Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1951, Part 1

Author: Dighton (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1951
Publisher: Dighton (Mass. : Town)
Number of Pages: 154


USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1951 > Part 1


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ANNUAL REPORT


of the


TOWN OFFICERS


of the Town of


DIGHTON


Yeor Ending December 31, 1951


DIGHTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 3575 00042 5092


ANNUAL REPORT


of the


TOWN OFFICERS


of the Town of


DIGHTON


Year Ending December 31, 1951


The North Attleborough Chronicle Company


1952


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ANNUAL REPORT


TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1951


Selectmen, Board of Welfare and Board of Health


H. JUDSON ROBINSON, Chairman Board of Selectmen P. O. Segreganset, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 3122 WILLIAM F. HATHAWAY, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Resigned WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES, Chairman Board of Public Welfare and Board of Health P. O. Dighton, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 3021


Town Clerk, Treasurer and Agent of Board of Health


DWIGHT F. LANE, P. O. Segreganset, Mass. Telephone Dighton 4821


Auditor


RUTH D. LEEMING, P. O. Segreganset, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3431


Town Collector


PERCY SIMMONS, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 4-6465


Assessors


FRANK R. O'CONNELL, Chairman P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2-0577


ARTHUR F. SPRAGUE, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2321


RAYMOND. A., HORTON, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2158


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ANNUAL REPORT


Superintendent of Streets HENRY P. GOFF, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2-3583


Sealer of Weights and Measures DONALD B. HATHAWAY, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3791


Finance Committee DR. ARNOLD E. WORDELL, Chairman CHARLES W. HARRIS, Clerk JOSEPH K. MILLIKEN, Jr. DR. CHARLES M. SOUZA


ROBERT H. LEEMING CAESAR ARAUJO THOMAS P. BARRY, Resigned G. RUSSELL HORTON


School Committee EUGENE WHITE, Chairman P. O. North Dighton, Mass. EDWARD C. FRENCH, Secretary P. O. North Dighton, Mass. CHARLES SWARTZ, P. O. North Dighton, Mass.


LAWRENCE MENDOZA, P. O. Dighton, Mass. RICHARD DIMELLO, P. O. Dighton, Mass. ANTHONY ANDREWS, P. O. North Dighton, Mass.


Superintendent of Schools JOHN J. ROLFE, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2-0698


Town Nurse MRS. ESTHER BOWDEN, R.N., P O Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2141


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ANNUAL REPORT


Moth Superintendent


GEORGE W. ROSE, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 2551


Tree Warden


HENRY P. GOFF, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Taunton 2-3583


Forest Fire Warden


JOHN W. SYNAN, P. O. North Dighton, Mass., Resigned


DONALD HATHAWAY, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3791


Chief of Fire Departments (Dighton) DONALD HATHAWAY, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3791 (North Dighton)


DONALD HATHAWAY, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3791


JOHN W. SYNAN, P. O. North Dighton, Mass., Resigned


Chief of Police


WILBUR S. MENGES, P. O. Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 3571


JOHN W. SYNAN, P. O. North Dighton, Mass., Resigned


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ANNUAL REPORT


ACCOUNT OF AUDIT


Mr. Francis X. Long, Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston


Sir:


As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Dighton for the period from December 12, 1950, the date of the previous examination, to November 19, 1951, the following re- port being submitted thereon:


The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked for the period of the audit.


The books and accounts kept by the town auditor were examined and checked in detail. The general and appropriation accounts were analyzed and proved. The recorded receipts were compared with the treasurer's cash book, while the payments as entered were checked with the treasurer's cash book and with the treasury warrants. The appropriations as shown on the ledgers were checked with the town clerk's records of town meetings, the necessary adjusting entries resulting from the audit were made, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the fi- nancial condition of the town on November 19, 1951.


Attention is called to the provisions of Section 56, Chapter 44, General 1- 1


3 3575 00042 5092


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ANNUAL REPORT


treasurer shall, until January tenth, enter in his books all items for the payment of bills incurred and salaries and wages earned during the previous year, which ex- penditures shall be deemed to be as of December thirty- first preceding. Attention is also called to Section 64, Chapter 44, General Laws, which specifies the manner in which appropriations for the payment of bills incurred in a previous year may be voted.


The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The cash book was footed and the recorded receipts were analyzed and checked with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the pay- ments were checked with the selectmen's warrants au- thorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash balance on November 19, 1951 was proved by reconcil- iation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit and by actual count of the cash in the office.


The recorded payments on account of maturing debt and interest were checked with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file.


The" "savings bank books representing the invest- ment of the trust funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed, the income being proved and the recorded transactions being verified.


The records of tax titles held by the town were examined and checked. The amounts transferred to the the tax title account were compared with the collector's records, the redemptions were verified, and the tax titles on hand were listed, reconciled with the auditor's ledger, and checked with the records in the Registry of Deeds.


.


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ANNUAL REPORT


It is recommended that proceedings be started by the town treasurer to foreclose the right of redemption on all tax titles held over two years, as required by law.


The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The town and district taxes and motor vehicle and trailer excise outstanding accord- ing to the previous examination and all subsequent commitments were audited and proved. The cash books were footed, the reported collections were compared with the payments to the town and district treasurers, the abatements as recorded were checked to the asses- sors' record of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.


The records of departmental accounts receivable were examined. The charges were analyzed, the pay- ments to the treasurer were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.


The outsanding tax, excise, and departmental accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town and the districts, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.


It was noted that the town voted under Article 5 of the warrant for the annual town meeting on March 14, 1949 that the collector of taxes shall collect under the title of town collector all accounts due the town. It is therefore recommended that all departmental accounts receivable be committed to the town collector in accord- ance with the vote passed.


The financial accounts of the town clerk were ex- amined for dog and sporting licenses issued, the reported payments to the town and State being verified.


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ANNUAL REPORT


The surety bonds of the town officials required by law to file them were examined and found to be in proper form.


The financial records of the selectmen, the sealer of weights and measures, and of the health, school, and library departments, as well as of all other departments collecting money for the town, were reconciled with the treasurer's and the auditor's books.


It is recommended that consideration be given to the appointment of a town accountant in accordance with Section 55, Chapter 41, General Laws, which provides that a town may authorize the selectmen to appoint such an officer. Such action would provide for a pre- audit of all bills and payrolls before they are paid by the treasurer.


There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax, excise, tax title, and departmental accounts, to- gether with tables showing the condition and trans- actions of the trust funds.


During the progress of the audit cooperation was extended by the town officials, for which I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.


Respectfully submitted,


HERMAN B. DINE


Assistant Director of Accounts


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ANNUAL REPORT


Report of the Finance Committee


The Finance Committee has met seven times since its organization meeting which was called by the Select- men and plan to hold four more meetings before the Annual Town Meeting.


We spent one evening with the Selectmen prior to the Special Town Meeting and one evening each with the Chairman of the Board of Assessors, the School Committee, the Chiefs of the Fire and Police Depart- ments, Library Trustees, the Selectmen, Town Social Worker, and Welfare Agent and the Town Auditor.


The purpose of these meetings has been to famil- iarize the Committee with the appropriations of the various departments in preparation for consideration of the 1952 budgets.


We appreciate the assistance and cooperation shown to us by the Selectmen and heads of all Depart- ments.


ROBERT H. LEEMING CAESAR ARAUJO Dr. CHARLES M. SOUZA JOSEPH K. MILLIKEN, Jr. G. RUSSELL HORTON CHARLES W. HARRIS, Jr. Sec'y Dr. ARNOLD E. WORDELL, Chairman


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN


To the Voters and Taxpayers of the Town of Dighton:


It has been the policy of our predecessors to review in considerable detail the finances of the Town for the year. Since this part of our report would cover several pages and because it is covered so thoroughly in both the reports of our Auditor and Town Treasurer, we respectfully call your attention to these reports for complete financial analysis.


In spite of the unfortunate strike at the Mount Hope Finishing Company in mid-year which added to the Towns' financial burden in at least two departments, the unexpended balance in our appropriation accounts as of December 31, 1951 was $7,550.54.


Since the resignation of John W. Synan as Chief of Police it has been necessary for the Town to finance its own Police Department and headquarters. At a Spe- cial Town Meeting held in October it was voted to operate this department under Chapter 97 instead of 96. Because of extra police protection required at Mount Hope Finishing Company during the crisis, and fully financing a department since, the meager appropriation made at the Annual Town Meeting in March, $2500.00, proved entirely inadequate, necessitating a transfer of $4,110.00 from the Reserve Account.


It also became necessary to take over the Fire Department at North Dighton. A temporary arrangement with Mount Hope Finishing Company gives the Town the use of the Station, the Town to bear the cost of heat-


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ANNUAL REPORT


ing and lighting, telephones, etc. Some equipment for the men and apparatus had to be purchased as well as 500 feet of new hose. This made a small deficit in our Fire Department Account necessitating the transfer of $141.36 from the Reserve Account.


Other than the above deficits it is gratifying to report that all departments have been able to do business with no appreciable deficits, and many as indicated by our Auditor's report show substantial balances.


During the year the Dighton-Berkley Bridge has been completely redecked with heavy planks which are surfaced with an asphalt coating. This has been a de- cided improvement both in the way of safety and elimi- nation of noise so disturbing to residents within a half mile radius of the structure. The work was done under Chapter 90 at a contract price of $22,427.00, Town of Dighton's share of the cost to be $15,698.90. The approach to the bridge has been widened and a sub- stantial concrete curb and guard rail constructed.


On Lincoln Avenue in North Dighton some 800 feet of concrete drainage pipe have been laid ending the nuisance of surface water and other drainage problems of several residents in that section of the Town.


Center Street from Berkley Bridge to the railroad bridge has been widened and soft shoulders eliminated.


Several of our Town buildings have been piped for water. It was the suggestion of the Selectmen that this work be paid for out of the current budgets of the depart- ments involved.


During the year the Town has suffered the loss of several of its most valued officials. Mr. John Bolger had


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ANNUAL REPORT


served the Town for nearly twenty years as Selectman efficiently and well.


In September, Mr. William F. Hathaway, because of ill health, was forced to resign. His term of office extend- ing over a period of eleven years as Town Auditor and Selectman has been faultless, and the Board has yet to find anyone in the Town who has anything but the best things to say about "Bill Hathaway." No one felt the loss of this Board Member any keener than the present Chairman, who overnight found himself Chair- man, and this during a crisis such as this and very few other Towns have ever been unfortunate enough to experience.


Another resignation soon followed that of Mr. Hathaway and was regretted by a host of friends of Mr. John Synan, who has served the Town for the past 33 years, as Constable, Deputy Chief and Chief of Police. He dispatched the duties of his office with great dignity and efficiency and whether in the courtroom or on duty anywhere else he was always a credit to the Town. Officials at the Agricultural School in particular appre- ciated "Jack Synan."


In October the resignation of Mr. George H. Gilbert was accepted with regret. Mr. Gilbert served the Town in the capacity of Civil Defense Director, a post carrying no compensation. The Board was particularly fortunate in the appointment of John Cash to succeed Mr. Gilbert. Mr. Cash immediately reorganized the department and his enthusiasm will do much to make a success of what may become a very vital organization. His close asso- ciation with and knowledge of both fire and police department work will stand in good stead.


The resignation of Mr. John Synan also left us with no Chief of the Fire Department at North Depart-


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ANNUAL REPORT


ment, one of the several posts held by him. Not only did we find ourselves without a Chief in North Dighton, but with no fire protection at all for that community. It was necessary to ask Chief Donald Hathaway and his men at the south end of the Town to cover the entire Town for a time until a new department could be organized for North Dighton.


It was then that Mr. Henry Burt came forward and volunteered to assist the Selectmen in organizing a new department. He was given full authority to go ahead and as was anticipated immediately called for volunteers and a new department was soon under way. Donald Hathaway consented to act as Chief for the whole Town for the present and since this post carries no salary his service to the Town is considerable. A red network telephone system was installed and equipment for both men and apparatus was purchased to meet minimum requirements. A great deal of credit is due Mr. Burt for his valuable assistance in organizing the North Dighton Department so promptly.


The Board has held 52 regular meetings. Eleven special meetings were necessary to deal with strike problems.


At a Special Town Meeting held on November 6, it was voted to operate our Police Department under Chapter 97, which calls for a full time Chief of Police. Mr. Wilbur Menges was appointed Chief of Police and his salary was set at $3,380.00. For the present he is using his own car for patrol work.


In conclusion the Board wishes to thank all the Town Officials with whom we have been privileged to work for their cooperation. We shall not attempt to list them here for fear of leaving some one out. Suffice it


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ANNUAL REPORT


is to say our Town is fortunate in having so fine a corps of public officials.


It has been heartening to have the advice and helpful cooperation of our Finance Board. Seven joint meetings have been held with them since March.


Your Chairman is particularly indebted to many of the Townspeople, including Mr. Dwight F. Lane, for their kindly suggestions and encouragement, particularly last summer, when the "going was difficult."


WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES H. JUDSON ROBINSON


Selectmen of Dighton


Report of the Board of Public Welfare


To the Citizens of Dighton:


The Welfare Account appropriation amounted to $8,000.00 and the expenditures for the year totaled $5.595.69. Recovery on this account amounted to $282.00 from Town recipients and $150.00 from out- side sources. We started the year with 8 active cases, added 15 new cases during various times of the year but closed the year with 9 cases. The total expenditures for these cases was $5,330.91, and in addition we aided 3 Dighton settled cases living in other Towns at a cost of $264.78, making the total cost $5,595.69. ;


The Aid to Dependent Children appropriation amounted to $6,000.00. On January 1, 1951 there was


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ANNUAL REPORT


a U.S. Grant balance of $1,128.26 and our Federal re- imbursements during the year amounted to $2,760.79. Our total expenditures for this department in 1951 amounted to $7,472.76. We started the year with 5 active cases representing 13 children. Three cases were added during the year and we closed the year with 6 cases representing 12 children.


The Old Age Assistance appropriation amounted to $26,000.00. During the year Federal reimbursements amounted to $18,316.55. The total expenditures for 1951 were $38,466.32. We started the year with 46 cases, added 12 new cases during the year, closed out 7 cases and ended the year with 51 cases.


The Taunton Greyhound Association again contri- buted $500.00 to the Dighton Christmas Basket Fund. This gift was distributed to our needy in Town and was greatly appreciated.


WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES, H. JUDSON ROBINSON,


Board of Public Welfare


Report of the Board of Health


The total expense of the Board of Health for 1951 in providing health and sanitation service was $3,530.75, leaving a balance of $453.49 from $3,984.00 appro- priated to meet these requirements.


The Board of Health has continued to deliver water . to the stricken areas in the south end of the Town due


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ANNUAL REPORT


to the polluted conditions of wells. This situation should change due to the installation of water in the Dighton Water District which includes this area.


The South Dighton Volunteer Firemen's Association has again manned the ambulance service which is an asset to the people of the Town. Excepting for a break- down on a trip to a hospital in Boston this service has been prompt and efficient. The entire cost of this service to the Town was $364.46 which includes gas, oil, repairs, drivers and laundry. The net cost to the Town for this service is less than one dollar per day.


We extend the thanks of the Board to Mrs. Esther Bowden for a fine job. The fact that the health of the community is generally good is due in a large measure to her efficiency.


Respectfully submitted,


WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES H. JUDSON ROBINSON


Board of Health


Report of the Community Nurse


To the Board of Health:


Gentlemen:


I submit the following report for 1951.


My work as Community Nurse has been conducted in the same manner as previous years, with an increase


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ANNUAL REPORT


in bedside nursing, treatments, and injections as each year passes.


Many patients were taken to clinics, hospitals, and doctors' offices in Boston, New Bedford, Fall River, Taun- ton and Attleboro. The Dighton ambulance was used not only for emergencies, but also for the safety and comfort in the transporation of patients.


No new cases of Tuberculosis were reported, how- ever, one death from this disease was recorded. Surely the educational program, X-ray and early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow up work of the Tuberculosis Association has proven more than worth while. Although their work has been conducted for many years, the increase in good reports has shown us the value of the program.


The annual Toxoid, Pre-school, and Dental Clinics were again well attended. A triple-antigen (for the im- munization of diptheria, whooping cough, and tetanus) was used for the first time at the Toxoid Clinic.


I attended as many of the current meetings and conferences in my schedule, as could be arranged, for they prove very helpful in learning new methods and ideas.


Again I wish to express my appreciation to the Town Officials for their help and cooperation, and also to the community organizations for their generous contributions and support.


Respectfully submitted,


ESTHER BOWDEN, R.N.


2


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ANNUAL REPORT


TREASURER'S REPORT


Balance in Treasury January 1, 1951


$186,192.89


Receipts in General $389,519.89


Received from Bond Issue 470,000.00


Premium on Bonds 737.90


Accrued Interest


28.74


Total Receipts during the Year


860,286.53


$1,046,479.42


Selectmen's Warrants paid during the year


574,254.52


Balance in Treasury December 31, 1951


$472,224.90


See Auditor's report.


DWIGHT F. LANE, Town Treasurer.


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ANNUAL REPORT


Report of Cemetery Fund


Amount of On Deposit Interest Paid for


Fund


Jan. 1, 1951 Rec'd.


Care


Sarah Babbitt


$100.00


$197.51


$3.96


Briggs Lot


125.00


238.64


4.79


$9.00


Mary J. Briggs


100.00


118.99


2.38


George E. Francis


100.00


151.60


3.04


Joseph Gooding


142.75


172.11


3.45


4.00


Truman N. Goff


100.00


131.36


2.63


George H. Horton


100.00


178.87


3.58


3.00


Nelson Horton


100.00


158.83


3.18


Sylvanus Jones


100.00


194.53


3.90


4.00


Josiah R. Talbot


100.00


144.18


2.89


3.00


Dr. A. J. Smith


150.00


185.37


1.82


5.00


Martha L. Smith


50.00


50.84


.51


1.00


Nathan Walker


100.00


119.75


2.39


4.00


William Walker


250.00


306.65


6.15


10.00


Williams Lot


100.00


179.29


3.60


4.00


Thomas B. Witherell 100.00


121.28


2.43


Benjamin F. Goff


100.00


130.64


2.61


Davis W. Francis


100.00


125.68


2.57


N. Allen Walker


150.98


303.37


6.09


10.00


Oliver P. Simmons


721.00


721.38


14.49


14.00


Francis J. Wheeler


100.00


118.11


2.37


William D. Goff


100.00


109.75


2.19


Robert S. Waterman


100.00


114.70


2.29


Joseph G. Thaxter


100.00


114.57


2.29


Submit Babbitt


50.00


52.26


1.04


Ebenezer Gay


50.00


51.94


1.03


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ANNUAL REPORT


Emerson W. Goff


100.00


118.49


2.37


Shubel Wheeler


100.00


101.02


1.02


Westcott & McNally


200.00


207.59


2.08


Wendell Weed


100.00


102.23


2.05


Emeline Williams


100.00


100.09


2.01


Zenas H. Goff


150.00


178.40


4.58


Job Paull


100.00


118.23


2.37


Albert F. Goff


50.00


50.81


.51


Edgar A. Essex


200.00


227.95


4.57


6.00


John H. Horton


100.00


104.48


2.09


John H. Harlow


100.00


101.78


2.03


Alfred A. Horton


100.00


103.33


2.07


Ephira Goff


100.00


103.71


2.07


Helen C. Briggs


75.00


84.40


1.69


1.50


Westcoat Lot


200.00


204.41


4.10


1.00


Joshua Bliss


5,000.00


5,133.59 103.17


60.00


Arthur A. Hathaway


200.00


217.22


4.36


1.00


E. & J. Lincoln


200.00


211.23


4.24


4.00


Gilbert Strange


200.00


200.60


4.02


4.00


Charles E. Carr


500.00


507.89


10.19


8.01


Nancy C. Jones


150.00


159.12


3.19


1.00


Jesse P. Goff


100.00


100.02


2.01


1.00


Emery White


100.00


104.41


2.09


2.00


Elbridge G. Francis


200.00


201.01


4.04


Harriet M. Briggs


200.00


.67


2.00


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ANNUAL REPORT


TOWN CLERK'S REPORT


The regular annual Town Meeting for Election of Officers was held in the Town Hall on March 5, 1951. Meeting was called to order at 10:00 A. M. by the Town Clerk in the absence of the Moderator, and Elaine Varley was elected Moderator pro-tem. The polls were opened for voting at 10:01 A. M. and ballotting was under the supervision of the following Election Officers: Catherine J. Sherman, Anna Carvalho, Robert Phillips, Anna Simmons, Elaine Varley, Helen Atwood, Mary S. Perry, Francis W. Clemmey, Hazel Reed, Florence I. Perry, George W. Rose and Agnes Murray. The Polls were closed at 8:00 o'clock P. M. Ballots having been assorted and counted, the results were declared as follows:


Moderator for one year-Wayne M. Philbrook.


Selectman for three years-William F. Benevides.


Board of Public Welfare for three years-William F. Benevides.


Auditor for one year-Ruth D. Leeming.


Town Treasurer for one year-Dwight F. Lane.


Assessor for three years-Frank R. O'Connell.


School Committee for three years-Edward C. French and Lawrence J. Mendoza.


Trustee of Public Library for three years-Edward D. Greenlaw.


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ANNUAL REPORT


Tree Warden for one year-Henry P. Goff.


Oyster Warden for one year-Dwight F. Lane, Howell S. Carr and Louis H. Carr.


Fish Warden for one year-Dwight F. Lane, Howell S. Carr and Louis H. Carr.


The regular annual Town Meeting was held in the Town Hall on March 12, 1951. Moderator Wayne M. Philbrook called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P. M.


Voted: To accept the various reports of Town Officials as published in Town Officer's Report for 1950.


Voted: That the Board of Selectmen be authorized to appoint all necessary Town Officials and Committees.


Voted: That the Town Treasurer be bonded for $18,500 and the Town Collector be bonded for $23,000.




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