The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-06-06
WALKER DENIES
 ICE PRICE PACT
Mayor Wilson Claims Price Will Go to 60 Gents
 Monday.

While the people of Bridge port, especially those in strengthened circumstances are wondering anxiously if the price of ice in this city will be reduced from 80. cents per 100 pounds to 60 cents, as announc- ed in Mayor Clifford B. Will sons annual message delivered to the Board of Aldermen last Monday night, Harry Walker, president of the Berkshire Ice Company refused to make a definite statement to the press today on the subject, and de- nied he had entered into any agreement with the mayor to supply ice at the reduced price.
 He disclaimed any connection with the Bridgeport Ice Delivery Co.,, and shifted the burden to his brother, B. H. Walker of the Naugatuck Valley Ice Co.,, and Earl D. Sprague of the Sprague Ice & Coal Co.
 Mir. Walker said that as president of the Berkshire Ice Co.,, he could not sell ice to the Bridgeport Ice Deliv cry Go. so they could sell to the con- sumner at 60 cents and make profit.
 Mayor Wilson again said the price would be reduced to 60 cents by Monday.
 It leaves the situation as indefinite as is possible under the circum- stances, and keeps people who can find good use for the 25 per cent saving that would be effected by the reduction in suspense. Neither E. H. Walker or Earl D. Sprague would comment on the situation T don't know anything about tho reduction of the price of ice by Mon- day" Ask the mayor" See Earle Spra gue and my brother,' were some of the very definite exclamations and assertions made by Harry Walker when iced" by a battery of news paper men just outside the mayors office in city hall this morning. The favorite pastime of passing the buck, or rather the ice was indulged in and taken great liberties with, but it got the news gatherers nothing and the public less. The mayor stuck by his guns and said the price would be down Monday.
 During the discussion, which at- tained great heights of eloquence, the mayor emerged from the rear door of his office. MT. Walker inme dfately followed and the mayor was bonn barded with little result. The Presi- dent of the Berkshire company was overhauled on the lower floor, hem med in on both sides, but fought va liantly.
 Mir. Walker said that he had noth. ing to do with the Bridgeport Ice Delivery Co; admitted several con- versations with the mayor, but nary an agreement; stated broadly that his business was to sell ice to retailers and not to the consumer, the Bridge port Ice Delivery Go. being one of his customers He was questioned in ra pid fire fashion.
 Are you selling ice to the Bridge port Ice Delivery Go. so they can sell to the consumer with profit at 60 cents per 100 pounds?" was asked. ' ~"I certainly am not" replied the ice baron.
 DO you mean to say they would lose money if they sold ice at that price?" was the next question
 ''If they continue to buy from me they surely will,'' said MT. Walker. Well, why don't you reduce the price?' was the next shot. Because I am only one of the stockholders in the Berkshire Ice Co.,, and I can't go ahead and lose money for the others" came the answer.
 Well, we think somebody ought to enlighten us, on what the mayor meant, when he aid the price would be reduced to cents''
 See the mayor" said MT. Walk CT.
 see you.'
 well. try my brother or Earle Sprague-"
 After MT. Walker was informed; all the aforementioned gentlemen