USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > North Reading > Town of North Reading Annual Report of the Town Officers 1877 > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
NORTH READING
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEB., 1875 AND
REPORT of the SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND ALSO OF THE
TRUSTEES OF FLINT LIBRARY.
READING : NEWS AND CHRONICLE JOB PRINT, 1877.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
NORTH READING
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEB., 1876, 7 AND
REPORT of the SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND ALSO OF THE
TRUSTEES OF FLINT LIBRARY. /
READING : NEWS AND CHRONICLE JOB PRINT, 1877.
Selectmen's Report.
SCHOOLS
Paid for teaching High School,.
$364 00
fuel for 66
23 85
care of 66 66
room,
13 70
teaching Franklin School,
272 00
fuel for 66 66
21 75
care of 66
room,
9 20
teaching Centre School,
282 00
fuel for
66
23 07
care of 66
room,
13 20
teaching West School,
272 00
fuel for 66 66
30 15
care of 66 66
room,
9 5°
'teaching North School,
272 00
fuel for 66
23 47
care of 66 66 room,
17 00
teaching East School,
272 00
fuel for
66
IO 41
care of
66
room,
21 69
books, maps, &c., for schoolhouses, 58 16
repairs on schoolhouses, .
84 05
School Committee for car fare and horse hire in securing teachers,
10 59
C. D. Howard for printing,
6 50
$2110 29
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Charles P. Howard as Town Clerk, $15 00
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $15 00
1
.
4
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $15 00 Paid Charles P. Howard for recording valuation and taxes, and making returns of births, marriages, deaths and other services, 38 65
George K. Parker as School Committee, 28 00
George L. Flint,
22 00
David R. Galloupe,
66
42 50
Sylvester Eaton, Constable's bill, 5 50
George A. Flint,
66
66
15 00
Samuel O. Allen, as Police,
2 00
John S. Coney,
60
2 00
Eben Flint,
66
66
2 00
Henry H. Dame,
66
3 00
Joseph D. Gowing, as Treasurer and Collector, 100 00 66 for extra services and
expenses,
25 80
Joseph D. Gowing, for printing and postage, 5 90
Augustine P. Cook, as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor, 95 00
Augustine P. Cook, journeys out of town, 14 00
Augustine P. Cook, postage, stationery, &c., 4 14
Timothy Fowle, as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor, 25 00
Timothy Fowle, journeys out of town, 6 00
Solon O. Holt, as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor, 40 00
Solon O. Holt, journeys out of town, 4 00
$495 49
STATE AID.
Paid Julia A. Abbott, $4.8 00
Elizabeth C. Ball, 12 00
Emily Bean, 48 00
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $108 00
5
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD,
108 00
Sarah J. Coney,
48 00
Mary F. Flint, 48 00
Rebecca J. McIntire,
48 00
Tryphena Harris,
94 00
Jane Proctor,
8 00
·
Charles J. Burditt,
72 00
William Frye,
72 00
Robert B. Walsh,
72 00
Laurence Duly, (guardian),
42 00
-
$612 00
Due from the State for 1876,
$620 00
Due from the State for January, 1877, 48 00
CEMETERIES.
Paid Thomas Rayner for trees and setting the same, 7 50
66 labor, . 2 25
Robert M. Campbell for labor, 3 50
C. P. Howard for making and recording deeds of lots, 9 25
$32 50
Highways.
.+ -
BACK RIVER BRIDGE.
Paid R. M. Campbell, for lumber, $72 82
66 " labor, 16 00
66 66 66 6. spikes, 1 15
- - $90 07
6
WASHINGTON STREET BRIDGE.
Paid S. O. Holt, for labor,
$55 75
66 " I day and expense to Boston, 3 50
" expense to Salem, 80
Langmaid, for sheathing, 39 06
Stetson & Pope, for lumber,
159 05
for spruce lumber,
5 83
freight on lumber,
22 43
carting and milling lumber,
2 25
nails and spikes, 6 48
bolts, washers and express on same, 7 59
Dejean, for tinning roof,
17 37
Blacksmith's bill,
9 31
R. M. Campbell, for labor,
24 26
-
$353 68
WIDENING CONCORD STREET.
Paid William Parker, for laying wall, $8 00
66 " filling,
15 00
$23 00
WIDENING ROAD NEAR R. B. WALSH'S HOUSE
Paid D. W. Goodwin, for labor, $12 00
W. C. McIntire, “ « 70
R. M. Campbell, " "
6 40
blacksmith's bill,
I 34
for powder and fuse, 1 04
use of drills, 2.5
$21 73
WIDENING NORTH AND PARK STREETS.
Paid Eliab U. Flint, for laying wall, $16 76
R. M. Campbell, for filling, 12 00
John Eames, for laying wall, Park Street, 20 00 - $48 76
7
SUNDRY EXPENSES ON ROADS.
Paid for labor and materials on bridges, $14 32
66 66
" sidewalks, 19 57
66 66 66 " culverts, 48 30
66
" railing, 13 00
blacksmith's bill and tools, 12 25
J. D. Gowing's bill, 592 02
J. D. Gowing's snow bills, 148 65
Benjamin Eames, for gravel, 3 10 -
$851 21
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid for printing annual reports, warrant and express, $47 80 chairs for town officers' room, 10 88
H C. Kendall, for writing resolutions concern- ing Flint Memorial Hall, 8 00
E. G. Foster, for making border and heading for same, 25 00
for two frames for same, 14 00
expense of committee, 2 70
order book, 7 75
Joseph M. Hart, for damage on highway, 10 00
C. Allen Upton, for overtaxation, 7 45
Warren A. Campbell, for overtaxation, 9 68
Ella M. Flint, 7 45
L. E. Hayward, abatement of highway tax, 2 45
for interest on town notes, 1386 35
Dorchester Insurance Co., for Insurance on North and East schoolhouses, 50 00
for insurance on Flint Memorial Hall, 405 00
County tax, 157 07
State tax, 450 00
C. P. Howard, postage and express on books,
6 98
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $2608 56
8
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $2608 56
Paid for grading round Town Hall, 4 83
repairs on hearse house, 3 74 “ " pumps, 6 00
expense of firewards, 3 50
Timothy Dame, for ringing bell, 52 00
66 66 care of Town Hall, 18 50
Charles H. Carlton, for return of deaths,
4 75
for repairs on hearse,
2 75
discount on taxes,
327 76
abatement of taxes,
79 53
repairs on liberty pole,
3 60
George B. Parker, for Flint Library. (dog fund), 133 95
-$3249 47
Orders drawn for Schools,
$2110 29
Town Officers,
495 49
State Aid,
612 00
Cemeteries,
32 50
Highways,
1388 45
Overseers of the Poor,
1045 77
Miscellaneous, 3249 47
Total amount of orders drawn.
-$8933 97
AUGUSTINE P. COOK, ) SELECTMEN
TIMOTHY FOWLE, OF
SOLON O. HOLT, NORTH READING.
North Reading, Feb. 20, 1877.
Report of the Overseers of the Poor.
NAMES AND AGES OF THE INMATES OF THE ALMS- HOUSE.
Lois McIntire,
84 years.
Rebecca Floyd,
69
Nathaniel McIntire,
62
Joseph Sawyer,
67 66
Jane Sawyer,
45
Sarah Banker,
27
Emily Buxton,
32
Present number, 7
Whole number, 7 3-4
Four hundred and thirty-seven tramps have been assisted.
INVENTORY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AT ALMSHOUSE
FEB. 1, 1877.
2 Oxen,
$180 00
5 cows,
175 00
51 fowls,
25 00
4 swine,
30 00
hay,
275 00
grain,
20 50
manure,
100 00
lumber,
65 00
wood.
55 00
coal and fire wood,
95 00
cedar posts and poles,
30 00
farming utensils,
283 70
household furniture,
468 27
salt pork,
112 00
fresh pork,
7 25
hams,
44 75
lard.
23 50
66
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $1989 97
10
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, .
$1989 97
potatoes,
70 00
mangolds,
25 00
cider,
65 00
beans,
30 00
molasses,
15 00
butter,
JI 60
sundries,
29 48
bills uncollected,
82 59
-$2318 64
EXPENSE AT THE ALMSHOUSE :
GROCERIES AND W. I. GOODS.
PROVISIONS :
Oil,
$7 01
Meat,
$89 74
Sugar,
37 43
Fish,
20 16
Raisins,
I 84
Apples, &c., 6 10
Soda,
79
Onions,
I 43
Oatmeal,
2 13
Coffee,
8 86
Ginger,
I 42
Tea,
6 00
Flour,
$67 83
Nutmegs,
.I 88
Crackers,
34 66
Cr. Tartar,
2 70
Bread,
3 71
Pepper,
1 00
Cheese,
17 20
Starch,
60
$121 40
Salt,
7 67
Cassia,
42
GRAIN.
Soap,
14 88
Meal,
$175 61
Molasses,
37 50
Corn,
25 67
Rice,
2 95
Shorts,
81 71
Mustard,
55
Oats,
1 30
Essences,
I 98
Sulphur,
25
Matches,
65
CLOTHING, BOOTS &c.
Clothing,
10 48
Tapioca,
I OI
Materials for do.
53 93
Allspice,
36
Boots and Shoes,
8 00
Vinegar,
I 96
Repairs on do.
5 95
$78 36
$142 74
$284 29
Canned squash,
90
$117 43
FLOUR, &c.
11
HIRED LABOR.
Paid F. C. McIntire,
116 00
William McAllister,
24 50
George L. Orben,
64 65
Edward Garvin,
4 50
R. E. Morse,
98 50
F. H. Mosman, for mowing,
4 50
Horse hire,
9 60
Sundry parties,
9 86
R. M. Campbell's salary,
400 00
-- $732 II
FARMING TOOLS, &c.
Paid for Plow points,
$5 45
mouldboards,
3 40
bow pins,
70
castings for grindstone,
1 80
iron rake,
95
scyths,
3 37
baskets,
2 90
hoes,
1 00
ladder,
2 94
steps,
2 25
pork and cider barrels,
14 55
axe and axe handles,
I 70
repairs on tools,
14 20
blacksmith's bill,
15 37
seeds, &c.,
IO 57
$81 15
STOCK.
Paid for oxen,
$180 00
pigs,
90 00
calf,
1 00
-
- $271 00
12
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE.
Paid for coffee pot,
$0 45
wooden bowl,
1 00
brooms,
I 42
stove polish, 24
wash board,
37
mop handle,
37
stove pipe, &c.,
3 59
lining three stoves,
5 00
repairs on wash machine,
3 50
tin ware,
85
lamp chimneys and burners,
2 58
crockery,
I 34
water pail,
35
$21 06
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid for repairs on buildings,
$24 86
stationery,
89
doctoring cow,
I 50
medicine,
4 90
express and freight,
5 18
barber's bill, 1875-6,
4 80
scraps,
2 60
car fare of Supt.
4 00
liquors,
16 65
repairing clock,
I 50
tobacco and snuff,
2 31
measuring wood,
I 16
. lumber, 41 62
wood,
7 00
cow tax,
3 00
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $121 97
13
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD,
$121 97
Paid for spikes,
4 25
medical attendance,
5 00
making cider,
17 40
cash for sundries,
6 85
- -
- $155 47
Total expense at Almshouse,
$2005 0I
RECEIPTS AT THE ALMSHOUSE.
For labor off the farm,
$509 74
pork,
102 36
oxen,
150 00
cow,
34 00
calves,
56 89
milk,
311 43
lumber,
105 77
wood,
138 37
produce,
67 57
hay,
138 20
gravel,
3 50
beans,
3 60
eggs,
43 32
pedlars' dinners.
2 35
lodging tramps,
218 50
cash received of Selectmen,
116 98
-- $2005 01
EXPENSE OF POOR OUT OF ALMSHOUSE
Paid town of Middleton for Mrs. Stephen McIntire, $36 00 for supplies to family of John F. Roberts, 99 00
Dr. Davis, med. att. of Martha J. Banker, 5 00
tor supphes to 4 38
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $144 38
.
14
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $144 38
Paid city of Haverhill, for John Crant, 96 75 " Lynn, for Mrs. Eben Stone and family, 88 00
for supplies to John K. Lufkin, 66
34 50
66 66 " George W. Walsh, 25 00
Worcester Lunatic Hospital for board of Laura
J. Tarlton, 65 00
for funeral expense of George W. Walsh, 23 50 66 66 " Charles Freeman, 5 00
Dr. Davis, med. att. 66 66
4 50
for supplies to William Bryden, 8 00
city of Salem for med. att. of C. H. McIntire's child, 3 00
city of Boston, for Nancy Moore, IO 12
" John Fitzmorris, 90 75
66
" William H. Gerry, 42 04
town of Natick, for W. A. Nichols and family, 67 00
for load of wood to Elisha McIntire, 2 75 lodging tramps, 218 50
Expense of poor out of Almshouse, -
-
$928 79
Balance against the Almshouse,
116 98
Total expense of poor,
$1045 77
Received from Selectmen, 1045 77
Due from city of Lynn, $23 50
66 town of Adams, 8 00
AUGUSTINE P. COOK, OVERSEERS TIMOTHY FOWLE, OF THE POOR. SOLON O. HOLT, S
NORTH READING, Feb. 1, 1877.
Assessor' Returns.
TAX LIST AS ASSESSED.
State tax,
$450 00
County tax,
157 07
Schools,
1800 00
Highways,
900 00
Ordinary expenses,
3600 00
Overlayings,
349 98
Tax list committed to Collector,
$7257 05
TABLE OF AGGREGATES.
Total number of polls,
269
tax on polls,
$538 00
value of personal estate,
57,565 00
value of real estate,
393,376 00
tax,
7257 º5
Rate of tax per $ 1000,
$14 90
Total valuation May 1, 1876,
450,943 00
number of houses,
204 3-4
66 " horses,
141
66
" oxen,
20
" coWS,
290
66
" swine,
84
..
". sheep, 3
66 . " acres land taxed, 7630
AUGUSTINE P. COOK,
ASSESSORS
TIMOTHY FOWLE, SOLON O. HOLT,
OF
NORTH READING.
NORTH READING, Feb. 1, 1877.
Treasurer's Report.
Balance in Treasury from last year, $1,285 85
Taxes collected of 1874, 301 50
1875, 802 12
1876, 6,066 OI
From city of Lynn on Overseer's account, 11 00
town of Topsfield 66 99 00
" " Reading 66
21 50
State for State Aid, 827 47
" Corporation Tax, 32 88
" National Bank Tax, 3º 33
' School Fund,
227 79
County for Dog Fund,
133 95
For rent of Flint Memorial Hall. 37 00
of stores in Flint Memorial Hall Building, 114 00 of vestry, 5 00
lots sold in Riverside Cemetery,
40 00
town notes,
6,400 00
use of hearse,
5 00
taxes not assessed.
2 00
taxes after abatement.
2 00
interest on taxes,
5I II
insurance dividend,
18 12
old bridge plank,
'5 50
Amount received, $16,519 13
Paid out on Selectmens' orders. $8.933 97
Paid out on town notes,
6.400 00
-
15.333 97
Balance in treasury.
$1,185 16
17
Tax list committed to collect for 1876,
$7,257 05
Tax list uncollected for 1875, 1,198 10
Tax list uncollected for 1874, Total committed to collect,
301 50
$8,756 65
Taxes uncollected for 1876,
$1,191 04
Taxes uncollected for 1875,
395 98
The town owes the following notes :
Am't notes.
When due.
Interest due in April 1877.
$8,200
April 9, 1877,
$266 50
5,500
" 4,
178 75
2,000
9,
65 00
1,000
on demand.
65 00
1,000
. 6
50 00
700
66
66
21 00
500
32 50
500
32 50
500
66
66
32 50
300
19 50
$20,700
Whole amount of interest due, $795 75
INSURANCE ON TOWN BUILDINGS.
Where insured.
Amount.
Expires.
Flint Memorial Hall,
Royal,
$3,000,
June 18, 1881
66
٠٠
Home,
3,000,
66 66
66 66
66
66 66
Quincy,
3.000,
Old Town Hall,
Royal,
3,000,
Feb. 7, 1878
Centre School House,
Quincy, 1,000,
Mar. 28, 1877
High
66
Quincy, 1,000,
Apr. 10, 1877
Franklin “
Philadelphia, 1,000,
May 16, 1878
West
06
Quincy, 1,000,
Apr. 10, 1877
North 66 66
Dorchester, 1,000, Apr. 23, 188 1
East
66
66
1,000,
Nov. 2, 1879
Almshouse Buildings,
Quincy,
2,500,
May 1, 1877 .
60
66
32 50
500
66
66
66
66
National,
3,000,
JOSEPH D. GOWING,
Treasurer and Collector of North Reading. NORTH READING, Feb. 20, 1877.
Surveyor's Report.
HIGHWAY WORK.
Paid David Batchelder, $5 83
R. M. Campbell, 127 46
John B. Campbell,
39 85
Frank Cross,
46 89
N. B. Case,
4 16
N. P. Eaton,
50
W. A. Flint,
44 80
Henry C. Flint,
16 93
Eliab U. Flint,
44 95
Dennis Foley,
37 40
J. D. Gowing,
58 00
J. D. Gowing, for team,
49 00
Edward Garvin,
5 00
Ceorge R. Hinman,
10 00
Albert H. Holt,
29 63
Emory Morse,
25 00
Erank Peabody,
1 80
Wm. Parker,
19 50
Russel Rogers,
12 50
Chester Rhodes,
3 25
David F. Thomas,
9 17
Chas. E. Tarbox, 40
Total paid out for highway work, -
$592 02
Received from Selectmen by order,
592 02
SNOW BILLS.
Paid Samuel Batchelder, Dennis Batchelder, 17 65
7 00
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $24 65
19
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD,
$24 65
David Batchelder,
26 75
John B. Campbell,
2 00
J. P. Campbell,
40
R. M. Campbell,
9 40
Frank Cross,
3 30
Isaac Flint,
7 00
J. D. Gowing,
17 60
A. H. Holt,
12 05
Lyman Taylor,
14 50
Osro Mason,
1 00
Henry Orben,
30
C. A. Upton,
II 70
A. A. Upton,
18 00
Paid for snow bills,
- $148 65
Order received from Selectmen,
148 65
JOSEPH D. GOWING,
Surveyor of roads.
NORTH READING, Feb. 1, 1877.
Statistics from Town Clerk's Record FOR THE YEAR 1876.
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.
Whole number of births,
20
Males,
6
Females,
14
Whole number of Intentions of Marriage,
13
" Marriages recorded,
II
66
66
" Deaths,
20
DATE OF DEATH.
NAME OF DECEASED.
AGE.
DISEASE OR CAUSE OF
YMD
DEATH.
Jan. 31
Rebecca Jeffrey,
95 8 12 Old Age.
Feb. 16
Samuel E. Flint,
28 5 27 Congestion of the Lungs.
Feb. 20 Jacob Gowing,
72 7 10 Congestion of the Brain.
Feb.
28 Minnie L Jones,
6 10 Scarlet Fever.
March 8 George H. Rogers,
4 2 20 Canker and Dropsy.
March 12
Dr David A. Grosvenor,
91 324 Old Age.
April 5
Elizabeth A. Burditt,
45 8 Abscess
April 24 Joseph Cook,
76 4 24 Heart Disease
April 25
Henry Holms,
83 5 Old Age.
April 29 Hattie Velone Jackson.
8 323 Scarlet Fever.
May 3 Anna Flint,
63 11 Paralysis.
June 7 Emely Burditt,
62 10 Congestion of the Brain.
July 20 Edwin S. Foster.
26 2 2 Consumption.
August 31
Charles E. Freeman,
25
Sept.
15
Thomas Allecott.
71 824 Consumption.
Sept. 23 George W. Walsh,
31
3 Consumption.
Oct. 7 Carrie Grace Ober,
1
4 Cholera Infantum.
Dec. 3 Clarence A. Temple,
26 3 10 Consumption.
Dec.
26 Benjamin Emerson,
80 5 11 Old Age.
July 3 Anna Blennerhessett,
65 Heart Disease. Cholera Morbus.
CHARLES P. HOWARD, TOWN CLERK.
Fourth Annual Report
OF THE
Trustees of the Flint Library,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 15, 1877.
That a fondness for reading is fast being cultivated among our young people, and that, as is fair to suppose, it will gradually grow into a discriminating taste, is undeniably a source of satisfaction. The library has now increased, through presentation and purchase, to quite a respectable number-1115 volumns-selected as near as pos - sible according to the wants of patrons; and the need of a printed catalogue will soon be considered by the trustees. The whole num- ber last year should have been reported 911 volumes instead of 891.
The circulation, 7,572 books, continues large, though not up to the figures of last year, which is due partly to the fact that several patrons have left town and partly to the non-payment of accrued fines, which debars from taking out books. Two volumes are missing.
We hope it is unnecessary to suggest the appropriation of the dog- tax for the benefit of the library.
GEO. K. PARKER, GEO. B. PARKER, -
JOHN B. CAMPBELL, A. WARREN HOLT, GEO. L. FLINT,
TRUSTEES.
NORTH READING, Feb. 15, 1877.
22
NAMES OF DONORS OF BOOKS THE PAST YEAR.
Mrs. Charles Carlton,
4 books.
Susan Currier,
I
Francis Peabody,
3
W. P. Hartshorn,
2
..
John C. Allen,
I
Mary P. Thomas,
I
E. A. Howard,
I
F. A. Musgrave,
I
Mr. Joseph D. Gowing,
3
Geo. W. Hayward, James Wiley,
2
Rev. Forrest Emerson,
2
Bureau of Education,
I
Farmer's and Mechanic's Club,
106
66
130
66
Purchased,
74
204
66
Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS. Balances on hand Feb. 18, 1876,
$184 63
Received from licenses on dogs, 133 95 Interest, 7 50
-
$326 08
66
·
66
.‹
2
66
66
23
PAYMENTS.
Lockwood, Brooks & Co., books,
$102 49
H. V. Butler,
[4 00
C. S. Pratt,
2 50
Hill & Co., printing,
5 50
Express,
1 00
Wood,
4 25
Librarian,
52 00
$181 74
Balance,
$144 34
GEORGE B. PARKER,
Treasurer Flint Library.
NORTH READING, Feb. 15, 1877.
Report of School Committee.
Fellow Citizens : Of all the duties of the office a successful report, your committee think, is the most difficult.
The difficulty is in so preparing an account of the year's work as to enable parents and gaurdians to make worthy criticisms. That mis- takes have been made cannot be denied ; yet, since the interest in the proper management of the schools is common to every citizen, it can- not be said that we have consciously acted in opposition to a desirable progress. Gossipy fault-finding behind the backs of the committee and teachers, without any knowledge of the real facts is not criticism and is not calculated to assist in bettering the schools. If those who take so much trouble-we will be charitable enough to say they do it unwittingly-to see things in a disagreeable light, would exercise a little thought and make an open effort to know the truth, the duties of the committee would be far pleasanter, the teachers' work much better as well as easier and the benefit derived by the pupils would become tenfold greater. At this point we wish to renew our entreaties to the parents to do more visiting ; assuring them that it is their duty to the teacher, to themselves and espec- ially to their children.
The numerous changes of teachers which have occurred during the year are much to be regretted ; scarcely anything can be more disas- trous to the proper training of young minds than the variety of methods which are thus unavoidably brought into play. One of these changes was desired by the committee. The efficiency of the present corps has repeatedly elicited voluntary favorable remark. In the early part of the fall term our schools were visited by the General Agent of the State Board of Education who criticised and suggested advantageously.
We are constrained to make special mention of one great improve-
25
ment, in the increased pains taken by all of our teachers with the primer class. If a task well begun is half completed, it is certainly an excellent method to make a good beginning with the little ones, ren- dering it more nearly possible to make their advancement thereafter keep pace with their mental development. The school in the West District is a good illustration of this ; it having been under the instruc- tion of the same teacher for seven successive terms, and the pupils of the class in question-of ages ranging from eight to ten and a half years-have attained the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide correctly with an accuracy and readiness worthy of much older heads and are nearly through reduction. They are also thorough masters of several short methods of calculation well worth knowing. In the other schools the same idea has been followed, but being interrupted by the changes of teachers, of which we have already spoken, the results, though quite good, could not be all that might be desired.
Drawing, we are sorry to report, has not received due attention in every instance, but enough has been done to insure good work another year.
Another great hindrance, for which neither teachers or committee are to blame, is frequent absence. Parents should see to it that nothing but illness, or something equally absolute, prevents their children from attending school every day. For not only the absen- tees but their class-mates are kept back, and it can be easily seen how this will affect the whole school.
With a few remarks on the High School we will close. Two new books have been introduced, - "First Lessons in Composition " and " Elementary Physics." The former is an excellent treatise on an important subject, and the progress made in it has far exceeded our expectations. The other is a common sense text-book, but ought properly to be accompanied by apparatus in order not to work at dis- advantage. This school would serve its intended purpose to a greater extent if pupils who wish to be considered members would attend regularly, instead, as has been the case, of dropping out for a term whenever their own sweet will suggested, and then, having survived some pretended miff, drop in again. This has the effect to so mix the classes that any application of a fixed course to them is simply impossible.
GEORGE L. FLINT, DAVID R. GALLOUPE, GEORGE K. PARKER,
COMMITTEE, SCHOOL
TOWN MEETING.
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of North Reading, in the County of Midlillesex.
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 fifth day of March next, at eight o'clock, A. M., then and there to act on the fol- lowing Articles, viz : Polls open at nine o'clock.
ART. I. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensu- ing.
ART. 3. To hear reports of Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor, and act thereon.
ART. 4. To hear the report of Treasurer, and act thereon.
ART. 5. To hear the report of School Committee, and act thereon.
ART. 6. To hear report of Trustees of Flint Library and Trustees of Cemeteries, and act thereon.
ART. 7. To see how much money the Town will raise and appro- priate for necessary town expenses for the year ensuing,. and the manner in which it shall be expended.
ART. 8. To see how much money the Town will raise for the pay- ment of the town debt.
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ART. 9. To see what instructions the Town will give their Collector in relation to collecting taxes and allowing discount on the same.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will give their Treasurer authority to hire money, or what they will do in relation to the same.
ART. JI. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the money received on account of dog licenses.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will remove the stone posts east, west and north of the Town Hall, or what they will do in relation to the same.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will instruct the Trustees of Riverside Cemetery to expend the money received for lots sold the present year for improving the cemetery or what they will do in relation to the same.
ART. 14. To see what action the Town will take in regard to fishing within the Town.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will furnish better facilities for the edu- cation of the children in " New Marblehead," or what they will do about it.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will abate the tax on Daniel Batchel- der's buildings, that were burnt, or what they will do about it.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will buy a road scraper, or what they will do about it.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will allow L. E. Hayward to work out his proportion of the highway tax on the road leading to his house, or what they will do about it.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will cause the snow to be removed from the plank side-walk, or what they will do about it.
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ART. 20. To see if the town will instruct their Selectmen to revoke the lease granted Dr. W. H. Willis, or what they will do in relation thereto.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will discontinue the High School, or what they will do about it.
ART. 22. To hear the report of Selectmen on guide-boards.
ART. 23. To see if the Town will accept the List of Jurors as pre- pared 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 twenty-second day of February, A. D. eighteen hundred and seventy-seven.
AUGUSTINE P. COOK, SELECTMEN
TIMOTHY FOWLE, OF
SOLON O. HOLT, NORTH READING. -
A true copy,-Attest : GEO. A. FLINT, Constable.
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