The Morris County Chronicle

BOARD OF ALDERMAN.

Final Meeting of Old Board-Electric Light Conduit Ordinance Passed.

The special work of the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen for 1897-8, held last Friday evening, was the passage of the ordinance for underground electric light wiring. The meeting was interesting also from the fact that a number of the newly elected members were present, doubtless to witness the mode of procedure and become acclimated.

Among communications was an invitation to the Mayor and Board to attend the Ladies' Night Entertainment of the Royal Arcanum, at the Y. M. C. A. Building, on Wednesday evening last.

Under suspension of rules, the Board heard the request of Robert D. Foote, in behalf of the Memorial Day Association, for the usual appropriation of $100 for the celebration of Memorial Day, and later the appropriation was voted.

Collector Becker's report showed $6,000 collected on taxes and paid to the city during last month.

The Board of Engineers reported the election of Robert D. Foote to Independent Hose Company; John Kane to Washington Engine Company; H. H. Fairchild to Resolute H. and L. Company, and Benjamin Sayre, R. Whitehead and A. Thompson to Humane Engine Company. The resignation of J. E. Stiles and Albert Wayrich from the Resolutes was also reported.

Chief Engineer Stevens reported the fires for the month, and also presented his annual report, showing at present 165 active firemen; giving inventory of fire apparatus; reporting 5,000 feet of good hose in service; that the fire alarm system, consisting of 8 miles of wire and 15 alarm boxes, and with a 1,000-pound alarm bell, was in good condition; also, 110 hydrants and 6 cisterns in use. There were sixteen general alarms of fire during the year. Among recommendations were the addition of several hydrants and alarm boxes, enlargement of Washington engine house on Market street, and the adoption of a more modern system of hose drying.

Police Justice Clift reported $64.80, as collected from fines and costs, the same being paid into city treasury.

On recommendation of the Finance Committee, the bond of Constable J. W. Babbitt for $1,500 was accepted. Also, on motion of this committee, the Collector was instructed to cancel the record of taxes against Mrs. Elizabeth McGuinness for '93, '94, '95 and '96, as she had exhibited receipts for the same.

Marshal Halloway's monthly report noted 29 arrests and 55 persons lodged in the lockup. The yearly report showed 408 arrests or 97 more than last year, and 398 persons lodged.

Alderman Carrell, for the Street Committee, reported that a new stone crusher of sufficient capacity to furnish stone for the streets, of 175 to 275 tons per day, could be purchased for $1,700.

The electric light conduit ordinance, mentioned above, was taken up and read by sections, and adopted. The ordinance is printed in full on page 3.