Norwich bulletin., 1919-10-14

hospital since his return from France, is home on leave and expects his discharge before the month ends. He was among the first to enter the regular service from Westerly. and for dis = ished active service was awarded .o French Croix de Guerre with palm leaf, an honor only exceed ed by the cross of the Legion of Hon or. He also received the Distinguish ed Service cross. and ranks among the leaders in the number of bombing raids. After his discharge he will take course of studies in the Rhode Island State College at Kingston Lieutenant Blake graduated from the Westerly High school. class of 1915
 At the quarterly meeting of the Rhode Island State Firemen's league, the principal matter of discussion was the State FiremenS Rellef fund Ihe annual appropriation of s2500 from money paid the state by outside ln- surance companies and any balance that the commissioners have at the end of the fiscal year is. by law. turn ed back to the general treasurer, but is held in reserve for three years, sup- ject to the draft of the commission IT found necessary. The commissioners have returned to the treasurer at least half of the appropriation each year The several fire companies of West. erly are members of the league ana benefcieries of the fund.
 In view of the high cost of living the commissioners this year have allowed members of call or volunteer depart ments who have been injured in the discharge of their duties s per day, while members of permanent depart ments who receive their regular pay during disability. have been allowed $50 per day, The death claim or $10o is paid directly from the general treasury unless the beneficiary pre- fers to receive a monthly payment fGr two years. in which case the money is paid from the commission's appro- priation.
 The league appointed a committee consisting of Former Fire Commits sioner George Hunt of Providence, who was for several years member of the State Relief Board; and Form CT Presidents of the State League Le-L vi s. Winchester of Riverside, who was one of the committee that drew up the original relief fund statute; William H. Erskine of Albion. John A. Hamilton, of Cranston, and Cap tain John J. Mullen of East Provi- dence. for the purpose of considering possible changes in the law governing the leagues methods.
 There is a movement under consid eration among the firemen of Rhode Island for the formation of a new state organiza tion which shall have for it's object the welfare of its mem bers along lines similar to those of the State Firemen's associations that have proved beneficial to the hremen of all grades in Massachusetts and Con- necficut The promoters intention is to call meeting at an early date Of prominent members of the various de- partm and individual companies throughout the state for the consider ation of the matter and the formation of definite plan.
 According to the initial prospectus of the organiza ton it is proposed to have the membership so broad as to include every fireman in the state, chiefs, permanent. callmen and sub stitutes in the permanent departments, active members of volunteer com panies, veteran firenen, well as retired members. It is proposed that the initiation fee shall be $1 and that the annual dues be the same amount, with no other expense. It is pro- at his death from any cause the sum of 5000. There are upwards of 7.- 800 members of fire companies-per- nanent. volunteer and veteran - in Rhode Island and it is expected that at least $500 to 4000 of them can be secured to start the new associa ton.
 Massachusetts and Connecticut each have strong state associations of firemen that have been Influential general conditions for the firemen Of those states and in conducting fan cia1 beneficial departments to the ad- vantage of the members. Whether the proposition will meet with general approval of the firemen in Rhode Is land is somewhat problema tical. but it is contended that in order to pay the proposed 5000 death benefit. it would be necessary to levy regular as sessments or the association would become financially. embarrassed almost before it got started. The progress of the movement is being watched with 1 considerable interest by the freight l CTS throughout the state.
 The no parking signs were placed in 1 Union. not Main street
 Walter Snyder. head clerk at the | Nash news store. who managed the ! Watch Hill branch store during the l season. is on his vacation. He will 1 spend part of the time in New York l city and then will visit relatives in l Elizabeth N. J.
 The Fourth company. Westerly. was easily the equal in marching and ap- pearance Of any other Rhode Island | State Guard company. in the Columbus | Day parade in Providence Monday. Wesetrlv Wednesday The case of Frank Holiday against the town of Westerly is assigned for trial.
 Raymond Burke was in New London Menday wfere he expected to secure 
 With all the billboards removed. civic certre is itself again.
 Party caucuses this week, but there is not a ripple of interest apparent
 No rector has yet been selected for Christ FDisconal church to succeed Rev. William F. Williams. resigned.
 With the exception of Rev. Clay ton A. Burdick. pastor of the Seventh Da-- Baptist church. Rev. F. C. A. Jones. pastor of Calvary Baptist 
 iii Ott l.0rnSt