New Britain herald., 1928-04-18

'HNA@'Su' "S NdI ilcIp IL II llc 1OTu didn't put artesian wells in Plainville and We must pay the greater cost because he didn't" If the con- pany should raise its rates arbitrarily after being turned down at the meeting. he said he doubted If the consumers would so far enough to make any appeal. MT. Mccarthy said the average dividend of the company had been under 6 1-2 per cent and that some years there had been none Secretary Treasurer Joseph N. Mckernan of the company confirmed this state ment A public utility is not like a manufactory. MT. Benzon stated. its dividends being limited by law. He added that the income per mile of pipe was very small for the local company. being only $166e annually as compared with s25oo and $3o0o for many other companies.
 Charles R. Sherman, another member of the committee, explained that the increase in rates was neces- sary at this time because $4,OOO would be needed for the purchase of New Britain water during from seven to nine months of the year. The Plainville company pays a high CT rate at its gatehouse, he said. than large private users in New Britain do.
 New Britain is already talking of increasing this rate. Vice. President Frank Y. Wheeler of the water com pany warned and went on to tell of the difficulties of the company. Ten per cent Of its water is lost in the pipes, but this is very small loss in comparison with that elsewhere, he sad. One recent dividend of the company was not earned but was paid. he said. because so many shares of stock were owned by widows and others dependent upon payment. Had it been necessary 10 buy water from the Hardware City for only one month more last year, 'he company would have suffered a loss tor the year, he stated. The only remedy for the algae which make the Plainville reservoir water uns,,it- able in summer would be deepening the pond. which would involve a sum equal to that of the company's capi- tai stock. It is hoped that at some future time there will be money enough to drill wells in the northern end of the town. as there is believed to be q goodly supply of water in the gravel there.
 Motion Withdrawn
 As the question was about to be put, Mir. Rex arose and withdrew what hc called his 'odious' motion. saving he had gained the informa- flon he desired. Frederick Peace asked It 1t were not an oprortunc flme to consider taking over the company. but he was out of order and MT. Washburn moved adoption of the committees recommendations. ANel Johnson secondins. There was no opposition. Mir. Wheeler thanked the people who had come out and discussed the problem and said the increased turnouts at recent meet 'hgs were a good sign for Plainvillc.
 Town Ownership Possible
 Tt is possible for Plainyi]le to own lis water company" A. A. Macleod claimed. adding that the purchase price would not count against the towns limit of bonded indebtedness. several offers 10 buy the company had been received from outside parties, he revealed. but said that the directors had always wished to give the town the first opportunity.
 MT. OBrien then moved the ap- polhtment of committee of seven to Investigate the advisability of such purchase. Four members were to he named by the chair and three by the board ot sclectmen. This was carried and adjournment was made about 9:3o o'clock.
 Tut Pic in Mall Box-Finetl
 TWO youths who admitted having thrown a slab Of pie into the mail poX Ill front of the post office ap- peared in court before Justice NJ. q 1 Ryder last evening and were fined $1 i, and costs of s11.G6 apiece. They mad been arrested on complaint of l Frank Hohbein. postal clerk who 1 discovered tho box smcared with | 'goo.' while Grand Juror William J. Eoran. who prosecuted, had first hand information in the case be- cause he had attempted to mail a letter before the pastry had been re- The boys said they had i bought pic and had been unable to eat it all so had unthinkingly dropped it into the mail box, not believing there would be any mail in there at the time. But the offense is "tampering with the mails" and they were fined. Assistant Postmas- ter James J. Graham was appointed their temporary qua rdian.
 Constable George Schubert made the arrests.
 Grange Meeting
 Tho regular meeting of Plainvillc Grange was held fin Grange hall last night, with Newington Grange pre- senting the entire program. This opened with vocal solo by Mir.