New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1929-03-09
Why Cost of Government
Has Increased 500 p. c.

Has Increased 500 p. c.
Tax Collector Bernadotte LOOMS
disclosure that the costs of govern
ment have mounted 500 per cent
since 1910. was most interesting and
has raised question in the minds
of many taxpayers AZ to just what
functions of government have con-
tributed to the seemingly enormous
boost.
1t must be considered at the out
set. that the population OF New Brit
ain, as shown in the census OF 1910.
was $4,000. while today 1t 10 gener-
ally believed to be $4,000, or nearly
twice as large.
The bill for schools in 1910 was
s167,332. today 1t is $1.21s,73t.
nearly eight times as much as it was
20 years ago. The teaching staff in
those days drew a total OF $4,000,
payroll which is dwarfed by the
present salary list of 3S4l,07t.
Supt. Stanley H. Holmes was paid
$4,000, a salary which has been
slightly more than doubled to fix it
at its present figure, $500. The
fuel bill has mounted from $500 to
$4,000. Buildir repair allowance
wa $1,000. about seven per cent Of
the amount asked by the board for
next year.
There was no open air school, no
vacation school. no medical or
dental work, and all other features
of education were pared down to the
bare three RS.
The board of public works stru9-
sled along with s123.76G, and
members of the board thought they
would never see the day when this
would be tripled, yet the current
years allowance was $369,701.
In 1910. the city was policed for
$31,70O, service which now costs
the taxpayers s215,1l5. An idea of
the difference in the type OF service
given is gained from comparison
of the &27,025 payroll of that day
with the $l74,279 list of the present
day.
Even though 1t was necessary TO
include an item for possible replace
ment of horses. the fire department
was maintained at a cost Of $40,315.
This branch of the city service now
presents an annual bill OF $o26,045.
Public health work here, as else
where, had not been taken up serl-
ouslv. although $500 was allowed.
This amount wouldn't pay the sal
aries Of one-quarter OF the present
staff. and would meet the cost OF
garbage only by accommodating for
nearly five years. Health work to-
day costs s59,GS0.
In charity work. the appropria-
ton has been tripled. IT cost S32,-
20 in 1910; now s91,3S2.20.
The New Britain Institute was
helped along with $1,000 then, but
now finds it necessary to ask the
city for $4,000 for its widely ex-
tended services to the public.
One of the chief reasons for in
creased taxes is the fact that the city
has :: .ver followed out policy of
paying for improvements out of
taxation. A score of years ago. the
obligations of the municipal govern
mcnt required payment of interest
and discount in the amount of s67.-
1850, while today's cost is Vs.
241.o5. The city fathers in those
DAYS paid off maturing obligations
with S64,75o. Today it costs $S7S,-
500.
Salaries do not appear 10 be
mounted as high as many other
items of the budget, although this
item has nearly doubled, the 1910
figure being s35,41sa2. as against
s76,S9S today.
New britain Poles Lead
New England in Dramatics
New Britain Poles may well call
themselves leaders among New
England Polish communities in fos-
tcring Polish drama. The current
season we'll bears out this fact. as
there were more plays witnessed
this season than at any other
time in the history Of the local COM
munity. Since the formation OF
new parish, interest in Polish drama
has doubled and during the winter
and early spring seasons. plays have
been presented by theatrical circles
of either parish practically every
week.
Enthusiasm for amateur theatri-
calls has been manifest in the Polish
nation for more than a century. Pro-
duction of amateur plays got its in
ception soon after Poland's parti-
ton. At first, writers, gave up most
of their time and energy to the pa
triotic type Of plays, this being most
natural. following a pitiful chapter
in the history of the nation. 1t was
one of the few ways Of reaching the
masses and constantly keeping their
minds refreshed with their plight.
As time went on, the patriotic type
OF drama began to give way slowly
to farce, comedy. melodrama and
musical sketches; neverth eless all
types were saturated with national
spirit.
The national type OF plays in
WHICH are ucplCttu tlC Slldl6Cltls
and customs OF various parts Of
Poland. are perhaps the most popu-
lar am ong local enthusiasts. The
pathetic type, bordering on tragedy
and based to som. degree on morals
and religion, are received with equal
enthusiasm, but are not frequent.
The average playgoer prefers char.
acteristic play, spiced with humof
and music. 1t brings back memories
to the older folk of bygone days.
and gives the Younger generation.
born and brought up as Americans.
clearer view of Polish customs
and traditions than would a book.
There are two dramatic circles in
this city. one in the Holy Cross par
ish and the other in the Sacred
Heart parish. The latter is the older