October 2, 1931
Cops may have to qualify as expert vocalists. This contingency arose yesterday when the city council was presented with a petition signed by 74, asking that the cries of hucksters be toned down “in the name of common decency.” The plea for relief in this instance also mentioned consideration was due “the unfortunate who have to sleep during daylight hours” and the sick.
Alderman J.C. Galbraith asked J.H. McBroom, city attorney, if the “rooster” ordinance would not control the hucksters.
“Once in a while,” Alderman Galbraith said, “you find a hen that will crow.”
DO HENS CROW?
“Such a hen,” remarked Alderman L.A. Rosenfield, “is entirely out of her lien and should be killed. What right has a hen got to crow?”
McBroom said he had been given a model ordinance which covered practically all disturbing noises, including radios in private homes. He said he would study the measure. In the meantime, the city attorney said the police have authority to act in cases where noises are nuisances.
MUST HAVE SOFT VOICES
“Tell you men,” Mayor R.E. Sherman said to Chief L.T. Robey, “to instruct these hawkers to soft pedal their cries. There is no use in anyone indulging in any unnecessary bawling about bananas.”
“Why are they called hawkers?” Rosenfield asked.
McBroom explained the term came into existence years ago, when persons lived quite some distance from each other. He implied there was considerable hollering in those days and times.
Comments