New Britain herald., 1923-12-15
1.-THE OBSER VER-
Makes Random Observations
 On the City and Its People

Mayor Paonessa's suggestion that
 the police department and school de-
 partment administration offices be
 housed in the old normal school build
 ing when it is vacated is deserving of
 consideration. There are many who
 will not agree with putting the school
 department offices in the same build
 ing with the police, but arrangements
 might be made so that the objection could be removed.
 One thing is certain-the police de- partment must move. It is necessary for 1t to go 10 some place. The sit- uation at present is much like asking a man to wear an orereoat he used when he was boy. The police de- partment has ouigrown it's clothes and the seams have burst. It must have more commodious quarters. Since the present building was dedi- cated to the prevention and detection of law breaking, a number Of bureaus have been added. This has been done for the purpose of making the depart ment more efficient, and that object has been accomplished. But il is a lack of foresight to expect the depart ment to cramp itself continually.
 There is also good reason why po- ice court should find new quarters. Frequently the noise from the nearby railroad is so loud that testimony can not be heard. The courtroom is smoky and dingy in spite Of the ef- forts Of painters. It is almost im- possible 10 impress anyone with the dignity Of the court and the solcmnity of the proceedings in such surround ings.
 The chief objection to using the old normal school for police headquarters is the fact that it is located in the heart Of a residential district and property owners are certain to pro- test. All adjoining streets are occu- pied by homes, and commerce has no part in the tranquil existence of this section. The only approach to the normal school which is used partly for commercial enterprises is Walnut street and homes occupy the end which is nearest to the school
 The mayors suggestion may not bear fruit, but it will not have been made m vain if it helps to focus at- | tention on the needs Of the police and l school departments for moro elbow room.
 Few automobile owners will find | fault with the decision Of the state ! police chiefs association 10 recom- 1 nend that the legislature enact a law making it compulsory for parked au- fa i0b frra .ff Al present, it is not necessary 10 have 1 lights on an automobile which is parked in q lighted area. But If is desirable that A change he made be- -ause the increase Of automobiles has effected q change in conditions.
 Experience has taught drivers that hey cannot always depend on their yes 10 sec a dark object, especially when inc glare Of lights on an ap- preaching automobile shines full on heir faces \ driver blinded by lights s unable to see objects at the side of he road and even an object the size ,f an automobile blends into the land cape and invites collision.
 II is understood that the police 'hicfs discussed legal" lenses for lcadligfts and most of them seemed Q Dc at sea on the subject Frequent hanges have been made in lenses yhich comply with the law but sp- ,arcntiy the end is not yet as the mo- or vehicle department recently issued bulletin containing a list of lenses which would be legal for use next ear. II is noticed that several lenses -bfcb arc legal this year cannot ba lsed in 1924. Constant changes do .ot seem 10 improve the situation. as lmost any driver can testify. Occs- ionatly one meets an automobile the ghs from which arc so binding that he only safe course to pursue is to raw into the side Of the road. The eadiight menace Is real one and huu1d he attended 40