Daily Kennebec journal., 1920-05-01

Secretary Of State Frank w. Ball
is himself an enthusiastic automo-
bilist and has the department very
much in this thought, both for the
careful conduct Of the business and
for the welfare Of the auto owner
and driver The immediate conduct
of the Automobile Department is in
the hands of Deputy Secretary of
State H. "A. Shorey. Jr., who un-
stintingly gives his time and atten-
tio1. to the details.
The most efficient cashier Is
Charles ". Horton, formerly Of Port
land, who last year handled almost
| 100000. His assistant is Mrs Will
| Murphy of Augusta is chief clerk,
| who has risen to her responsible po-
sition from a typist by her ability.
Miss Cecilia Buckley Of Augusta is
in charge Of the many typists,
very busy department., especially
! through the rush season. Mrs.
Blanche Toussaint Of Augusta looks
| after the transients, those who per-
sonally apply for their registration.
from a dozen to a score Of typists at
work. the Automobile Bureau is as
said. one of the busiest places in the
Capitol.
Secretary Ball has taken great inter-
est-as has the entire personnel Of his
staff-in securing legislation that will
better conditions for all. So rapid has
/ been the growth Of the use Of the motor
| vehicle that it has been difficult to keep
abreast, but much of the provisions
governing the use Of autos has been
the result of his DEPARTMENTS work.
! In addition to that, printed matter is
constantly being provided for the pub
/ lie to keep them acquainted with all
! the laws, changes IN the same. how to
i register an auto or to secure a drivers
license. thousands of pieces having been
circulated. Beside this. the efficiency Of
! the force is such that rarely does an
application for either registration or =
license go over until the following day.
being promptly attended to. 1t has also
been done this year with almost no ex-
ira time WORK, the force being able with
their long experience to do more and
better work than ever before.
,, An illustration of the interest taken
little notices he had enclosed with every
automobile registration, as follows:
4 STOP.
/, Each year more than 1900 persons are
killed and 4oOo injured on raiir5ad cross
ings in the United States The number
is steadily increasing.
LOOK!.
The majority of the deplorable acci-
dents can Re avoided by automobi,ists
exercising care at grade crcssi rgs. Don't
take chances. Even if a crossing is
protected by gates, flaguan or bell, be
sure you are safe.
| LIsTEN"!
The best safety device in the world IS
careful driver. Stop. look both ways
and listen. Play safe. A moments eau
ton may save your life.
Reports coming in to the highway
commission as to the condition of the
State roads is not so full and complete
as the commission wishes, but the Sec
tions heard from say that the roads
went through the hardships Of the worst
winter remembered by the majority Of
people in YER, good shape.
! There are rough places on most Of
them and will BE- until the action of the
frost is over and they can be gone onto
for their spring "house cleaning" The
highways from here to Winthrop, to
Lewiston and to Portland are passab,e,
! for they are being daily used. autos be.
Z t.. 800
trips.
The country roads are emerging from
their state of absolute uselesmess Is