Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-01-17
BUDGET HEARINGS
Continued from Page one)

difference in the price of coal as bought
for the different institutions.
Governor Milliken explained that
coal, as other supplies, IL amounting
to over $500 was bought on competitive
bids. except by express permission Of
the Governor and Council. 1t had not
been possible to get bids in 1917 and
l. 8 on account OF war conditions. lie
thought that under normal conditions
the State shoulr make arrangements
to buy from the mines and take the
saving although local dealers should
also be considered. So far rs he knew
there was no difference in The price OF
coal at the different institutions.
State Auditor Roy L. Wardwell said
that all the bids and bills came to his
Office and were sent for order of pay
ment to the Governor and Council. He
was preparing and would have ready
soon a table showing the different prices
of coal at the different institutions.
They differ some on account of loca-
ton. etc. 1t had been a case during
the past two years of getting coal al
any price. He thought it would be adj
visable to have State purchasing
agent for the various articles used in
quantities. Some of the institutions did
now pool on buying flour and other ar
ticles and made good savings.
School for Feeble. Minded
DR.. Carl J. Hedin. superintendent CT
the Maine School for Feeble Minded
at Pownal, was the first to be exam.
ined by the committee and he wen.
into the subject quite extensively The
regular estimated amounts asked for
show quite an increase over the past
two years. The regular appropriations
for the past two years were: 1917, $H.-
16o; and 1918, $4,000. The amounts ask
ed for are: 1919. s121. oc0. and the same
amount for 1920 These estimates in
clothing, repairs and equipment. and
general expenses. and are based upon
higher prices OF food and increased
maintenance expenditures caused by
the higher prices Of the past two years.
AS there are at present about 200 APP
plications for admittance to the school,
which is filed, it has been deemed adj
visable to make plans by building an
additional dormitory to accommodate
1903 more persons. The special estimat-
ed amounts asked for during the next
two years are therefore based upon
that number of additional inmates.
A special appropriation Of $37.5oo.
of which $4,000 is asked for in 1919
and s17.50O in 1920. to build a power
house and chimney and an appropri-
alton of $4,000 is asked for equip
ment. Special appropriations for the
next two years are: $4,000 in 1919
and 100000 in 1920.
For the building and equipment Of
an infirmary; 100000 is asked. or
this amount $4,000 is to be expended
In 1919 and $4,000 in 1920 The need
Of such a building is very large on
account Of the number of invalid
and crippled children at the school,
There are at present so cases AMI
they should i'll the opinion of DIR.
Hedin be placed in Il building by
themselves.
An appropriation of $4,000 is
needed for horse barn. There is an
old barn on the place but it is out
Of repair and Should be torn down
and carted away. Its location is bad
and it does not have the right suni-
tary conditions. At present t.,erc
are 10 horses and in the summer two
more horses are kept. The manase-
ment of the school is asking for
$1,000 for cart shed which is also
much needed. An appropriation for
a motor and planning machine calls
for $4,000. A trestle and coal pocket
at the Pownal station calls for ST.
600 more.
At present there are used at the
school Ut the various cottage and
buildings about 1000 tons of coal a
year. 1t is proposed to build a bin
at the Pownal station that will hold
500 to 1000 tons. 1t is estimated that
between 800 and 400 tons are used
for each building.
A bridge across the creek at the
pumping station is much needed ana
an appropriation of $4,000 Is asked
for. The bridge will be about -
long and the need for it is .ery
great.
Various questions were asked and
answered about the Central Heating
& Power Plant for which approprl-
atoms were made in 1917 and 1913
and which work has been held up
for time. The matter Of Obtaining
power from the Cumberland Light 4
Power Co. at Gray four miles away
and also by buying the old wooden
mill water power ut Gray were
shown to be costly and unsatisfs1-
tory.
Howard l.. Kcyser Of the board Of
trustees told the committee that one