The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-09
NEW WATER RATE. IS UP AT MEETING.
Bessemer Officers Cap. ture Several Large
 Liquor Stills

BESSENIER, Ala, Aug. S.-Hear- ing of the Bessemer water rate con- troversy by the Alabama public service commission Friday resulted in the submission of new schedule of rates to the city, which were approved by the commissions engineer, Mir Me Donald, the city's expert, J. F. Gam mon and the president of the company, John D. Weakley. After a lengthy dis cussion City Attorney George Bumgard- til September 1 to accept the new sched- ule, in which event it will be approved by the commission and become effective October 1.
 A. c. Patterson, president of the commission, requested that all citizens examine the new rates and go to the water company, asking them to show how their water bills would be affected by the new rates. W. N. Williams, manager of the company, agreed that he will figure out the rates to each in- dividual under the new rate sched- ule, keeping carbon copy of each case which will be later submitted to the commission in order to actually deter mine whether the new contract will be q saving to the community.
 Both MT. Mcdonald and Mr. Cannon etated that the new rates would affect q material saving. Mcdonald pointed out that the rate offered large con- sumers, such as manufacturers, would be under that of Birmingham, Shef- field, Florence and Anniston, Albany and Decatur. MT. Cannon pointed out that the rate for the average con- sumer would result in general reduc- tion of about 14 per cent, stating that 25 average accounts had been taken as a basis to arrive at this conclusion.
 The commission began it's session here Friday morning at 10 o'clock, ap- pointing MT. Cannon, Me Mcdonald and MT. Weakley to figure out a new schedule of rates which is, as follows:
 Flat rate, 10000 gallons, B cents 3OO00, 25 cents; 100000. 20 cents; cents. Meter rates, 5s meter and one connection, $270 per quarter; x meter more than one connection, $400 per | quarter; % meter, $4.50 per quarter; finch meter, $6 per quarter; 1h-inch meter, $9 per quarter; 2-inch meter, $12.5O per quarter; 3-inch meter, $25 per quarter; finch meter, $50 per quar- ter and 6-inch meter, $250 per quarter.
 The maximum allowance of water be- gins at 10000 gallons, whereas under 1 the present contract maximum of ap- proximately 30 per cent more is allowed. ] Fhis was the occasion of protests from number of citizens and councilmen, they alleging that this feature would re- fsult in overcharges on excess water. i These arguments were met by Cannon and Mcdonald, who stated that the t present allowances were far above what yoVsou I stated that experience in other cities where the same company is operating showed that the average consumption of water was around 10000 gallons. Several citizens who protested on this point were shown their bills for the l past year and under the new rate a saving was shown.
 The hearing of the Bessemer water rate controversy brings to a head an agftationE Of more than 15 years stand ing. City officials, the commissioners and the management of the water works urge that Bessemer people acquaint themselves with the new schedule of rates before September 1 in order that they may be able to determine actually ncm a community will be affected by the new contract.
 Stills CaptuEed-E .ssemer deputies seized a 150-gallon COD, IT still near Ioadvine Thursday afternoon late. con nscating a large quantity of whisky and beer mash. The operators were on tne point Of holding q watermelon cut ] fllg, but were warned by lookout and made their escape. Officers Cleere and Hoy were in the aiding party. The l Bessemer office has captured two large { st1lls in this vicinity recently.
 5ong Service Planned-Much interest s<lss being taken in song service to be gwen at the Westside Baptist church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Gaunt ] brothers will be in charge and a large attendance is expected.
 Commercial Club Meets-The Polar me Service club, composed of emplo, es of the Standard Oil company at Pratt City, Ensley, Bessemer and Fairfield, held their regular monthly meeting at Jones' cafe Thursday evening. This is one of the most interesting organiza- tions in the district, being organized for the purpose of promoting mutual inter est and welfare of the company and