New Britain herald., 1917-01-05
THREATS OF STRIKE AMONG THE FIRfMEN Members of Hose Company Want
 Norton to Continue Chief SEEK PAY FROM STATE

hose company and the board of fire commissioners hold separate meetings to take action on the matter. The fire monthly session. A special effort has been made to prevail upon the mem bers of the company to he present, as the grievances of the fremen, which were brought to head by the resignation of the chief, are expected to be thoroughly aired.
 Wholesale resignations on scale that could be characterized as a gen. eral strike of the "smoke-eaters" are predicted in the con.pany's ranks un- less the commissioners succeed in strengthening out the difficulties which seemingly exist between them and the chief. The f1remen are anticipating action disappearing of any move which would make the selection of a new chief necessary, ard they will probably communicate their wishes in the matter to the commissioners dur ing the evening.
 Members of the board apparently are anxious to have Chief Norton re- consider his action, although they do not admit that they have been at fault in their relations with him. As commissioners, they claim to have certain rights and dictation regard ing the conduct of the department, 1t Is their contention, should come from them alone. When they do not con- cur with the head of the department in opinions relative to equipment or any other matter, 1t is their claim that the matter should then be ended.
 The f1remen's principal complaint concerns what they term the negli- gence of the commissioners. The board, which consists of II. c. Thomp- son, chairman; Hugh Flood and James Simpson, 1t is understood have not met since they organized a long time ago. The members set forth that the chairman has never called them together, probably because of the belief that things were running satisfactorily and they had no busi- ness to transact.
 Plainville's fire department has been regarded as a highly efficient one for 8 town of this size, and the citizens in general are not anxious to have any unpleasantness between officials which might result in lowering the standard. Several of the company's most experienced men have declared their intention of surrendering their badges if the chief leaves. They are extremely loyal to him and they ap- parently are sincere in their deterp1i- nation to quit unless things are run on a basis more satisfactory to them.
 The fire commissioners are expected to make an effort to retain the chief and action along this line will prob ably be taken at their meeting.
 Seeks Pay From State.
 Having acquiesced to the wishes of the charity board of New Britain re- garding Plainville's paying for the expenses of the funeral of Owen Kelly, who was killed by an automobile near White Oak a few weeks ago, First Se1ectman Johnson has forwarded a statement to Comptroller Webster and has asked for reimbursement from the state. The bill sent to the capitol is for s22.5o, the amount allowed for funeral expenses for state paupers
 While Kelly died in New Britain, the officials of that city claimed that as he lived in Plainville it was up to the local selectmen to see that he was buried. He had worked at the trans l fer station for about two weeks, and l the selectmen refused at first to look after his body. The remains were kept in an undertaking establishment l for few days, the officials of both l towns claiming they were not re- l sponsible for his burial.
 Selectman Johnson finally agreed to l have Plainville assume the burden of 1 expense attending the burial, although | he would not admit that the duty was l legally his The facts gathered in the 1 investigation of Kelly's death showed | him to be a state pauper, and the l of, oin tn tI0f Ia l will have any trouble in getting reim- l bursement from the comptroller.
 Lodges Install.
 With Department Installing Officer | Pratt of Waterbury and Mrs. Chloe A. 1 Warren of this place in charge, the | officers of Newton Manross post. G. ] A. R., and the Woman's Relief Corps 1 were inducted last evening, both or ganizations holding a joint meeting in Grand Army hall.
 !. Fayette Douglass again took the 1 obligations of commander. position which he has held for several terms. l
 There was a program of entertain | ment during the evening, and refresh l ments were served.
 Officers of Sequassen lodge, I. O. o. F., elected for the ensuing term, took the obligations last evening from Dis trict Deputy Frank G. Osborne.
 The installation exercises attracted 1 large attendance.
 The elective officers of tho organ ization are:
 Noble Grand-Burton S. Norton.
 Vice Grand-Morris N. Green.
 Recording Secretary-William J. Mckee. @
 Financial Secretary-Frank G. Os- l borne.
 Treasurer-Ralph E. Morrill,.
 With Rev. H. I. Bodley of New