USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1886 > Part 1
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9.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
WESTHAMPTON, MASS.,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1886.
EASTHAMPTON, MASS. : PRESS OF THE EASTHAMPTON NEWS. 1886.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1886. EXPENDITURES ON HIGHWAYS. SNOW BILLS.
S. D. Lyman,
$20 69
ืื
5 75
L. L. Rhodes, 6 36
$32 :80
By Selectmen,
C. Clark,
$ 1 50
Worthy Hooker,
66 00
Geo. Burt,
136 53
F. C. Montague,
28 25
J. Hathaway,
38 40
L. W. Clapp,
50 33
L. L. Rhodes,
48 50
M. C. Pelton,
47 93
L. A. Howard,
4 00
Wm. Slattery,
23 00
Geo. Tower,
33 00
W. J. Lyman,
8 25
C. H. Hooker,
:80 25
S. D. Lyman,
1 60
C. N. Loud,
2 80
$570 34
Bridges, 49 68
$49 68
2
Road Machine Repairs,
Section and seat,
$9 50
Points, Express,
95
January Flood, $29 98
$29 98
C. N. Loud, on Bridge, 50 00
~ 75
$57 75
Schools, by Committee. $1591 39
Shingles and Nails.
86 35
Shingling and cleaning,
29 50
$1707 24
PAUPERS.
Miss Todd,
$ 43 29
Ezra French.
176 00
William Lawlor.
125 29
Mrs. Keating,
60 55
Duggan,
36 00
Allen Damon.
23 31
Burial of Merrance Bedard,
12 00
$476 44
TAXES.
State Tax,
240 00
County Tax.
397 91
Discount on Taxes,
115 22
Collecting
53 56
Abatements, A. D. Montague,
15 00
E. W. Kingsley,
28 13
John Watson,
37 50
Nonotuck Silk Co.,
1 87
Judson Marble, 3 00
E. Hayden on School books, 1 69
66
A. Elwell, โ 66
57
66
By Thayer fund,
30 00
$924 45
4 50
$14 95
A. H. Bridgman, taking away fence,
3
Street and Wright fund, 112 00
Library Committee. } Dog fund, . 39 67
Parish Committee, Thayer fund, 30 00
$181 67
Cemetery by committee, 18 00
$18 00
Street Lamps, 19 75
Freight on Lamps,
Lamp Posts.
6 00
Painting Posts,
1 00
Care of Lamps and Oil,
6 40
$33 92
Perambulating Town lines,
16 00
$16 00
MISCELLANEOUS.
F. H. Judd. Recording Births, Deaths and Marriages,
7 70
F. H. Judd, Express and Postage,
6 22
66 Record Books, 4 57
L. E. Torrey, Printing Reports, 10 50
M. L. Chapman, Librarian,
20 00.
C. H. Pierce, Insurance, 22 00
E. B. Pratt, Kerosene oil, Nails, etc.,
8 06
Geo. Burt, Memorial Day.
10 00
C. N. Loud, Wood for Hall,
9 00
66 Driving Hearse, 12 00
A. K. Chapman, Smith work, 1 20
Telephone Rent, 26 67
Guide Boards, 2 00
TOWN OFFICER'S FEES.
F. H. Judd, Clerk and Elector,
18 00
66
Sealer, 5 00
N. A. Kingsley, Treasurer, 25 00
A. K. Chapman, Constable, 1 00
O. W. Bartlett, 66 1 50
$139 92
4
L. L. Rhodes, Selectman, 12 50
Geo. Burt,
15 00
A. D. Rice, 66
18 50
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
F. H. Judd,
2 00
Geo. Burt,
3 00
A. D. Rice, 3 00
$104 50
Amount of Expenditures, $4,357 64
RESOURCES.
Balance from last year,
$668 21
Other sources, (Treas. book), 872 0%
Taxes Assessed,
3,571 15
$5,111 38
Balance March Ist, 1886,
$153 14
Respectfully Submitted,
L. L. Rhodes, )
Selectmen
George Burt, of
A. D. Rice, Westhampton.
Treasurer's Report. FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH IST, 1886.
DR.,
Balance from last year, $668 21
A. J. Fargo, use of Law library, 30 00
Southampton school fund, 13 75
Use of Hall,
4 00
C. Loud, Int. on Wright fund,
52 00
Wm. E. Lyman,
2 00
S. D. Lyman,
1 50
L. H. Clark, Int. on Thayer fund,
12 00
N. A. Kingsley, Int. on Thayer fund,
12 00
F. H. Judd,
37 50
H. H. Chilson, Int. on Street fund,
60 00
County Treas .. Dog fund returned,
79 34
State Treas., Corporation tax,
5 06
. .
National Bank tax,
246 43
Burial of State paupers, 10 00
School fund,
306 44
1,540 23
Amount of Assessment,
3,571 15
Total,
$5,111 38
CR.
By paid orders of the Selectmen,
$4,357 64
Due from Collector,
50 00
Balance in Treasury,
703 74
$5,111 38
N. A. KINGSLEY, Treasurer.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF WESTHAMPTON, MASS., FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1886.
It is fitting, that at the close of the year the atten- tion of the citizens should be called to the common schools.
The money expended for their support, their con- nection with the best interests of the town, and the necessity of personal interest in them, to secure their greatest efficiency; are some of the considerations which make this subject one of the more important which comes before the people at their annual gath- ering.
In the care of the schools, the committee have endeavored to discharge the duty with fidelity, but do not claim that they have been able to do it as well as a superintendent might have done, who could give his whole mind and time to the work.
There have been four schools of three terms each, and one of two terms. Two teachers have taught in the same school during the year, two for two terms. and two for one term each. There has been hard work, and generally good results.
In some instances there has been too close atten- tion to the text book, and too little independence in
S
teaching; to much memorizing on the part of the pu- pils, without a clear idea of what was learned. In arithmetic, there was in some cases, strict conformity to the rules, with no statement or illustration of prin- ciples.
Maps and blackboards have been used to some ex- tent, but could have been used more with advantage.
Order and discipline have been secured generally, by moral influences. Few cases of corporal punish- ment have been reported. As our schools are made up of pupils of different dispositions and characters, such punishment may sometimes be necessary, but should be the last resort, and should be so inflicted that the pupil receive no permanent injury.
In cases of disobedience, where pupils are of too advanced an age for ordinary methods of punishment, it may be proper to suspend such pupils and refer the matter to the committee, but it is a measure of doubt- ful expediency, as it tends to weaken the teacher's own authority.
Without calling attention to the several schools in particular, we would say that in the North West school, during the winter term. the older pupils by their general bearing, their attention to study and their punctuality, exerted an influence upon the tone of the school which was excellent.
In most of the schools there has been evident harmony and good feeling between teacher and pupils, and an influence for good which would be felt be- yond the school room.
The successful work of the teachers has been great- ly hindered by the irregularity of attendance on the part of the pupils. Attention has been repeatedly called to this fact and yet the registers show that many have been faulty in this respect.
That this irregularity is more the fault of parents than of pupils, we are well aware. If there were no
9
higher motive. self interest ought to secure more reg- ular attendance. It seems as if. in too many instan- ces. school was made a secondary matter, and that for work or pleasure, studies could be dropped at any time.
There is a marked difference in the interest which parents take in visiting schools. Would not more fre- quent visits of parents cause children to set a higher value on their school privileges ? Would not parents by this means be able to form a more correct estimate of the teacher's worth and work, than is sometimes formed from casual reports ? As teachers are human. they will work with more interest and enthusiasm, if they can see any indication that their work is appre- ciated.
We were glad to welcome Mr. Walton, agent of the Board of Education, who spent two days here in October. He inspected the school buildings and school premises, visited and examined the schools, met the teachers and committee for consultation, and lectured to the people. In accordance with his sug- gestion First and Second readers of several series have been placed in the schools and with good results. The Committee have been pleased to find that the teachers have acted upon his kindly criticisms and suggestions. We hope that for the comfort of the children his advice in regard to school houses will ยท receive due attention.
If one point more than others which suggest themselves, claims attention, it is that of moral instruction, both at home and at school. Reports, of the truth of which we have no doubt, have come to us showing that there is a fearful laxity somewhere. Moral instruction at home should be strengthened in every way at school. Our laws fittingly require good moral character in our teachers.
The name is not enough. Teachers should feel
10
that every look. word and act leaves an impress on the minds and hearts of their pupils, and while they teach by precept, should embody and exemplify all that is true, noble and right.
Number of children in town May 1st, 1885 be- tween the ages of 5 and 15 years 123, between the ages of 8 and 14 years 80.
The Clark Scholarship prize, for the best reader and speller. in the Center school, at the close of the winter term. amounting to $7, was awarded to Alice Whelan.
The Truant Officers make no report this year. In accordance with the law, books have been put into the schools. for instruction in temperance.
There is great need of somewhat extensive re- pairs on the inside of the Center school house. There is need of more blackboard surface, and of new seats, as the old ones are uncomfortable and unhealthy, and some of them much worn and defaced, The floor is worn very thin, and a new one needed. We hope the necessary amount will be cheerfully raised. There is need of repairs in the other school houses, which should be made at not a distant date; but we recom- mend those in the Center as of first importance, as it is much the larger school. We recommend raising $1000 for ordinary school expenses.
TERMS, WAGES AND ATTENDANCE.
Fractions Discarded.
Teacher's Wages & Board par Week.
No. of Scholars.
Average Attendance
Tardiness,
No. Not Tardy.
No, Absent.
No. Not Absent.
SCHOOLS.
Spr.
Sum.
Win.
Spring.
Summer.
Winter.
Spring .
Summer.
Winter.
Spring .
Summer.
Winter.
Spring.
Summer.
Winter.
Spring.
Summer.
Winter.
Spring.
Summer.
Winter.
Center.
32 |7.00 7 00,7 00|
37
33
35| 311
32
29
5
8
32
25
27
32
18
30
5
15
Hill
32 6.00,6.00 6.50
24
20
18
17
18
14
14
8 13 24
32 17
10
7
9
22
18
11
2
2
5
South.
32 6.00 6.00 6,50
26
21
18
16
16
11
4
9
1
15
15
13
3
13
9
12
3
5
N. East
21 4.50 4.50
7
6
6
7
7
3
3
4
4
6
N. West.
32 5.50,6.00 6 50
15
14
14
13
1
23
8
9
20
21
18
16 7
DOLLARS.
No. of Weeks.
LILLA A. and AGNES M. HOLDRIDGE, LENA G. and EDITH T. SHAW, EDDIE POLLARD, CHARLES HATHA- WAY and GEO. SMITH have not been absent or tardy through the year. FRANK NILES and MAURICE WHELAN have not been absent or tardy for two terms,
12
FINANCIAL ACCOUNT.
EXPENDITURES.
Loudville School. $110 25
Teachers' Salaries,
907 50
Text Books and Supplies, 261 82
Fuel, 51 35
Repairs to school houses and grounds, 246 72
16 00
Furniture,
Care of school books and supplying the same,
27 00
Janitors, 8 15
12 40
Express, Postage, &c.,
11 00
School Com's Fees, Miss Carrie Burt. 10 00 66 Levi W. Edwards, 7 00
F. H. Judd,
39 00
Cash on hand,
3 05
Balance not drawn, 106 44
$1,814 68 -
RESOURCES.
Balance from last year, 193 01
Cash, 8 00
Town's appropriation,
1.000 00
State school fund,
306 44
One half dog fund,
39 67
Tuition of scholars,
16 75
Sale of books and supplies, 09
Of Selectmen for repairs, 246 72
$1,81 68
Attendance of State Agent, etc ..
66
66 66
13
TEACHERS.
South School: MR. HARLAN J. PORTER, MISS EDITH M. LYMAN.
Hill School: MISS LIZZIE EWING, MR. FRED MON- TAGUE.
Center School: Miss MYRA E. KINGSLEY.
North West School: MISS ANNIE WHELAN.
North East School: Mrs EMMA F. B. MONTAGUE.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
F. H. JUDD, - term expires March, 1886.
MISS CARRIE BURT, term expires March, 1887.
LEVI W. EDWARDS, - term expires March, 1888.
Respectfully submitted, MISS CARRIE BURT, F. H. JUDD.
The auditors of accounts for the town of West- hampton hereby certify that we have this day exam- ined the accounts of the School Committee for the year ending March 1st, 1886, and find them correct, with an unexpended balance of school money in the hands of the treasurer, of one hundred and six 44-100 dollars. ($106.44.)
CHAS. N. LOUD, A. K. CHAPMAN, S
Auditors.
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