New Britain herald., 1927-04-04
$500 FINE ECHO 0F
 HART ST. DISPUTE
Miss Naples Guilty Of Failing to
 Remove Fire Ruins
FAILED TO HEED NOTICES
"Pcrhnps This Win Speed Them Up.' Hungcrford Says When Woman Owner Says Carpenters Have Started to Work.

Found guilty of violation of the city ordinance relative to the re- moval of the ruins of the Naples house on Hart street. which was practically destroyed by fire on Feb ruary 15, Miss Julia E. Naples, part owner, was fined $50 on each of two counts. ny Judge w. c. Hun gcrford in police court this morn- tug. In addition to imposing the fine, Judge Hungerford reminded Miss Naples that the ordinance pro- vidcs for prosecution for every seven days period the ruins are allowed 10 remain standing.
 After offering her defense, which was that work had been begun on removing the ruins. Miss Naples heard the fine imposed "They're at work on it now, judge" she pleaded, and Judge Hungcrford replied: Well. perhaps this will speed them up,' Miss Naples gave notice of an appeal 10 superior court and bonds were fixed at $500. She was not represented by counsel in court. al- though she has had legal advice and representation through the vari- ous other steps in the controversy which has envcloped the house since the permit was issued more than a year ago.
 Pleads Not Guilty
 Alter listening 10 the reading of the two counts by Clerk Emil !. Danberg. Miss Naples pleaded not guilty. Building Inspector A. N. Rutherford testified that notices were sent February IS and March ', the latter having been registered and receipt taken. At 1:30 o'clock this morning he and Second Deputy Chief NJ. T. Souney of the fire de- partment inspected the premises and there were no workmen there. Asked by Prosecuting Attorney J. G. Woods whether or not more than 50 per cent Of the building was dam aged by fire. Mr. Rutherford re- piled that practically the entire house was destroyed.
 Chief Sounoy testified that the rWns constitute a fire hazard and should be removed. James Lee. owner of the property to the east of the Naples house, testified that the dirt and dust of the ruins blow over and make it impossible for him 10 have his house painted, one side or his house having been damaged by fire the right the Naples house burned. John F.. Downes. for many years a builder and now superin- tcndont Of construction in the school department. was called to the wit ness stand by Prosecuting Attorney Woods, but said he had not visited the premises since the fire. Thomas Linder of the assessment depart mont, testified to the ownership of the premises in question.
 Asked by the prosecuting attor- ney whether or not she cared 10 mak" statement. Miss Naples re- piled; "l guess l do" Taking the witness stand, she explained that she did not receive the first notice from the building department because she had moved from 66 Cherry street, and immediately on receipt of the second notice. shn communicated With Nr. Rutherford and toId bi,, the Insurance Idjustcrs had not completed their examination of the premises preparatory to settling the loss. Later she was also in com- munication with Prosecuting Attor ney Woods.
 She assured the court that the lot would be cleared of everything objectionable under the law, by the end Of this week. The reason Workmon were not seen on th, premises as testified is that thcy do not report before o'clock. she said.
 Building Nearly Razcd
 At o'clock this afternoon inspec tors of the building department re- ported the Naples building was al- most entirely razed. A force of workmen stripped the charred struc- ture to the foundation in short order. X permit will be sought from tho fire chief 10 burn the timbers on the premises 10 save the costs of