Daily Kennebec journal., 1922-02-08

eral renewals have been made, with
interest paid up six months in ad-
vance.
The new construction contemplates
a new pipe line from the pumping
station to the reservoir, at an esti-
mated cost of S5S.0O0 and about $500
for repairs at the dam.
The present valuation of the prop
erty is S1,O760O0. The net income
up to June 80, 1915, was $16S, 106,
the deficit for the fiscal year ending
Decembe 81, 1920, was $565S.6O.
Cross-Examination
The cross examination, conducted
by Attorney George G. Weeks of
Fairfield, brought the statement that
the estimated deficit for the fiscal
year ending December 81, 1921,
would be about $4,000, but that in
cluded a bill of the Central Maine
Water Co.. of about S1240 which
was expected to be reduced in
amount.
Asked as to what effect the new
pipe line would have on the district
and business, Mr. Boutelle thought
it would very materially benefit the
service and bring more business; also
be a great safeguard against fire,
which were always possible.
Q. Have there been any that the
present system could not care for?
| A. Not yet.
@. Can you describe any situa-
ton that would need the new line
| or tax the present pipe?
A. A confagration.
! @. Well, we've never had one.
Now it is a Pinch pipe to Fair
field and a 14-inch to reservoir and
all the Fairfield water goes through
the present pipes and no complaints
from Fairfield
A. Not so far as l know.
Q. Then there is nothing so far
to warrant YOU putting in that pipe
line now?
A. Yes. think we ought to
guard against all possible events"
Q. You have two auxiliaries? A.
| Yes.
Q. Then the present supply of wa
ter is adequate? A. Yes, SO far as
| that goes.
Q. But YOU really have no reason
! to build now? a. Yes, the popula-
| ton is growing constantly.
@. But YOU have got three pumps
and two reservoirs. A. One reser-
/ Voir isn't much good.
Q. Remember building the line to
| Fairfield. You was treasurer, ! be-
| leve. Wasn't it for fire protection?
! A. YES.
@. Heard any complaints as to
plenty of water? A. 10.
Q. Insurance companies made any
complaints? A. Not so far as
! know
9. Did you know the insurance
companies had tested the pressure
A. No.
G. You are only familiar with your
| own part Of the business?
! A. That and what l gain by being
at the meetings of the directors as an
interested listener.
@. Were salaries increased in 1921
| A. The. trustees receive no salaries;
but per diem and expenses.
Q. The district during the past few
years have had extraordinary eXpen-
ses such as in war times? A. Yes.
O. But you don't expect them to
continue?, A. Not so sure about
that. Things go downward very
slowly.
Q. What were the districts oper-
ating expenses in 1921?
A. For nine months, the gross op-
Grating income was s95,25S, and non
operating income S119, a total of $95,
4S7.
@. You have a large deficit for
that year. How can you increase op-
Grating income by the issue of the
$225,00o worth of bonds?
A. Only in the manner that have
indicated.
Q. The treasurer's salary increas-
cd? A. Yes, three or four years ago,
from $1,000 to $500; and the directors
per diem from 81 to S. a meeting;
with an increase Of from $3.50 up to
s442 for the office clerk.
Q. How many meetings do the di-
rectors meet; as often as they see fit :?
A. Yes. 9. Three times daily? A.
Yes. If they find it necessary.
Q. How many times have they met
today?
a. They met at the railroad sta
ton and that meeting is still in ses-
sion.
Q. Do you see any reason to be-
lieve that operating expenses will
increase? A. Naturally, with the
growth of service and business, all
the figures will grow.
Mr.. Boutelle. in reply to a question
by Attorney Chapman, said that he
did not believe that the salaries of
the general officers had been increas-
ed $4,000 during the past two years.
After a recess of 10 minutes, Mr..
Boutelle resumed the stand.
Have YOU any men on your pay
roll as laborers who are actually
drawing salaries" asked Attorney
Chapman.
Il don't think so." replied the wit