New Britain herald., 1925-02-25
ANNEXATION ROW
 STIRS REMINGTON Bitter Discussion Keeps Town
 Meeting in Ferment WHO WANTS IT AND WHY?

New Britain for 5000, But For
 bid Construction of Sewage Dis
 posal Plant fin That Territory.
 Following discussion which several times threatened to assume a serious aspect the residents of Newington at town meeting at Grange hall last night approved of the bill which is before the legisla- ture regarding land transfer from Newington to New Britain, adding an amendment to said bill. Since the bill Is not binding and merely gives permission to make such a transfer of land. the decision of the people was not binding either and the amendment was to the effect that it be the sense of the meeting that the disposal of land to New Britain be considered for not less than $50,000. with the stipulation that if at any time the city of New Britain constructs or maintains a plant for sewage disposal on the ter ritory in question the land Is to re- vert back to the town of Newington and New Britain will lose all claim and equity to it.
 | Fear Sewage Plant
 The suspicion that New Britain wants the land under consideration for a sewage plant was expressed several times in the meeting.
 When the subject was brought up for discussion by F. Stanley Wells, moderator of the meeting. Patrick Martin introduced resolution to the effect that "the town of Newington shall not give, sell or annex any pro- perty whatever to the City of New Britain"
 The bill before the legislature was explained by Harry Erwin, pointing out that the Hardware City Is to pay $50,000 for the land or give tuition to Newington pupils in the Senior High school for 10 years free of charge, the choice of these two pro- positions being optional with New Britain. The bill provides that the city shall use the land for sewage disposal.
 From the time the bill was read questions flew about the room and the argument gradually assumed proportions which bade fair to es- cape from the control of the moder- ator, in spite of his continued raps for order. Reports Railroad Not Interested
 For what purpose does New Bri- tain want the land" was the first question. The answer by NIT. Erwin was For depot" Here one of the citizens hastened to say in no un- certain tones that he had heen talk ing with an official of the New York. New Haven and Hartford railroad company a short time before the meeting and this official had said that the railroad company had no interest in the land.
 Mir. Erwin said that New Britain has wanted a depot on the main line for some time. If New Britain took lover the land in question big bene- fit would result for the surrounding territory.
 GO on" exclaimed Mir. Martin Eve asked many people in New Bri- tain and none of them knew what ! the land is wanted for"
 Mr. Erwin said that the selectman have been of the opinion that the land might be disposed of If proper compensation were received. The finance board has arrived at a de- clsion on s5O,OO0. he said.
 Only Get Tax Bill
 One man made the remark that the only improvement" being given the people living in that territory, by the town of Newington are increaso os in taxes and the only thing coming to them from the town of Newington are the tax bills. If you're not satis- fled, get out" shouted MT. Martin jumping to his feet and glaring around, acting as an unofficial town bouncer."
 The theory was advanced by that property Is not much of a paying proposition at the present time. A MT. Harding took the floor and argued that it is usually up to the seller to make the price. He suggest cd that the meeting be declared will ing to dispose of the land under terms and not at New Britain's op- tion. Then, he said, if the city sees fit to change its plans with regard to the question of sewage disposal, the land could revert back to Newington.
 MT. Martins motion was finally brought to vote. The chairman was in doubt when chorus of "ayes'' and noes" greeted him from all sides Of the hall. Two counters were detailed and a standing vote was taken, with the result that the motion was defeated. The matter was again up for discussion.
 Here Mir. Harding made the motion which was later incorporated Into the bill.
 "Makc Sure \. R. Wants It"
 Harry II. Howard. chairman of the school board. pointed out that it would be advantageous 10 the town to dispose of the land. but he argued that the proposition should not be thrust down New Britain's throat I've should be sure first that New Britain wants the land" he said "It is matter of whether or not New Britain will take that property and