USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1923 > Part 6
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Extension book cases
40 00
Equipment, pistols, clubs, buttons, badges, twisters, etc.
3,000 00
Marlin riot guns
600 00
Lewis machine gun .
100 00
Gasoline tank and pump .
100 00
Cadillac patrol and ambulance .
4,000 00
Buick coupé
2,397 00
Reo speedwagon
1,000 00
Indian motorcycles (3)
900 00
Disinfectants, liquid soaps, soap powder, etc.
200 00
Exhibit cabinets
75 00
Rogues' gallery
150 00
Toilet paper, paper towels, signal cabinet paper, etc.
150 00
Life-saving devices, including boat and ladders
250 00
Tools, oil, shovels, etc.
100 00
Office stationery, report papers, ink, pens, etc.
300 00
Traffic beacons and safety stands
1,000 00
Street and other signs in stock .
300 00
Steel clothes lockers
250 00
Auto sale cabinet
200 00
Steel storage cabinet
75 00
Steel miscellaneous filing cabinet
200 00
Search and flood lights (2)
50 00
Pictures, mirrors, maps, etc.
100 00
Atlas
40 00
U. S. flags, Massachusetts flag, department flag and banner, and cabinets for same
150 00
Platform scale
.
25 00
Total
.
$31,882 00
112
CITY OF QUINCY
Signal Stations
Box Number
LOCATION
12
Corner of Adams and Beale Streets.
13
Thomas D. King Square.
14
Willard School.
15
Corner of Willard Street and Boulevard.
122
West Quincy Depot.
124
Corner of Willard and Robertson Streets.
125
Corner of Willard and West Streets.
21
Quincy Square.
23
Corner of Hancock and Beale Streets.
24
Corner of Merrymount Road and Putnam Street.
25
President's Bridge.
26
Wollaston Hose House.
212
Merrymount Park.
213
Corner of Hancock Street and Billings Road.
225
Atlantic Bridge.
231 232
Corner of Hancock Street and Newbury Avenue.
233
Corner of East Squantum and Botolph Streets.
234 31
Corner of Water and Franklin Streets.
34
Corner of Sumner and Main Streets.
35 312
Corner of Franklin and High Streets.
313
Corner of Washington and Chubbuck Streets.
315
Corner of Washington and Wharf Streets.
332
Newcomb Square.
42
Corner of Water and Quincy Streets.
43
Malnati Block.
45
Corner of Granite and School Streets.
412
Corner of Adams and Whitwell Streets.
413
Corner of Sea and Palmer Streets.
414
Houghs Neck.
215
Montclair School.
221
Quincy Trust.
Prospect Street near South Central Avenue.
32
Corner of Hancock and School Streets.
Corner of Washington Street and Revere Road.
33
Corner of Washington and Edison Streets.
331
Fore River Reservoir.
Quincy Electric Light and Power Station.
334
Corner of Huckins Avenue and Bellevue Road.
Massachusetts Field School.
214
113
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Traffic
Effective handling of traffic is demanding greater effort each year, and with the enormous and continuous growth in the automobile industry, it surely means more congestion in our streets and more danger to both the motorists and pedestrians. It is a matter that every interested person realizes, that the time has arrived for serious consideration in Quincy, the main and popular route to the South Shore. As this increasing vehicle traffic continues, so will the demand from time to time grow for more regulations and laws to meet conditions. A dozen laws, however, with which all are familiar and which are strictly enforced, are better than a thousand written only on the statute books. There are two classes of traffic laws, - those which provide for ordinary regulation, making for efficient use of our streets, and those which aim at the wilful violator.
It is probably better that, as is usually the practice, some leniency should be shown in the enforcement of the first class, but the second class calls for only drastic enforcement.
In Massachusetts alone, the year 1923 closed with 222 children killed, there being 220 actually killed in the street, while nearly 5,000 children were injured. Of this number, Quincy had 8 fatal accidents.
It is my belief that proper instructions by a traffic officer or other trained person given to the children in our schools would bring commendable results. I hope that arrangements can be made very soon for such course of instructions, for it cannot be denied that in a majority of cases, after investigations and court inquiries, the operators of the vehicles involved are held blameless. This fact alone indicates that education for the chil- dren in their conduct on the highway is important. .
Unfortunately, reports from police officials of many cities show an alarm- ing increase in the number of intoxicated motorists, a decided menace on the roads. Our own city has not altogether escaped him, as the following figures will show. There were nineteen such persons arrested in 1920; in 1921 there were thirty-six; in 1922 it jumped to fifty-nine; while 1923 resulted in seventy arrests, of which forty-three were non-residents driving through our city.
Parking in our busy business sections is now a matter of serious concern and has for a long time been cause for much discussion and agitation. I have been interested in a report made by a committee selected by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, and believe a gradual adoption of their suggestions will bring great relief and valuable results for merchants, pedestrians and automobilists. For some years it has been generally admitted that a parking time limit should be adopted during certain hours on Hancock Street between Dimmock and School Streets. This opinion was shared by myself and traffic officers whose opinions, gained by experience, should be considered expert. Necessary careful considera- tion was given to the subject by our department without losing sight of the responsibility that was ours. Nor did we overlook the interest of the merchants, the safety of pedestrians and the possibility of a hurried dash of cumbersome, but rapidly moving fire apparatus into this busy section, and the danger of inaccessibility to hydrants and spots requiring the fire- men's services.
In consequence, a time limit for parking on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 P.M. was established and has presented the expected satisfactory results.
During 1923, when weather conditions permitted, three motorcycle offi- cers have been constantly riding about the city and have found a lion's share of the intoxicated drivers who were arrested. Their value on the road was well established by that work alone. However, their services were proven very valuable in many other ways, particularly on hurried calls for various causes, and their daily examination of houses which had been
114
CITY OF QUINCY
listed as closed for the vacation season. Because of the one day in eight law, however, and the fact that one is usually assigned to cover our chauf- feurs' days off, we are left with two, and frequently only one, motorcycles on the road at one time. For this reason, I hope to place a more adequate fleet of cycles in commission very soon. Because of the large number of vehicles passing over our streets at night, at least two cycle officers should be out at the same time. Until then, it will be necessary to change the hours of the present cycle squad to afternoon and evening hours.
Our plan of tagging automobiles in cases of minor violations has been continued, in hopes of educating persons not familiar with our traffic rules. Few persons are required to report to the station a second time, and to date, those who offend a second and third time are local residents, who should know better and be willing to co-operate.
Liquor Law
The demands for constant vigilance in this branch of our work becomes more apparent each day.
Although our authority to act seems more limited than ever, the present liquor squad have proven their capability.
In almost all cities and towns the liquor squads are being increased in numbers, but conditions in Quincy are such that we have no cause for alarm from the bootlegger or his go-between.
Officer George F. Phillips is in charge of this work, and no liquor officer has been feared more by this type of law-breaker. His best and personal efforts are put into the work with the officer or officers assigned with him. During the long and irregular hours required, he himself is on the alert, gathering necessary evidence.
In spite of the limited authority under which the liquor squad is working, I expect better results than ever.
Detective Bureau
Like officers assigned to liquor law enforcement, a successful detective or investigator expects long and very irregular working hours.
Sergeants Avery and Doran, who for years have been detailed as Acting Inspectors, are two such men. The cases assigned to them are usually discouraging at the beginning, and often lack even the slightest clew. I hope that before long they will receive the reward they have worked so hard for.
A partial report of their work for 1923, which follows, shows the reward of effort and hours put in:
Investigations made
791
Court attendance
592
Value of lost and stolen property recovered
$10,380
Discipline
It has been my aim to enforce rigid but fair discipline, which is neces- sarily required in a police department. The necessity of such a rule is well known to every faithful and ambitious officer. To some it may seem that undue emphasis is placed on some of the everyday work, or the so- called minor or small matters, such as many rules that are found among the city ordinances and traffic rules.
Much of the officers' efficiency, however, depends upon his enforcing the so-called trivial things as well as he can, which makes him better prepared to handle the unusual emergency that is sure to present itself.
115
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
It has been shown time and again that no organization can remain suc- cessful without a system, nor can a police department successfully go on without a system of leadership.
My efforts to bring about a merit system, I believe, has been successful, and the growing standard of efficiency meets the approval of the depart- ment members. There is sufficient evidence to satisfy me that the officer who shirks his duty, or misbehaves, soon finds himself a victim of his com- rades' contempt and disapproval.
In making my report for the year of 1923, I have just cause to be proud of the Quincy Police, who have given evidence of that intelligence and ambition necessary to maintain their good reputation among our citizens.
Equipment
To-day, the department is better equipped for emergencies than ever, and my recommendations for further expenditures the coming year will be few.
Our automobiles are in good condition, and, excepting our Reo auxiliary patrol wagon, should require little overhauling. The three Indian police motorcycles have been used continuously during the summer and fall of 1923, and with a slight tuning up should render good satisfactory service another year. To attempt a third year with these machines, which at times must be driven at a very high rate of speed, I believe is unsafe and unfair to the operator, and false economy.
Our signal system, however, may be expected to necessitate quite an expenditure at any time, being old and in use since 1909, and now caus- ing us considerable trouble in correctly recording. It is hoped that the mechanical parts will stand up until a new headquarters is provided.
Recommendations
Again I recommend that consideration be given to the red light notifica- tion system. This is acknowledged to be a valuable asset toward efficient policing by police authorities throughout the country.
With the growth of our department, the wholly unsuitable, crowded and unsanitary quarters brings conditions to an unfair and disgusting point.
Conclusion
To the members of the department I extend my thanks for efforts and services rendered.
To all who have so cheerfully given advice and assistance I assure my appreciation, and promise our best efforts to merit their confidence in the future.
ALFRED W. GOODHUE, Chief of Police.
116
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
JANUARY 1, 1924.
Hon. GUSTAVE B. BATES, Mayor of Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR: - The Manager of Public Burial Places respectfully pre- sents the following report for the year ending December 31, 1923:
Appropriations
Manager's salary
$2,000 00
Clerk's salary
400 00
Superintendent's salary
2,080 00
Cemetery labor
8,500 00
Cemetery supplies
950 00
Cemetery horsekeep
575 00
Office telephone
50 00
Office supplies
200 00
Miscellaneous expense
300 00
$15,055 00
Cemetery grading
$4,000 00
Hancock Cemetery
500 00
Removal of Soldiers' Monument
600 00
5,100 00
Income from trust funds
$3,221 32
Income from foundations and grading
1,281 46
Balance from 1922
150 74
4,653 52
$24,808 52
Expenditures
Manager's salary
$2,000 00
Clerk's salary
362 56
Superintendent's salary
2,080 00
Cemetery labor .
12,954 50
Cemetery supplies
626 95
Cemetery horsekeep
574 62
Office supplies
95 88
Office telephone
46 70
Office miscellaneous .
64 04
Cemetery grading
4,000 00
Hancock Cemetery
500 00
Removing Soldiers' Monument
600 00
$23,905 25
117
REPORT OF CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Receipts
Care of lots
$3,506 00
Sale of lots
6,600 00
Sale of graves
1,450 00
Opening graves .
4,573 00
Income from trust funds
3,221 32
Grading and foundations .
1,281 46
$20,631 78
Perpetual Care Fund
Amount of fund January 1, 1923
$65,908 00
Income to December 31, 1923
3,166 16
Amount added to December 31, 1923
4,850 00
$73,924 16
Expended
3,166 16
$70,758 00
Charles E. French Fund
Amount of fund January 1, 1923 .
$3,000 00
Income to December 31, 1923
140 00
$3,140 00
Expended .
140 00
$3,000 00
C. C. Johnson Fund
Amount of fund January 1, 1923
$150 00
Income to December 31, 1923
6 82
$156 82
Expended
6 82
$150 00
George E. Pierce Fund
Amount of fund January 1, 1923
$203 09
Income to December 31, 1923
9 09
$212 18
Expended
2 00
$210 18
William Williams Fund
Amount of fund January 1, 1923
$453 80
Income to December 31, 1923
18 20
$472 00
Expended
3 00
$469 00
118
CITY OF QUINCY
Mary Wilson Tucker Fund
Amount of fund January 1, 1923
$410 20
Income to December 31, 1923
9 20
$419 40
Expended .
2 00
$417 40
During the year ending December 31, 1923, there were 414 interments in Mount Wollaston Cemetery.
By request of Post 88 of the G. A. R., and the order of the City Council, the Soldiers' Monument was removed from its original location, and erected in the G. A. R. lot on the Sea Street front of the cemetery, adjacent to the lots dedicated to the American Legion and Spanish War Veterans.
In the Hancock Cemetery there was one interment and three removals. A memorial tablet has been erected, dedicated to the soldiers of the Revolu- tion who are buried there, and as there can be no further interments, it is hoped that sufficient funds will be available to preserve and improve the grounds.
Respectfully yours,
W. W. MITCHELL, Manager of Public Burial Places.
119
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WELFARE
JANUARY 1, 1924.
To His Honor, the Mayor of Quincy.
The Commissioner of Public Welfare submits the following report of the Public Welfare Department for the year ending December 31, 1923.
The Department has granted aid to 202 families during the year, and has received applications for aid from about 300. Many cases where no aid was granted were needy through lack of employment by the wage earners of the families, and instead of recording the persons as paupers by granting aid, through the hearty co-operation of the business men of the city, employment was furnished, and public aid became unnecessary. The unemployment situation was not as bad as the previous year, there beïng only twenty-five applicants for aid for this reason. Desertion, sickness and reduced wages are the cause of the majority of cases, and the relief granted is only temporary.
Considerable hardship was experienced by many on account of the fuel shortage, but through the efficient work of Mr. John Scott, Fuel Adminis- trator, who co-operated with this department and allotted fuel to the especially needy cases, we were able to get over the winter with a minimum of suffering. Wood was provided to make up for the lack of coal, and sup- plied the necessary warmth to many needy homes.
Mothers' aid has been granted to 32 families during the past year, and all these cases are supervised and visited by the State authorities, as well as by the city. Rentals are generally increasing, and moderately priced tenements are very scarce. Many are in poor sanitary condition and are in need of repair. The cases under mothers' aid are practically entirely supported from public funds.
We have had 82 cases referred to us by the Police Department and the various private welfare organizations, and have prosecuted 8 cases in court, where it was found that no other means could be taken toward settlement of the problem. We have given advice and assistance on many matters of public welfare, and have referred some of the applicants to a private organization, where the aid required was not to be extensive.
During the year we have completely renovated the City Home, and have installed many new and modern appliances which are the source of a greater degree of comfort to the aged or infirm persons who depend on the city for their sustenance.
Through the use of the Maxwell coupé which was purchased for the use of this department it has been possible to give prompt attention to needy cases, and also to visit more frequently the homes of persons being aided. Over 500 visits were made by the Commissioner last year.
Recommendation is måde that a visitor, preferably a woman, be ap- pointed to visit in the various homes and supervise and advise those under our care. More cases could receive frequent visits, and the Depart- ment could keep in closer touch with those whom we serve. All cases should be visited at least once a month, and many oftener.
120
CITY OF QUINCY
The following is the financial statement for the year 1923:
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriations:
Office supplies
$300 00
Telephone .
150 00
Expenses
25 00
Auto upkeep
200 00
City Home
7,000 00
Mothers' Aid
22,000 00
Outside aid
27,000 00
Quincy City Hospital bills
3,000 00
Johnson fund
Transfers:
Outside aid to telephone .
$100 00
Mothers' Aid to auto upkeep
150 00
Mothers' Aid to almshouse
500 00
Outside aid to almshouse
2,500 00
Hospital bills to City Home
625 00
Hospital bills to auto upkeep
90 00
Hospital bills to other expenses
10 00
Expenses :
Office
$285 23
Telephone
237 51
Expenses
44 59
Auto upkeep
460 61
City Home
10,303 90
Mothers' Aid
21,148 55
Outside aid
24,219 18
Quincy City Hospital
1,591 58
Total expenditures to December 31, 1923
58,291 15
Balance December 31, 1923
$1,474 86
Receipts:
Individuals
$499 50
Department of Public Welfare (Mothers' Aid)
3,002 10
Other cities and towns:
Mothers' aid
$656 99
Outside aid
808 99
1,465 98
$4,967 58
City Home
Clothing
$403 95
Fuel :
Gas
270 30
Coal
387 71
Furniture
1,501 13
Bedding and supplies
122 33
Grain
346 07
Groceries
2,992 57
Hardware
381 94
$59,675 00 91 01
121
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Ice
$163 89
Insurance .
89 25
Lighting
157 45
Medicine
143 38
Miscellaneous
102 55
Nursing
170 10
Papers
10 00
Repairing tools and equipment
56 51
Salary, warden
750 00
Land dressing
60 00
Shoeing and repairing
31 50
Supplies, sundries
868 83
Wages
1,294 44
Mothers' Aid
Cash
$15,112 00
Clothing
28 40
Coal
553 00
Groceries
633 09
Hospitals, medicine, medical attention
90 85
Other cities and towns
3,646 62
Rent
376 00
Shoes
289 55
Sundry items
7 04
Taxi service
6 00
Trucking wood
128 75
Wood
277 25
$21,148 55
Board
$3,966 85
Burial
400 00
Cash
8,898 79
Clothing
81 17
Coal
532 25
Groceries
1,989 97
Hospitals
2,036 07
Labor
24 40
Medicines and medical attention
109 63
Moving furniture .
28 00
Other cities and towns
3,004 87
Plumbing repairs
42 95
Rent
1,902 60
Shoes
389 50
Express
43 45
Commission bills
2 75
Freight and express
5 88
Sundry items
43 30
Taxi service
164 75
Trucking wood
229 50
Wood
322 50
$24,219 18
Outside Aid
$10,303 90
122
CITY OF QUINCY
STATISTICS City Home
Number of inmates January 1, 1923 22
Number admitted during the year
32
Total number during the year 1923
54
Number discharged during the year .
34
Number died during the year
-
34
Number of inmates in City Home, January 1, 1924 . 20
Mothers' Aid
Number of families aided by Chapter 118 32
Number of individuals in Mothers' Aid families
166
Number of families having no settlement
2
Number of families having settlement in other cities or towns
2
Cases closed during the year
8
Cases added during the year
3
Total number receiving aid under Chapter 118, on January 1, 1924 27
Outside and Temporary Aid
Number of families aided under Chapter 117 . 202
Number of individuals 666
Number of families having settlement in other cities or towns
14
Number of families having no settlement
39
Number of families having settlement in Quincy
149
Number discharged during the year .
126
Number of families being aided under Chapter 117, January 1, 1924 76
In Massachusetts Hospital School at Canton
8
Under care of Child Guardianship Division
7
Being cared for in private families, minors
4
Being cared for by private societies, minors
5
Being cared for in private hospitals, adults
7
Being cared for in private families, adults
7
Adults in state hospitals
9
Persons buried during the year 1923
11
In closing, I wish to thank all those who have assisted and co-operated with the department, and I am sure that.I appreciate their efforts in behalf of the many people under my care.
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL K. GREEN, Commissioner of Public Welfare.
123
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
1
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
WOLLASTON FIRE STATION, QUINCY, MASS., January 1, 1924.
Hon. GUSTAVE B. BATES, Mayor, City of Quincy, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR: - I respectfully submit the annual report of the Fire De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1923.
ORGANIZATION
Chief of Department - Alfred L. Mead.
Assistant Chief - Frank C. Packard. Captain - John J. Faircloth.
Lieutenants - John L. O'Neil, James C. Gallagher, John Dineen, William Sands, Daniel McNiece, Edward O'Neil, Andrew Scully, Michael Scully, John Desmond, Herbert Griffin and Henry Hughes.
Superintendent of Fire Alarm - William A. Gavin.
Permanent Men
Frank T. Genero.
John P. Minnihan.
John P. Sullivan.
James W. Connell.
Edward Farrell.
John J. Byron.
Charles E. Anderson.
Joseph A. Lane.
Wm. J. Thompson.
Wm. G. Carroll.
Wm. J. Childs.
Jeremiah J. Lynch.
Wm. M. Lahey. William B. Gerry. Richard T. Callahan.
Wm. J. Buckley.
James Moran. Bernard J. Tobin.
Anthony R. Cain.
Charles F. Perkins.
Patrick J. Stanton.
Daniel T. Radley.
John W. Quinn.
Matthew Kinniburgh, Jr.
Daniel F. Lane.
Benj. F. Hodgkinson.
Timothy J. Morrison.
Michael P. Barry. James P. Dillon.
Patrick A. Caven.
Wm. A. Curtin.
Richard H. Joyce.
Matthew S. Tutton.
Louis E. Della Lucca.
Edward H. Barry.
John J. Decelle, Jr.
Timothy O'Connell.
John F. Dorley. Cornelius O'Connell.
Edward L. Lane.
John W. Creedon.
Onesime A. Clancy.
Charles W. Hayden.
Albert P. Shay.
John Curry. Matthew E. Burns. Paul C. Avery. Joseph D. Capiferi. John E. Reinhalter. Clarence Metcalf.
Christopher H. Oliver.
William J. Riepke.
Chas. F. Litchfield. Murdock C. McDonald. Myles Creamer.
James J. Galvin.
Fred J. O'Brien.
James Barton, Jr.
Peter J. Creedon.
Thomas J. Murphy.
124
CITY OF QUINCY
APPARATUS Central Station
One auto combination pumping engine.
One auto combination hose truck.
One auto combination ladder truck. One auto combination hose truck.
One Lozier car.
Wollaston Station
One chief's car. One auto combination ladder truck.
One auto combination hose truck.
Atlantic Station
One auto combination pumping engine.
Quincy Point Station
One auto combination pumping engine.
West Quincy Station
One auto combination ladder truck. One auto combination hose truck.
Houghs Neck Station
One auto combination hose truck. One steam fire engine.
Fire Alarm
One Dodge truck. One Dodge truck in reserve.
FIRE ALARMS
During the year there have been 651 alarms. Bell alarms, 170.
Still and telephone, 481. False alarms, 36.
The Central Station apparatus responded to 147 bell, 73 still. The Wollaston Station apparatus responded to 52 bell, 132 still. The Atlantic Station apparatus responded to 39 bell, 105 still. The Quincy Point Station apparatus responded to 53 bell, 44 still. The West Quincy Station apparatus responded to 47 bell, 77 still. The Houghs Neck Station apparatus responded to 18 bell, 34 still.
125
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Total number feet of hose laid
64,950
The Central Station laid
17,150
The Wollaston Station laid
9,200
The Atlantic Station laid
8,750
The Quincy Point Station laid
9,100
The West Quincy Station laid
8,500
The Houghs Neck Station laid
1,150
Number of feet of ladder raised
3,853
Number of gallons of chemical used
4,958
Number of hours absent from quarters
719
Number of hours hydrants used
181
Number of hours of drilling
126
Number of inspections made .
20,732
Number of gallons of gasoline used
2,052
Number of gallons of oil used
104
VALUATIONS, INSURANCE AND LOSSES
Value of property involved
. $1,275,571 00
Insurance on same
· 5,94,325 00
Loss insured and uninsured
. 134,909 59
Fire Losses for the Year 1923
MONTH
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