New Britain herald., 1922-02-23
Public Utilities Commis- sioners Hear Arguments Advanced By Curtis, Paonessa and Others For Lower Rates
President StOrrs of COnnec- ticut Co. Congratulates Mayor on Having Man. aged to Cut Down City Tax Rate.
Especial to The Herald)

Hartford, Feb. 23-The Public Utilities commission gave a hearing at the capital in Hartford today on the petition of the city of New Brit ain for six cent trolley fare within the city limits. An additional peti- ton was introduced by Alderman A. M. Paonessa, signed by so residents of Barnesdale.
 Those speaking for six cent fare on behalf of the city were Mayor O. F. Curtis, Alderman A. M. Paonessa, Herbert A. Johnson of the Landers, l'rary and Clark Manufacturing com- pany; Senator F. F. Hall. Represen- tative Richard Covert, A. P. Marsh. Robert Russell, H. E. Walrath. Charles Barnes and Corporation Counsel J. H. kirkham.
 Petition Opposed.
 The petition was opposed by Presi- dent Lucius Storrs of the Connecti- cut company and Thomas McErievy. The case of the company was pre- commission took the matter under consideration and reserved decision. Arguments of Proponents. ! | The arguments for the proponents of the lower trolley fare were to the effect that a 10 cent far is too much, considering the short ride within the city limits, and that the feeling against the company owing to the poor service rendered had created a condition which would be relieved by the granting of a lower fare, to such an extent that a greater revenue would be received through the medi- um of a six cent fare than 10 cent fare.
 Conn. Co. Arguments.
 The representatives Of the Conn., ectlcut company argued that no evidence had been produced in be- half of the petition that the six cent fare would work out in New Britain, except the evidence produced by guess work; that the tabuIation in troduced by Mr. McErievy showed that the people paid 10 cents when that fare was first adopted and would be willing today if it were not for in- dustrial depression.
 Self Reduction.
 He also explained that the Con- necticut company had seen fit to make 16 per cent reduction in fares beginning March 1, when three rides will be given for 25 cents. He also argued that decision based on the evidence and not on the guesswork would be against the granting of the petition.
 Appear For Petition.
 Herbert A. Johnson, of the J,anders frary and Clark manufacturing com pany spoke in behalf of the employees or that company. He stated that the lnaih factory employs about 3,2o0 hands and that because of the 10 cent trolley fare it has been necessary for nat company to increase the pay of some Of its employees so that they may pay for their trolley transporta- 1on some of the men, he said, pay SIX cents to ride from their home to ne center in the iitney and then 10 cents to reach the factor on the trol. eys.
 PaoncSsa Speaks
 Alderman A. NJ. Paonessa was thA 'eXt speaker on behalf of the petition ie presented the Wooster street and 3arnsdale petition and said that tbe people in that vicinity were tired of 'aying ID cents and some preferred to walk to New Britain. He also argued nat the city is asking for six cent are and not five cent one. as the esidents know that the latter vouId V dlsastrous 10 the company.
 Mr' faonessa also told of the poor e'N'ce ne'ns given on some lines of ne company in New Britain at pres- ht' He said that during certain ours Of the day cars are run with my 30 minute headway.
 Mayor Curtis Has Floor
 Mayor O, F. Curtis appeared in fa- or or granting the petition He pre- ented many arguments in favor of ne SIX cent fare, and in closing said nat the company would obtain 4 reater revenue from the six cent fare han from the 10 cent fare.
 Congratulntes City. When asked if the city of New 'ritain had been able to reduce op- rating expenses, Mayor Curtis re- lied rehemently "yes!t When asked the tax rate had been reduced, the 'ayor also replied in the affirmative. ! lpon hearing the answers Of Mayor 'urtis. President Storrs said that the ity Of New Britain was to be con- 
 Senator Hall Has Figures. Senator Hall presented figures howing the increase in population in he city Of New Britain for the past ve years. and the failure of the Con- ecticut company to increase it's pa onage. He said that this shows that ,e people cannot pay the increase sked in the fare.
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