Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-05-11


Lewis A. Burleigh stated that he
assumed from page II of the report
of the Board of Education that the
amount required by the board was
$10S,632.12 and that he assumed that
that was probably the least sum the
board thought they should have to
manage the school affairs for the
next year. And he moved that the
sum of s109.132.12 be raised by vote,
the $4,000 in excess of the amount
asked for by the board to be for the
development of Capital Park for
athletics and pleasure grounds in the
interests of the schools. He spoke of
the plans that the State Park Com
mission. of which he is member,
are making for the identifying Of the
park in front Of the State House as
a State park and spoke of what a
fine thing this would be for Augusta
as we'll as for the State. The Ques-
ton was before that commission
about having that park for recreation
purposes. but as Mr.. Burleigh pointed
out hits is to be a State park for the
benefit of the State and not for Au-
gusta alone; and he further pointed
out the great advantage at this par
ticular time of the citizens coopera-
ting by making the Capital Driving
Park. school property which is locat-
ed so near the proposed State park.
into a playground for the children of
Augusta and at the same time of
having it harmonic with the plans
70 rthe State park. And Mr.. Bur-
leigh read the motion calling for the
raising Of s109,13212 for school pur-
poses. And in making this motion,
he told of how the city ana the State
at Hartford. Conn, cooperated in the
building of parks.
The question was asked by Hon.
Frank G. harrington whether the
plans contemplated were for the
identifying of Capital park or for
making it into a park for recreation
purposes; and Mr.. Burleigh ans
wered this by stating that it would
be for both.
Hon. Frank G. harrington stated
that he did not wish to speak against
the idea of beautifying Augusta, but
spoke of the lack of recreation places
in the city with the exception of the
Driving park and the Williams field
and stated that if this money was
to be expended for the sole purpose
of identifying Capital park it would
be better to pause.
Mr.. Burleigh stated that his pur-
pose in Offering the motion was 80
per cent for providing an athletic
playground for the children of the
city. but that at the same time an
architect could suggest few simple
changes which would also beauty
the grounds.
The motion was then put to the
meeting with the result, as az.
nounced, of 26 in favor and 81 op-
posed.
The vote was doubted.
William H. Fisher expressed the
opinion that it would be better 20
make two separate motions, one for
the amount asked for by the Board
of Education, and the other for the
$500 for the development of the
Capital park
Alderman Charles Brooks thought
that in view of the survey of the city
with the recommendations for ex-
penditures which will come before
the city government. that this ex-
penditure of $4,000 is now inadvis-
able
Councilman Lester NJ Hart also
thought that this expenditure was in
advisable in view of the increases
which the city council faces in all
departments.
Norman L. Bassett spoke in favor
of the raising Of the extra s2500 for
making Capital Park into a recrea-
ton park in the interests of the
schools.
John E. Nelson expressed the
opinion that the money for a play
ground should be appropriated by
the City Government and not by the
Board of Education.
There was further discussion upon
the proposition, and Mayor Martin at
the suggestion of Mr. Bassett spoke
or the present financial situation of
the city. pointing out that this ex-
ira appropriation of $4,000 would
probably not make the difference of
one mill in the tax rate. 1t was his
opinion that the money thus expend-
ed for a municipal playground. would
be we'll spent
Mr.. Burleigh withdrew his pre-
vious motion and made the motion
that s25o0 be expended for the gen.
erai improvement of the Driving
Park and the development of the
athletic and pleasure grounds. Nav
or Martin called for written ballot.
and appointed as tellers DR.. Thomp-
son. Hon. Guy P. Gannett and Mr..
Iifhn. And the vote was: as in
favor, and SO opposed, and the mo-
ton was thus passed.
Upon motion of Mr.. Farrington.
the meeting then voted to raise the
sumof sl06,632.12, asked by the Board
OF Education for school purposes.
Inc motion was made by Mr.. Will
son to the effect that the citizens re-
consider and rescind the vote Of the
annual meeting of last year by which
s6o, 900 in bonds was authorized for
the new school building at CAPITAL
Park, and the matter was fully ex-
planned by Mr.. Wilson. The matter
was put to vote. and Mr.. Wilson's
motion was carried.
The annual school meeting was
then adjourned.
PRESENT C0InRS |