New Britain herald., 1925-02-05


 would be two for each side of the tracks. He also said that there should be a relief traffic officer for duty at the various points in Now Britain. The commission asks $2S,- 800 for adding these Is men to the force.
 Clerk at Headquarters
 The matter of hiring a clerk for duty at headquarters was also strongly urged by Chairman Dunn and Sl.S00 Is asked for this purpose. He said that the work is doneNen- tirely by the officers and is done well. But, he said, the system plan- ned could not be carried out by these men. The system is along the filing idea, where every paper and every case coming to the attention of the department would be record cd, together with every step taken on certain cases. In this way, knowl- edge of any case would be at the finger tips of anyone desiring infor- nation.
 When questioned regarding the number of men on the force, MT. Dunn said that there are 65 men in the New Britain department, this city being below par according to population.
 MT. Dunn explained that the city should have flash signal lights, say ing that the work of installing them could probably be done for s5,0OO in the way planned, the amount in the budget being s10,000. The instalIa- ton of signal lights would enable headquarters to get in touch with patrolmen on short notice. At pres ent communications cannot be sent to the patrolmen on duty until they ring up at their boxes.
 A new service car, at a cost or S2,0O0, is asked. It was pointed out that the present machine has been in service for two years and that it Will not be economical to keep it longer. No certain make of car was suggested by Mr. Dunn or the board.
 An increase in salaries was ex- plained by MT Dunn. who said that in accordance with the natural in- creases in the mems salaries this in- crease is asked. He said that the salary of an additional sergeant has been provided for, although one will not be needed at the present time. The board asks $135,6S3.75 for sal aries. Last year the amount asked was s131,76S.75.
 Other items included motor equipment. $4j0. an increase of $150. which is slightly under the ac- tual cost for last year, according to Mir. Dunn; incidentals, $2.500, an in- crease of $1.O00; lighting, s7OO, an increase of $50, this increase being due to the use of night traffic ap- paratus, for which plans are being made; building repairs. $1, ,000. an increase of $500, for needed repairs at headquarters.
 Fire Board Hearing
 The big item in the budget of the fire board was explained, that of q new station house, bumper and eight men, reaching a total of $59,- 226.50. The proposed property is known as the Shipman property and is located in the northeastern part of the city. This step was recommended by the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
 The budget also asks for a new car for the chief engineer at an approximate cost of S3,500. Chair man John E. R. keevers of the fire board. who acted as spokesman. said that the present machine has had four years Of hard service and has outlived its usefulness. The car, he said. has been too light for the work demanded of it and it was his suggestion that a car of a heav- fer make be secured.
 When the question of fuel was taken up it was found that the fire board asks $3,3O0 this year, an in- crease of $100 over last year. It was stated that the school board was buying it cheaper than that. The question of having all coal purchased by one man, for divis- ion among the departments was discussed and it was the opinion of many members of the board Of f. nance that this should be the sys- tenn employed.
 The sum of S7,OOO is asked for the remodelling of No. 1 fire sta ton. When questioned regarding this step, Chairman Keevers said that the station has had little atten- ton for the past 10 or F years. The old horse stalls remain in the build ing and the house is in such a con dition that improvements should be made.
 Other items were: New aerial lad der company and truck at a cost Of 1860, to furnish better protection for the northwestern part of the city. it being planned to house the company at No. fire station: new truck for electrical department at a cost of approximately s1,525, 10 re- place present one which has served it's time; new pump in No. 1 truck. s2,960; two men for No. l manual switchboard, sS,2S5, making 1t pos sible for the department to maintain service there at all times; new drill tower, s4,500; automobile repairs, s1,S27.10, an increase of $62Z10; supplies, s1,200, an increase Of S2O0: fire alarm system, s4,579.5O, an in- crease of $s59.50. providing for the installation of il new boxes: repairs to buildings, s4,9S5, increase Of SS,- 0s5, for making needed alterations in central headquarters.
 Why Pay ST5O?
 4 lAttar was raoaivsd from the city