The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-25
WATER RATE REDUCTION

Visit of the Alabama puDnc serNlce commission to Bessemer Wednesday will open the long expected fisnt on the part of city officials to secure reduction in the water rate here. It is expected that the hearing will be an exhaustive one, and will require several weeks to complete.
 The hearing is expected to be sim plified considerably by the use Of data submitted to the city three years the city was contanplating the pur- chase of the plfec This board fixed the valuationE the plant, both the city and thEcompany, agreeing to' abide by itst decision, sas each had representatives on the board. This arbitration fixed the value of the system at a little more than s650,00O.
 One of the members of this board, I. r. Cannon of Sheffield. was man. ager of the Bessemer plant for many years, and represented the city in the As the rate which VIII be allowed at Bessemer is determined by the value of the plant, this valua- tion is expected to figure prominent ly in the discussions for a reduction. City officials claim that the Alabama Water company, the owners, are re- ceiving an excessive return on their investment.
 Coincident with this request, it is stated the company will petition the commissioners to allow them to carry their water mains to Hueytown and Dolomite. where residents want this service. People there have asked for water service for some time, and the company now feels that these sec tions have developed to the point to which the service can be practical.
 BETsEY HAMILTON COMING
 Appearance of Betsey Hamilton, in private life Mrs. l. M. Moore of Tal- Tuesday evening, is creating >consid- erable interest. Mrs. Moore iSbn tour to raise an endowment fund for the Talladega Orphans Nome, which will support one child in the institution.
 Here appearance here will not bring any monetary benefit to any person or organization. all tue money received being turned into the. en- dowment fund.
 Her varied experience and keen intellect has enabled her to formu late Q lecture course, which is pro nounced as one of the most enjoy able and instructive open to the peo- pie Of the state.
 WOMEN ARE PRAISED
 The largest convention ever held in Bessemer took place this week when the Woman's Missionary union of the Baptist church held it's annual meeting at the First Baptist church. Much praise Is paid the special com mittees from the hostess auxiliary and those organizations in the city that handled the convention arrange ments For several weeks Mrs. w. w. Hollingsworth, Mrs. Charles Bentley and Mrs. T. T. Huey, chair men of the special committees, have been busy with the arrangements, of the cooperation they received from the people of the city.
 With more than 700 delegates and visitors registered. 500 at least of whom were entertained in the city, there were still 130 homes offered that were not occupied by the visi- tors. The special committees found A. E. Ausman of the Chamber of Commerce ready to put the machin- cry of his office and his service at their disposal. with the results that were obtained.
 Members of the Rotary and Xii wans clubs were attentive to the at all times to offer their cars for the convenience of the delegates. There were over 100 automobiles used in the drive over the district on Wednesday and others were of- fered. what were not used.
 The manner in which the lunch cons and banquets were handled also received high praise, all being in charge of the Bessemer chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy. There were in all six banquets and lunch cons. besides the regular noon lunch and supper served to all dele gates at the church. All of these were planned and severed by the chapter with Mrs w. D. Taylor in charge. Among those who assisted with arrangements were Mrs. w. l.. Rush, Mrs. Lacy Edmundson, Mrs. R. P. McTyeire, Mrs. Tom Jones and practically all members of the or ganzation.
 The church was decorated by special committee, and several flor ists sent baskets for the church. The pageant presented by Miss Jes- sic V. Roth Wednesday evening at tke high. school, and the impressive pageant given under the direction of Miss Agnes Durant of Ensley at the church Thursday evening, add ed much to the success of the con vention.
 Words of appreciation were heard on every hand from delegates. The people of Bessemer will look for ward to it's next meeting in this city.
 OFFICERS INSTALLED
 Installation of officers of Sam Stein Council No. 73. Royal and Se- lect Masters, was held at the meet ing Of the coucil thvfguSMRDWG ing of the council this week. The officers are as follows: T. o. Latin em. T. I. NJ; Frank Ball, deputy