New Britain herald., 1921-05-19


 in charge Of this work can get results for their expenditures. These are quite m addition to our subway system.
 Public Department
 This department the past year has continued it's work along practically tho same lines as formerly. except its activities in the suppression Of the violations of the Volstead act, which has brought in quito a revenue for tho city treasury. A request for more men in the department this year was not granted. as our appropriation was limited. but there is no doubt that in the near future tho force will be substantially increased.
 Fire Department
 Last year the Improvements re- quired for tho overhauling of the fire alarm system. and headquarters for the same were completed. Tho new engine house No. 6 was completed and put into use. also much needed repairs were made to No. and No. houses. In this years budget new car was , provided for the chiefs use A double platoon system was authorized and appropriations made for it at the city meeting. which is to be put into effect next october tst. This will. no doubt, increase the efficiency of the fire
 
 care should be exercised in formulat- ing tho regulations. ordinances, etc. that put it into effect, so that expenses can be kept down. and only sufh- ctent number of new men be put on to insure satisfactory work.
 Soldiers Memorial Association This ts an organization of all in- tcrests for ono object. which. while deferred temporarily, due to more pressing requirements for funds. the time will come when 1t will be one of the first projects forced to the front on the revival of prosperity.
 Tax Collector
 Tho tax collector still keeps up to his acquired reputation of being a close and thorough collector, but when times are bad it affects his col loctions. and while VIC hope for large returns this year. they will be depen- dent to some degree on business con- ditions within the next 10 months. His report shows about s75.000 of uncol- lcctcd taxes. on his books some of which will probably be paid within the next two CT three months.
 The personal tax collectors office has been conducted in a business like way. and the collections have been closer than in formal years. I believe, they are un tOwaTus the IVu per cent mark of what is available.
 Board of Purchase and Supplies
 "One of the charter amendments provides for n board of purchase and supplies. This has been under consideration for several years. The present method of city purchases each department with several peo- pie In some Of them. having author ity to purchase. together with policy of dividing the so-called pa tronage. does not tend towards economy or good business manage ment. on tho other hand. is the amount of business of that char acter sufficient to warrant the em- ployment Of m agent for that pur- pose alone? Can an agent famil- iarize himself with the various kinds of supplies required by the different departments, so as to fur nish them with which is best prompt ly. and at q lower cost than under the present method? As it is dis cretionary with the common council about putting this amendment into operation. would recommend the appointment of a committee to ascer- tain the facts bearing on this subject, and report to the council their findings and recommendations. The Burritt Memorial. Tho committee having in charge the providing Burritt or Peace | memorial have performed their task. and now desire to turn over to and place it in the care of the city. Ii would seem fitting that tho acceptance of this work of art. in remembrance of our city's most ! distinguished and world-known resi- dent. should be accompanied by some ! service of an appropriate and pub | lie character. Therefore, I would | recommend that Q committee of citi- zcns bo appointed and authorized to | formulate n program for such an | occasion, reporting at a later meet ing of this body. Also, I would suggest that the ordinances be amended to place Franklin square | park hn charge Of the board of park commissioners.
 Clayton Road Crossing. | "Recognlzing the fact that this crossing in the Town of .Newing- ton. and that it is the business of | the authorities of that town to take whatever steps they deem best to protect the travelling public, it is | also a fact that most of the rapidly | increasing number of victims caught in this dath trap have been residents | of our city. Consequently. New Bri- tain should have an important standing in the case.
 "whiie most of us realize that the New York. New Haven and Hartford Railroad company has It's financial troubles. to me it seems as though there should be limit in counting | tho dollars first and human lives fur thor down thu scale What is tho toll