selectmen of the town of Berlin agree to pay at the rate of $50 for every alarm answered,
 and $50 additional for every hour or fractional part thereof after the first 1 hour, the time to be counted from the l departure of the apparatus from it's station until back in commission.
 ''The Town of Berlin hereby agrees to assume any and all liability falling to the city of New Britain by reason ! of injury to person or persons. or damage to apparatus and property" ! Not only has the above letter not
 been answered, but, 1t is said. the Ber- lin authorities have never acknowl- edged or expressed any thanks for fire department service given that town by the New Britain officials during the ! rQ Sf vnar