Norwich bulletin., 1918-07-12

The carriage and paint shop Of John A. Slocum in Ashaway was totally de- stroyed by fire Wednesday night. An automobile. some wagons and tools were saved. Soon after the fire was discovered line of hose was laid from the plant of the Ashaway Woolen mill. but this soon became ineffective, as there was no steam available, and the water power machinery became dlsar- ranged. Flying embers started fire on the roofs of Barter hall, the board ing house and a barn in the rear. but these were eXtinguished by the aid of a volunteer bucket brigade; there be- ing no fire department in the village. While the fire was at it's height seV eral telz&kone calls for assistance came to Chief Samuel G. Cottrell, of the Westerly department, but the as sistance was not forthcoming. Chief Cottrell explained that the department was not equipped with a motor driven jumping machine, and that the local apparatus could moi be utilized where there was no standard hydrant ser vice and therefore it would be useless to send either the hook and ladder truck, or the two other motor driven apparatus to AshaWay, especially as the hose wagons were supplied with 1-2 inch hose while that of the Ashaway mill was Finch hose. Chief CottreI stated that while the local ap- paratus could Care for fires within the Westerly fire district. they would be of no service in Asllaway. He did not care to assume the risk of towing the steam fire engine to Ashaway, as per haps the motor apparatus could not stand the severe strain. He suggested calling the apparatus of the Watch Hill Fire district which is equipped for service anywhere.
 Ashawar rhen appealed for assist ance to the Watch Hill Fire district, twelve miles away. Within fifteen minutes the powerful triple action american-LaF'rance apparatus of Watch Hill was in Ashaway and was pumping water from the Pawcatuck river on to the ruins of the Slocum shop. and prepared to combat any fire in the vicinity. So much delay had beer made before the appeal had been m-i- 10 Watch Hill. there was little service to- the modern fire fighting nacnins from that resort. The Slo- cum shop loss is estimated at S4,000 and was uninsured. The losses to the ether buildings are slight
 Chief Cottreil also received a call to 20 to Bradford for a fire in the bar he- shop located in the Burdick building This call was not complied with as the Westerly apparatus would be of no service. on practically the same grounds as in Asi1away The chief says that outlying places cannot expect aprotection by the apparatus of the Westerly department unless there he hydrant system. and with connec- tior for 1-2 inch regulation hose.
 The fire at the Slecun1 shop was caused by sparks from the chimney. Tn attemptin. 10 eXtinguish the blaze before it made much headway, Mr. Slocun fe,i from the roof. sustained fracture of the right wrist and his back was severely strained.
 President David Robertson. of Wes- teriv, rresded at the quarterly meet ine of the Rhode Island State Fire men League, held Wednesday night in Providence. It was voted to hold the October meeting the second We'd nesday cf the month in the rooms of the Westerly Veteran Firemen's asso- cation. Nearly 60 delegates repre- ssntinS e9 organizations attended the meeting.
 The annual state league muster will he held at Crescent park Saturday July 70, and the entries to dato are: Hand Engine Contest-St2r. of West
 
 chanic. of Warwick: Washington, ot WickfOrd; Libert. or East Providence; Cataract. Of Lakewood; Nonowantums of Providence: Fire King Of Pawtuck et. Hose Reel Races-Fiskeville Fire company of Fiskeville; Phenix, ot PheniX; Rough and Ready. No. ,, ot Warren Entries will close July 19 The prizes will be awarded in wal savings stamps: First s100: second S15: third. $50: fourth. $40 fifth. $50; sixth. S2o; seventh. s15; eighth, S1O.
 William R. Comrie of East Provi- dence, was elected fourth vice presi- dent to fill vacancy. and E. I. Pat was elected fifth vice president
 There seems to be another nisun, derstandinq in renard to enlistment. in the navy 9 branch preferred by manE -oup~ men to the army. Jnde the draft r34les any reSsitraYlt may ap- ply for 6ni.st ment in the navy upcI first obtaining a written permit fyon his local board. No permits can b, issued to men within current quotas As all Class 1 men in Rhode Islan. are within current quotas nine ma, enlist in the navy. Therefore onh raen in classes other than Class 1 il the state may obtain permits to joil the navy.
 Several counter attractions did no seem to lessen the attendance of tht concert in=W Wilcox park, Thursday night when this programme was ren dered: National Air. Hail Columbia march, Over the Top, O'Hara: over ture, Light Cavalry, Suppe; popula air, There's Lump of Sugar Dowl