New Britain herald., 1919-08-29
Retiring Inspector, A. N. Rutherford, Issued Per mits For Nearly $500 Vari- ous Structures.
1900 TENEMENTS
 HAVE BEEN ADDED

After almost five years as the in cumbent of the office of building in spectOr, Arthur N. Rutherford will step out of the office at noon tomor row and retire to private life. His successor, John w. Allen, who was ap- pointed by Mayor George A. Quigley, will tender MT. Rutherford a reception to which the city officials, all the en- ployeS of the city hall and newspaper men have been invited. The reception is to be held in the city hall from ? to 4 D. m., September ?.
 During Mr. Rutherford's admniS- tratiOn as building inspector New Brit ain has witnessed a remarkable growth in construction. According to figures compiled in the building in spector's office approximately $500 permits have been granted by MT. Rutherford during the past five years. Approximately 1900 tenements and 110 stores were added in this city at a total cost of about $S000,000.
 Entered Office May 1, 1911.
 When Mr. Rutherford entered his office on May l, 1914. it was only a part time position with a salary of $500 attached to it. MT. Rutherford devoted considers Dle of his time to the work and it~Nas through his untiring efforts that the position of building in spector was brought to the high plane which it occupies today. The position is now a full time one and the build ing inspector is compensated each year for his work with a salary of $2,- 750
 Soon after Mr. Rutherford entered office he foresaw the rapid growth of this city and at once began a cam paign against the construction of six tenement frame buildings which would prove to be firetraps. He was greatly instrumental in having the common council enact an ordinance #forbidding the erection of large frame buildings. Every frame structure built in this city today is limited to four tenenlents, Several other important ordinances were passed through his efforts and Foresight
 s Prevents Fire Traps. About year ago AIr. Rutherford, by cooperation with Captain Eugene Barnes. of the fire department, work ed on fire prevention system which placed this city on high standard of efficiency as regards inspection of lDuildings. The fire department daily jnspects various structures about the { city and recommends the erection of fire escapes to the building inspector. The matter is at once investigated by the building inspector and the prop Crty owners whose buildings are af- fected are notified to erect fire escapes , or be prosecuted.
 '. When MT. Rutherford steps out of office. tomorrow he will probably have he distinction of being one of the few men who left a political job with the good will of both parties.
 During the war MT Rutherford de aoted considerable of his time to aiding the various drives over the top. No campaign for funds was complete -nnless MT. Rutherford was the chair sman of q committee and each time his committee would bring in some of the highest results
 He was also United States admins- ftrator on nOn-war construction for This district, which included New Britain, Plainville, Berlin, Newington and SOuthington.
 MT Rutherford resigned his office to again. take up his business as a contractor and builder, which he did before he accepted the building in Sspectors job Although leaving the office he occupied in the City hall for the past five years, Mir. Rutherford will give his successor any assistance which he may need.