New Britain herald., 1921-02-05

danger of moral decay simply because a few thousand of our citizens, some of them highly respected, "desecrate' the Sa bbath by spending an hour or two at the movies
 
 Few fraternal officers can point to such excellent and continuous records as James M. Curtin and Dudley T. Holmes, treasurer and secretary ere spectively of New Britain lodge, No. 957, B. P. O. Elks, who were re- nominated at the meeting Thursday night. For the past seventeen years they have officiated in these capacities and apparently the Bills intend to keep them in harness as long as they care to remain. Messrs. Curtin and Holmes have been prime movers in the progress of Elkdom in this city and have given generously of their time to the welfare of the lodge, in addition to attending to other duties which busy men find in their path The Washington lodge has 1ourished principally because men like they are have been connected with it's activi- t.CS.
 If the business depression taught no other lesson, it impressed on some of our public boards the necessity of economy. Many citizens will dis agree with this statement, but re- fection will show them that they are in error.
 During the past week hearings have been held before the board of finance and taxation on proposed appropria- tions for the coming fiscal year. A sincere desire to conduct affairs on as little money as possible has been evil dent in the attitude of some of those who appeared to speak for their de- partments. Efficiency must always be considered in connection with the ap- propriation desired and while the figures may seem large it should be recognized that New Britain is grow ing and expenses must grow apace.
 This year, as always, there is criti- cism of the school department\ How ever, the board of education has asked for little more than last year, this facilities are being strained to the utmost to accommodate the ever in crcasing army of children who are entitled to an education.
 Economy is not apparent in every quarter of the government and it is probable that the board of finance and taxation will think twice before granting all the funds asked for.
 One effect of the shortened work ing schedules in the factories is to bring people out onto the streets afternoons. Crowds of men and wom- en promenade Main street daily in the sunshine, especially during the latter park of the week when many indus tries are closed. It is a noticeable fact also, that a number of men wheeling baby carriage increases after Wednes- day. It is not an unusual sight to see numbers of fathers taking their coo- ing offspring out for a joy ride.
 Comment has been heard on the business the theater are doing. It was believed that amusements would he bluepenciled on the family expense book, but apparently the people will be amused even if they are forced to economize on other expenses. The matinee crowds do not seem to dimin- ish and long queues of fans can be seen standing before theater en- frances waiting patiently for their tickets.
 Never in the history of New Britain have so many merchants advertised on such a wide scale. This reflects a healthy viewpoint on the part of business men who seem to be con- verted to the truth that advertising is a necessity in a prosperous business