USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > North Reading > Town of North Reading Annual Report of the Town Officers 1875 > Part 1
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I mr. Harved F. Upton
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
NORTH READING,
FOR THE
Dear ending february, 1875.
AND
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
AND ALSO OF
Trustees of flint Library,
Assessors' Statements, Returns, &c.
SALEM : T. J. HUTCHINSON, . . . PRINTER, 1875.
.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
NORTH READING,
FOR THE
Dear ending february, 1875. AND
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
AND ALSO OF
Trustees of Flint Library,
Assessors' Statements, Returns, &c.
SALEM: T. J. HUTCHINSON, . . - PRINTER, 1875.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
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REPORT.
-
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
SCHOOLS.
Orders drawn for Teaching High School $340. 00
Fuel and care of rooms
56 23
Teaching Centre School
280 00
Fuel and care of rooms
45 60
Teaching Franklin School
280 00
Fuel and care of rooms
55 90
Teaching West School 276 00
Fuel and care of rooms
45 18
Teaching North School
287 00
Fuel and care of rooms
58 96
Teaching East School 262 50
Fuel and care of rooms
24 80
Schooling children at Lynnfield
20 00
$2,032 17
Orders for school house furniture and repairs
225 78
$2,257 95
Appropriation for schools $1,500 00
Donation of Mrs. Charles F. Flint 500 00
Mass. School Fund 242 95
2,242 95
CEMETERIES.
Orders drawn for Thos. Rayner, Committee's bill on Riverside Cemetery 59 73
J. W. Manning, for Trees for Riverside do 20 00
G. K. Parker, Committee's bill, Park st. Cem. 40 90
$120 63
4
TOWN OFFICERS.
Charles P. Howard, as Town Clerk 15 00
66 Indexing and recording Births,
Marriages and Deaths, and other services 33 60
Charles P. Howard, for recording deed of Cemetery lots, express on books, postage, &c. 8 71
Joseph D. Gowing, as Selectman, Assessor and Over- seer of the Poor 84 50
J. D. Gowing, as Treasurer and Collector 100 00
66 for journeys out of town 24 60
extra services and expenses 18 40
Augustine P. Cook, as Selectman, Assessor and Over- seer of the Poor 48 00
A. P. Cook, journeys out of town 5 50
Appleton P. Eaton, as Selectman, Assessor and Over- seer of the Poor 25 00
A. P. Eaton, journeys out of town
5 00
Jacob S. Rayner, as School Committee
$7 0 10 95
David G. Eaton, 66
38 00
George Ober, School Committee, 1873
16 00
George A. Flint, as Constable
10.95 53 00
Samuel O. Allen, as Fireward and expenses
29 00
Services of Special Police 4 00
$534 76
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Orders drawn for F. H. Mosman 100 00
Wm. Parker
100 00
Abijah Flint
100 00
John Lufkin
100 00
Samuel Merrill
100 00
George H. Holt
100 00
Sylvester Eaton
100 00
66 extra
96 47
Chas. A. Upton
100 00
N. B. Case
100 00
A. B. Munroe
97 65
Amount carried forward,
$1,094 12
Sylvester Eaton,
15 50
5
Amount brought forward, $1,094 12
Gravel in C. A. Upton's district 7 50
66 F. H. Mosman's 66
12 00
West Ward 16 65
Repairs on Park-st., near Dr. Toothaker's 40 90
on Main-st., near Abijah Flint's
14 60
Blacksmith's work for Surveyors
6 20
Extra work on Mt. Vernon st.
7 00
66 Marblehead st
2 37
Repairs on Bridges and Culverts
201 57
Sidewalks and railings
146 23
Isaac Flint, removing snow 2 00
$1,551 14
MISCELLANEOUS.
Timothy Dame, for ringing bell, and care of town hall to Feb. 15, 1875 62 50
For printing town and school reports, & other notices 54 00 State Tax 820 00
County Tax
561 13
Interest on town notes and hired money
1,402 79
Geo. B. Parker, for Flint Library
146 49
Joseph D. Gowing, discount on taxes
379 48
Over-taxation and abatements 69 62
Geo. F. Witherell, monuments for soldiers 207 00
Geo. L. Flint, surveying road and plan 3 00
Repairs on town hall, pumps, &c. 5 05
Removing bodies fm field near almshouse to cemetery 10 25
Chas. H. Carleton, for return of deaths 2 75
$3,724 06
STATE AID.
Paid Julia A. Abbott 44 00
Elizabeth C. Ball
88 0.0
Chas J Burditt
66 00
Emily Bean
44 00
S. J. Coney
80 00
Amount carried forward, $322 00
6
Amount brought forward,
$322 00
Lawrence Duley, guar.
6 00
William Frye
120 00
Mrs. H. E. Flint
88 00
Mrs. Harris
88 80
Samuel W. Holt, guar.
44 00
Rebecca J. McIntire
+4 00
Robert B. Walsh
66 00
$778 00
Due from the State for 1874
842 00
Due from the State for Jan. 1875
72 00
Orders drawn for schools
2,257 95
66 cemeteries
120 63
66 66 66 town officers
534 76
66 66 66 roads and bridges
1,551 14
66 66 state aid
778 00
66 66 overseers of the poor
1,060 23
66
66
miscellaneous
3,724 06
Total amount of orders $10,026 77
JOSEPH D. GOWING,
Selectmen
AUGUSTINE P. COOK.
of
APPLETON P. EATON,
North Reading.
North Reading, Feb. 15th, 1875.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
NAMES AND AGES OF THE INMATES OF THE ALMSHOUSE.
Lois McIntire
82 years.
Rebecca Floyd
67
Nathaniel McIntire
60
66
Joseph Sawyer
65
66
Jane Sawyer
43 66
Sarah Banker
25
66
Emily A. Buxton
30
*Esther Harnden
76
66
Whole Number 8
Present
7
Average . . 7 1-2
Three hundred and forty-six Tramps have been assisted. *Died, Jan. 10th. .
7
INVENTORY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AT THE ALMSHOUSE, FEBRUARY, 1875.
200 00
5 Cows
225 00
Fowls
30 00
Hay, Grain and Meal
361 50
Manure
120 00
Provisions
238 35
Farming Utensils
280 50
Lumber
340 00
Wood and Fuel
123 00
Household Furniture
510 44
$2,428 79
Bills uncollected
139 27
EXPENSES OF THE POOR AT THE ALMSHOUSE.
Paid for W. I. Goods and Groceries
222 12
66
Flour and Bread
98 19
Hay, Grain and Meal
275 00
66 Meat and Fish
120 09
66 Clothing, Bedding and Shoes
95 07
66
Household Furniture
48 17
Farming Utensils and Seeds
81 05
66 Stock and Swine
87 50
66 Hired Labor
413 86
Repairs on Buildings
47 85
Physicians' Bill
26 84
66
Blacksmith's Bill
20 38
66
Butter and Cheese
77 13
Sawing Lumber
114 39
Coal Freight and Express
60 05
Salary of Keeper
389 79
Miscellaneous
51 30
$2,228 78
2 Oxen
8
RECEIPTS.
Old bills collected
12 00
400 51
Wood and Lumber Produce Sold
210 29
Stock and Swine
150 91
Milk sold
410 10
Labor done off the Farm
278 98
Persons lodged
214 52
Miscellaneous
16 00
Cash received per orders of Selectmen
535 47
$2,228 78
EXPENSE OF POOR OUT OF ALMSHOUSE.
Supplies furnished James B. Flint
88 00
Funeral expenses of Julia McIntire
27 71
Care and nursing
38₴50
Medical attendance
22 40
House rent
10 50
For board of Caroline Kelley
7 00
Town of Wakefield for Eliza Bird
5 00
For family of John W. Roberts
42 83
For wife of George E. MeIntire
14 00
For medical attendance for Ann Batchelder
23 00
For Burial of Frank Young
31 30
Travelling paupers 214 52
Expense of poor out of Almshouse
524 76
Expense of poor at Almshouse
535 47
Total in and out of Almshouse
1,060 23
Received from Selectmen's account 1,060 23
JOSEPH D. GOWING,
Overseers of the
AUGUSTINE P. COOK,
Poor of
APPLETON P. EATON, North Reading.
North Reading, Feb. 15th, 1875.
9
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Balance in Treasury from last year
5 44
Taxes collected 1873
514 93
Taxes collected 1874
7,799 40
Rent of town hall, 1873
16 00
Rent of town hall, 1874
12 00
From city of Lynn for E. B. Abbott's family
24 00
From town of Dracut for Caroline Kelley
7 00
From State, on small-pox account
142 50
From Mrs. Charles F. Flint for schools
500 00
For taxes, after being abated
4 50
For taxes not assessed
4 00
From State aid for 1873
806 00
From Corporation Tax
127 38
From Bank Tax
104 10
From Mass. School Fund
242 95
Lots sold in Riverside Cemetery
35 00
Town Notes
5,800 00
Dog Fund
146 49
Use of Hearse
3 50
School Books
3 20
Interest on Taxes
20 10
Town of Topsfield, for J. W. Roberts family
45 83
Reading, for Barnard Bridge
23 75
for House Rent
24 00
Old Iron
2 80
Total amount received
$16,411 87
Paid per orders of Selectmen
10,026 77
Paid out on Town Notes
5,800 00
Total paid out
$15,826 77
Balance in Treasury
585 10
Tax list committed to collect '74
8,702 54
Tax list uncollected in '73
642 43
Total committed to collect
$9,344 97
Taxes remaining uncollected for 1873
127 50
Taxes remaining uncollected for 1874
903 14
229 persons paid Taxes amounting to $5,940 35 and received 6 per cent. discount 356 42 30 persons paid Taxes amounting to $576 50 and received 4 per cent. discount 23 06
$379 48
.
10
THE TOWN OWES THE FOLLOWING NOTES.
Rate of Interest.
Jonathan King
4,200
7 per cent.
Elizabeth U. King
5,500
7
Andover Bank
4,000
61-2 "
Arthur Eames
1,000
7
66
Herrick Batchelder
1.000
6 1-2 "
Myra Batchelder
1,000
7
Benjamin Taylor
1,000
6
Asseneth Nichols
700
6
66
Maria Emmons
500
61-2 “
Clarrissa Damon
500
61-2 “
Susan Bancroft
500
6 1-2 "
Harriet Gould
500
6124
Sally Gould
300
6 1-2 "
$20,700
Highest rate of Interest 7 per cent. Lowest 6. Average about 6 3-4.
JOSEPH D. GOWING,
Treasurer and Collector of
North Reading.
North Reading, Feb. 15th, 1875.
-
11
Statistics from Town Clerk's Records,
For the year 1874.
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.
Whole number of Births
18
Males 10
Females
8
Whole number of Intentions of Marriages
17
Marriages recorded
15
66
66 Deaths 11
DATE OF DEATII
NAME OF DECEASED.
DISEASE OR CAUSE OF DEATII.
Y. Im.d.
Jan. 2 Harriet A. Tarbox,
19. 7 18 Cerebro Spinal Meningitis,
Eeb. 9 George A. Eaton,
21 11 13 Inflammation of the Bowels.
Mch. 1 Sophia B. McIntire, 32 2 8 Cancerated Tumor.
Mch. 11 Julia McIntire 63
Dropsy,
June 20 Mary A. Batchelder, 42
9 12 Consumption.
July 17 John F. Lufkin, 35
5 11 Accidental.
Aug. 2 Frank Eddy Ober,
8 Cholera Infantum
Aug. 22 Frank R. Hayward,
9 419 Internal Hemorrhage.
Oct. 6 |Emma Campbell, 38 6
Congestion of the Brain.
Nov. 12 Emily M. Case, 55 1
Brights' Disease of Kidneys.
Nov. 14 George B. Came,
28 11 18 Consumption.
AGE.
CHARLES P. HOWARD, Town Clerk
12
Treasurer of Riverside Cemetery, Report.
Number of lots sold in 1874
5
Amount received and paid to Town Treasurer $35 00
Names of purchasers of lots in Riverside Cemetry from the commencement.
Francis Peabody
Mrs. Dolly Flint
E. Bolles Buxton
John B. Campbell
John S. Coney
James Peabody
F. H Foster
Sumner Foster
Heirs of Joseph E. Holt
Warren A. Flint
Robert M. Campbell
Mrs. Ann C. Smith
WVm. H. S. Morse
William Campbell
Jacob Gowing
Frederick Abbott
Mary F. Nichols
C. P. HOWARD, Treasurer.
13
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE FLINT LIBRARY OF NO. READING,
ENDING FEBRUARY 15th, 1875.
While making our Second Annual Report, the Trustees of the Flint Library would return their thanks to the citizens of North Reading for their continued aid and patronage, It is very gratifying to be able to state that the interest in it has not abated but rather increased. 110 vols. have been added since our last report making in all at the present time 692 vols. 7475 book have been issued during the last eleven months.
We are sorry to say that three have probably been stolen, one has been lost which will be made good.
The books have generally been used with care but few showing marks of careless usage. We hope that every one who enjoys the privileges of the Library will not forget that although the books are free to all they are not placed in our hands without some sacrifice. We would remember our obligations to our efficient Librarian for the interest and fidelity manifested in the management of the library. It is pleasant to report the gift of one book from one of our citi- zens, Miss Mary A. Putnam. We hope that this good ex- ample will be imitated by many in our town. Probably many books are lying idle on our shelves which would be of much value to our library.
Respectfully submitted.
HENRY TOWLE, JOHN B. CAMPBELL, GEORGE B. PARKER, CHAS. P. HOWARD, AUGUSTINE P. COOK.
rustees.
14
Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand March 7, 1874
$316 56
Received from Licenses on Dogs
146 49
Interest
22 46
$485 51
PAYMENTS.
Butler & Fleetwood, books
21 00
H. V. Butler
14 00
Charles Jones
2 50
Noyes, Holmes & Co.
108 41
Noyes, Holmes & Co., binding books
1 80
G. W. B. Taylor, paper
3 96
Rent
20 00
Express
1 60
Librarian
52 00
225 27
Balance
$260 24
The above balance consists of cash on hand $60 24 Deposit in Savings Bank 200 00
GEO. B. PARKER, Treas. Flint Library.
North Reading, Feb. 15th, 1875.
15
Inventory and Valuation, May 1st, 1874.
No. of horses
145 Houses 200 3-4
Oxen
24 Money at interest
$18000 00
Cows
270 Stock in trade 13870 00
Swine
60 No. acres of land 7.614
Value of Personal estate
58,564 00
66 Real estate
395,466 00
Total
$454,030 00
Tax on Real and Personal estate at 180 pr $100 $8,172 54 No. of Polls 265, Tax $2 00 each 530 00
Tax list committed to Collector
8,702 54
Amount of money raised by town for ordinary ex-
penses
4,500 00
Schools
1,500 00
Highways
1,200 00
State Tax
820 00
County Tax
561 13
Surplusage
121 41
$8,702 54
RETURNS.
Residents paying less than $2 00 tax 66 $2 00
89
from $2 00 to $10 00 tax
63
.6 10 00 to 25 00
74
66 25 00 to 50 00 66
44
" 50 00 to 100 00 66
27
" 100 00 to 300 00
66
10
more than 300 00
1
317
Non residents paying less than $10 00 tax 76
from $10 00 to $100 00 21
more than $100 1
98
3
16
Total number of Tax payers
415
Amount of taxes paid by Residents of town
7,595 76
Non-residents 1,106 78
$8,702 54
Number of voters in town 218
Number of Female Tax-payers
37
Amount of property taxed to Females $59,011 .' exempt from taxation 4,900
Number of scholars from five to fifteen
160
Number of Militia
142
Number of Dogs as taken by the Assessors, males, 73 ; fe- males, 6; total, 79.
JOSEPH D. GOWING, Assessors
AUGUSTINE P. COOK, of
APPLETON P. EATON, North Reading.
North Reading, Feb. 15th, 1875.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
FOR THE YEARS 1874 AND 1875.
In accordance with law and custom, and by the resigna- tion of Mr. W. E. Eaton, it seems to have fallen upon the lot of the remaining committee, the duty of humbly sub- mitting the twenty second annual report of the Schools of of North Reading, since its division from Reading; it being sixty-seven years from its separation from South Reading, (now Wakefield,) ten years from the Great Rebellion, and of the American Independence the 99th.
As it has been said by one of old, that there can be no new thing .under the sun, and whereas thero has been so much said and written by the most eminent talent of our State in behalf of the cause of education, little therefore can be expected of your committee, more than simply to reiterate some thoughts of our predecessors differing only in the form of expression.
Rut notwithstanding these or other more weighty ob- jections which might be offered, your committee feel justified in stating, that the schools as a whole, have been prosperous, and that the improvements as well as progress made in the various branches that have been taught, will compare favorably with the results of any former year. It is but just to say that the improvement in our schools, has been somewhat in proportion as the teachers have been actuated by the suggestions given from time to time by our friend W. E. Eaton, and which will be found embodied in the thirty-sixth annual report of the board of education, page 201, containing extracts from the report of Thomas Emner- son, Superintendent of the schools at Newton, and which are worthy the perusal of all teachers interested in their work.
18
The government during the spring and fall terms in the West District, and of the fall and winter terms, in the High School, were not all that we could have wislied,-and while we acknowledge teachers, as well as committees, to be fali- ble, yet we dont believe in that policy of parents, who in defence of their children, try to emulate the Old Dutch Judge, who took his oath before God and man, never to hear but one side of the question. In schools, that government is oftentimes the best, which seems to rule the least. The poet Pope, speaking in a national point of view, (the princi- ple of which may apply to our schools,) says-
"For forms of government, let fools contest ; What 'er is best administered,-is best. For modes of faith, let graceless zealots fight, His can't be wrong, whose life is in the right."
Truancy and its remedy, is still one of the vexed unsettled questions of the day, and as there has been no premium offered for its cure, your committee would suggest that while school-rooms should be made comfortable and cheerful, its no less the duty of teachers to make the studies as inviting and interesting as possible to all, so that children may feel it a pleasure rather than a task to attend school.
In regard to the duty of parents and guardians of children truants, your committee would advise them to read section Ist of Chap. 41st in General Statutes, once a day until a cure is effected.
Your committee have endeavored to make such repairs in school-rooms adjoining buildings as seemed necessary, not exceeding the appropriation, and have perhaps spent more (than was expended last year) for school furniture, includ- ing books, maps, globes and stoves, which we trust with care, will last for many succeeding years. There are still other improvements and repairs which we trust other com- mittees will not fail to see and execute.
In closing these preliminaries, while your committee feel to congratulate with parents and guardians for the general health that has prevailed among thie scholars, let us not as citizens forget to sympathize with the bereaved, and also
19
with the children of the East District, who have lost one of their number by death, (Master Frank Howard,) of whom we trust has gone to that spirit home, where all is joy and peace.
WEST POINT SCHOOL.
The spring and fall terms of this school were taught by Miss L. J. Mansfield of Wakefield, who labored with con- scious fidelity to her trust, and separate from some rules that could not casily be enforced, gave very general satis- faction. She declined teaching the winter term, and was succeeded by Miss Jennie Dearborn 'of said town, of whom we have reason to believe gave universal satisfaction. The scholars at the close showed good evidence of thorough ad- vancement in their studies, and the singing of some songs by the young ladies, were finely executed, as stated by the committee pro tem, (Rev. J. W. Kingsbury and Mr. Geo. K. Parker) to whom your committee (being unable to be present) feel gratefully indebted for their services at the examinations.
NORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL.
This school standing highest in numbers as well as de- portment, has made steady or thorough progress throughout the year. The spring term was taught by Miss M. A. Man- ning of Andover, of whose success has not been less than that of the previous year. She was' prevailed upon at the close of the spring term to accept the position vacated at the High School by Miss Abbie S. Abbott (a native of this town) who was called to teach in Lynn. The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss Emma P. Childs of Andover, of whose success has not been less than that of her predecessor.
EAST DISTRICT.
This school being located on a consecrated foundation, which is well calculated for spiritual manifestations, has maintained its usual progressive quietude under the charge
-
20
of Miss Emma Nichols of Reading, who taught the Spring and Fall terms with marked success, closing her services with the Fall term.
This school though small in numbers, still retains its full share of talent.
The Winter term was taught by Mrs. Mary B. Childs to the satisfaction of the district, and committee pro tem. Could this school be united with the Centre,-or should the Centre school-house be removed to land near Mr. Joseph Eaton's on Elm street, where it might be located at an eu- chanted distance from eastern extreme, and discommoding no one in the Centre district, except the families at Mr. F. H. Mosman's and those at the Almshouse,-while they can be accommodated as formerly at the Franklin School. Should this plan meet the approbation of the town, it would prove a large pecuniary saving if not a moral advantage, besides affording ample play grounds for the children of both districts, where, not even grocers or druggists need be dis- turbed. One of the most popular Divines of New York says that children are half educated, who are allowed to be fa- miliar witn the scenes and experiences of the open country, that the country is appointed of God to be the children's nursery,-while the city seems to have been made by ma- lign spirits to destroy them in. Should we not therefore make the most of our country schools ?
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
The Spring term was commenced by Miss Clara Emerson of Wakefield, who taught for one week, but was called to teach in Peabody, and went. She was succeeded by Miss Ella Davis of said town, of whom we are happy to state has taught with good success.
The reputation of this school has greatly increased under the charge of Miss Emerson of last year, and Miss Davis of this. The enthusiasm, deportment and thoroughness, man- ifested at the close as expressed by our committee pro tem, were truly praise worthy.
21
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Fortunately your committee have not been obliged to make any change of teachers in this school. Miss Laura J. Whittredge (a native of this town) has labored with con- scious ability in her trust, throughout the entire year, and her labors have been duly appreciated. This school, though not so large as formerly has many smart and interesting scholars. The primer and second classes were very noticea- ble for promptness and accuracy in their exercises. There were also bright stars in the higher classes. The singing seemed to be one of the distinguishing features of this, as well as most of the other schools in town, of which your committee trust, will not be less in the future.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Before the expiration of the Spring Term, Miss Abbott the teacher, was called to teach in Lynn. She has taught not only in this, but other schools with unrivalled success. Miss Upham of Wakefield, was solicited to finish the un- expired term, but failed for want of health.
The Fall or Winter terms were taught by Miss M. A. Manning, who has taught with remarkable success in the north district, but for want of co-operation on the part of some scholars or parents, could not satisfy herself in this school. But your committee are happy to state, that the discipline, thoroughness and advancement, in all of the exercises manifested at the examination as expressed by competent judges, were very creditable to the teacher, as well as to the scholars. In order to insure the future suc- cess of this school, and to secure and retain experienced talent, the town cannot fail to see the necessity of increas- ing the pay of its teachers, otherwise it is to be feared that this school will exist only in name without the fame.
This school representing the highest type of which North Reading can boast, is being largely supported by the beneficence of Mrs. Harriet N. Flint, of Wakefield.
22
It must seem to every one an unwise and false economy to talk of its discontinuance. How long that beneficence will continue, as there are limits set to everything but the illimitable, therefore will it not be wise for the town as well as for its citizens individually, to anticipate the time, when they must rest upon their own resources pecuniary, if not spiritually ; yet ever trusting in that "God and Providence which must be Father and Mother of us all."
Since writing the above, the statistical table together with more important particulars in relation to the examin- ations, has been very kindly submitted to your Secretary by Rey. J. W, Kingbury, which will be read with interest. It should, however, be borne in mind, that the increase of numbers during the past year in the East Ward, have been made up largely from children properly belonging to the Centre District.
JACOB S. RAYNER, D. G. EATON,
Committee.
23
STATISTICAL TABLE.
EXHIBITING THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARS, AVERAGE ATTENDANCE, &C.
Schools.
No. of
Scholars.
Average
Attendance
Per ct. At-
tendance
for the year
Not
Absent.
Tardy.
Whole
Tardiness
Wages
per week.
High
Spring. Fall. Winter.
33
24.5
:
O
13
$10.00
28
20
.72 1-2
O O
9
124
III
Centre
Spring. Fall.
27
24
3
4
28
21
4
7
IOI
Winter.
29
22.5
.80 2-5
I
I
145
$8.00
~
Spring. Fall.
31
24.3
I
12
Franklin
Winter.
34
25.2. . 78 3-5
2
13
80
$8.00
East
Spring. Fall.
17
II
I
7
17
12.7
0
8
22
Winter.
13
8.1
.67 1-3
I
6
28
$7.50
We
Spring. Fall.
16
13
Winter.
21
17.6
.80 1 .2
$8.00
North
Spring. Fall.
32
24
3
4
21
36
Winter.
31
23
.78 1-2
2
6
141
$8.00
35
28.1
I
12
41
73
13
I 7
13
18
36
37
32
Not
No.
229
24
REMARKS OF REV. J. W. KINGSBURY.
While all the teachers have made' faithful record of ab- sence and tardiness, some have failed to complete their work by settling down in their appropriate columns in the Register, the number of days' attendance, and the number of times tardy. Hence the incompleteness of the above table.
A comparison of this table with the statistics of other years affords new proof of the familiar fact that the rela- tive proportion of scholars in the different wards is contin- ually changing. For instance, the number of scholars in the West Ward has within the past three years diminished nearly one-half, while the East school as a reference to the table will show, has been gaining till it can no longer just- ly be called the smallest school in town.
The severe weather during examination week affected more or less the attendance of parents and friends, and gives importance to the suggestion that hereafter the an- nual examination be held at the close of the Spring term, thus making our school year correspond with that of other schools.
Those acting the part of Examining Committee, are happy to report evidence of faithful labor on the part of the teachers and of general progress on the part of the schools.
In the West School the answers were prompt, and afford- ed proof of thorough drill.
In the North School the reading, penmanship and map- drawing, were of unusual excellence.
The East School has for some years past been under the care of teachers that, though laboring faithfully, have pos- sessed less experience and ability than have been thought requisite in the other schools. Justice and the best inter- ests of this school now demand that it should rank with the other schools in the wages paid the teacher, and in the ability and experience required in return.
In the Franklin School the natural colloquial tone of
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much of the reading deserves honorable mention. In this school as well as in some of the others, attention has been given to music and drawing.
The Centre School like most village schools, has some unruly ones, who need strict discipline. The progress of the smaller scholars has been good, that of the larger pu- pils, through lack of application on their part, not so satis- factory.
The High School, composed of the more advanced pu- pils from all parts of the town, centers in itself a general interest. Some of the scholars have failed to appreciate their privileges, their responsibilities, their duties, and have acted the part of unruly boys and girls, rather than that of youth old enough to value, and sensible enough to improve their opportunities, and possessing too much self-respect and too much regard for the good name of the school and its influence on the other schools and its place in the affec- tions and good wishes of the citizens to annoy an able and efficient teacher seeking to fill a difficult place.
With a large appreciation of what this school has accom- plished in the past and with high hopes of its future suc- cess and prosperity, we bespeak for it the earnest and combined effort and interest of parents, teachers and scholars.
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TOWN MEETING.
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To either of the Constables of North Reading, in the County of Middlesex,
Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the Inhabitants of the Town of North Reading, qualified to vote in Elections and Town Affairs, to meet at the TOWN HALL, in said Town, on MONDAY, the first day of March next, at eight o'clock, A.M., then and there to act on the following Articles, viz : Polls open at nine o'clock.
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
ART. 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensuing.
ART. 3. To hear Reports of Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor, and act thereon.
ART. 4. To hear Report of Treasurer, and act thereon.
ART. 5. To hear Report of School Committee, and act thereon.
ART. 6. To hear Report of Trustees of Flint Library, and act thereon.
ART. 7. To hear Report of Trustees of Cemeteries, and act thereon.
ART. 8. To hear Report of Committees, and act thereon.
ART. 9. To hear Report of Selectmen in relation to a road laid out by them, leading from Elm street, near Henry Towle's to Willow street, and act thereon.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will vote to widen Haver- hill street, by land of J. W. Flint, near the new Depot, or what action they will take in relation to the same
ART. 11. To see if the Town will allow Jacob Gowing and Lilley E. Hayward, to work out their proportion of the Highway money raised, on the roads leading to their houses, or what they will do in regard to the same.
ART. 12. To see how much money the Town will raise
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and appropriate for necessary Town expenses for the ensuing year, to wit : Ordinary Expenses, Schools, Highways, Side- walks and Bridges, and Extra Expenses.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will vote to buy a new Hearse, and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that purpose.
ART. 14. To see if Town will vote to widen Concord Street where needed, or what they will do in regard to the same.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will vote to widen Chestnut Street, near Wm. A. Wittredge's shop, or what they will do about it.
ART. 16. To see if the town will vote to accept of the provisions of Chap. 158 of the Acts of 1871, in relation to the election of Road Commissioners, or what they will do in relation to the same. -
ART. 17. To see what method the town will adopt in regard to Repairs of highways.
ART. 18. To see what action the town will take in regard to the money received on account of the Dog Licenses.
ART. 19 To hear Report of Selectmen in relation to a Road laid out by them, leading from Haverhill street, bear W. A. Campbell's, over a private way, to or near the house of Henry Batchelder, and act thereon.
ART. 20. To see if the town vote to sell the Town Farm, or what they will do about it.
ART. 21. To see if the town will vote to raise the Grade of the Street in front of "Flint Memorial Hall Building," or what they will do in regard to the same.
ART. 22 To see if the town will refund to Abijalı Flint the sum of Forty-nine dollars and Sixty cents, with interest on the same, for Taxes payed on " money at interest" in 1872 and 1873.
ART. 23. To see if the town will vote to unite the Centre and East Ward Schools, or what action they will take in re- gard to the same.
ART. 24. To see if the town will vote to discontinue the High School, or what they will do in relation to the same.
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ART. 25. To see what instructions the town will give their Collector in relation to collecting Taxes and allowing discount.
ART. 26. To see if the town will give their Treasurer authority to hire money or what they will do about it.
ART. 27. To see how much money the Town will raise for the payment of the Town Debt.
ART. 28. To see if the town will instruct their Treasurer to hire money of residents of the Town and pay a larger per cent. interest under certain restrictions.
ART. 29. To hear Report of Selectmen on Guide boards.
ART. 30. To see if the town will accept of the list of Jurors as prepared by the Selectmen.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this eighteenth day of February, A.D., eighteen hundred and seventy-five.
JOSEPH D. GOWING, Selectmen AUGUSTINE P. COOK, of APPLETON P. EATON, ) North Reading. A true copy. Attest,
SYLVESTER EATON, Constable.
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Appropriations.
By request, your Selectmen would submit the following estimates in regard to Appropriations, by the Town for the ensuing year.
SCHOOLS. We cannot recommend a less amount for schools than was raised last year as all we shall receive from the State School Fund and other sources cannot exceed two hundred and fifty dollars.
ORDINARY EXPENSES. Under this account we would in- clude School-House repairs and furniture, Cemeteries, Town Officers and Miscellaneous, which last year after deducting the Dog Fund, (received from the county) nearly equaled the Appropriation, and as the State tax was lower than ususal, we do not think the same amount too much for another year.
HIGHWAYS, SIDEWALKS AND BRIDGES. It seems that last years appropriation would not be sufficient, as we have had no snow bills of any account for the last year, but still have exceeded the amount raised. We would suggest the pro- priety of raising enough money under this account to build a stone bridge to take the place of one of the poorest wooden ones. This we think should be done each year, until the wooden bridges are diminished.
STATE AID. The State Aid due from the State will nearly pay the State Aid account.
OVERSEERS ACCOUNT. This will be partially balanced by the amount in the Treasury, and other items, together with what the State will allow for Bank and Corporation taxes, the total of which must be from eight to nine hundred dol- lars. After we had sent our reports to the printer we re- ceived a notice from Natick, stating that W. A. Niohols and family had been sick and needy for the last year and conse- quently had created a large bill. Although their Overseers stated in their notice last year that they would not need
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