Putnam patriot., 1927-08-05

Existing ire Hazards
 4 copy of letter written by Superintendent Robert T. Hurley of I the state police t9 the mayor vas handed ta Ills Honor by Fire Chief IhIrslou. Co whom che copy had been sent The mayor and members of i the council stated chat it was the first knowledge they had of the letter.
 The letter called attention ts the ] violation of the law iu the situation at the building occupied by the Car sgIli Trust Company and Knights of ! Columbus as relating Co the upper floors The building is owned by Mrs George II. Nichols of Thompson. l. was pointed out that there are oc- easional gatherings on the upper floors and that there is n0 means 0f exit except through a narrow stairway Co door opening inward. The atten- l ton of the council was called Co sec tious of the general statute govern ing such cases
 In relation Co the matter, Chief Thurston stated that some time ago he had been requested by the super IIntendent of state police Co examine buildings iH the city Co see of legal requirements were complied with. He glid he examined St. Johns hall, Provl- dence street. Eagles hall K. Of C. and the premises of the New England Fur Company.
 Later the state police came 70 make an inspection and requested that fro escapes be put on s.. Johns hall building which had been done.
 The situation at Eagles hall is not serious because no large gatherings af people take place on the second floor.
 Escapes Blocked
 In the fur shop he found that a wins dow used as fire escape had been blocked Nitb a bench and debris and could mot be used An order had been given t8 have the window cut down tn The floor Ievel and made usable. The chief stated that he had been inter viewed by a lawyer in regard to the matter and was told by the attorney #that the premises had been examined by factory Inspector and declared to be all right He said the matter is being further investigated.
 .tThe K. of (. place is in very poor shane" he said. <" While there k a fire escape on the rear from the third story | consists of wooden platform from which an iron ladder runs Co the ground Women and children could never usa 1t 1T anybody could He pictured what would happen If fire or panic occurred with people m fhe building rushing down the mar raw stairway and becoming SO pack rH in that the door could not be opened He said he had spoken to Nrs Nichols on several occasions. and she has had a concern look the premls- es over. l. WAs found that there Is not enough room in the rear Co build proper fire escape Fire escapes could he put un the front of the building, hut tbee wouldn't look so good. Se- veral suggestions as Co how the sit nation might be met were voiced
 The chief said he had omitted Odd Fellaw- hall Here there are large gatherings on the second floor and there i4 but one exit and no fire eseapes
 Commends Block Owners
 The voluntary action of the own CTS of Union block iu closing Union hall was alluded to and commended. We ought to protect innocent peo- pie who 70 to these places If there k frt or panic tho council and my self will be blamed said the chief.
 When the matter of fire hazards was returned Co later m the evening. Alderman Rogers made motion that the clerk be authorized Co notify Mrs. Nichols To erect fire escapes and have the doors swing outward and conform ta the statute of the state of Con ueeticut regarding fire hazards.
 r was suggested that the matter be taken up by the fire chief, who had talked with Mrs Nichols and Alderman Rogers changed his motion ta read "Fire Chief instead of City Clerk
 On motion of Alderman Ryan similar vote was passed relative t7 the block in which Odd Fellows hall is situated
 Member Hose No.
 The fire chief submitted fifteen names as members of Hose Company No |. and asked trnt they be ratified by the council This was m compi- auce with the order of the council that the number of members be IT, duced from twenty five to fifteen. Hf HtiftHH HANlitNNfn AiiA HNht'fN were as follows Harry W Sharpe, foreman; Edward Benoit and Rob ert Bruce drivers; Fred Baker, F. Cody. Arthur pAvisou. Leo Delisle, Merle Fish. Philip Garue Edmond GulIhert Y Lcpoint, George Murray, Walter Wheaton. George Wiutcrburn. Harry Morse.
 The chief explained that the selec- ton was d hard one to make. but that it had been made by considering an sWers to calls and service at fires
 The Mayor "Aou have got a list now that go to fires
 The chief We are keeping list ot attendance at all fires The men have got to be interested The money shouldn't interest them | sup pose some that huvo been dropped HWill feel that they are good iiremen 4and eligible to become members of the New York fire department
 The election of Fred nnsdale as a member of the Hook x Ladder CO. To fu a vacancy was also ratified by ] ,he council