ALTAMONT BOY AND SISTER
SAVE TWO FROM DROWNING 

David Becker and his sister, Miss Freda Becker, of Altamont, who are passing the winter at St. Petersburg, Florida, with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Becker, recently rescued Miss Rexford and Mr. Rexford, Michigan visitors, from drowning at Sarasota beach. Miss Becker and Mr. Becker were taking a morning swim and were about to leave the water when they heard a cry for help from a sand bar some distance from the shore. 

The Rexfords had been following the sand bar for some distance, and stepped into a deep hole. The young woman could not swim and the man could swim but little. By the time the Beckers reached them Miss Rexford had disappeared and her brother was beneath the surface. Miss Becker caught him and brought him to the shore, although she was nearly exhausted by the effort. Mr. Becker, who is an expert swimmer and diver, brought Miss Rexford to the surface after successfully diving, and although there was a strong undertow, reached the shore safely with her. Both were resuscitated after help had been called to work over them. 

Altamont High School Notes 

Don’t forget the comedy, “Squaring It With the Boss,” to be presented to-night (Friday) by a cast composed of A. H. S. students. In addition to the comedy and the historical moving picture, a chorus composed of High school girls and one composed of High school boys will sing several selections. 

McKownville 

The milk station and bottling establishment of A. O. Rapp in McKownville was partially destroyed by fire late Saturday night. Due to the efficient work of the McKownville volunteer fire company the fire was quickly put under control and the part used for bottling was saved. Pumper ten of the Albany fire department answered to a phone call but the fire was under control and practically out when they arrived, but the fact should not be forgotten that they responded quickly and willingly. C. R. Parks, one of the firemen, was slightly injured. Mrs. H. N. Vanneman of Hillcraft avenue served the firemen hot coffee. 

Lively School Bill Hearing 

The Downing-Porter rural school bill came up for a hearing before the Education committee of the Senate and Assembly in the assembly chamber at Albany on Wednesday afternoon. 

Senator Cole, chairman, though he handled the hearing with fairness to all, had at times a task on his hands to preserve order with danger of a stampede of farmers to register their protests and, as one of their number said, “get home to milk the cows.”
About 500 persons from all parts of the state filled the assembly chamber for the hearing and the opposition was from farmers themselves whose children the bill was planned to benefit and in whose rural schools it was sought to bring about more efficiency and better instruction. 

These speakers for the opposition emphasized the fact that they felt the bill would take away from the farmer the control of the rural school — a principle that was dearer to them than the improvement sought as advocated by those in favor of the bill. 

Representatives of the following organizations filed petitions in favor of the bill: District Superintendents’ Asso., N. Y. State League of Women Voters, N. Y. State Federation of Women’s Clubs, N. Y. State Federation of Labor, and others. 

The effect that the hearing will have on the vote on the bill, which will probably be taken next week, is an open question.