USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1875-1876 > Part 1
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Not to be taken from the Selectiven's Office
REPORTS
OF THE
Selectmen Of Fairhaven
ON THE
Financial Affairs of the Town,
AND OF THE
School Committee,
FOR THE YEAR 1875-6.
NEW BEDFORD : E. ANTHONY & SONS, PRINTERS. 1876.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/annualreportofto 1875fair
REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN OF FAIRHAVEN
ON THE
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN,
For the year 1875-6.
NEW BEDFORD : E. ANTHONY & SONS, PRINTERS. 1875.
١
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN,
IN ACCOUNT WITH GEO. JONES, COLLECTOR.
1875-6.
To cash paid State tax,
$2,440.00
County tax,
2,147.90
State bank tax,
2,776.86
Town treasurer,
22,477.60
Abatement on taxes for prompt pay,
1,486.68
Taxes remitted by assessors in 1876 for the years from 1860 to 1875,
2,216.28
Amount school tax rem., 1869,
4.51
Amount taxes charged T. Damon, Jr.,
216.04
Salary and commission,
253.10
Amount uncollected taxes for 1865,
$6.00
1867,
17.50
1868,
7.20
1869,
17.40
66
1870,
92.60
66
1871,
131.60
66
66
1872,
46.00
107.76
66
66
1875,
282.03
830.54
$34,849.51 .
CREDIT.
Amount uncollected taxes, 1860,
$59.73
1861,
178.28
1862,
130.29
1863,
41.95
1864,
109.25
66
1865,
108:50
1866,
54.50
66
1867,
142.90
1868,
161.30
1869,
396.14
1870,
304.71
66
1871,
591.60
66
1872,
434.80
1873,
1874,
122.45
4
Amount uncollected taxes, 1873,
692.27 66 1874,
1,221.43 $4,627.65
Amount of tax bills 1875,
29,956.95 264.91
EBEN AKIN, JR., TREASURER,
IN ACCOUNT WITH THE TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN.
DR.
1876, 2 mo. 22.
Cash received of T. Damon, Jr.,
$4,700.54
City of Taunton,
134.56
Turnips sold,
108.42
N. Bonney, rent,
35.00
Sales of horses, &c.,
583.10
Lot sold, Water street,
139.00
City of New Bedford,
105.00
Liquor agency,
9.15
R. Snow, license,
8.00
S. A. Mitchell, use of team,
6.00
Oxen sold,
200.00
Sanders land,
3.00
Old hose sold,
110.92
Pork sold,
138.71
Corporation tax,
607.66
State aid,
600.00
National bank tax,
2,397.97
State pauper,
1.65
Town clerk fees,
36.25
School fund,
238.43
Dog tax,
181.56
Dividend Fairhaven National Bank,
128.80
Cow sold,
45.12
Board D. C. Wood,
75.50
Use of town team,
2.50
P. Lapham, labor highway,
150.20
Proceeds loans Fairhaven Ins. for Sav., 3,490.50
School books sold,
267.00
Geo. Jones, collector,
22,477.60
Beef sold,
18.62 $37,000.76
CR
Notes paid Fairhaven Ins. for Savings, $3,490.50
Town orders paid,
25,933.95
Treasurer's salary, 250.00
Cash in the treasury,
7,326.31 $37,000.76
Interest collected on taxes,
$34,849.51
4
5
Repairs of Highways.
Orders drawn in favor of Jos. Millett for payment to
M. Mc Dermott,
$1.20
Reuben Austin,
10.45
James T. Besse,
23.70
John Wheeler,
17.46
David Howe,
39.20
Thomas Nye,
6.60
B. Gifford,
2.00
John Howard,
10.00
Wallace B. Peck,
28.00
William V. Haney,
8.00
D. Littlefield,
2.70
S. Townsend,
38.80
Samuel Briggs,
2.00
Lot Besse,
1.00
Charles Holmes,
4.00
Phineas E. Terry,
81.00
Abner Howard,
19.50
American Tack Company,
64.00
Jonathan Cowen,
30.78
George E. Reeves,
19.25
John S. Tinkham,
20.17
Roland Fish,
20.50
E. Tripp,
3.20
Thomas Davis,
1.40
M. Mc Lean,
25.00
Alfred Delano,
4.15
S. Westgate,
35.00
S. Alden,
6.00
C. H. Morton,
2.00
James Terry,
1.20
Boston & Fairhaven Iron Works,
10.57
John M. Howland,
1.10
George W. King,
1.83
S. Weed,
2.90
W. C. Ford,
69.00
J. T. Buttrick,
1.60
Joseph Millett,
184.74
$800.00
Orders drawn in favor of J. M. Hathaway for payment to
J. M. Hathaway,
$105.00
M. Merry,
2.70
Everett Stetson,
54.50
F. Lawton,
63.00
Antone Manuel,
23.00
6
T. Seekel,
17.00
W. Studley,
2.00
Charles Sherman,
40.60
Frank Paine,
1.80
Cyrus D. Hunt,
33.50
Henry Jenney,
2.00
Joseph Silva,
16.00
S. Westgate,
19.40
S. Townsend,
19.40
E. Mc Cabe,
25.00
S. Hathaway,
20.20
William V. Haney,
17.40
Joseph Perry,
22.00
J. Howard,
9.00
W. Mackie,
7.60
George Swain,
19.00
Joseph King,
21.00
Simpson Jenney,
5.40
Seth Alden,
10.00
George Atwood,
3.00
E. Baker,
14.00
Blacksmith,
5.00
Use of tools,
4.00
J. M. Hathaway, for stone,
20.70
C. Gelatt,
5.50
E. Blossom,
16.00
624.70
Orders drawn in favor of H. T. Howard for payment to
Luther T. Howard,
$33.70
B. Gifford,
5.33
R. P. Reed,
2.00
H. T. Howard,
37.32
Seth Alden,
17.50
A. P. Jenney.
8.75
Paul Hathaway,
12.83
M. Mc Lean,
18.33
John Gelatt,
12.00
Joseph Wright,
13.50
Job Willcox,
12.00
Joseph W. Jenney,
8.00
Joseph C. Jenney,
8.00
Joseph King,
5.00
Joseph Hammond,
2.00
Arthur Hammond,
4.00
William Hammond,
3.00
J. F. Howard,
3.00
Charles F. Blossom,
39.35
7
Seth Delano,
16.00
B. Blossom,
8.00
J. Hammond,
15.40
W. Hammond,
8.00
H. Hammond,
8.00
E. J. Howard,
18.75
D. Stevens,
19.15
S. Delano,
33.10
L. T. Howard,
40.40
H. T. Howard,
55.60
J. Gelatt,
15.00
S. Skiff,
12.00
C. F. Jenney,
4.00
M. Mc Lean,
7.50
R. Austin,
2.00
E. G. Grinnell,
6.53
Job Willcox,
17.40
Sundry persons,
51.26
583.70
Orders drawn in favor of Perry Lapham for payment to
G. W. King,
$8.00
J. M. Howland,
7.95
M. Mc Lean,
3.60
J. S. Tinkham,
6.00
R. W. Austin,
95.35
S. Briggs,
26.00
S. N. Townsend,
23.00
N. Clark,
32.00
P. R. Drew,
8.70
C. S. Taber,
10.80
American Tack Company,
40.00
J. Howard,
28.00
A. Willcox,
9.00
J. Dahl,
10.20
W. P. Sullings,
1.80
G. H. Taber,
4.80
Town farm,
150.20
465.40
Balance unexpended,
26.20
$2,500.00
CREDIT.
By appropriation,
$2,500.00
1
$2,473.80
8
Support of Public Schools. TEACHERS' SALARIES.
Annie H. Delano,
$675.00
A. M. Bancroft,
195.00
E. S. Dunham,
311.00
Ellen H. Akin,
329.00
George H. Tripp,
120.00
D. P. Rand,
500.00
M. A. Fairfield,
272.00
D. A. Caldwell,
1,468.75
C. N. Burgess,
77.00
A. J. Fairchild,
207.50
M. E. Fairchild,
240.00
A. F. Sears,
297.50
A. E. Burke,
192.00
E. M. Cutter,
240.00
L. B. Taber,
175.00
S. R. Allen,
238.00
Noah Sherman,
140.00
A. L. Stevens,
66.65
$5,744.40
CARE AND LABOR.
S. R. Woodlin, 1874-5,
$9.75
Loring Dexter,
36.75
Charles Clark,
8.55
H. E. Sullings,
9.00
J. W. Lawton,
35.75
Marion Skiff,
10.50
Loring Dexter,
45.69
H. Burke,
8.85
Myra T. Delano,
9.25
C. D. Sherman,
6.50
S. R. Woodlin,
5.50
Charles Blossom,
8.25
Levi M. Keene,
11.25
John W. Lawton,
46.50
Thomas Clark,
8.75
Loring Dexter,
31.35
H. Burke,
7.25
L. M. Keene,
7.25
Charles Sullings,
17.50
Marion Skiff,
18.50
Charles Sherman,
7.75
A. Delano,
7.50
J. W. Lawton,
35.00
Thomas Clark,
9.98
Charles Sherman,
11.27
9
Marion Skiff,
7.50
L. M. Keene,
6.75
William L. Blossom,
6.75
Thomas Clark,
6.75
441.94
SUPPLIES AND REPAIRS.
James Dahl,
.60
N. S. Taber,
$5.00
S. S. Swift & Co.,
.36
W. G. Shattuck,
86.85
M. Merry,
2.60
W. P. Sullings,
33.43
Seth Delano,
5.50
Joseph C. Jenney,
3.09
N. S. Taber,
8.00
C. Hazeltine,
4.50
C. D. Sherman,
1.20
Emeline Reed,
3.75
Luther Cole,
1.25
George W. King,
2.21
E. Anthony & Sons, printing,
30.00
-
Alexander Tripp, 66 66
.98
Joseph B. Taber,
2.05
A. J. Barney,
.50
Edward E. Hitch,
32.00
S. Hutchinson,
12.84
A. D. Bourne,
20.15
2.22
James A. Severance,
14.50
D. K. Tripp,
48.88
R. Fish, coal,
220.20
S. E. Studley,
5.50
S. Delano,
9.50
J. Tinkham, charcoal,
44.94
H. J. Taylor,
1.84
Edward West,
6.18
Otis Manchester,
2.75
R. B. Jenney,
3.75
Amos T. Peirce,
4.75
William P. Sullings,
2.75
Charles A. Johnson,
4.25
Daniel K. Hathaway,
9.32
I. F. Terry, rent,
15.00
R. Fish, coal,
30.85
Purrington & Taber,
11.90
Joseph King,
2.00
B
2.00
.28
10
Eldredge Bros.,
3.36
W. S. Guild,
2.82
R. A. Dunham,
1.00
A. D. Bourne,
16.63
G. W. King,
1.25
O. F. Hitch,
8.01
S. E. Studley,
5.50
A. P. Jenney,
3.09
William P. Sullings,
19.40
A. D. Bourne,
8.74
S. Hutchinson,
14.89
S. S. Swift & Co.,
.45
Charles Wrightington, 1874,
16.35
801.71
Balance unexpended,
131.94
$7,119.99
CREDIT.
Town appropriation,
$6,700.00
Cash received from school fund,
238.43
Cash received from dog tax,
181.56 $7,119.99
Support of the Poor.
Orders drawn for support of the poor in the Alms-house for bills contracted in the fiscal year 1874-5,
$717.80
Orders drawn for support of the poor out of the Alms-house for the same period, 462.68 $1,180.48
Orders drawn for support of the poor in the Alms-house the current year, $1,927.25
Orders drawn for support of the poor out of
the Alms-house for the current year,
1,931.74 3,858.99
$5,039.47
CR.
Town appropriation,
$3,000.00
Cash from City of Taunton,
134.56
Turnips sold,
108.42
N. Bonney, rent,
35.00
City of New Bedford,
105.00
Oxen sold,
200.00
Pork sold,
138.71
Rent Sanders land,
3.00
State pauper,
1.65
David C. Wood,
75.50
$6,988.05
11
Cash from beef sold,
63.74
G. H. Taber, for ploughing,
2.50
Perry Lapham, labor on roads, Sales at farm,
93.51
$4,111.79
Incidental Expenses.
State aid,
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Committee of inquiry, 1875,
$16.04
J. G. Morse, 1875, $100.40 ; 1876, $98.73,
199.13
Joseph B. Taber, 1875,
7.54
Roland Smith, 1875,
2.50
Boston & Fairhaven Iron Works,
6.76
Charles H. Gifford,
1.50
Purrington & Taber,
4.40
William Mann,
17.10
H. W. Richmond,
2.50
R. A. Dunham & Co.,
3.50
Hook and Ladder Co.,
40.00
George W. King, 1874-5,
18.60
Obed F. Hitch,
.40
William H. Hoeg,
8.75
George W. King,
1.50
Enoch T. Taber, 1869,
2.00
Alfred Delano,
1.00
Fire Wards, 1874-5,
50.00
Engine No. 5,
387.50
Engine No. 3,
196.65
Luther Brownell,
7.50
Boston & Fairhaven Iron Works,
7.14
R. Fish,
15.00
997.01
SALARIES.
Geo. H. Taber, selectman,
$190.00
W. J. Lawton,
30.00
A. G. Tripp,
30.00
J. A. T. Eddy,
assessor,
112.50
Geo. H. Taber,
102.50
Isaac Wood,
66
35.00
S. H. Keith,
school committee, 1874-5,
54.00
Isaac Terry,
66
57.00
I. Fairchild,
66
35.00
I. Fairchild,
1875-6,
35.00
W. P. Sullings,
1874-5, 6 6
50.00
Matthew Merry,
27.75
W. S. Hawkes,
66
50.00
D. A. Caldwell,
50.00
James Davis, constable,
65.04
Allen Almy,
30.00
953.79
150.20
$573.00
12
HORSE DEPARTMENT.
S. Westgate, 1874-5, $56; 1875-6, $72,
$128.00
S. S. Swift & Co., 1874-5,
108.47
Alexander Tripp,
4.85
George W. King,
46.02
Joseph B. Taber,
21.46
S. S. Swift & Co.,
27.17
Andrew M. Swift,
1874-5,
50.00
Leavitt & Taber,
66
4.79
390.76
SUNDRY INCIDENTALS.
Fessenden & Baker, 1874-5,
$18.25
I. F. Terry,
committee,
29.50
Robert Bennett,
27.50
H. A. Damon, copying,
2.00
S. Hutchinson, 1874-5,
129,20
I. C. Allen,
22.17
E. Anthony & Sons, "
71.50
-
S. Hutchinson,
131.05
J. A. T. Eddy, examining collector's account from 1860 to 1875,
127.00
S. Hutchinson,
47.66
Geo. H. Taber, moderator and auctioneer,
18.00
Samuel Jenkins, recording deaths,
3.25
J. C. Allen, school books.
14.06
T. S. Butman, moving safe,
3.00
Fessenden & Baker, advertising,
15.00
S. Hutchinson, stationery,
4.31
S. A. Mitchell, clearing snow,
10.50
O. F. Hitch, committee on accounts, 1875,
2.00
E. Anthony & Sons, printing,
19.00
Fessenden & Baker, advertising,
16.00
E. Anthony & Sons, advertising,
22.00
S. Hutchinson, school books,
61.71
31.78
S. Jenkins, returning deaths,
5.50
H. Van Campen, insurance,
43.00
F. S. Pierce, repairing lock-up, 1875,
8.81
T. S. Butman, 1874-5,
28.45
Samuel Jenkins, returning deaths,
1.00
Estate John Allen, rent of pound,
4.00
E. Anthony & Sons, advertising,
10.00-
R. Fish, coal for office,
3.50
Amos T. Pierce, care of clock,
25.00
J. C. Allen, school books,
2.24
Phoenix Hall Association, rent,
110.00
13
Charles A. Johnson, weights and measures,
1.10
Geo. H. Taber, expenses to Boston twice,
12.60
T. M. Stetson, advice,
3.00
Fessenden & Baker, advertising,
8.00
W. J. Lawton, guide board,
1.00
George Jones, office expenses,
12.10
Eben Akin, 66
6.63
R. Fish, coal for lock-up,
1.25
coal for office,
4.60
Abraham Chase, repairing bridge,
60.55
Joseph Millett,
150.00
Purrington & Taber,
2.80
$1,331.57
LIGHTING STREETS.
George Reeves,
$144.25
S. S. Swift & Co.,
7.37
Joseph B. Taber, 1875,
2.88
N. P. Fish & Co.,
27.38
Obed F. Hitch,
5.48
James I. Church,
13.87
W. T. Butman,
.35
Weston Howland,
9.35
F. P. Sherman,
54.00
Asa Dunham,
.56
S. S. Swift & Co.,
15.71
281.20
NOTES, BONDS AND INTEREST.
Interest for the current year, Interest, 1874-5,
70.00
Note,
501.46
Bonds paid,
2,000.00
6,656.72
Town clerk and treasurer's salary,
250.00
Collector's salary and commissions,
253.10
$11,687.15
CREDIT.
Town appropriation, debt and interest,
$6,000.00
66
fire department,
1,000.00
66
other expenses,
2,000.00
Rec'd dividend Fairhaven National Bank,
128.80
Sales horses and fixtures,
583.10
Sales land, Water street,
139.00
Sales school books,
267.00
Liquor agency,
9.15
Peddler's license,
8.00
Use of town team,
6.00
$4,085.26
14
Charles H. Wood, old hose, State aid, Fees in clerk's office,
110.92
600.00
36.25 $10,888.22
Town Debt.
Bonds,
$39,000.00
Pease district note,
5,000.00
Fairhaven Institution for Savings,
7,000.00
Notes to individuals,
4,900.00 $55,900.00
DEDUCTIONS.
Due from town of Nantucket,
$112.00
Town of Acushnet,
10.00
Town of Falmouth,
45.50
Town of Marion,
178.00
City of Fall River,
183.00
Tucker Damon, Jr.,
1,889.41
State aid,
573.00
$2,990.91
School Book Agency.
Balance on hand Feb. 15th, 1875,
$83.91
Books on hand Feb. 15th, 1875,
195.78
Books purchased during the year,
399.84
Advance on books sold,
35.09
$714.62
CREDIT.
Books on hand Feb. 15, 1876,
$244.68
Cash paid town treasurer,
267.00
Cash paid by agent,
34.87
Books furnished schools,
40.03
Books returned,
19.82
Agent's commission,
35.09
Cash on hand,
73.13
$714.62
GEORGE H. TABER, WELCOME J. LAWTON, ARNOLD G. TRIPP,
Selectmen.
FAIRHAVEN, Feb. 24, 1876. The undersigned have examined the foregoing accounts, and believe them to be correct.
ROBERT BENNETT, Committee on
JONATHAN COWEN,
MATTHEW MERRY, Accounts.
١
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN,
For the year 1875-6.
NEW BEDFORD : E. ANTHONY & SONS, PRINTERS. 1876.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The Committee feel that most of the schools are in ex- cellent condition. There has been a good degree of pro- gress during the year. The changes which two or three of them have experienced could not be foreseen, and in most cases have resulted in no harm.
It has been the policy of the Committee to employ the graduates of our own schools as teachers, whenever it has been practicable. All but three of our present corps of teachers were formerly pupils in our schools. We feel to congratulate the town that we have so many qualified for such important positions. This is plainly the result of our High school. We thus reap the fruit of former seed sowing. If time and expense had not been given to that school, we should have to send our children away from home for the advanced studies ; and very likely should have strangers teaching our schools, where we now employ home talent.
It has been the aim of the Committee to steadily ad- vance the grade of the schools, and to have the work done thoroughly. The advance in some special cases has been very commendable ; where at the beginning of the year there was plainly a defect in the drill, and the more simple and fundamental principles, there has been an obvious im- provement. Some of the teachers having the faults point- ed out, have carefully corrected them.
It is sometimes the case that pupils are pressed forward from class to class, and from school to school, without re- gard to qualifications. This is a mistake and an absolute loss to all parties interested. If the pupil thinks he shall
4
be advanced whether qualified or not, he has less to spur him to effort. It is better to go slowly, and master thor- oughly all that is passed over.
In a few instances the Committee have thought there was a disposition to get over more ground than could be thoroughly understood. But as a rule the other and better course has been followed, and the confidence and assurance of the pupils has been pleasing.
Sickness sadly interfered with the attendance of some of the schools, and several of the brightest pupils were removed by death.
Very few of the parents visit the school room. This, the Committee feel, is a mistake. If parents were often seen there, it would encourage the teacher, incite the scholars, and give the parents more sympathy with the government of the school. Few who make such visits will fail to appreciate the perplexities and responsibilities of the teachers ; they will rarely be ranged in sympathy with the child against the management of the school. All parties interested will be benefited by parents frequently discharging this duty.
In this connection we desire to thank the parents and teachers for their cooperation in maintaining good govern- ment, and to earnestly urge that in every instance here- after, discipline and good order shall be sustained. No substantial work can be done in the schoolroom unless the teacher's authority is recognized and upheld. If we have not realized all that is desirable the past year in any of our schools, it is because of a failure to remember and act upon the above principle.
A word should be said to the teachers concerning their preparation for examination. While reviews should be frequent and thorough, no particular part should be dwelt upon with a view to exhibiting that, as a specimen of work done, or of the acquirements of the pupil. If such a
5
course is adopted it will certainly appear and create an unfavorable impression, while it is unjust to both teacher and pupil.
There has been attention given to singing in some of the schools, and agreeable exhibitions of progress have been made. We hope every teacher, competent to in- struct in this accomplishment, will do as much in this line as possible, without neglecting other duties. We desire also that some of the simpler rules of music shall be taught in the lower schools.
The committee think they can speak with pride of the general neatness of the school-houses and yards. It has been a special aim to preserve the property of the town without defacement. In this respect we have been com- mendably sceonded by most of the teachers. We think every one of them should give constant attention to this matter. Frequent inspections of the desks, buildings, and grounds, will tend to keep a lively sense of the im- portance of these things before the pupils. Any destruc- tion, defacement, or defilement of school property, should be met with thorough investigation and vigorous correc- tion. Neatness and order in the appointments of tlre school-room are an important part of education.
We wish to call the attention of the parents to the conduct of the pupils out of school hours. We invite their cooperation with the efforts of the teachers in regu- lating the conduct of the scholars when in the public thoroughfares. Scholars of the public schools. are not ex- pected to pass through the streets like a procession of monks or nuns ; but they should not allow the exhuber- ance of their youthful spirits to lead them into impolite- ness or rudeness. There is a laxity in this matter which is a subject of complaint. We hope the pupils of the two higher schools will set an example of propriety, which will soon become a custom. If they will refuse countenance
6
to improper manners or language, it will soon disappear, and it will become as pleasant to our citizens and stran- gers to meet the merry processions coming from, or going to school, as it is now in some cases disagreeable. As this is a matter which concerns the future prosperity of the children, we confidently expect the parents will give heed to these suggestions, and assist the teachers in their efforts to correct any evils in the matter of street manners, which may now exist.
A few years ago some changes were recommended to be made in the High school building, by which its capacity should be increased for the reception of a larger number of pupils. A Committee was appointed at an Annual Town meeting to examine the school-house and premises, and report on the matter suggested by the School Committee. This Special Committee made a report, but no action was taken by the town. The subject remained unnoticed for three or four years ; when the School Committee made some alterations in the interior arrangement of the High school house by which much unoccupied and useless room was made available for school purposes.
By these alterations the School Committee were enabled to effect important changes, transferring to the High school the more advanced pupils of the Grammar and other pub- lic schools.
These pupils constitute a preparatory or Fifth class, but are not properly a part of the High school, the final admis- sion to this school depending on the passing of a satisfac- tory examination, the same as when they remained in the lower schools.
To this Fifth class qualified pupils are received from any of the schools of the town, and in it are represented the schools of Oxford Village, North Fairhaven and Naska- tucket. One entire class has also been transferred from the Grammar school in Center street, from which has re-
7
sulted the necessity of but two schools in Center street, where there were three, before the present plan was adop- ted. It is now two years since these changes were made, and the Committee are more than ever convinced of their excellence. The lower schools are relieved of the older and more advanced pupils ; more time is allowed for the younger scholars, and in all cases the schools have been brought within the governing power of lady instructors, obviating in some cases the employment of more expensive teachers.
But the good results in this preparatory class at the High school have been especially apparent.
In place of absences, tardiness, and too often a final dropping off altogether from school, there are now prompt, punctual and regular attendance ; and what is especially noticable, during the past year, of the large number of pupils in the Fifth class, only one is reported to have left school not to return. Moreover, there is the benefit to the pupils of an additional year under the instruction and govern- ment of the principal and his assistants, and the facilities which the previous year's training affords for going right on with the regular course of study following. There is opportunity also for those pursuing a classical course, for its earlier commencement and longer continuance.
Again, there may be those who do not feel that they can spend all the time necessary for the entire course of study, but who might select such branches as would be of special application in their intended pursuit in life, but which could not be taken up in the lower schools. This of course implies some deviation from the prescribed or- der, but could work no detriment to the school.
Complaint is sometimes made that the cost of the High school is too great, and involves an injustice towards the lower schools. But while the cost of this school has in- creased, there has been a reduction in the expenses of
8
some of the others, so that the aggregate expenditure is not much greater than before the present arrangement.
The High school, as now constituted, numbers about one hundred and twenty-five pupils, something more than a fourth of all the children attending all the schools of the town, this one included. The cost of maintaining the school is something more than one third that of all the schools. This may seem at first sight an unjust as well as an unequal distribution of the money, but it must be re- membered that the maintainance of the High school is compulsory, and its term must be for not less than ten months. By throwing open the door to the fifth class, its privileges are extended to the whole town as widely as possible, and to a class of youth whose guardianship is nothing less than a sacred public trust. Of an age easily allured to evil, the path of idleness is to them a dangerous and almost certain road to vice.
In the absence of opportunities for profitable employ- ment which is now so universal in this vicinity as well as elsewhere, the school furnishes occupation and a se- cure refuge from the allurements to vice which lie along the path of idleness, into which the youth is in danger of stepping when out of school with nothing to do. For the education and moral security of the youth of the town we know the necessary means will not be grudgingly furnished.
To make the High school all that its name implies, not only in that it teaches some of the higher branches of school learning, but also in that there shall pervade all its surroundings a moral, Christian, and religious influence, from which no pupil shall be free, is the duty of all citi- zens, officers, and teachers.
It seems to us that the teachers of this school are thor- ough and happy in their modes of instruction ; teachers competent for their important positions. We think each department is now well sustained. The government is
9
especially creditable ; and we congratulate the town on having the services of one so happy in management as the present principal.
The closing examinations, extending through six ses- sions, one or more of the Committee being present at each of them, were impartial and thorough, and gave proof of hard work. It was evident, that no special preparation had been made for the occasion.
The exhibition by the graduating class in Phoenix Hall was well conducted in all particulars. The quality of the subjects of the orations and essays was excellent, showing good taste and judgment in their selection and prepara- tion.
And the Committee specially compliment the good sense displayed in the costumes of the young ladies.
There has been good work done in the Grammar school. We hope there will be no lowering of the standard, and a steady increase of pleasant and thorough discipline. The two teachers of this school seem to maintain the same ex- cellence in studies, which has marked the progress of the past few years.
It is often noticed that teachers who may try hard in the beginning of their experience, and who attain excel- lence in their duties, will after a while seem to stagnate. They make no advance, and sometimes fall behind. We give this hint, that our present excellent corps of teachers may keep steadily advancing; that no one may rest on present success, or unconsciously fall below their present standard.
APPROPRIATION.
The amount expended of the appropriation for the past year is given in the subjoined statement as far as the bills have been received ; the balance, as near as can be esti- mated, will be required to meet the bills yet unpaid. TI amount appropriated has been insufficient to maintain
B
10
schools the usual time, and the committee, acting in ac- cordance with the will of the people, as expressed at the last annual meeting, have reduced the time of all the schools except the High school, as will be seen by refer- ence to table No. 1.
For the coming year we will simply state that six thou- sand seven hundred dollars will be a sufficient appropria- tion to repeat that which has been done during the past. It is for the town to decide whether it is satisfied with the reduced time of school. We do not feel called upon to discuss the importance of education to the people of this town. A commendable zeal in this particular has always been manifested, yet we would remind those interested in the maintainance of good schools, that to obtain a fair expression of their will, it is necessary that they should be present when the question of appropriation is decided.
We cannot in justice close this report without calling attention to the condition of the Grammar school building. The repairs and alterations required to put this building in good condition, exceed the amount which will be at any time at the disposal of the Committee for incidental purposes. It is unnecessary now to enter into a detailed statement, as the condition of this building has heretofore been fairly represented.
A special appropriation of at least seven hundred dol- lars will be required to meet the bill, if the town vote to do the work.
11
TABLE I.
SCHOOLS.
North Fairhaven, Spring term, Addie E. Burke,
$32.00
3{ mos.
Summer
Lucy B. Taber,
28.00
2₴
Winter 66 Lucy B. Taber,
28.00
2₺
66
Oxford Village,
Spring 66 Amanda F. Sears,
34.00
33
23
66
Winter
Amanda F. Sears,
34.00
21
66
Naskatucket,
Spring
Elizabeth S. Dunham, 28.00
40.00
4}
66
Summer
66 Clara N. Burgess,
28.00
24
66
Winter
66
Louisa P. Miller,
32.00
21
66
Sconticut Neck,
Spring
60
Ellen H. Akin,
28.00
4₺
66
Summer
Ellen H. Akin,
28.00
1}
23
66
Winter
60 Mary E. Fairchild,
32.00
24
60
North Primary,
Spring 66
66
Sarah C. Allen,
28.00
23
66
Winter
Sarah C. Allen,
28.00
24
South Primary,
Spring
66
Lucy B. Taber,
28.00
36
66
Summer
66
Addie E. Burke,
32.00
25
66
Winter
Addie E. Burke,
32.00
25
Grammar School, Spring
66
D. P. Rand,
50.00
4
66
Summer
66
D. P. Rand,
50.00
66
Winter
D. P. Rand,
50.00
3
66
Do. Assistant,
Spring
66
M. Fairfield,
32.00
4
66
Summer
66
M. Fairfield,
32.00
2%
66
High School,
Spring
66
D. A. Caldwell,
150.00
32
66
Summer
D. A. Caldwell,
J50.00
2g
66
Winter
66
D. A. Caldwell,
150.00
34
66
Do. Assistant,
Spring
Annie H. Delano,
60.00
3
66
Summer
66
Annie H. Delano,
60.00
21-
66
Winter
66
Annie H. Delano,
60.00
38
Do. Assistant,
Spring
66
Emma Cutter,
60.00
33
66
Summer
66
Annie J. Fairchild,
50.00
27 8
66
Winter
66
Annie J. Fairchild,
50.00
66
Pease School,
Spring
66 Addie L. Stevens,
30.00
31
Summer
Addie L. Stevens,
30.00
24
66
Winter
66
Mary E. Waldron,
28.00
3
66
Winter'
Ellen H. Akin,
28.00
2₺
Centre Primary,
Spring
Mary E. Fairchild,
32.00
3
66
Summer
Mary E. Fairchild,
32.00
3₺
66
Summer 66 Elizabeth S. Dunham, 28.00
25
66
Winter
Elizabeth S. Dunham, 32.00
2₺
New Boston,
Spring 66 Noah Shearman,
Sarah C. Allen,
28.00
35
Summer
Winter 66
M. Fairfield,
32.00
3
66
Summer 66 Amanda F. Sears,
34.00
12
TABLE II.
SPRING.
SUMMER.
WINTER.
Attendance between
Attendance under 5.
Attendance over 15.
Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
Attendance between
Attendance under 5.
Attendance over 15.
Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
Attendance between 5 and 15.
Attendance under 5.
Attendance over 15.
Į Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
North Fairhaven,.
13
0
0
13
6.6
12
0
0
12
8.6
16
0 0 16
10.2
Oxford Village,.
3+
0
0
3+
26
35
0
0
35
30
31
0 0,31
25
Naskatucket, .
32
0
2
34
25.41
31
0
1
32
24.83
22
0 1 23
17.75
New Boston, ..
34
0
6
40
28
35
0
3
38
32
23
0 7.30
28
Sconticut Neck,
21
1
1
22
14.5
25
0
0
25
14.8
27
0 4 31
22.68
Centre Primary,.
34
0
0
34
24
42 48
1
0
43
35
37
3
0.40
30
South Primary,.
46
0
0
46
38.2
0
1
49
43.6
46
0 1 47
38.5
North Primary,
37
1
0
38
27.55
41
0
0
41
32.44
40
01 0,40
31.62
Grammar School,
89
0
0
89
69
73
0
0 83
73
82
0| 0,82
71
High School, ...
66
0 57 123
48
0 57 105
95
43
0,56 99
93
Pease District School, ...
13
2| 0|
15
16
5 0 21
16.13
19
2 021 16.31
The following is a statement of the receipts and expen- ditures for the past year.
Amount raised for school purposes,
$6,700.00
Received from the State,
238.43
Received from the County,
181.56
$7,119.99
Expended for teachers' salaries,
$5,638.75
Expended for incidental purposes,
1,088.00
6,727.25
$392.74
ISAAC FAIRCHILD, Chm. CHARLES H. MORTON, Secy: ISAAC TERRY. W. S. HAWKES.
MATTHEW MERRY. D. A. CALDWELL.
SCHOOLS.
5 and 15.
5 and 15.
107 9-16 7.88
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