New Britain herald., 1926-10-07
THROWS UP SPONGE
 ON PLUMBING CODE
Bishop Declares He Is "Sick and
 Tired" Of His Job
CONSIDERS IT "BIG JOKE"

On Type of Roofing Material and
 Decides to Handle Permits for In-
 stalling Oil Burners.
 Defending himself against criti- cism that he is holding up adoption Of plumbing code in this city. Earle K. Bishop. who was employed by the common council to codify the ordinances, declared at 0 meeting Of the building commission last night that he iS sick and tired" Of the job, and suggested that the old code be continued.
 I've written 1t once and I'm sick and tired of it. It was turned down and I don't feel like doing any more on it. he told the board.
 Well" Commissioner William R. Tenn interjected, it was turend down because the craft, well versed in plumbing, didn't approve"
 Acting Plumbing Inspector o. A. Peterson informed MT. Bishop that tradesmen are blaming Bishop for holding up the work and Commits sioner T. W. Hincbliffe suggested that the old code be continued.
 I'm not the pronter; so ahead and use the old code" was Bishops answer.
 Inspector Peterson said 1t is ridic- ulous that New Britain has no code. He asked how laws can be enforced when there were but a few copies of the law in tho city and tradesmen with few exceptions have not access to the book.
 Thinks It's Big Joke
 Asked by Commissioner Tenn to meet the commissioners halfway and make up a set of laws from the old and new codes, Bishop replied:
 I'm meeting you all the way now go ahead and use the old code. I don't feel like recommending it to the council because l know in my heart it's wrong. This is too conser- vative 3 town; I found that out long ago. The town has got to stick by old traditions and customs. I think it's Q big joke"
 T don't agree with you that It's a joke" Fenn retorted. Your recom- mendations were all out Of propor. tion to good judgment. Your code comes from Hoover, doesn't it?"
 Bishop agreed the code came from the commerce department over which Herbert Hoover presides, but said it has never been seen by Sec retary Hoover.
 Further discussion along the same line continued until Bishop left the meeting. Commissioner Fenn and h. spector Peterson were appointed 10 investigate and determine the status of plumbing laws and the likelihood of a new code being ready for adop- ton soon, to report at the next meeting.
 After conference with the fire board 1t was voted to recommend 10 the common council that the issu- ance of licenses and permits for oil building department and the fees burner installation he handled bv tho building department and the fees collected there. the fire chief 10 des- lgnate the place of installation and make the inspection. The new build Ing ordinances vested the fire and building department with conflict ing duties and powers.
 Inspector A. N. Rutherford report cd that he has condemned q garage at so Hillcrest avenue, the driveway having washed out leaving the gar age on posts, The board decided the question of damages was civil mat ter to be decided by the parties in Volved, the city's province being only to restrict use of the building.
 Compromise On Roofing Material
 A compromise was effected in the matter of roofing materials, after q lengthy discussion. The ordinance as prepared by Mir. Bishop rules as- phalt shingles out of the fire district. It Was voted to permit asphalt for re-rootng frame houses of not more than two stories in height but under no other condf- tons. It was brought out that as- pestos is much more expensive than asphalt and the claim was made that Bishops ordinance gives one products a virtual mon opoly.
 MT. Bishop claimed several rep of roofing companies who protested against his law were interested parties since their com panies cannot handle the asbestos shingles permitted.
 Inspector Rutherford produced a section of asphalt shingling taken off a building recently exposed 10 fire and there were no evidences of burning through.
 Representatives Of asphalt shingle companies offered to put the two types of roof covering to a fire test 10 show the resistance in each. IL was their claim that tin roofs under great heat will ignite the wood be- meath. and that asbestos when ex- posed to heat and then cooled with water. will crack and admit fire, whereas asphalt has not enough in- hammable qualities to hold its own fire.