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 1925 > Part 13
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0
1023
0
Yard measures
0
171
1
Cloth measuring machines
2
5
0
Totals
235
7929
138
Sealing fees, $763.75.
200
CITY OF QUINCY
REWEIGHINGS
Tested
Correct
Under 171
Over
Bread
505
225
109
Butter '
165
148
16
1
Charcoal
35
35
Coal in bags
115
52
31
32
Coal in transit
23
18
1
4
Coke
10
10
12
7
Dry commodities
1053
920
91
42
Flour
102
84
11
7
Fruits and vegetables
393
266
106
21
Grain and feed
26
26
.. ....
.......
Hay
11
11
...
...
Ice
20
4
16
Meats and provisions
140
72
62
6
Wood (cord)
2
1
1
........
Wood (kindling)
27
27
........
........
Totals
2688
1941
518
229
INSPECTIONS
Clinical thermometers
225
225
Coal certificates
1
1
Ice scales
9
9
Junk scales
3
3
Markings bread
95
95
Markings food packages
669
669
Milk jars
68
68
Paper or fiber cartons
20
20
Pedlars license
56
56
Pedlars scales
12
12
Transient venders
26
26
Wholesale milk cans
36
36
Glass graduates
29
29
Gasoline devices
80
80
Oil pumps
4
4
Oil jars
166
166
Total inspections
1499
As the hawkers and pedlars licenses are issued from the office. They were in number 107-fees $535.00.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES M. CANTFILL, Sealer of Weights and Measures
...
........
Confectionery
57
38
Liquid commodities
4
4
201
REPORT OF ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
JANUARY 1, 1926.
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Honorable City Council:
The following is respectfully submitted as the report of the Assessing Department for the year 1925:
Valuations and Rate
The valuation of the city April 1, 1925, as determined by the assessors, follows :-
Real Estate
Value of buildings $60,362,050 00
Value of land 35,575,650 00
Value of land and buildings $95,937,700 00
Personal Property
Value of personal property $13,115,925 00
Total valuation of the city as determined April
1st, 1925 109,053,625 00
Amount to be raised by taxation 2,944,501 82
Tax rate $27 00
The valuation was also increased by omitted as- sessments levied in December, 1925 $117,975 00
The total valuation of the city upon which taxes were assessed for the year 1925, when all as- sessments had been made, was $109,171,600 00
The polls returned by the police and those registered for the year amounted to 19,006 at $2 each, $38,012.
The assistant assessors who returned the personal property were as follows :
1-1 Mildred Smith 4-1 Agnes H. Monahan
1-2 Annie Nelson 4-2 Mary Evans
1-3 Stephen P. Casey 5-1 Katherine Pendergast
1-4 William Sullivan 5-2 Elsie M. Ricker
2-1 Helen Sharen 5-3 Henrietta Sanger
2-2 Joseph Scarvo
5-4 Florence G. Davidson
3-1 Henry F. Tilden 6-1 Walter McBurnie
3-2 Daniel McLennan
6-2 Frances C. Taber
Summary from the Table of Aggregates
Resident property owners 11,395
Non-resident property owners 2,425
Poll tax only 18,720
202
CITY OF QUINCY
Number of horses assessed
526
Number of neat cattle and cows
413
Number of dwelling houses 11,700
Number of acres of land
6,000
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH WRIGHTMAN,
GEORGE H. BEAN, FRED L. ZOLLER, Assessors of the City of Quincy.
203
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
JANUARY 1, 1926.
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council.
GENTLEMEN :- I have the honor to make the following report of the activities of this department for the year 1925.
Appended are the reports of the various activities which show a large growth in all matters so far undertaken by this department along the lines of health. This not only includes those activities required by State laws and regulations, but those that have been undertaken as of especial interest to our own city and our own various community needs.
While it is not a part of the Health Department it is very grati- fying to see the greatly needed hospital addition being pushed to a reality, and while of great value to the citizens as a body, it is of value to this department in the effort to reduce infant deaths under one year, this period of life being the most precarious. There are those who take pride in the fact that they were born in Quincy, and with the added hospital facilities, that will be possible to future generations.
With the large increase of stores in the city it seems reasonable that in order to keep proper supervision over this important health matter that more time should be given to the inspection of these stores to insure the citizens at all times clean and pure foods, properly cared for, and of good quality, to this end it is recom- mended that this department at least do double duty for the coming year.
The department has been relieved of some labor by having the collection of ashes and garbage transferred to the Department of Public Works, while this has occasioned some comment, and a little confusion at first, yet it has had no other effect so far as the sani- tary condition of the city is concerned.
As has been recommended in health reports of previous years, there is a great need for more extensive work to be done in the extension of our sewer system. Our collection of cesspools is con- stantly increasing and is a thorn that tries the patience of those who are moving to our city, as well as being a very unsanitary condition in many parts of the city because of the nature of the soil, especially about the water front. It is therefore recommended that a careful study be given this matter and every possible dollar be devoted to this that can possibly be raised. Those developing certain sections should be required to obtain definite information with regard to this and so aid in this very important matter of sewer extension, and the rapid abolishment of the cesspool nui- sance.
As has been noted in appended reports the personnel of the de- partment has been changed by the resignation of the contagious Nurse and of the T. B. Nurse, but we feel very happy in having been able to fill those important positions with able and efficient nurses, those positions now functioning as heretofore with efficiency and enthusiasm.
204
CITY OF QUINCY
The Wells Baby Clinics have been well attended and the depart- ment feels that a good deal has been accomplished in the promotion of the health of the babies of the city. Those babies showing other than slight functional disturbances are assiduously referred to their own family physician, as shown by our records, and it is earnestly hoped that the physicians of the city will aid this effort in urging those babies whom they know will undoubtedly try the hit and miss method to rather try the clinic method and have the advantage of the follow up nursing that the clinic affords. Phy- sicians of the city may avail themselves of the work of this nurse.
In the supervision of the city milk supply the same careful work has been done as in the previous years with the addition that we now require new employees to be examined by this department as to the possible eliminating of disease carriers. This was done with a view to eliminating from our records that unnecessary disease, Typhoid Fever, and lower the possibility of milk-borne diphtheria. The same rule holds in regard to the testing of cows within the city for T. B. With the increase of population it be- comes more and more apparent that all milk should be pasteurized as well as tuberculin tested, as the local supply of fresh milk is very limited and growing more so.
A health survey of the city during the past year has shown some weak spots in our endeavors and it shows that to keep pace with the health activities in other cities of equal size but not of equal importance the expense of this department will naturally increase, but who of us by taking thought will decry the increase when we have to consider that life is a community's greatest asset, and a life saved is an increase of a very potential asset, the value of which no one may appraise.
It is the hope of this department to have as an added aid to the future protection of this city a prenatal nursing service, to not only produce better babies but to assist the potential mother to a longer life of greater usefulness "Give a child a healthy mother and I will give you the healthy and useful citizen."
Natural topographical conditions are things that often try the resourcefulness of the Health Department and have been referred to in a previous report, references to brooks. These are indeed a nuisance and some means should be taken by the city to regulate the method in which they can best be cared for, as to the type of cover used and also as to the size passage allowed. None of the brooks should be covered except in accord with specifications from the City Engineer's Department, this should have that depart- ment's recommendations.
Undoubtedly the Department of Health needs to have the best in personnel that is possible to obtain and in order to attract and hold that class of employees it must not be content to see how cheaply that class of people can be obtained as that tends to produce a class of service correspondingly cheap and therefore I recommend that those who are permanent members of the department be paid a good livng wage, most of these are Civil Service appointments and are not subject to frequent changes.
To the personnel of this office I have but praise and my most heartfelt thanks to offer, the loyalty and support is an inspira- tion to me and I heartily commend you to your fellow citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED A. BARTLETT, M.D., Health Commissioner.
205
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
JANUARY 1st, 1926.
DR. FRED A. BARTLETT, Health Commissioner.
DEAR SIR: I hereby submit the annual report of the Department of Health for the year ending December 31, 1925.
The personnel of the department is as follows:
Commissioner of Health and Insp. of Milk.Dr. Fred A. Bartlett Superintendent Thomas G. Smith
Clerk
Verna M. Kelley
Sanitary inspector
A. A. Robertson
Assistant milk inspector
James O'Dowd
Plumbing inspector
J. J. Keniley
Inspector of meats and provisions
Howard O. Rogers
Dispensary physician.
Dr. C. J. Lynch
Child Welfare physician.
Dr. E. B. FitzGerald
Venereal disease physician.
Dr. E. E. Smith
Bacteriologist
Dr. E. E. Smith
Tuberculosis nurse.
Gert. T. Russell, R.N.
Contagious nurse
Cath. F. Coleman, R.N.
Child Welfare nurse Nettie D. Fowler, R.N.
Inspector of animals and slaughtering Dr. E. A. de Varennes
Under date of March 1st, 1925, the Public Works Department took over the ashes and garbage from this department. Under date of May 1st, Mrs. Ruth Bean Mckenzie resigned as contagious nurse, her resignation was accepted with deep regrets, as she had been a faithful and painstaking nurse. Her position was ably filled in the selection of Miss Catherine Coleman, a graduate nurse of wide experience. Under date of October 3rd, Miss Lillian T. Cole- man, Tuberculosis Nurse resigned to accept a position with the Boston Health Department, she also was a faithful nurse and her resignation was also accepted with regrets. Her position was ably filled by the selection of Miss Gertrude Russell also a graduate nurse.
The year 1925 was marked with a decrease in the death rate, and we enjoy the distinction of having one of the lowest death rates in the state.
I wish to extend my thanks to the Health Commissioner and per- sonnel of the department for their hearty cooperation in all matters pertaining to the department.
Appended you will find the report of the various inspectors and nurses, and also report of diseases and deaths for the year 1925. See auditor's report for statement of receipts and pay- ments.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS G. SMITH, Superintendent.
206
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR
JANUARY 1st, 1926.
DR. FRED A. BARTLETT, Health Commissioner, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR :- Herewith is respectfully submitted my report as Sani- tary Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Number of inspections
1724
Number of complaints received
212
Privy vaults abandoned
By connection to sewer
88
By connection to cesspool
22
Torn down
3
Total
113
Premises connected to sewer after notice
173
Applications received
Stable
5
Bottling plants
9
Poultry
10
To cover brooks
8
Permits granted
Stable
2
To cover brooks
8
Poultry
10
Bottling plants
9
Permits refused
Stable
3
Dwellings condemned and ordered vacated
2
Nature of inspections
164
Restaurants
174
Candy kitchens
47 382
Stables
18
Garbage
48
Cesspools
144
Privy vaults
48
Dumps and yards
418
Unsanitary dwellings
15
Drainage
12
Noisome trades and odors
34
Poultry yards
57
Piggeries
4
Unsanitary toilets
35
Nuisance by animals
8
Total
1724
Nature of Complaints
Overflowing cesspools and cesspools not covered.
58
Dumps and unsanitary yards
28
Garbage pails not properly covered
11
Crowing roosters
8
Unsanitary henyards
15
Unsanitary stables
4
Drainage defective
4
Odors and smoke from industrial plants
9
Barber shops
Bakeries
102
Stores
14
Pollution of harbor
207
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Unsanitary dwellings
5
Dogs and cats causing nuisance.
4
Unsanitary privy vaults
16
Unsanitary plumbing
14
Unsanitary stores and food shops
2
Garbage thrown about yards
9
Dust from stone sheds
3
Water shut off by owner or by city for non-payment of water bill
2
Pollution of harbor
6
Stagnant water in street
2
Pigs causing nuisance
2
No toilet facilities in house
2
Slaughtering poultry
3
Rats
3
Fleas or other insects in house
2
Unsanitary restaurant
1
Total
212
Pollution of Bathing Beaches
A number of complaints were received during the summer months relative to the pollution of the bathing beaches at Hough's Neck. One or two complaints were also received from the Adams Shore District. Upon inspection it was ascertained that on in- coming tides and when the wind was from a certain direction that the water was covered with a film of black oil substance. Some of this substance was deposited on the beach and formed in masses which resembles tar. Samples were taken from the beach and from the water and sent to the State Department of Public Health for analysis. The source of the trouble, we have been informed has been located by the State Department and they are now working on a plan to eliminate the nuisance.
Privy Vaults
There remain in the city at the close of the year 473 privy vaults, 252 of which are in Ward 4. During the year 113 privies were abandoned on premises where inside plumbing was installed. There remain about 60 premises where privies are located which could be connected to the public sewer but for various reasons, usually a financial one, it has been deemed advisable not to force the owners to connect the premises during the year. Many of these will be connected during 1926 and probably 80 privies will be abandoned during the coming year. This will still leave almost 400 which is far in excess of the number in other cities of Quincy's population.
The public sewers should be extended in the West Quincy district so that premises may be connected and privies eliminated. It might be well to also consider the advisability of passing a regula- tion prohibting privy vaults on any premises within the city with- out the approval of the Health Commissioner.
Odors From Industrial Plants
Some complaints were received relative to objectionable odors from certain industrial plants. At the request of this department, the Engineering Division of the State Department made an in- spection at a plant at Norfolk Downs. Subsequent recommenda- tions were made which if carried out will eliminate this existing nuisance.
208
CITY OF QUINCY
Food Shops
Bakeries, restaurants, stores and other food shops were found to be in most cases, in excellent sanitary condition and inspections gave evidence of a desire on the part of owners to cooperate in every way. Some difficulty was found in getting one or two owners of candy kitchens to make certain sanitary changes but the changes were finally made.
Barber Shops
The barber shops of the city are as a general rule kept in an excellent condition and some owners have even gone farther than the regulations require.
Poultry Yards
Probably more complaints of unsanitary poultry yards were re- ceived during the year than for some time. With the rapid growth of the city during the past few years it is almost impossible to have a poultry yard in a residential section without having the yard close to a neighboring house.
In spite of careful attention on the part of owners there are invariably odors from the yards which result in complaints being filed in this office. The time is coming when this department will have to adopt the policy of refusing to grant permits to keep poultry in strictly residential sections.
A. A. ROBERTSON, Sanitary Inspector.
REPORT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR
JANUARY, 1st, 1926.
DR. FRED A. BARTLETT, Health Commissioner, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIRS-Herewith is submitted my report of activities other than those as Sanitary Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Culture Materials
We maintained during the year culture stations at seven drug stores in the different sections of the city, where diphtheria anti- toxin, vaccine and various culture tubes could be secured by the physicians.
A supply of the serums was kept at the Dispensary and the cul- ture tubes could also be secured at the Health Department office. A visit was made to each station practically every week to check up and replenish the supplies. Forty trips were made to the State Laboratory, Boston, to secure materials.
During the spring letters were sent to 53 local physicians in- forming them where culture materials could be secured.
Mortality and Morbidity Reports and Charts
During the last four months of the year there were kept mor- bidity charts for diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles and whooping cough. These charts showed the expectancy each week for the four diseases based on the average number of cases for the past five years and also the number of cases reported each week.
209
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Morbidity reports by wards were prepared each month and these reports were consolidated at the end of the year for the annual report.
A list of causes of deaths according to the latest international list was prepared each month together with ages and birthplaces of decedents. These reports were also consolidated at the end of the year.
Newspaper Publicity
Commencing about the middle of October a weekly report of contagious diseases was printed in the local papers together with other information relative to departmental activities. In all 215 inches of space was given by the three papers.
Communicable Diseases
During the measle epidemic in the spring I assisted by placard- ing and quarantining approximately 300 cases. Following the discovery of cases of typhoid fever from a local milk supply an investigation was started by the contagious nurse and myself which was carried on for a period of three weeks.
Conferences
During the year I attended three meetings of the State Associa- tion of Boards of Health, two meetings relative to the new system of scoring health department activities and one conference on garbage disposal.
Venereal Diseases
VD. Cases Reported:
Gonorrhea
Syphilis 2
To State Department*
15
To Local Department
5
6
Total
20 8
*Since October 1st, 1925, VD cases have been reportable in the first instance to the local department.
Of the 20 cases of gonorrhea reported 14 were males and 6 were females. Of the 8 cases of syphilis reported 5 were males and 3 were females.
Follow-up notices were sent in 34 cases and 18 follow-up visits.
During the summer the State Department was considering changing the regulations relative to the reporting of venereal dis- eases and asked the opinion of local departments. We submitted a questionnaire to 53 local physicans and the consensus of opinion was sent to the State Department for its consideration. A report of the questionnaire was read at a meeting of the State Association of Boards of Health and later the State Department sent out a similar questionnaire to physicians throughout the State.
A. A. ROBERTSON.
210
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF ACTING MILK INSPECTOR
JANUARY, 1st, 1926.
DR. FRED A. BARTLETT, Health Commissioner.
DEAR SIR :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1925:
The following statistics refer to milk, cream, ice cream, butter- milk and oleomargarine consumed in the city of Quincy :
Dairies in the City of Quincy
1 cow
20
2 to 5 cows 6
5 to 10 cows 5
11 to 25 cows 4
25 to 85 cows
9
Total number of dairies in Quincy. 44
Total number of dairies in nearby towns 19
63
Total number of cows in Quincy 304
Total number of cows in nearby towns supplying milk to
506
810
Milk produced in Quincy and nearby dairies (quarts)
8,927
Milk contractors processing and storage plants:
In Quincy
In Braintree 2
In Randolph 2
In Holbrook
1
In North Hanover
1
Teams, auto cars and trucks employed in distribution of milk, cream and ice cream 121
Milk consumed in city of Quincy per day (quarts) 31,101
Milk produced in Quincy and nearby dairies (quarts) 8,927
Pasteurized milk consumed in Quincy (quarts) 23,083
Grade A baby and special milk in Quincy (quarts) 2,012
Certified milk in Quincy (quarts)
208
Per cent. pasteurized 70
Per cent. raw 30
Cream consumed in city of Quincy (quarts) 1,178
Ice cream consumed in city of Quincy (gallons). 2,931
Ice cream produced in city of Quincy (gallons) 525
Buttermilk consumed in Quincy (quarts) 331
63
Table Classification of Dairies Inspected and Scored
Scoring 30 to 40
3
Scoring 41 to 50
16
Scoring 51 to 60
29
Scoring 61 to 70
11
Scoring 71 to 90
4
63
Quincy
7
In Milton 2
Number of dairies scored in Quincy and nearby dairies
211
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Retail milk licenses issued stores, restaurants and bakeries .. 396
Retail and producers ice cream licenses issued. 259
Retail oleomargarine licenses issued. 91
Milk producers licenses issued 39
Number of cows examined
925
New milk rooms and under construction.
5
Cows stables new and remodeled
4
Cows examined for pus and streptococci
200
Milk samples taken for pus and streptococci.
110
Milk samples taken for chemical test. 692
Milk samples taken for bacteria
693
Total 1,495
Stores inspected and re-inspected
308
Milk rooms inspected and re-inspected
90
Ice cream parlors inspected and re-inspected
3
Dairies inspected and re-inspected
179
Restaurants inspected and re-inspected
16
Lunch rooms inspected and re-inspected
10
Ice cream samples collected
27 1
Milk dealers hearings
Ice cream manufacturing plants inspected and re-inspected .. 23
Ice cream storage plants inspected and re-inspected. 10
Milk processing plants inspected and re-inspected 15
Hotel inspected
1
Milk storage plants inspected and re-inspected.
5
Milk complaints investigated
3
Sanitary inspections and re-inspections.
62
Stores visited in regard to milk licenses
86
Revenue from milk, ice cream and oleomargarine .. $392.50 All milk sold in the city of Quincy is pasteurized or from tuberculin tested cows.
Chain stores distributed on a cash and carry basis per day quarts milk
3,660
The price of milk for 1925 has remained the same as 1924: cash and carry chain stores, 12 to 15 for family distribution to certified 28 cents.
This branch of Public Health work has been conducted in sub- stantially the same manner as last year, with the exception of tuberculin testing of all cows whose dealers sell raw milk. The aim in view has been to secure for this city a clean, fresh and healthful milk supply as well as one that would not fall below the standard prescribed by the law.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES O'DOWD,
Acting Milk Inspector.
212
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MEATS AND PROVISIONS
DECEMBER 31, 1925.
TO THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR :- I submit herewith the report of the work in this office for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Inspections made
688
Meats and Foodstuffs as Unfit for Food
Beef (pounds)
30
Pork (pounds)
79
Lamb (pounds)
18
Ham (pounds)
32
Frankfurts (pounds)
12
Smoked shoulders
(pounds)
6
Sausage (pounds)
5
Fish (pounds)
10
Poultry (pounds)
65
Salt Pork (pounds)
6
Oysters (quarts)
3
Lamb fries (pounds)
10
Financial Statement
Appropriation
$105 00
Expended :
Transportation
$79 50
Badge
2 62
Telephone
10 00
92 12
Unexpended balance
$12 88
The work of this office has increased very rapidly the past three years. More inspections have been made this year than ever be- fore and more time given to inspection work.
Stores, markets and foodshops of all kinds are constantly open- ing in every section of our city.
We have at the present time some of the best stores and markets of any city of its population within fifteen miles of Boston.
Great care and more attention has been given to all markets and stores of all kinds, that they are clean and wholesome in ac- cordance with the Department of Health.
With a population of over sixty thousand this year there have only been few complaints and those of a technical nature.
There are eighty chain stores at the present time, an increase of thirty this year. We have five hundred and forty-two grocery and provision stores in the city.
The values of fish as a food is being recognized each year, more and more.
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