Parking Meters Termed Successful By City Officials Following First Day

Cambridge's shiny new parking meters were acclaimed a financial success by city fathers yesterday. The gadgets, which started collecting the parking fees of Cambridge motorists in Harvard and Central Squares Monday, gathered an assortment of pennies and nickels totaling $240 in their first day of operation.

No slugs marred the first stage of "Operation Curbside," as Cambridge officials boasted, "We have a fool-proof machine." Even vandals were unable to damage the meters, although two tried hard. The offenders were caught and given fifteen days in the House of Correction.

Increased Business Reported

Merchants in the Square reported an increase in the amount of business because of the parking motors, according to City Manager John B. Atkinson. The 280 meters in this vicinity averaged 60 cents per machine.

Meanwhile, Central Square businessmen were not so lucky, said City Councilor Hyman Pill. He claimed that business there suffered "a noticeable loss" during the first day of operation.

Police promised a week of leniency to local motorists while they adjust themselves to the gadgets, before they clamp down on violators. First offenders will merely be given a warning. After that, there will be successive penalties of one, two, three, and five dollars for each offense.

Some Opposition Shown

But while the meters were called a financial success--they are expected to pay for themselves within two months--all was not milk and honey elsewhere. Arguments broke out in a meeting of the City Councilors, which Boston dailies likened to a four-act farce.

The meeting resulted in an order for the removal of the parking clocks from in front of business firms' receiving entrances, residences, public halls, and religious organizations. Should the meters prove successful, 1200 more are expected to be installed.