OLD NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

STATE HEALTH BOARD EXPERT LOOKS OVER SEWER PLANS

Engineer Ditto of the State Board of Health was in town Tuesday afternoon to look over the ground and investigate the sewer question, also to advise the location for a disposal plan.

Morris Scharf, an engineer from Pittsburgh, who was in the employ of Mr. Knowles, formerly a partner of E. C. Chapin and who with the latter last had charge for city Water Works installation, was also present.

Mr. Ditto, after going over the ground recommended that a competent engineer go over the old sewer plans and check them up and advised that the town could do one of three things in sewage disposal: 1 was the sand filter as proposed in the last plans submitted: and the other was a septic tank, in which the sewage is treated and then allowed to go into the lake and deep water: the third, to pump the sewage to some place back in the country and their dispose of it.

He advised that in order to go on with the proposed paving, plans for the entire system be adopted and submitted to the State Board of Health for approval and then carried out as the town finds itself financially able, constructing the sewer along Liberty and Water streets first so the paving be done as soon as possible.

One point was developed and some seems very reasonable and that is, not to lay the sewer directly under the street car tracks as it would make considerable trouble in many ways.

Another point emphasized was, that so cellar drains are permitted to enter the server sewer but not downspouts. He also advised that says cesspools should not be allowed to empty into the sewer as fresh sewage was much more readily cared for and there was no use in going to the additional expense of requiring cesspools, for the disposal plant is all that is necessary.

Mr. Ditto also gave advice regarding the laying of sewer from the house to the street. He said he would also refer the council to number of disposal plants which were in in successful operation.

Some are laboring under the impression that the State Board of Health has been very aggressive and dictatorial in their decisions for sanitary sewers. But we are glad to say that such is not the case. It is their desire to be as reasonable as possible and do not wish in any way to place a burden upon the town which is beyond reason. The septic tank disposal plant is by far the cheapest proposition yet advanced but when one considers the labor proposition and cost of material the sewers as planned including the land and disposal plant would have cost less than any possible system will now and it will, in all probability be years before there will be any marked reduction in costs.

WAGE BOOST FOR MUNICIPAL ENGINEERS

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Public Affairs Monday night the wages of both the assistant and the engineer were advanced on account of high cost of living. The former will receive $75 per month in the latter $80.00. There was some talk of being compelled to readjust the rates of water consumers so as to cover the sharp advance in coal and filtering chemicals. The last coal purchase cost a little over $5 per ton on the track here.

Water rates in other places have already been advanced and it is no more than right than an adequate advance be made here. As there are a large number of consumers this will be hardly noticeable but, in the aggregate, meet the extra cost of production

-J. A. Berk was present and for a readjustment of the water rate for the mill as conditions were considerably different now than when the mill was grinding flour. He was told that under the new plan meters were being installed in all business places and the consumer paid for water actually used.

FISHERMAN’S STRIKE OVER; WORK GOES ON

The fishing question has finally been settled and in consequence all are busily engaged in that industry.

Fishing here is now under the share plan, the boat getting half to catch and the men one-sixth each of the remaining half. In lieu of their share the master and engineer receive $135 per month and with $0.60 per hour for over a 10 hour day, and $3.05 a day for sure work. Housemen received $3.25 per 10 hours work and $0.40 for overtime.

The trap net scale ranges from $3.50 to $2.90 per day.

The day scale for Erie and out of Ohio ports is $4.00.

The gill knitters are to receive $3.50 for 10 hours and $0.50 an hour overtime, when working by day and $3.05 for shore work.

The catches have been fair and Herring are beginning to make an appearance in the lifts. Prices are at present quite high and will probably remain so until after Easter.

PREFERRED ICY RIVER TO SCORCHING FIRE

Harold Hahn met with an accident Wednesday morning that will continue to confine him to the house for several days.

He has been working at the Fred Driscoll fish company’s plant recently assisting in tarring trap nets. Yesterday morning, as usual he placed kindling under the boiler preparatory to lighting the fire, poured what he supposed to be coal oil upon upon it and touched the match. An explosion followed, tearing the can to bits and throwing the burning fluid all over him. He ran to the river nearby and jumped headlong into it. Some workmen were employed on the other on the other side of the river heard the explosion and saw the young man jump into the river and managed to attract the attention of the men in the fish house who rescued him.

His face was severely burned, and it was at first feared that injury to the eyes would be sustained. However, that danger seemed to be past. His wrist between the gloves and coat sleeves were burned.

It is very evident that the can contained gasoline instead of kerosene, but it was the same can that had been used for the purpose and was taken from one of the boats. Lastly the accident happened in the open air rather than inside a room.

The following concerning a local young lady was contributed by a Berlin heights correspondent:

A large and appreciative audience witnessed the entertainment consisting of sketches music and art oratorical contest presented by Claire Tuttle of the Berlin Heights Opera House Saturday evening, March 24th.

Miss Edna Hull was one of the contestants and rendered her selection in the most pleasing manner. She possesses a charming personality and with many friends in Berlin. Vermilion should be proud of her. Miss Kishman of Vermilion played her accompaniment in a faultless manner.

MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 2ND

Vermilion Council, Knights and Ladies of Security will tender a Benefit Social to brother will Cullen, who has just returned from service on the border, and lies critically ill with typhoid- pneumonia. Everyone is advised to show his patriotism and loyalty to the flag, by patronizing this benefit to one of the boys who responded to his country’s call.

HURON

Peter Reifer, a lifelong resident of Huron, died last Tuesday morning. He was 65 years old and leaves a widow. Internment was made at Sandusky.

The fishermen have returned to work after being idle two weeks on account of the strike.

Mrs. Fred Gochstader died last Wednesday. Funeral services were held from the Methodist Church Saturday.

One of the trap net boats sprung a leak Monday while out on the lake and sank but was later towed into the river.

George Swift, highly respected farmer residing in W Huron, died Monday, March 26.

Robert Truitt has taken possession of the late Gus Boomer’s saloon until June. He will then move to his own on north Main Street.

Fishing in Huron is very good at present- good lifts and good prices.

Fire visited east Huron Monday totally destroying the house.

[NOTE: I must apologize for ending this week’s Briefs at this point. If I can – I’ll add to it during the week.}