Norwich bulletin., 1921-11-03
SHOWS FARM NEEDED FOR
 STATE HosP4TAL FOOD SUPP


 Judge Nelson J. Ayling appeared as counsel for the trustees of the Norwich state hospital before the board of con- trol at Hartford Tuesaav and tod the hGard that they must how clineh the eea. for the Rogers farm and not wait tive years. After the expiration of tie option period, Judge Ayling explained the state would probably have to pay s2e,oo9 for this farm addition to the Norwich state hospital.
 A delay had been suggested, as it was pointed out by Chairman Wadhams of the board of finance that a transfer of funds was impossible. proposition providing for the rental of the farm with the right to buy the farm in two years, when the general assembly could make an appropriation, was discarded by the directors on the ground that the ultimate cost would be much greater.
 Attorney General Healy pointed out that transfer from specific appropria- tions to other appropriations could not be made. Ex-Governor Rollin S. Wood ruff of New Haven, another director of the institution, told Governor Lake over the long distance telephone that there was a balance from the construction oi water supply system which could he used for the purchase of the farm. Judge Ayling told the board that the total sur. plus would be several thousand dollars.
 Judge Ayling explained that there are aleeonmodatio for about fifteen patients at the farm. l Harmless patients would be maintain ed there. At present, he said., it cost $500 to maintain a bed in the institu tien, while on the farm it would cos about $500 to maintain bed. Ther 1 Al and besides these harmless patients he was aware that transfer was i'm possible, but asserted that the director had the authority to buy and for the de velopment of the institution.
 Governor Lake and Attorney Genera Healy pointed out that the board O control had no authority to make al appropriation. MT Heaiy said, how ever. that the board might sanction tn purchase if Superintendent Franklin z Wilcox showed that the farm was neces sary for the maintenance of the institu tion, although a deficit might resui Mir. Healy admitted. however, that tha was stretching the powers of the boar a good deal
 "The only consideration is what f the best thing for the state to do," IT terrupted Judge Ayling.
 'The best legal thing" Governor Lax corrected.
 Considering the condition of the 1T sane of the state" said MT. Healy, . would say yes"
 It was pointed out that the maintt nance appropriation of the institutio was under several subdivisions.
 We need transfers from time to tim the division is arbitrary" said Superir tendent Wilcox. in reply to the sugge. tion of Governor Lake that the fund for the purchase of the farm be take from the maintenance account Mir. He; ly then moved that the board authoriz the purchase Of the farm for ss.eee an that this be charged against the foo account of the institution.
 Tt is all in the interests of harmon and good judgment" Judge Aylin said.
 The board of control is in an snor. lous position. for 1t Is an executi7 board with Legislative functions" Go' ernor Lake declared.
 Judge Ayling told the board that D, tatoes and hay could be raised in lars quantities on the farm. The institute already has about 800 acres of groun but only few acres are cultimated '; most of the land Is sterile. He said tn: as soon as 1t was possible a causewa would be butt across the cove whic divides the institution and the farm that 1t would be possible for the inmat, to travel to the farm in ten minutes
 1t should prove that the cove Is not nav gable the water front on the new far belongs to the institution, 1t vas said.