New Britain herald., 1929-07-27
THE OBSER VER- Makes Random Observations
 On the City and Its People

| Britain has plenty of It among certain group, although in political circles it sometimes seems 10 be 1 submerged in favor of the great American game of putting some- thing over on the other fellow. Community spirit is rife just now in a drive for s25,000 for municipal golf course. No one denies that a municipal golf course is something to be desired and something which will be listed | among the citys attractions, if and when it is accomplished.
 But community spirit is very apt sometimes to get those who are in Nolved in 8 drive" for funds for some enterprise or other 10 permit their enthusiasm to run away with their judgment The argument being used by many that it is every individuals duty to subscribe to the fund is not in good taste and is open to much criticism.
 There may be individuals who are not interested in golf. This would not be surprising. Golf and golf courses have much to commend them and it is only fair that in a drive 10 provide a place for golfers 10 golf, golfers should be expected to supply the funds. or if not golf CTS alone, then golfers and others interested in the fund.
 But to imply that one group of enthusiasts has a moral right to
 impose obligations, even though they may be obligations of civic pride, on another group, unless the first group be a legally constituted legislative body, is an imposition and not in accord with fair play and good sportsmanship.
 A public golf course has many things to commend if, It would be a good thing for New Britain. The same statements apply 10 an ayia- tion field. To more and larger swimming pools. To that Shuttle Meadow boule,ard which met such a mysterious death is a serious need To good roads over the Shuttle Meadow mountain should have been constructed long ago
 Residents of Slater road want thelr road made passa ble. Resi- dents Of a large and practically un- protected section of the city want fire protection. Residents of Barnes hale want sewer and decent streets. The list of things needed is almost endless
 These things have as much to commend them as golf course i All are good for the city. Former Mayor Quigley recommends a forestry commission to save the trees now being destroyed on ccr- tain streets. He visions an outlet for New Britain on the Boston Post road. Other citizens see possi- bility Of relief sometime from the flood waters of the Berlin under pass. situation the state hichway department admits it is unable tc remedy. Others hope 10 see the de tour around this pass made fit for travel. New Britain youths now toddllng about their respectivc homes hope that by the time the, reach the wheel chair asc Commis. sloner Macdonald will comply witt the mandates of the legislature anent the Cat Hole road. Hichway signs are needed on all roads into and out of New Britain. Why moi a drive for theseo
 The city has dozens of street, Whjc h mood
 which are said to be improved which need to be done over: the New Britain General hospital needs new nurses home and new medical hospital as well as new operating room. Something should be done to drag the various branch. es of the community chest, includ Ing the parent organization. out O the rut and bring it up to date The park department needs moderr greenhouses so that Superintendent ElllneWood need not continue {, make bricks without straw all hi life. Steele street should be opene, for traffic from Corbin avenue {, | West Main. The Main street rail : road crossing should be eliminated , Streets on three sides Of Stanle ; Quarter park should he graded.
 The list could be continued in I definitely. The point is that ther are many things New Britain needs l Contributing to any one of them - a privilege, a right, possibly an op - portunity. but the man in the fac |, tory supporting a wife and house 3 tul Of children will be hard 10 con r vince that even so much as a dol 2 lar, payable in four months toward l a place where those who can an !, will, may play golf. is a civic dut, r His reply is very likely 10 be
 picturesque and expressive. but col Q loquial and sarcastic banana oil ' Q Another argument being used i { that those who do not play nov f will do so as soon as the course i r built. No one can predict tn = future, and, even if this is true. th l course will he maintained hy taxe : and every citizen will be entitled t e use 1t, whether he donates towar e it or not. A fixed charge pc e game will help equalize things. l Executive Sessions
 = Produce Fireworks
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