USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Fitchburg > Address of the mayor, together with the annual reports for the city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts for the year .. > Part 11
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30,000 00
Cash in bank drawing interest,
752 89
$87,702 89
TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALL SINKING FUNDS.
General loan sinking fund,
$185,472 05
School loan sinking fund,
120,146 61
Sewer loan sinking fund,
34,183 59
State Normal School loan sinking fund,
19,908 06
Water loan sinking fund,
87,702 89
$447,413 20
Respectfully submitted, M. FRED O'CONNELL, F. D. PAGE, Committee on Reduction of City Debt.
HERBERT G. MORSE,
Treasurer of the Sinking Funds. FITCHBURG, MASS., November 30, 1911.
THIRTY-NINTH
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
OF THE
CITY OF FITCHBURG
MASSACHUSETTS
1911
+ A TOWN,
Y, MAR. 8.1872
FEB.3, 1764.
A CITY,
FITCHBURG : H. M. DOWNS PRINTING CO. 1912
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
In accordance with Section 2, Chapter 4, of the City Ordi- nances, we have examined and audited the accounts of the City Treasurer, and believe the same to be correct.
We herewith append a list of the securities in the City Treasurer's hands belonging to the city. M. FRED. O'CONNELL,
JOEL JOEL, JAMES H. SHEEHAN, Committee on Finance.
Fitchburg, Mass., November 30, 1911.
GENERAL SINKING FUND.
City of Fitchburg securities as follows :
Bonds due June 1, 1913,
$2,000 00
Bonds due April 1, 1912-14, 900 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
1,000 00
Bonds due Oct. 1, 1912-17,
18,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
650 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
600 00
Bonds due June 1, 1912-13,
2,000 00
Bonds due June 1, 1913,
5,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-16,
22,000 00
Bonds due April 1, 1922,
3,000 00
Bonds due June 1, 1913,
5,000 00
Bonds due June 1, 1914,
2,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1916,
875 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
4,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1915-16,
1,950 00
Bonds due May 1, 1912-15,
6 000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-17,
24,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1. 1913-15,
900 00
190
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1916,
$200 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1918,
100 00
Demand notes,
80,000 00
Cash in bank drawing interest,
4,297 05
$185,472 05
SCHOOL LOAN SINKING FUND.
City of Fitchburg securities as follows :
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-17,
$7,500 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1917,
3,500 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1913-17,
2,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-13,
1,950 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-16,
1,625 00
Bonds due April 1, 1922,
5,000 00
Bonds due May 1, 1923,
8,000 00
Bonds due July 1, 1923,
10,000 00
Bonds due Oct. 1, 1913,
3,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-13,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1. 1912-13,
1,200 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1913-16,
16,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-16,
10,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1917,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1918,
500 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1918,
2,000 00
Bonds due June 1, 1914,
1,000 00
Bonds due May 1, 1923,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
500 00
Demand notes,
40,000 00
Cash in bank drawing interest,
3,371 61
$120,146 61
SEWER LOAN SINKING FUND.
City of Fitchburg securities as follows :
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1914,
$975 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-15,
3,500 00
Bonds due Oct. 1, 1912,
3,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-17,
6,000 00
Demand notes,
15,000 00
Cash in bank drawing interest,
5,708 59
$34,183 59
-
191
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL LOAN SINKING FUND.
City of Fitchburg securities as follows :
Bonds due Oct. 1, 1912-16,
$1,222 50
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-14,
1,050 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912,
400 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-18,
1,400 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-18,
3,500 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1918,
800 00
Demand notes,
10,000 00
Cash in bank drawing interest,
1,535 56
$19,908 06
WATER LOAN SINKING FUND.
City of Fitchburg securities as follows :
Bonds due May 1, 1912-16,
$1,500 00
Bonds due Dec. 1, 1922,
12,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1. 1912-16,
17,500 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1915-17,
1,050 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-16,
10,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1917,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1918,
500 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912-16,
10,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1917,
1,000 00
Bonds due June 1, 1913,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1918,
1,000 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1912, .
300 00
Bonds due Nov. 1, 1917,
100 00
Demand notes,
30,000 00
Cash in bank drawing interest,
752 89
$87,702 89
THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
OF THE
CITY OF FITCHBURG
. MASSACHUSETTS
1911
A TOWN,
, MAR. 8,1872.
CITY
EB.3,1764.
A
FITCHBURG: H. M. DOWNS PRINTING CO. 1911
13
1911
Mayor, HON. M. FRED O'CONNELL.
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Aldermen Frank H. Foss, Frank P. Allen; Councilmen George H. Miller, James H. Sheehan, John F. McDowell.
ROSTER OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
CHIEF ENGINEER.
T. F. MURNANE, age, 58; residence, Central Station. ASSISTANT ENGINEERS.
Rank
Name Age Residence
Assistant Chief,
H. H. Wheelock, 35 28 Cherry st.
First District Chief,
J. S. Thompson, 50 157 Westminster st.
Second District Chief,
H. J. Hyatt, 40 42 Myrtle ave.
SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM AND INSPECTOR OF WIRES.
GEORGE F. JEFTS.
PERMANENT MEN.
Rank
Name Age
Residence
Chief Engineer,
T. F. Murnane,
58 Central sta.
Supt. Fire Alarm,
George F. Jefts, 50 48 Hartwell st.
Capt. Chemical No. 1.
G. W. Sulloway, 47 Central sta.
Act'g-Lieut. Chem. No. 1, E. A. G. Cox,
36 Central sta.
Driver Chemical No. 1, Solomon Poland,
59 Central sta.
Capt. Truck No. 2, Driver Truck No. 2,
N. A. Slade,
46 Central sta.
Herbert H. Beard,
51 Central sta.
M. J. McNamara, 51 Central sta.
Joseph Cullen, 34 Oak Hill sta.
Spare Driver,
Driver Hose Co. No. 1,
Hoseman Hose Co. No. 1, Michael J. Shea,
H. N. Marshall, 37 Summer st. sta.
Spare Driver,
W. H. Hall,
55 Summer st. sta.
Capt. Truck No. 1, Driver Truck No. 1,
Capt. Hose Co. No. 4,
Lieut. Hose Co. No. 4, Driver Hose Co. No. 4, Capt. Hose Co. No. 3,
J. W. Fogarty, F. E. Farrell, Thomas Mullee,
W. F. Burke,
W. K. Younglove,
55 Summer st. sta.
42 Water st. sta.
30 Water st. sta.
48 Water st. sta.
34 Factory sq. sta.
Spare Driver,
Spare Driver,
Richard Taft, 32 Factory Sq. sta. Chauncy D. Ford, 47 Summer st. sta.
39 Summer st. sta.
196
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
Rank Name Age Residence
Lieut. Hose Co. No. 3, W. M. Harley, 35 Factory sq. sta.
Driver Hose Co. No. 3, James Leckie, 42 Factory sq. sta.
Capt. Hose Co. No. 5, P. C. Cahill, 54 Oak Hill sta.
Hoseman Hose Co. No.5, J. N. Fogarty, 28 Oak Hill sta.
Driver Hose Co. No. 5, N. L. Anderson,
42 Oak Hill sta.
Spare Driver H.Co. No. 5, J. H. Shea,
40 Oak Hill sta.
Capt. Truck No. 3, J. J. Shea,
40 Oak Hill sta. .
Act'g-Lieut. Truck No. 3, Alfred Lessard,
30 Oak Hill sta.
Driver Truck No. 3, B. O. Bradbury,
41 Oak Hill sta.
Lieut. Hose Co. No. 2, C. R. Beer,
44 West Fitchburg sta.
Driver Hose Co. No. 2, George W. Marston,
42 West Fitchburg sta.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF CHEMICAL NO. 1.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
G. W. Sulloway,
47 Central sta.,
Permanent
Acting Lieut. ( E. A. G. Cox,
36 Central sta.,
Permanent
and Clerk,
Driver,
Solomon Poland,
59 Central sta., Permanent
ENGINEERS OF STEAMERS.
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Engine No. 2, G. S. Richardson,
61
1 Lunenburg st.,
Machinist
Engine No. 3, John Woolacott,
49 94 Philips st., Loom-fixer
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 1.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
W. H. Hall,
55
Summer st. sta.,
Permanent
Lieut. and Clerk,
C. E. Woods,
43
26 Payson st.,
Machinist
J. E Guildford,
34
42 Myrtle ave.,
Machinist
G. J. Conry,
29
5 Morris st.,
Machinist
R. A. Grieve,
38 Summer st. sta.,
Teamster
H. F. Fogerty,
25
57 Summer st.,
Clerk
M. M. Brooks,
35
2 Joslin place,
Teamster
H. L. Farwell,
26 Summer st. sta.,
Clerk
Carl McLean,
25 59 Summer st.,
Printer
Driver,
J. W. Fogerty,
54 Summer st. sta.,
Permanent
197
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 2.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
N. A. Slade,
46 Central sta.,
Permanent
Lieut. and Clerk,
W. H. Peabody,
40
61 Pleasant st.,
Machinist
J. C. Beglin, 45
41
5 Mt. Vernon st., Tel. Insp.
E. A. Slattery,
35
Central sta.,
Grocer
John Healey,
28
Central sta.,
Moulder
Substitute,
J. B. Cunningham,
28 20 Oliver st.,
Machinist
Driver,
H. H. Beard,
51
Central sta.,
Permanent
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 3
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain
J. J. Shea,
40
Oak Hill sta.,
Permanent
Acting Lieut. ( and Clerk,
Alfred Lessard,
30
Oak Hill sta.,
Permanent
Walter Hollows,
30
230 Plymouth st., Mill hand
James Hennessy,
41
66 Madison st.,
Machinist
J. E. Antil,
46 104 Plymouth st., Mill hand
Patrick Barnicle,
35
81 Cleghorn st., Machinist
T. J. Ward,
31 Oak Hill sta.,
Mill hand
J. Mallet,
29 218 Fairmount st., Mill hand
Driver,
B. O. Bradbury,
41
Oak Hill sta.,
Permanent
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOSE COMPANY NO. 1.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
G. E. Frye,
49
19 Milk st.,
Machinist
Lieut. and ? Clerk,
J. M. Syme,
30
42 Cedar st.,
Machinist
A. K. Ray,
33
85 Walnut st.,
Machinist
T. E. Rude,
29
Central sta.,
Machinist
C. W. Patch,
27 32 Lunenburg st., Machinist
J. W. Farwell,
32
140 Myrtle ave.,
Florist
Jeremiah Moriarty,
29
Summer st. sta.,
Machinist
M. J. Shea,
36 Summer st. sta.,
Permanent
Substitute,
E. P. Humphrey,
34 Summer st. sta.,
Machinist
Driver,
C. D. Ford,
47 Summer st. sta.,
Permanent
62 Charles st.,
Bl'cksmith
F. A. Watson,
198
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOSE COMPANY NO. 2.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
C. R. Beer,
66
66 Wachusett st., Mill hand
Lieut. and Clerk,
C. E. Beer,
44 W. Fitchburg sta., Permanent
Martin Griffin,
52
56 Phillips st.,
Mill hand
John Newcomb,
48
20 Temple st.,
Mill hand
George Newcomb,
53 20 Vernon ct.,
Mill hand
William Newcomb,
43
53 Wachusett st., Grocer
J. E. Woods,
48
23 Vernon st.,
Janitor
Blair Frazier,
33
95 Phillips st.,
Mill hand
T. J. Spring,
35
95 Depot st.,
Mill hand
T. J. Shea,
36 W. Fitchburg sta., Mill hand
Bernard Crosby,
35
off Cottage st.,
Mill hand
M. J. Godley,
34 W.Fitchburg sta., Mill hand
W. J. Leonard,
29 W.Fitchburg sta., Mill hand
Driver,
George W. Marston,
42 W.Fitchburg sta., Permanent
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOSE COMPANY NO. 3.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
W. K. Younglove,
34
Factory sq. sta.,
Permanent
Lieut. and Clerk,
W. M. Harley,
35
Factory sq. sta.,
Permanent
Alexander Leckie,
34
17 Goddard st.,
Teamster
A. W. Downe,
32
162 Bond st.,
Clerk
C. W. Woodward,
40 77 Arlington st.,
Machinist
J. S. Hawthorne,
26 Factory sq. sta.
Machinist
G. E. Fischer,
25
139 Milk st.,
Mill hand
Archie Childs,
32
11 Cottage sq.,
Teamster
Frank Mckinney,
38 20 River st.,
Machinist
Driver,
James Leckie,
42 Factory sq. sta.,
Permanent
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOSE COMPANY NO. 4.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
F. E. Farrell,
42
Water st. sta.,
Permanent
Lieut. and Clerk,
Thos. Mullee,
29
Water st. sta.,
Permanent
Anthony Lavoie,
33
43 Salem st.,
Moulder
J. J. O'Connor,
38
40 Middle st.,
Carpenter
J. E. Sullivan,
30 Water st. sta.,
MeterInsp.
199
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
J. R. Chaisson,
39 Charles st., East, Bl'cksmith
J. J. Sullivan,
30
Water st. sta.,
Stmfitter
Substitute,
A. Caulmaure,
25 223 Water st.,
Moulder
Substitute,
M. J. Flannery,
34 12 Fourth st.,
Ins. Agt.
Driver,
W. F. Burke,
48 Water st. sta.,
Permanent
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HOSE COMPANY NO. 5.
Rank
Name
Age
Residence
Occupation
Captain,
P. C. Cahill,
54
Oak Hill sta.,
Permanent
Lieut. and Clerk,
Henry Perdock,
37
69 Plymouth st., Machinist
Armond Lamothe, 41 187 Fairmount st., Mill hand
Ignatius McInerney,
42 207 Plymouth st., Machinist
George Bosley,
40 220 Fairmount st., Mill hand
Thomas Gauthier,
49 212 Fairmount st., Mill hand
William Berndt,
29 177 Leighton st., Piper
J. N. Fogerty,
28 Oak Hill sta.,
Permanent
Driver,
N. L. Anderson,
42 Oak Hill sta.,
Permanent
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
GENTLEMEN : - As required by ordinance, I herewith sub- mit the report of this department for the year ending November 30, 1911, showing a statement of fires and alarms, which have occurred during the year ; the probable cause of the same, the amount of loss, and insurance on property damaged as nearly as could be ascertained; and account of the receipts and ex- penditures for the year ending November 30, and condition of the apparatus, buildings, and other property in charge of this department.
EXPENSES, APPROPRIATIONS AND RECEIPTS.
Expenses of department for year ending
November 30, 1911,
$51,736 93
RECEIPTS.
Appropriation,
$48,500 00
Receipts,
3,236 93
$51,736 93
This report will be found to contain statements in detail embracing the amount of expenditures, a register of the depart- ment, with age, residence and occupation of each member, a record of all fires and alarms which have occurred during the year, and the cause thereof.
Our losses still continue small in comparison to the property endangered, and the larger number of alarms have greatly added to the work of the department, and more or less wear to the apparatus. Chimney fires in buildings, and fires where no loss is sustained are not figured in the amount at risk unless insurance is paid on buildings or contents, or where damage results from fire.
It will be seen by the tables given in this report that a large per cent of the fires are put out by chemicals, or without
202 .
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
the use of water. This can be accomplished only by very quick response by the department. It must not be considered that all fires can be controlled by small chemical streams, and for that reason the heavy fire-fighting apparatus must be maintained and kept in the best possible condition to meet the emergency that is bound to come.
I would earnestly recommend that all new purchases of apparatus be of the automobile type. Too much cannot be said for rubber tires on fire apparatus as it saves the wear and tear, also making the same inore safe on our slippery streets in icy weather. I should recommend that from time to time, as apparatus needs repairing, that rubber tires be added to them. The apparatus as a whole is in very good condition.
A combination motor driven car has been ordered from the La France Engine Company of Elmira, N. Y. The same to carry forty gallons of chemical, and one thousand feet of hose, and other necessary tools, to be delivered the last part of March, 1912. It will be necessary to have permanent men man this car, as it will answer all bell, telephone and still alarms from all parts of the city.
Two new permanent men have been added to the depart- ment this year. I believe that additional permanent men should be added to the department each year to keep up its efficiency. I find that year after year it becomes more difficult to get call men, partly on account of generally advanced wages, and the objection of employers to men leaving their work to attend fires. The placing of call men under Civil Service rules in this city has had a tendency to keep many good men out, as they object to an examination for so small compensation received.
On account of the quick response of apparatus to fires very few call men and substitutes are able to answer with the appara- tus, therefore the dependency is first placed on our permanent men. The time is not far distant when all fires will have to be handled by the permanent force. In portions of this city it has been impossible to get men for the service. I would, therefore, recommend a moderate increase in the permanent force, and a corresponding decrease in the call.
203
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
FIRE RECORD.
The number of fires responded to during the past year was 250. Bell alarms, 88; telephones, 133; still alarms, 29. A gain of 23 over last year.
FIRE ALARMS EACH MONTH.
December, 19; January, 20; February, 8; March, 18; April, 74; May, 41; June, 9; July, 21; August, 15; Septem- ber, 4; October, 8; November, 13.
FIRE ALARMS EACH DAY OF THE WEEK.
Monday, 34; Tuesday, 38; Wednesday, 46; Thursday, 35 ; Friday, 31; Saturday, 34; Sunday, 32.
In performing this service the department has traveled 914 miles, laid 23,550 feet of 21/2 inch hose, raised 1,664 feet of ladders, charged 35 chemical tanks, used 2,137 gallons of chemical, used 324 pony extinguishers. Time of service at fires, 236 hours, 35 minutes.
LOSS, INSURANCE AND VALUATION OF PROPER- TIES FROM DEC. 1, 1910, TO DEC. 1, 1911.
Valuation of buildings, $826,325 86
Valuation of contents,
1,235,857 69
Insurance on buildings,
561,800 00
Insurance on contents,
871,650 00
Loss on buildings,
21,912 64
Loss on contents,
25,723 36
Insurance paid on buildings,
15,834 64
Insurance paid on contents,
24,638 36
Total insurance paid,
40,473 00
Loss in excess of insurance paid,
7,163 00
CAUSES OF FIRES.
Brush fires, 74; chimney fires, 67; burning grass. 10; children and matches, 11; spontaneous combustion, 8 ; burning rubbish, 7: explosion of kerosene lamps, 7; careless smokers, 8; sparks from locomotives, 5; false alarms, 5; unknown, 4;
1 204
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
overheated stoves, 4; hot ashes in wooden barrels, 3; explosion of kerosene stoves, 3; boiling fat, 2; sparks, cupola, 2; over- heated furnace, 2 ; careless use of gasolene, 2 ; defective lantern, 2 ; sparks from portable engine, 2; lightning, 2; gas lamp, 1; fireworks, 1; rats and matches, 1; alcohol, 1; oily rags, 1 ; fire box, 1; burning leaves, 1; stove polish, 1; snap matches, 1; core oven, 1; burning caterpillars, 1.
BUILDINGS-HOW OCCUPIED.
Dwellings, 93; business blocks, 19; store houses, 5; club houses, 3 ; iron foundries, 3; hotels, 2; green houses, 2; school houses, 2; automobiles, 2; comb factory, 1; yarn mill, 1; gingham mill, 1; railroad car, 1; lumber mill, 1; coal shed, 1 ; shoe factory, 1; cotton mill, 1; theatre, 1; garage, 1.
SALARIES OF MEMBERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Chief engineer,
$1,500 00 per annum
Assistant chief,
275 00 “
First district chief,
225 00 "
Second district chief,
225 00 "
Superintendent of fire alarms,
1,200 00 "
Call captains,
160 00
Call lieutenants, .
155 00 “
Call privates,
150 00 "
Call engineers of steamers,
150 00 “
Permanent captains,
2 75 per day
Permanent lieutenants,
2 70 “
Permanent privates,
2 65 “
MEMBERSHIP OF DEPARTMENT DEC. 1, 1911.
Permanent force-Chief engineer and fire inspector, 1; superintendent of fire alarm and inspector of wires, 1; captains, 7; lieutenants and clerks, 5; driver of hose wagon, 5; driver of chemical wagon, 1; driver of hook and ladder trucks, 3; hosemen, 3 ; laddermen, 2; spare drivers, 3.
Call force - Assistant engineers, 3; captains, 2; lieuten- ants and clerks, 4; engineers of steamers, 2; hosemen and laddermen, 57.
205
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
APPARATUS.
The apparatus in this department in active service consists of a 40-horse power, water-cooled Knox automobile for use of the chief, 1 chemical engine, 1 aerial and 2 city hook and lad- der trucks, 3 two-horse hose wagons, 2 combination hose and chemical wagons, 1 combination hose and ladder wagon, 2 rubber-tired buggies, 2 steamers, 6 exercise wagons, 1 line re- pair wagon.
Hose Companies Nos. 3, 4 and 5 have been equipped with rubber tires the past year and are giving the best of satisfaction.
HOSE.
The department has in service 14,000 feet of two and one- half inch rubber-lined hose, which is in very good condition. There is still some very old hose in the department, and I would recommend that from year to year we purchase a thous- and feet or so, so as to bring our supply of hose to a standard which would enable us to cope with a conflagration, should we be so unfortunate as to have one visit us. Under our new sys- tem of high service the old hose is not capable of standing the pressure brought to bear on it.
HORSES.
We have now in service twenty horses, the same as last year. Only one horse has been purchased the last year. At least four horses should be purchased the coming year for the purpose of taking the places of such horses as have, for various causes, become unfit for further use in the department.
BUILDINGS.
The needs of the department have been well looked after by the Inspector of Buildings, and as a whole are in good condition, and only the ordinary repairs will be needed at the different stations the coming year.
The situation remains the same at the Water Street station. Some means should be taken to keep the surface water from going under this station, there never. having been a cellar, and the water stands under the building continually, causing damp-
206
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
ness and a general unsatisfactory condition, and I hope some- thing will be done during the coming year in relation to this matter.
FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
This association, composed only of active members of the department, affords assistance to any of its members who may be so unfortunate as to be injured in the discharge of their duties as firemen, and is supported by annual assessments of its members, an occasional ball, and by donations from our citizens who approve its object.
Officers for the year : President, H. H. Wheelock; Vice- President, W. H. Peabody ; Treasurer, T. F. Murnane ; Secre- tary, J. E. Woods; Board of Directors, T. E. Rude, R. E. Grieve, J. J. O'Connor, Archie Childs, Moise Adams, Patrick Barnicle, George W. Sulloway, at large George F. Jefts.
INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS.
This part of my duties has been kept up and had a good effect in keeping rubbish and many other causes of fire well in the minds of owners and tenants, for during my tours of inspec- tion this year I find a marked improvement. I have endeavored to attend to this, with the limited amount of time at my com- mand, to the best of my ability. I have visited hotels, theatres, and large mercantile buildings, and ordered changes made to better safeguard the public. The moving picture hazard is one that has been given considerable attention. The theatres are as nearly safe as it can be possible to make them. I have found in a number of cases, however, that the owners and tenants of premises in bad condition allow them to become so again after having placed them in good condition.
USE OF KEROSENE, CHIMNEY FIRES, MATCHES, BRUSH AND BONFIRES, AND UNKNOWN.
USE OF KEROSENE AND GASOLENE .- Fourteen from these causes occurred during the year. Greater care should be exer- cised. Never leave the premises while a kerosene lamp or stove is burning. No comment can be made that will add to
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the horror of this sacrifice, or to the responsibility of those whose duty it is to render such occurrences impossible.
CHIMNEY FIRES .- There were sixty-seven chimney fires last year. Tenants should require all chimneys to be cleaned out before setting up their stoves, and owners of buildings should see that the chimneys are cleaned out at least once a year.
MATCHES. - Eleven were directly traceable to this cause. Matches should be kept in metal receptacles, entirely out of the reach of children. Burned matches should always be cared for and not thrown around. Smokers should observe this.
BRUSH FIRES .- Seventy-four calls were received on ac- count of brush fires. Most of them would seemingly be trace- able to matches or carelessness on the part of the numberless people who go into the woods on Sundays. Children should not be allowed to carry matches to the woods with them, and smokers should be sure they set 110 fires when matches, cigars or cigarettes are thrown down. Proper care in this respect would save many needless runs.
UNKNOWN .- Four fires have been from unknown causes. The number of fires criminally caused, either by design or through carelessness is not known. Here is an opportunity for parents, merchants, manufacturers and citizens generally, to save themselves while serving the community. Rubbish and inflammable materials should be carefully cared for. Careless- ness should be watched and prevented. The taxpayer must, in the end, pay the losses, whatever the amount, and every tax- payer is therefore interested in producing better results.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion I would say that without the hearty support and co-operation of the officers and mnen of this department the position of chief would indeed be a thankless one and barren of results ; but I am pleased in this place to say that I have received that support to a superlative degree.
I congratulate the department on its promptness in answer- ing alarmis, and I consider the absence of large fires due to this fact.
The service of this department demands that the highest possible standard of efficiency be required, that the apparatus
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and appliances be modern, and that the size of the department increase in proportion to the growth of the city. The prompt and close attention to duty of both officers and men during the past year has enabled the department to perform its duty in a satisfactory manner.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, and to, the city council for the many favors granted, and the courtesy shown me at all times. I also desire to thank the committee of the Fire Department for their hearty co-operation and for the interest they have manifested in the well-being of the department, to the Board of Engineers, officers and men for their willing and able support at all times, to the Police Depart- ment for their excellent service at fires, and to all others who have in any way contributed to our success.
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