Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-01-02
DISPOSAL OF RUBBISH.

Conditions relating to the disposition ol
waste and rubbish have been improved
within the past few years. but are sun
far from ideal, and are not In accordance
with the sanitary principles OF moderh
city. We are still depending upon the
old-fashioned burning city dump. which,
although removed to the outskirts of the
city, continues to be a menace to health
with its unpleasant odors and far-reach-
ing smoke. 1t seems entirely fitting now,
that the city should investigate the mod
ern processes for destroying waste, and
should consider the installation Of some
such process which would be suitable for
our needs.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Augusta has every reason to be proud
of its police force and It's orderly streets.
Its officers are men Of good character and
fine appearance, who take pride in their
work, and there is no department where
these qualities are more necessary. OF
the many benefits of government derived
| by individuals, none are more highly ap-
preciated than the protection afforded
their interests under the law. For this
reason, faithful services of police officers
are quickly recognized. Let us cooperate
with the department in keeping the city
clean and wholesome and maintaining a
high degree of efficiency.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The high standard of efficiency in the
fire department is shown by the small
property loss by fire during the past
year. There is no department where ser
vice counts for more, or where a high
, sense of duty is more important. To our
firemen who give their best so willingly
of this department. The outgoing ad-
ministration has added much new equip
ment. and made several changes and ad-
ditions, that have long been needed. We
should give this department our earnest
attention. working along lines that will
not only add efficiency. but will event
ually bring a lower rate of insurance to
the city. With this In view. l expected
to place before you facts and figures
showing the requirements and changes
necessary to secure reduction in insur-
ance rates. The New England Insurance
Exchange Is now working upon the mat
ter, and inform me that the information
will be forthcoming very soon The mer-
camille property of the city is rated with
base rate as a starting point, which is
made up Of various deficiency charges.
portion Of these charges can probably be
eliminated at an expense which will be
more than warranted by the savings on
insurance prethuma, Under the present
system Of classification of towns, for
dwelling house rates, this city is placed In
the "C'' class. 1t is probable that the
oh
connection with the mercantile base rate
Will be sufficient to change this classif-
cation to the ''B" class, which privilege
Is enjoyed by but tive other cities in the
State, Portland and Bangor. If brought
about, this change will reduce the pre-
miums on dwelling houses and their con-
tents 20 per cent, and make a substantial,
reduction on mercantile rates.
POOR DEPARTMENT
The care of the unfortunate poor of the
city Is problem which should receive
our careful and interested attention. The
almshouse is old. but clean and we'll
kept, and the inmates are well cared for
The farm is supplied with good farming
equipment, well stocked, and in a good
state of cultivation. This department has
many calls for assistance, and it is my
desire that each case he carefully investY-
gated. No needy and worthy person
should be refused reasonable help but aid
should not be given unless it is necessary.
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
The various departments will be In
charge of efficient. competent men, hold |
ing their positions by appointment, at the !
will and pleasure of the mayor Every !
man will enter upon his work with a keen
sense of his responsibilities, and a desire /
to give the city the best service of which |
he Is capable, knowing that no short |
comings or slipshod methods will be toll |
Grated. Straightforward. clean-cut bust
ness methods and management are de-
manded and confidently expected. |
CONCLUSION.
We now take up the work before us. !
and I offer these suggestions, confident
of our ability to work together in all mat
tiers we have in common. I shall put my
best efforts into the work, and, in CO.
operation, shall expect you to do the
same. Let every man be prompt ana
regular in attendance upon our meetings,
that he may be we'll informed and in close
touch with the work. I suggest that the
tendance at all regular meetings. some
thing that has not been done heretofore.
Your attendance at committee meetings
is of especial importance in order that
each member may be familiar with its
work. thus insuring a comprehensive |
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