Henderson Daily Dispatch

FIREPROOFING FOR PRISON IS TALKED

Lowest Estimate of Cost Is $175,854; Might Use Prison Labor

BY J. C. BASKERVILL.

Raleigh, Feb. 21.-A special Senate committee which has been studying the cost of replacing all wooden material at State's Prison with fireproof steel construction is expected to make its report to the Senate within the next few days, and legislation to carry out some plan of fireproofing the institution is expected to follow shortly thereafter.

The committee, which was appointed under a resolution offered a few days ago by Senator Kirkpatrick, of Mecklenburg, made a personal visit to the prison yesterday and went over it thoroughly. Members of the committee are Senators Kirkpatrick Hill of Durham and Greene of Mitchell.

What recommendation the committee will make is not known but if the cost is not too great it is certain that the legislature will be asked to fire proof the central prison.

While there would be strenuous opposition to such a proposal, particularly at this time, placing any additional expense burden on the State, backers of the movement believe that every possible means should be taken to prevent a conflagration such as swept the Ohio prison a few years ago, resulting in a large death toll.

Thus far, of the three contractors estimates on the cost of the job, the lowest is $175,854, submitted by John W. Hudson, Jr., of Raleigh. Other estimates that have been submitted are: Angle-Blackford Company, of Greensboro, $191,000; Colman Construction Company, Raleigh, $182,500. Other estimates, it is expected, will be submitted within the next few days.

A reduction of 15 percent could be effected in the contractors' estimates by the use of prison labor where such is possible, according to members of the committee.