The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-05

viding for 1t stated that the Com missioner of Public Works was to take charge of the details. They claim that as an acting commis- sioner Burke hasn't tho legal status of a commissioner as stipulated by the law.
 Called Legal Agent
 On the other hand, they also claim that if the acting Public Works Commissioner should be ruled the legal agent of the state gov. ernment to transact the necessary business in connection with develop ment of the airfield, then Gov. Hur- ley himself has violated the law in not sending In Burke's name as Commissioner of Public Works. Such an appointment would require only Senate confirmation and with a safe Democratic majority in the Senate there is TO doubt but what Com. Burke's appointment would be ratified.
 The agitation Is said to have orig mated in Windsor Locks where a number of property owners who sold land for the airport are said to be dissatisfied with the price paid them.
 Rep. William Haddon of Orange, House majority leader, today admit ted to The Democrat that he had heard some reports about a con- templated probe of the situation, but he said he knew nothing officially of 1t. He had heard, he said, some rumors about q question on Burkes exact status under the law.
 There doubtless will be on early attempt to "break" the case as work Is progressing rapidly at the air port under U. s. Army direction. It is now expected that the first air planes will be housed at the sfleld by April 1.
 The bill delegating powers of ac- quiring the necessary land for the landing field at Windsor Locks was passed by the Legislature late In January after its original version had been amended.
 At the governors office today it was confirmed that MT. Burke was an acting commissioner only. Hurley Justified
 Hartford, Conn, March 5.~(UPD-- Gov. Hurley today received a com- munication from administrator Don- ald II. Connolly of the civil aero- nautics authority which he said justified" the states purchase of a $250. 900 tract at Windsor Locks for a federal air base site.
 The purchase had been criticized by former Republican Congressman William J. Miller. Wethersfield. as an "extravagance" in that federal funds were available for the pur- pose.
 Connolly, said the governor. ad- mitted the CAA had $40,000. .000 available for airport development, but in his letter pointed out that Tt was determined that no land would be acquired in connection with this program and that improve ments would be confined to landing facilities only on politically -owned airports. None of the funds ap- proprlated for this program have been expended for the purchase oi land"
 Insurance Heavy
 Hartford. Conn. March 5.--(UP) The Legislative Insurance Com- mittee today held q major hearing on an administrators D onsor cd measure proposing creation Of Q savings bank life insurance system
 Strong opposition was expected from representative of the Connec- tIcut Life Underwriters Association and leading insurance companies.
 The measure would permit state savings banks to issue low-cost in. surance policies in limited volume.
 Meantime. the judiciary commit teen named a special subcommittee to study several measures propos- ing changes in the common pleas court set-up.
 The committee comprised Sen, william J. Bhea. e. Mailchesfcr; Sen. Joseph 2. CoOney, p. Hart ford; Rep. Stanley Mead. D., NfW Canaan; and Rep. Abraham Rlbi-