Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-07-20

an intolerable nuisance. All the pee-
pie are opposed TO the present plan
and want the whole lot of whistling
eliminated.
Commissioner Creenlaw reminded
the audience that the commission was
not trying to disprove the whistling
nuisance, but trying to prove It was.
Commissioner Trafton also reminded
them that the manner Of whistling
was not up to the commission. only
where the whistles should be sounded.
Augustus A Percy of Bath said the
people Of his city simply wished to
return to the old system of whistling.
They did not object to the whistle at
York street but wished the other six
eliminated. at Pearl. North. Center,
School, Washington and Water streets.
The Fairfield Petition
Judge Fl. Fl. BrazzeH said the trains
were now whistling at four fully pro-
tected crossings. Main, Burrill. Sum
init and Lawrence avenue, and with
some IS or so trains/a day. they had
become a nuisance. Some Pulimans
are also run in two sections. The
railroad yards also run into Fairfield
and the shifters were working there
most OF the time. A branch also runs
to scoTheEan ana the railroad tried
out Us engines on this branch. Taken
altogether, Fairfield was getting more
whistiing than it appreciated, wanted
or needed. Complaint has also been
made Of whistling at the west end Of
the big bridge, and on the bridge for
Parker crossing, which is also protect
ed. They asked that the added
whistling be eliminated and thought
the old system would be very satisfac-
tory.
Mrs. A. c. Ladi said she thought
the Western avenue crossing was not
yet properly protected as the swinging
sign could be seen to move plainly but
from one direction. 1t should have q
the endless smoke and noise from the
shifters was unnecessary and very
much of a nuisance.
The HalIoweli Petition
Judge Fred Emery Beane endorsed
all that had been said of conditions in
other places. He also realized that
the railroad was trying to protect the
peoples property and lives. Haifo-
well has eight crossings in less than
mile. The trains formerly whistled
once at approaching Winthrop street
and once approaching Millikens cross
ing but now there were eight series of
blasts and it was very annoying. All
that HalloweIl asked was return to
the Did system.
He said Hallowell had sent up a
good delegation, including Mayor Rob
inson and other city officials and
prominent citizens and asked those
who agreed with his objections TO
arise. Thereup,n, about % stood UP
and Judge Beane remarked:
There. if you can find better look
ing crowd than that, I'd like to see
them"
The Portland Petition
City Solicitor Harry c. Wilbur APP
peared for the Portland petitioners
and said that all trains over the Maine
Central passed over tracks in an area
with about 10000 people therein. The
whistles begin at the Union station
and to Westbrook there are nine
whistles in nlne-tenths Of mile
from Brighton Avenue crossing.
j. Putnam Stevens said he lived on
Coyle street. woodfords about as feet
from the track, in the midst of 5000 or
5000 people. affected by the whistling
He could hear nine whistles from his
home, or So blasts. The population
was heavy and with two hospitals.
The feeling was one of indignation.
more against the author of the bill
than any feeling against the Maine
Central. which was obliged to obey the
law People are suffering and prop
erty is decreasing in value. A return
to the old system of signals would be
perfectly satisfactory.
Counsel Wilbur said that other
hearing and he thought also that there
are some streets so dangerous that
they require additional protection. re-
CARELESS of private feelings and in
terests
Mr.. Wilbur had also had the petition
from Portland amended so as to in
cIude the crossing covered by the
Boston & Maine Railroad in the city
of Portland.
The matter was taken under con
sideration by the Public Utilities
Commits sion. and an early decision is