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are unde~manned, and which condition in the Fire Department was made a subJec~ of criticism
<br /> in the recent report of the National Beard of Fire Underwriters.
<br /> It was further pointed out that the City's revenue from real estate taxes has
<br />been reduced by approximately $250000. as a result of reduced assessed values in the recent
<br />appraisal and that notwithstanding the reduction in overhead expenses of $93,5~0. in the three
<br />items above referred to and with practically no provision for general street repairs, ex?crises
<br />for the year aggregate an amount~equal to the entire estimated income for the year, with no
<br />margSn for con~ingencies.
<br /> In view of the City's financial condition, and while sympathetic with the idea
<br />of free school books, your Committee, Mro B.F. Long dissenting, is of the opinion that the add-
<br />ed expense, at this time, is inadvisable, and recommends-adversely.,
<br />
<br />In' connection herewith, the following letter from the Central Labor Union was read:
<br />
<br /> "We, the Legislative Committee of the Portsmouth Central Labor Union, feel that
<br />due to the information derived from the petitions circulated throughout the City in.behalf of
<br />the City furnishing free text books to all students attending the city public schools, from
<br />the information derived therefrom, it is the desire of the p~blic at large that the City sup-
<br />ply said books.
<br /> Plan submitted: clan favored by the Central Labor Union is that at the expira-
<br />tion of this school term each an~ every child who attends the city schools turn over to t~e
<br />City School Board all available books to be used b the City School Board as property of said
<br />Board.
<br /> The books derived~herefrom are to be used as free text books. Additional books
<br />as are required are to be ourcha~ed by School Board for free issue to the students of the City
<br />public schools.
<br /> We hereby recommend that ~he City supply free text books to all students
<br />tending the City Public schools.
<br /> Respectfully submitted,
<br />
<br />E.V. Smith, Secretary,
<br />Legislative Committee and
<br /> Portsmouth C.L.U."
<br />
<br />Labor Union to the 1936 budget, was
<br />
<br />Privilege of the floor was granted anyone interested.
<br />
<br />Mr. B.F. Long and others spoke in favor of the plan, as stated in their letter.
<br />
<br />Motion of Mr. Fox to refer the Manager's communication and letter of Oe~tral
<br /> adopted.
<br />
<br /> Letter from the Superintendent of Schools, notifying the Oo~ucil of the vacan-
<br />cy in the School Board from Second District, caused by the death of Mr. W.R. McGehee, laid on
<br />table August 13th, was taken up and read.
<br />
<br /> Motion of Mr. Cast to go into the election was adopted.
<br />
<br /> The following letter from the Central Labor Union was read:
<br />
<br /> "The Portsmouth ~entral Labor Union desires to place before the City 0ouncil,
<br />the names of two reliable persons, one of which we wish appointed on the School Board.
<br /> Mr. Chas. V. Gaskin, of 305 Elm Ave. and Mr. Edward R. Beisel of 170~ Leckie
<br />St.
<br /> As Marshall Ward is not represented .on the School Board, we know that either
<br />of these gen$1emen would be worthy of filling the next vacancy, or the present vacandy, if
<br />there is one at present.
<br /> Trusting that the City Council will make this appointment or recommendation,
<br />I~beg to remain,
<br />
<br />Yours truly,
<br />
<br />nomination,
<br />
<br /> E.V. Smith, Secretary,
<br />Portsmouth Central~ Labor Union."
<br />
<br /> Motion placing the names of X.O. Howell, Chas. V. Gaskins and
<br />was adopSed.
<br />
<br />Beisel in
<br />
<br />ing vote:
<br />
<br />Ballot being taken, Mr. K.O. Howell was declared elected, and~v the follow -
<br />
<br />For Mr. Howell - Brooks, Fox, Hutehins, Moore, Cast, Stewart.
<br />
<br /> - NE~ BUSINESS -
<br />
<br /> The following letter was read and referred to the City Attorney:
<br />
<br /> "It has ~ust been called to my attention that I have paid ~axes for the years
<br />1932, 1933 and 193~ on a certain building situated on East ~ashington St., Just south of the
<br />property occupied by the Harbor View Apartment Garages. The building in question has been
<br />torn down since 1931.
<br /> ~This building has been assessed against me at a value of $500.00. It would,
<br />therefore, seem that I am entitled to a rebate of the taxes paid on this building for the
<br />aforesaid years, amounting ~o $39°75. I request that you give this matter your consideration
<br />and grant me the rebate.
<br /> Yours truly,
<br />
<br /> Mary W. Hatton, by Geo. H.Lewis,Jr.,
<br />
<br />
<br />
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