The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-18


 to include other streets. The funds for this were provided by bonds, sold and to be sold un- der authority of the General As- sembly of 1887, and the work has been done by contract. The ir1- proved appearance of Exchange Place, Willow street and Congress avenue is apparent to all who have had occasion to use these streets. Homer street was also repaved, this work being done by street department forces.
 In this connection, I may say that it was the intention of the Board of Finance, in drafting the budget for 1888, that for the com- ing year, the work of the street department will be confined to maintenance only, and that all other street projects will be done by contract work, with the bond funds being used for such work.
 It is with deep personal sorrow that I refer to the recent death of Robert A. Cairns, for 46 years city engineer of Waterbury. His work for this long period was such that he was regarded on all sides as master of his profess sion. If any of his many works were to be signaled out for par ticular mention, think it would be the designing and building of the dam and tunnel at the Shepaug reservoir.
 In order that his memory and works may be kept in lasting memory in the city he served so we'll, it is my intention, in the near future, to appoint a com- mittee of representative citizens to devise some form of memorial which will be worthy of his long and faithful public service.
 His successor, Charles A. Root, comes to his new position with the experience of many years of close intimacy with his late chief. His ability is unquestioned and we wish for him long and acc tive career in his new post.
 Police Department:
 The record of our Police De- partment for 1887 is a cause of qualification. Public attention was centered on this record be- cause of the efficiency with which several hit and run cases were handled. The department report shows that for the year ending November 30, 1887, seventy seven hit and run cases were reported, of which T convictions were se- cured. There are also four cases in which the driver was appre- hended and the cases are pend ing the coroner's finding.
 The breaking up of gang en- gagged in organized theft of auto mobiles and other crimes in Wa terbury and vicinity was promptly effected. another outstanding in- stance of capable police work.
 The work of the accident pre- vention bureau has been so fruit full that Waterbury has received favorable comment throughout the nation. The years report shows reduction of Il per cent in mo- tor vehicle accidents, as a re- suit of which there has been a decrease of approximately g per cent in automobile accident insur- ance rates.
 The installation of the radio system, which first operated in August, 1887, should materially add to the efficient and speedy service of the police department.
 Fire Department
 In the year ending November 30, 1897, the total loss by fire in Waterbury was approximately $283, ,O00. On which insurance was paid to the amount of $235,- 900. Leaving the total uninsured fire loss for the year at about $48,00O. That the fire loss has been kept down to this figure is 8 tribute not only to the work of our fire department but to the &C., tivity of the fire prevention bu- reau, in charge of Fire Marshal Lahey. I invite your particular attention to his report, because I believe that the average citizen gives little thought to the constant work involved in seeking for and removing possible fire hazards.
 In February, 1897, Fire Chief Thomas J. Lynch was placed on the retired list and was succeeded as chief by Deputy Thomas F. Cavanaugh. The new chief has, during his first year, maintained the high standard set by his predecessors.
 We note with sorrow that for mer Chief Lynch died on October 1, 1887. His career in the fire department was a long and hon. orable one and 1t Is 8 matter of regret that he could not have been spared to enjoy the retire. ment to which his record of ser- vice entitled him.
 During the year, one of the older engines (purchased in 1918) was replaced by new one. This is in line with the policy adopted in drawing up the budget for 1887. One more piece will be replaced in 1888, and this system should continue until all the older ap- paratus is replaced.
 Personnel:
 In October, I announced my in- tention to seek a reorganization of the city departments, to the end that some overlapping activities might be eliminated and the Ser- vice as a whole made more effi- cient. In some cases, changes have already been made along this line and such changes will con- tinue as the study of this work progresses.
 It has been increasingly evident for some time that a radical change is needed in the method of securing and retaining positions in the service of the city. I be-