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ANNUAL REPORTS
CITY OF ATTLEBORO 1918
Ret-Gen. 974.48 A882 IBRARY
OF ATTLEI
PUBLIC LI
H MASS.
INCORPORA
1885
Date Nov. 1919 No 26581
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY a31654001303509b
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
Officers and Departments
OF THE
City of Attleboro
ATT
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INCORP. ISO MASS.
OUGH IN
TTLEBOR
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FOR THE YEAR 1918
SUN PUBLISHING COMPANY Attleboro, Massachusetts 1919
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26581 Nov. 1919
1918 : 4
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/reportsoftownoff1918attl
Company I, Fifth Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, July 4, 1917
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GOVERNMENT
OF THE
CITY OF ATTLEBORO 1918
ELECTED OFFICIALS.
MAYOR. Term expires January, 1919
Harold E. Sweet .80 North Main St. Hours :- 9:30 to 11:30 a. m. daily and 3 to 4 p. m. Monday and Thursday.
CITY CLERK AND TREASURER.
Term expires January, 1919.
Frank I. Babcock.
: .. 2153 South Main St. Hours :- Daily'from 8:30 pon to 5 p. m., except Saturdays. Satur- days 8:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. 0 ASSISTANT CITY CLERK. Terin expires 'January; 1919.
Alberta F. Remington. 6 Fourth St. Appointed by the City Clerk, confirmed by the Council.
CITY COLLECTOR. Term expires January, 1919.
Lester W. Nerney
200 North Main St. Hours :- Daily from 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. except Saturdays. Saturdays 8 a. m. to 12 m.
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE.
Terms expire January, 1920.
*Philip E. Brady, President 228 Bronson Bldg. Stephen H. Foley. 2 Holman St.
Harry P. Kent. 12 First St.
George A. Sweeney. . 52 Holman St.
Charles O. Sweet. 119 Bank St. Oscar Wolfenden. .173 County St
*Resigned January 7, 1919.
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ANNUAL REPORT
WARD COUNCILLORS. Terms expire January, 1919.
William H. Garner . 373 South Main St.
Joseph E. Gaynor .. .25 Maple St.
Thomas S. Healey . 13 Foley St.
Solomon B. Jacobs. . 48 Park St.
William A. Spier. 14 Grove St.
ASSESSORS.
Walter J. Newman, Chairman. 177 Pine St.
Term expires January, 1921.
Malcolm Currie. 12 Holden St.
Term expires January, 1920.
Harry E. Carpenter, Clerk. West St.
Term expires January, 1919.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Terms expire January, 1921.
Benjamin P. King, Chairman .17 First St.
Dr. Reginald P. Dakin, Secretary. .32 John St.
Mrs. Emily L. Richardson. 13 Maple St.
Terms expire January, 1920.
*Walter A. Briggs 1 Cliff St. *Thomas G. Sadler. .South Attleboro
Mrs. Florence B. Theobald. 250 County St.
Terms expire January, 1919.
Mrs. Mary C. Ford. . Tyer St.
Walter J. Newman.
177 Pine St.
Edwin F. Thayer.
Mechanics St.
APPOINTED OFFICIALS. C
€ €
¢
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Joseph V. Curran, Chairman. Highland Ave., Hebronville Term expires February, 1921.
Benjamin P. King, Clerk
17 First St.
Term expires February, 1920.
Frank M. Payson, Visitor. 139 North Main St. Term expires February, 1919.
CITY PHYSICIAN.
Wilfred E. Rounseville. 40 Bank St.
Term expires February, 1919.
Ralph P. Kent
HEALTH OFFICER. 115 County St. Term expires February, 1919.
*Resigned Dec. 3, 1918.
5
ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE ENGINEERS.
Hiram R. Packard, Chief. 8 Hope St. Term expires February, 1921.
Fred A. Clark, First Assistant. 22 Hayward St. Term expires February, 1920.
Craig C. Pope, Second Assistant. 244 Park St.
Term expires February, 1919.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Edmond H. Gingras, Chief and Lockup Keeper. .15 John St. Term expires February, 1919.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Harry J. Goodale, Superintendent. 61 County St. Term expires February, 1921.
AUDITOR.
Edward A. Sweeney Bates Block Term expires February, 1921.
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS.
Millard F. Ashley 8 Sturdy St. Term expires February, 1919.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Hugh Gaffney . 31 Dennis St. Term expires February, 1919.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS.
John R. Curry, Chairman 4 Foley St.
Term expires April, 1919.
Michael Galligan. 70 Dunham St. Term expires April, 1920.
Chester A. Smith. . South Main St., Hebronville Term expires April, 1921.
Frank I. Babcock, ex-officio 163 South Main St.
CITY SOLICITOR.
John J. Coady 10 John St. Deceased September 8, 1918.
Ralph C. Estes .20 First St. Appointed October 1, 1918. Term expires February, 1919.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PARK COMMISSIONERS.
Charles A. Mooers, Chairman. 72 County St. Term expires February, 1920.
John E. Anderson. Thacher St.
Term expires February, 1921.
Solon D. Bushee 255 County St.
Term expires February, 1919.
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Terms expire February, 1919.
Joseph L. Sweet, Chairman 42 Peck St. 197 South Main St.
Leonard I. Lamb.
Thomas E. McCaffrey. 99 Union St.
Terms expire February, 1920.
Mrs. Eleanor S. Carpenter. . 60 Peck St.
Charles S. Holden, Secretary 378 North Main St.
Mark E. Rowe
178 South Main St.
Terms expire February, 1921.
Mrs. Irene T. Hill. 192 South Main St.
Raymond M. Horton. . 116 Pleasant St.
Miss Elizabeth J. Wilmarth. . 73 North Main St.
CITY FORESTER.
W. E. S. Smith 127 Thacher St. Term expires February, 1919.
FOREST WARDEN.
Hiram R. Packard Term expires February, 1919. Hope St.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF, BURIAL AND STATE AID AGENT.
Walter J. Newman. 177 Pine St.
Term expires February, 1919.
PLANNING BOARD.
Terms expire February, 1919.
Joseph Finberg, Chairman 24 John St. Milford E. Bliss. 12 Dean St.
Terms expire February, 1920.
Mrs. Josephine L. Hammond. 17 Second St.
Raymond M. Horton. 116 Pleasant St.
Terms expire February, 1921.
Mrs. Mary G. Mullaly 1 Ellis St. Edgar A. Remington. 3 Fourth St.
7
ANNUAL REPORT
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS.
Hugh A. Gaw. .46 Barrows St., No. Attleboro Term expires April, 1919.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES.
Benjamin C. Wetherell. .30 Second St. Term expires February, 1919.
FENCE VIEWERS AND FIELD DRIVERS. Terms expire February, 1919.
Eustace V. Carpenter 278 Oak Hill Ave. Harry L. Carpenter .803 No. Main St. . Locust St.
Henry A. Lord.
CARETAKER OF GRAVES CIVIL AND SPANISH WAR VETERANS.
George R. Adams 87 Dean St.
Term expires February, 1919.
CITY STENOGRAPHER.
Alice G. Enbom. 130 Pleasant St. Term expires February, 1919.
CITY MESSENGER.
Fred L. Morse. 24 Dean St. Appointed by the Council. Term expires February, 1919.
POUND KEEPER.
Nelson Hagar . City Farm, County St.
Term expires February, 1919.
CITY REPRESENTATIVES ON BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL. Appointed by the Council. Terms expire February, 1919.
Harold E. Sweet. 80 North Main St. Charles O. Sweet 119 Bank St. 163 South Main St.
Frank I. Babcock, ex-officio.
TRUSTEES OF THE CAPRON AND DEBORAH STARKEY FUNDS. All Ex-Officio. Appointed by the Council. Harold E. Sweet, Mayor. Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer. Benjamin P. King, Chairman of School Committee.
8
ANNUAL REPORT
SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS. Appointed by the Council.
W. Granville Meader, Clerk. .146 County St. Term expires February, 1919.
Ernest D. Gilmore South Main St.
Term expires February, 1920.
Fred L. Torrey. 5 Torrey St.
Term expires February, 1921.
SEWER LOAN COMMISSION. Appointed by the Council.
Harold E. Sweet, Mayor, ex-officio.
Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer, ex-officio.
W. Granville Meader.
Term expires February, 1919.
Ernest D. Gilmore Term expires February, 1920.
Fred L. Torrey Term expires February, 1921.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL.
Committee on Finance and Accounts.
Charles O. Sweet Solomon B. Jacobs William H. Garner
Committee on Streets and Bridges.
George A. Sweeney Joseph E. Gaynor Harry P. Kent
Committee on Lighting.
William A. Spier George A. Sweeney Charles O. Sweet
Committee on Water Supply, Sewers and Drains.
Harry P. Kent Thomas S. Healey William H. Garner
Committee on Fire Department and Police.
Oscar Wolfenden Thomas S. Healey William A. Spier
Committee on Licenses.
Stephen H. Foley George A. Sweeney Solomon B. Jacobs
Committee on Ordinances, Elections and Legislative Matters.
Joseph E. Gaynor Stephen H. Foley Thomas S. Healey
Committee on Health and Poor Departments, State Aid and Soldiers' Relief.
William H. Garner Stephen H. Foley Oscar Wolfenden
Committee on Claims.
Solomon B. Jacobs Joseph E. Gaynor Thomas S. Healey
ADDRESS OF
HON. PHILIP E. BRADY
MAYOR OF ATTLEBORO
AT THE
INAUGURATION
OF
THE 1919 CITY GOVERNMENT
ATTL
.E.BO
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TOWN OF AT
1694
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NCORP.
.MASS: 171
TLEBOROUGH
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19
HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1919
11
ANNUAL REPORT
Gentlemen of the Council:
The year that has just passed into history was, for reasons that need no elaboration, one of unparalleled activity in every department of our national government and this in turn has had a strong and last- ing reflex on almost every phase of our municipal and individual life. Hardly a line of human endeavor but has been subservient to the main thought and purpose,-the winning of the war.
The first and most important effect was in the calling of a large percentage of our population, the active and stout hearted young men, into the army and navy either by voluntary enlistment or under the operation of the Selective Service Law, and throughout the year, even to the very day the armistice was signed, the city responded to every call and continued to send its brave sons to support and sustain those other brave boys of this city, who as members of the 26th and 76th divisions, were maintaining the glory of American arms at Chateau Thierry, Belleau Wood, St. Mihiel, Verdun, Argonne Forest and on other sectors of the battle line and upon the high seas.
How splendidly these soldiers and sailors were supported by the non-combattant part of our people is amply attested by the tireless energy of the local chapter of the Red Cross, the universal response to the appeals for increased production and conservation, and the more than generous response the city gave to every demand made upon it for funds for carrying on the war or for supplying the soldiers with comforts that are not commonly a part of army life. As an emer- gency force our local State Guard acquitted itself with zeal and fidelity.
The war has been won but not without great sacrifices. While the vast majority of our soldiers and sailors will return, some homes will miss a loved face and some hearts will be lonely
For those who return, whether from overseas or from the camps and cantonments of this country where "they also serve who only stand and wait," I bespeak the same loyal support and deep interest that were given them in the hour that the country most needed them, that they may be given their former positions or better ones and aided in every way to resume the paths of peace.
The memory of those who have died for their country has always been a hallowed one to our people and it would seem most fitting that the sacrifices of those of our young men and the young woman who gave all that they had and all that they hoped for in this great war, should be commemorated on a permanent roll of honor with the names of all who served in the war, in a memorial hall to be part of a municipal building to be erected, if not from the public revenues, by the voluntary contributions of our people. I commend this subject to your attention in the hope that a beginning at least will be made during the year.
Let us hope that out of all the service and sacrifice of the war will come a livelier sense of the real value of citizenship in this great country and as we have brought the blessings of our ideals of freedom to so many other countries, may we not insist on the recognition of those ideals by all who come to these shores.
An opinion has been asked by the press as to the character and time of the celebration that shall mark the return of our soldiers from overseas, and the suggestion has been made that it be made coincident with the celebration of the 225th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Attleborough, in which the town of North Attleborough, whose soldiers have fought so valiantly with our own, could with pro- priety join. The suggestion is a good one and has my hearty approval
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ANNUAL REPORT
for then, undoubtedly, all of our men will have returned and a parade of our soldiers, sailors and aviators, as well as civilians whose work in a less signal manner still contributed to the great victory, will make an imposing and inspiring sight. However, should either of the Divisions with which our soldiers have been identified arrive at an earlier date, it might be difficult to restrain the pent-up feelings of our people and render an immediate and fitting celebration necessary. There can be no doubt that our soldiers have won enough fame to en- title them to more than one expression of the gratitude and devotion of our people.
In no part of the public or private life of our city has the war had a more direct or insistent effect than upon the office of the Mayor; and I esteem it one of the most fortunate circumstances that at this time in our city's history that office has been filled by one happily endowed with qualities of heart and head combined with devotion to duty and enthusiasm and capacity for service that have enabled him to discharge not only the ordinary routine duties of the office but also to deal with a multiplicity of new questions and details in a manner that has been an honor and a credit to himself and an inspira- tion to those who have had at heart the loyal support of the nation during the emergency occasioned by the war. The modest return in salary that the Municipal Council was permitted by Mayor Sweet to make for this service rendered it almost a gift to the City.
The effect of war conditions on other departments of the City government was most strongly marked in the demand of the national government for workers and the general advance in wages and the increased price of materials and supplies. For these reasons, much work that ordinarily would be done was necessarily deferred until now a period of restoration and reparation confronts us with the same high prices prevailing and with no new or increased sources of revenue to meet it. Advances in salaries were made during part of the past year that must prevail during the whole of the present year. This will be most noticeable in the school, the fire and the police depart- ments. There are only two ways to meet this contingency, either by curtailing our activities or increasing the tax rate if we are to adhere to the pay-as-you-go policy that has been a marked characteristic of the first city administration. In some instances where the character of the work to be done justifies it, bonds may properly be issued to carry out improvements that have been long deferred. But this policy should not be resorted to unless the work is of a permanent character for the very sufficient reason that posterity will have its own troubles. So generous has been the response of our people to every demand made by the national government for financial support during the war, the hope is justified that the same spirit may be invoked to sus- tain the municipal government in its difficulties until the return of normal conditions even to the extent of an increase in the tax rate.
Finances
The financial condition of the city has continued to improve steadily under the able management of my predecessor whose training in finance has been manifest in his lucid handling of the budgets of the past four years. Long years of intimate acquaintance with the legislative affairs of the town enables me to speak with some degree of authority in saying that never have appropriations been made more intelligently nor with greater regard for just distribution of benefits than under the present methods. A statement of the financial condi- tion of the city at the conclusion of the year 1918 is as follows :-
13
ANNUAL REPORT
Average valuation for the past three years.
$21,216,430.00
Our debt limit (Revised laws, Chapt. 27, Section 3) . . . 530,410.75
Our present liabilities as of Dec. 31, 1918- Water Bonds $568,500.00 367,000.00
Sewer Bonds
High school Bonds.
$121,000.00
Fire Engine Station Bonds ... 7,600.00
School House Bonds. .. 30,000.00
A. B. C. Street Railway Bonds
22,500.00
181,000.00
Total Bonds, Water, Sewer and
general
$1,116,600.00
Time notes 15,000.00
Revenue Loans
125,000.00 140,000.00
Total Debt, Bonds and Notes
$1,256,600.00
Less Sinking Fund Assets-
Water
$160,387.48
Sewer Investment Fund. 136,912.52
General
29,905.23 327,205.23
Net Bonded and Floating Debt ...
$929,394.77
Above liabilities that are outside of debt limit-
Water $568,500.00
Sewer
367,000.00
A. B. C. Street Railway Bonds .. 22,500.00
Revenue Loans
125,000.00
$1,083,000.00
Less Water and Sewer
Sinking Funds
297,300.00 $785,700.00
Net debt within the debt limit.
$143,694.77
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1919. 386,715.98
Borrowing Capacity,
January 1, 1918. 384,711.71
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1917 356,778.51
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1916. 316,877.83
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1915. 267,701.20
Net increase in our borrowing capacity since January 1,
$119,014.78 1915
The relatively small gain in the borrowing capacity is owing to the decrease in the average valuation in the past three years due to the elimination of the values of intangible property which is now taxed by the State.
Highways
For reasons that have been stated above, the 1918 appropriation for highways and bridges, which was not increased from the preceding year, did not go as far in taking care of the necessary work on the highways as had been anticipated at the time of the passing of the 1918 budget. The work that was done ran into money rapidly and while little new work was accomplished, what was done was well done and will need very little care for some years to come. Tardy rec- ognition was given the growing conditions in the South end of the City
14
ANNUAL REPORT
where considerable development may be expected in the next few years and necessary improvements were made on Turner Street in front of the Crown Mill. This part of the city has not received the attention in the past that the character of its buildings and the amount of revenue derived therefrom would justify the people of that section to expect. Good work was also done on North Main Street putting that Street into excellent condition as far as West Street. The work in this direction should be continued to the North Attleborough town line. North Main Street from West Street to the Sheffield residence is in fairly good condition, but beyond that, the Street, especially in winter, is in a deplorable condition. Much of the travel from North Attleborough toward Taunton and the Cape passes over this road and over Holden Street to Pleasant Street. North Avenue, while in some- what better condition, should also receive attention during the coming year. Another of our principal arteries, that leading to South Attle- boro, cannot longer escape attention. During the year, the County Street bridge over Seven Mile River collapsed and necessitated the construction of a new bridge. This improvement also made a heavy inroad into the 1918 appropriation. This bridge was of the same character as the two bridges on Mechanics Street and your attention is called to the recommendation on this subject contained in the report of the Planning Board. During the late years of the Town Govern ment, the subject of straightening this street and making one bridge do service for the two that now exist there, was taken up and plans and estimates were secured. Both bridges are narrow and in very poor condition and the question for the municipal council to consider is whether it will be advisable to lay out any more money on these two bridges or to carry out the plans that already have been developed which have been referred to in former inaugural addresses and now recommended by the Planning Board. If this action is to be taken, it would be wise to proceed with it before the subject is thrust upon us by the collapse of one or both of these bridges. Or it may occur to your Honorable Body that this problem could better be solved by the extension of Hayward Street, crossing the river South of the present bridges and South of the point where the waste-way from the Watson factory joins the river. If the question of land damages can be ar- ranged satisfactorily, this plan might prove less expensive than the former and would have the merit of following an already well defined line of travel. This improvement might justify the issuing of bonds that would take care of this and the drainage question from Third and Fourth Streets. The Union and South Main Street drains and the Emory Street drain should receive prompt attention as the con- ditions of these drains are inadequate to take care of the drainage. The special appropriation made last year for drainage should be con- tinued and the work on the general plan of surface drainage, begun in a small way last year, should be developed during the coming year as the question of surface drainage is one that affects the up-keep of our Streets. Another bridge that may need attention during the present year is the Holden Street bridge over Bungay River. This is a wooden bridge that was constructed many years ago and is fast approaching the end of its life. Another street improvement that has the endorsement of the Planning Board and with which I heartily agree is the proposed new street from Union to Pine Streets in the rear of the Post Office. The city needs increased street space in this immediate vicinity and only the question of expense stands in the way of a recommendation that this work be done this year. The work of making surveys and getting estimates of expense however, should go forward.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Water Department
The Water Department is in excellent condition and is now paying its own way. This department was put to considerable expense during the past year by reason of unprecedented freeze-ups in the extreme cold weather of last winter.
A. B. C. Street Railway
During the past year, the City embarked on a new venture in municipal activity in the purchase of that portion of the track and fixtures of the Taunton and Pawtucket Street Railway between Attle- boro and Briggs Corner and have entered into an arrangement with the Interstate Consolidated Street Railway Company to operate the line on a cost basis. This being a new venture may need some careful oversight during the initial stages of the City's ownership and while a small profit has been made during the period that it has now been operated, it cannot be said to have passed out of the experimental stage and an appropriation will undoubtedly be necessary for repairs on this line. It is interesting to note that while we are practically pioneers in the East in municipal ownership of street railway property and operation thereof under the supervision of the city, yet, already many communities in this Commonwealth are following our lead to a substantial degree by granting what amounts to subsidies to street railways operating within their borders.
The problem is too complex and too serious here in Massachusetts just now to permit of treatment and attempted solution without expert and unbiased study, so we do not presume to have found here in At- tleboro a panacea for our transportation ills, but may, at least be moving along a line of municipal procedure that will help us out of our difficulties.
Fire Department
The Fire Department is well organized and harmony and loyalty exist between the engineers and the men. It is a pleasure to note that there was but one serious fire during the past year, that in the Odd Fellows Building, and that was well managed. The net loss from fires during the year, not covered by insurance, was but one percent of the insured value of the property at risk which speaks more eloquently than I can of the efficiency of the department. During the year, the department responded to a call for assistance at the Emerson Hotel fire at North Attleborough, and also to a call to West Mansfield. This department has been well supported by His Honor and your Honorable Body during the past year and an Ahrens Fox Combination Pump and Hose Engine has been added to the department's equipment. It would be a pleasure if the city's finances would warrant it in com- plying with the recommendations of the Board of Engineers. You mav feel that the request for two new permanent men will be advisable if the regular inspection of buildings, now interrupted by reason of the shortage of men, is to be continued. It would seem mandatory that the floor of the South Main Street house should be replaced as recom- mended by the engineers for the reasons given in their report. While it is desirable that the South Attleboro circuit be divided, the state of our finances, I fear, will not permit this work to be done and the purchase of an Aerial Ladder Truck which has been recommended for some years past. It is among the possibilities that this truck may be purchased on a basis of partial payments made this year and next year but this matter must necessarily await the discussion of the budget.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Police Department
The Police Department is also well organized and working effi- ciently and harmoniously. . The condition of the cell room at the station is wretched and must be improved for even the prisoners who are so unfortunate as to be placed in these cells have certain rights that should be respected of which sanitary surroundings are not the least. Plans have already been drawn for a new police station but you may consider that this is not the time for undertaking that work, and until a permanent building is constructed, it would seem in- advisable to install a signal system. If the condition of our finances would warrant, I should recommend a compliance with the request for an automobile for the use of the patrolman in South Attleboro. If not, the department should have a motorcycle for use in that district. A new patrol wagon is a more pressing necessity and should be pro- vided this year. The error in the first purchase was in trying to get by with too slight an appropriation; a better patrol wagon should be secured this year, or better still a combination ambulance and patrol wagon.
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