R. R. Parkin Twenty-two Years at Elgin.

R. R. Parkin Twenty-two Years at Elgin.

The pamphlet embodying the officers’ annual reports for the Elgin, Ill., water department makes available a wealth of data as to the administration of water affairs in that city. Those who have these reports at hand, perhaps, may be led to feel the personal factor running through all the array of figures from the fact that likeness of President J. E. Johnson, of the board of water commissioners, and also the likeness of Commissioners Fred W. Jencks and John H. Reid and Superintendent R. R. Parkin appear as well. Also those of Engineer Holmes and of Secretary Jones. These gentlemen, it appears, have performed their task well for the good of their city.

The commissioners, supplemental to their recommendation for a new internally fired type boiler, also take up the matter of “smoke nuisance.” They strongly recommend furnaces that will insure complete combustion. To bring this about an enlargement of the boiler room is recommended and an appropriation asked for. It is also asked that a new chimney be erected to be at least 150 ft. in height 72 in. x 72 in. in diameter, inside measurement. “What,” ask the commissioners, “will be the benefits derived from the expenditure ?’’ and they answer as follows: “It is safe to say that the saving in fuel by having the required draft so as to obtain proper combustion will save the cost of the construction of the chimney in less than ten years to say nothing of the benefits derived to health, cleanliness and property.”