USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1876-1883 > Part 4
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Number of scholars in school : First term, 23. Average attendance, 17. Second term, 20. Average attendance, 16. Third term, 18.
CENTER PRIMARY SCHOOL.
During the first term Miss Pratt taught this school with her usual success, and at its close resigned, much to the regret of the Committee. The teacher secured for the second term was unable to fill her engagement, and another took charge of the school. But it soon became evident that she was not succeed-
50
ing, and a change was necessary. Mrs. Wheeler was secured as teacher. Under her experienced hand the school has been brought under good discipline, and all who have seen it must be satisfied with its condition.
Number of scholars in school: First term, 39. Average attendance, 33. Second term, 39. Average attendance, 35. Third term, 30.
RUTTER SCHOOL.
Miss Lee has taught this school eleven successive terms, winning the confidence and support of all the parents in the district. At the opening of the first term eight scholars were sent from this to the Grammar school. The Winter term has required an unusual amount of hard work, and a teacher of less perseverance would have been discouraged. But we are confident that the closing examination will prove her labors, as heretofore- successful.
Number of scholars in school : First term, 25. Average attendance, 20. Second term, 30. Average attendance, 24. Third term, 32.
NORTH SCHOOL.
It is sometimes difficult for a committee to select a teacher with just the necessary qualifications for certain positions. Such was the case under the existing circumstances in this school last spring. After considering the matter fully, we de- cided to employ Miss Moore. She has labored earnestly and faithfully in her work, and great improvement can be seen in the deportment and the progress made by the scholars in their studies. It is a gratifying fact that parents who have visited the school frequently speak in the highest terms of her success.
Number of scholars in school : First term, 26. Average attendance, 20. Second term, 25. Average attendance, 19. Third term, 20.
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During the year we have made but few changes in the text books of the schools. But changes that were necessary we have not hesitated to make, and made them, in most cases, at times when children would need new books : thus it has in- curred but little additional expense to parents.
A regular course of study has been selected for the Grammar schools, thus suiting the studies for those who are unable to attend but a short time, as well as for those who can take the full course.
The attendance of many large scholars who before went out of town to school, or neglected to attend any, shows the wis- dom of placing male teachers at the head of the Grammar schools.
It must be clear to each thoughtful citizen who has visited these schools that the change has been in every respect bene- ficial, and the continuation of the same plan must be produc- tive of the best results. But it cannot be too often impressed upon us, that the success of a teacher depends to a great ex- tent upon the co-operation of parents. Those who value edu- cation and see the need of it in their children will make every possible effort and sacrifice to keep them at school as long as possible.
That child is badly prepared for life-and must ever be at a disadvantage - who goes into the world without, at least, a good common school education ; and that education is within the reach of every child in the town. That parent is sinning against the best interest of his country, and the highest good of his children, who sends the young members of his family to the field or the factory, when they ought to be in the schools preparing themselves for an intelligent and useful life.
During the year, we have had no special theories of educa- tion to introduce, hobbies to ride, or mistakes that we wish to conceal. But in the selection of teachers and the changes that have been made, we have aimed to accomplish the greatest good.
52
That the schools are in good condition : that we have as earnest, conscientious, and successful teachers as can be found, we most sincerely believe. We hope that parents and all in- terested in the progress of education will avail themselves of the privilege of visiting these schools and examining the facts for themselves.
Number of scholars at present in School, 339
66 Schools,
9
66 Grammar Schools, 2
66 Imtermediate Schools, 1
66 Primary 2
66 Ungraded 66
4
66 Teachers, 10
66 Weeks in a School year, 34
The expenses of the schools can be found in the Auditor's Report.
ELIAS HODGE,
School
ED. A. PIERCE,
CHARLES H. BOODEY, Committee.
WAYLAND, Feb. 1, 1878.
OFFICIAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OF WAYLAND,
FOR ITS
99TH MUNICIPAL YEAR,
FROM
FEBRUARY 1, 1878, TO FEBRUARY 1, 1879.
R
ATED
L
ND
1635.
EAST SUDBURY
FOUNDED
17
183
BOSTON : PRESS OF ROCKWELL AND CHURCHILL. No. 39 ARCH STREET. 1879.
,
ORDER OF THE TOWN.
The following vote, passed in Town Meeting, June 27, 1878, defines the duties of officers of the town relative to their re- ports for the current year : -
" Voted, That the Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of Poor, School Committee, Treasurer, Clerk, Collector, Auditor, Library Committee, Library Treasurer, Treasurers of the ' Draper,' the ' Allen ' and the 'Donation Funds,' Superintendents of Ceme- teries, Water Commissioners and Water Committee, be instruc- ted to make up their reports to the first day of February, 1879, pass them as soon as possible to the Auditor, subject to his revision and correction. And for this purpose the Auditor shall have access to and examine all accounts kept by town officers and agents, including orders, bills, receipts, notes, and other vouchers; and all other records pertaining to town business, including the Warden's book of receipts and expen- ditures at the Poor establishment, and may call upon any officer or agent for any information concerning any item of expendi- ture ; and shall report to the town any facts which may have come to his notice, bearing upon the finances of the town, which he may deem important.
" The Treasurer (of the town) to make out his report in brief ; the Auditor in detail of the receipts and expenditures for the year in such method and extent of detail as in his judgment will be proper, and to superintend the printing of the Reports, one copy for each legal voter."
True copy. Attest :
HENRY WIGHT,
Clerk.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
We have the honor to present, for the consideration of the citizens of the town, the following report.
The Selectmen's records relative to the finances of the Town for the fiscal year ending February 1, 1879, are as follows : -
The sum total available for expenditure during the year is, - For unexpended appropriations, brought over from 1876 and 1877, viz. : -
For Sinking Fund (transferred to reduction), $3,000 00
Violation of Liquor Law, 200 00
Collector's fee for 1876,
250 00
" " 1877,
270 00
Unexpended balances,
6,058 77
Assessments ordered by the Town as certified
by the Clerk,
18,250 00
Bonds issued on transfer of debt,
7,000 00
66 for construction of Water Works in Cochituate, 25,000 00
66 for settlement of Railroad note,
37,500 00
New Town House,
10,000 00
All other moneys, from whatever source derived, 11,822 21
$119,350 98
Making the amount one hundred nineteen thousand three hundred fifty dollars and ninety-eight cents, upon which we have issued during the year, two hundred and forty-three orders, apportioned to the several appropriations, as given in the follow- ing table, with the balances for future expenditure.
5
ORDERS ISSUED AND BALANCES RE- SERVED.
For schools,
$4,180 30
$1,647 25
Unappropriated money, less
State aid, etc.,
1,397 12
1,557 69
Highways,
1,467 49
198 17
Poor,
1,192 46
40 08
Incidentals,
478 02
180 29
State aid,
294 00
Water committee,
200 00
Collector's fees,
370 00
110 00
Library,
748 52
242 55
Violation of liquor law,
274 50
125 50
Water committee,
45 00
Interest,
2,698 00
1,344 47
Temporary loan for 1878,
2,000 00
Hose-carriage and hose,
657 00
1,342 82
Furnishing Town-house and li-
brary, and grading and fenc- ing the lot,
2,000 00
State tax,
620 00
For county tax,
447 86
Abatement of taxes,
473 77
Town-house lot,
2,800 00
Reduction of debt (1877),
3,000 00
Tie fence in school-yard in Cochituate,
50 00
Centre school-house, privy,
35 84
14 16
Repairs on school-house in Cochituate,
155 25
44 75
Fire apparatus in Cochituate,
500 00
New road in Cochituate,
100 00
Highway in
300 00
Hook and ladder house in Cochituate,
1,000 00
Water sinking fund,
500 00
Reduction of debt (1878),
3,000 00
Amounts carried forward,
$30,485 13
$7,347 73
6
Amounts brought forward,
$30,485 13
$7,347 73
For Water Works in Cochituate,
24,306 46
693 54
New Town-house,
10,000 00
Credit bill,
1,372 13
Gravel,
400 00
Relief to soldiers,
200 00
Settlement of Railroad note,
37,500 00
Transfer of debt,
7,000 00
Lock-up in Cochituate,
14 90
Tax title,
31 09
Total,
$111,309 71
$8,041 27
Total available for expenditures,
$119,350 98
Amount of orders,
$111,309 71
Amount reserved,
8,041 27
Total,
$119,350 98
NOTE. - The apparent discrepancy that will be observed in some items of unexpended balances, between the reports of the Selectmen and Treasurer, is to be accounted for, First, By slight differences of former years carried forward on the ledgers of both these offices ; and, Second, By orders issued but not yet paid from the Treasury.
For the disproportion of the interest balances, see note under pay- ments of Interest in the Treasurer's report.
The item on the Poor account requires special explanation. Through in- advertence, as it appears, the sum of $223.96 was included in two separate orders, but paid on only one of them. Such an error on the Selectmen's Ledger, if not at once corrected, will be perpetuated by being carried forward year by year to new accounts; and the result will be not only perpetual discrepancy between the books of the Selectmen and Treasurer, but the sum of $223.96 must remain undrawn and unused.
Auditor.
ESTIMATES OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1879-80.
Assuming the usual appropriations to be about the same as last year, our estimate is as follows : -
7
For schools,
$4,000 00
poor,
800 00
incidentals,
300 00
highways,
1,500 00
Library,
350 00
Collector's fee
1 350 00
furnishing new Town House and Library, and grading and fencing the lot, 2,700 00
hose-carriage and hose,
2,000 00
hook and ladder truck house-lot,
425 00
money borrowed for poor, incidentals, and gravel-pits, 1,200 00
sinking-fund for water-works, 2 800 00
sinking fund for balance of debt (or reduction), 3,000 00 hydrants, 3 580 00
interest,
4 7,005 00
Total,
$25,010 00
To the sum total of the above estimate, - to enable the tax- payer to estimate the rate of tax the current year, - there should be added the State tax, by an estimate derived from the best information we could obtain, $300; county tax, $500, and overlayings, $250, being the average for the ten years last past, and the amount will be $26,060.
At the present valuation this would give a rate of tax $21.65 on every one thousand dollars ($1,000) of taxable property.
The following are some of the transactions, briefly stated, of the Board during the year, under the direct votes of the town, and of others which, in the opinion, it may be, of some of the citizens of the town, against the technical law involved in the
1 This sum is named on the ground of possible action by the town in the man- ner of collecting the taxes.
2 The sum named in the act, by the framers of the act, as we understand, as the yearly amount necessary for nineteen years, to meet all contingencies, the most important of which is the delay in town officials, from various reasons, in seasonably investing the annual funds and re-investing the accrued interest.
3 The invariable custom, we are told, in all towns having water, is to tax their own hydrants, as a mode of raising sufficient money to meet running expenses.
4 Estimate of the sum needed to preclude the necessity of paying interest upon interest.
8
matters acted upon ; but still in accordance with the custom which obtains in surrounding towns, and which has long been acquiesced in here : -
We authorized the payment of five dollars ($5) to Peter B. Davis, of Framingham, for a claim for highway damages, hav- ing no doubt the town would be legally held.
We also authorized Charles Fairbanks to repair defects in the highway from Cochituate to Framingham line, - in our judgment, made necessary to save the town from any further liability than that above named, - at an expense of fifteen dollars ($15) ; also to repair the road near A. W. Goodnow's, at the same expense.
Being notified that a petition was in circulation to the County Commissioners to widen and straighten the main highway through the centre of the town, from Sudbury to Weston line, cut down " Morse's hill," and grade generally the entire length, - involving, in our opinion, an expense to the town of not less than six or seven thousand dollars (if the Commissioners had made, if called upon, a thorough work of the matter, as they have, late years, upon like petitions throughout the County, especially when such petitions were numerously signed by the residents of the town asking the alterations), - we concluded to cause such repairs to be made as would obviate the complaints as to the condition of some portions of the road, and prevent, for the present at least, so large an expenditure as would prob- ably result from the Commissioners' orders.
For this purpose we employed John D. Moulton to gravel the west side of the hill, build a culvert near Thomas Burke's, and to make such other repairs as we should direct. Two hundred dollars ($200) were expended, and the work performed to our satisfaction.
But for the present financial condition of affairs we should recommend to the town a still further outlay, in addition to the regular appropriation, for improving other portions of the road included between Wayland Centre and Weston line.
In October last a proposition was made to the undersigned, by George W. Hancock, in behalf of William P. Perkins, to throw open for public travel a strip of land upon the left-hand corner of the lane ascending to Mr. Perkins' residence, and thence easterly several rods in length, averaging about eight feet wide, by removing the old stone-wall, and straightening
9
the line when rebuilt, thus reducing the sharp and dangerous curve in the road ; build a strong and substantial culvert of such capacity and length as to reach the gutter upon the right-hand side of the road, - except the lower end; that to be an open sluice, and strongly paved, to carry off the surface-water, collect- ing for a long distance in the spring of the year, - and otherwise repair, by widening the road-bed gravelling and properly crown- ing the same, removing the guard-fence (it was a question with us which was the more dangerous to travel, the road or its in- tended protector ; an expensive highway lawsuit probable, in our opinion, in the future, in either case, unless some altera- tion was made), provided the town would share a part of the expense.
Feeling assured the work would be thoroughly done, - done as per agreement, - and that it was for the interest of the town to have the work performed, we decided to authorize the payment of one hundred dollars for the town's portion ; and we have no hesitation in saying that it is one of the best highway improve- ments, for the outlay, and purpose designed, that has come under our observation in this or other towns.
Being called upon by some of the surveyors of highways, last spring, to ascertain where and in what manner gravel could be procured to make the necessary repairs, we concluded to exer- cise the power vested in the Board by statute to take or pur- chase in behalf of the town two lots for the purpose, one in Cochituate, the other in the Centre. We purchased of Henry Wight one half acre, and leased in Cochituate one half-acre, for ten years, agreeing to pay fifty dollars ($50) for the lot in the Centre, and three hundred and fifty dollars ($350) for the one in Cochituate, quite a sum being yearly saved to the town there- by. Our proceedings were confirmed by the town.
Being duly authorized to build a house suitable for a hook and ladder truck, in Cochituate, and purchase or lease a piece of land for the same, we purchased of Wm. Hammond (unable to obtain a suitable spot by purchase in the centre of the vil- lage) one-fourth of an acre, for four hundred and twenty-five dollars ($425), - a price reasonable, in the judgment of the other members of the Board.
As no provision was made for the purchase, the sum named must be assessed at the April meeting, to meet the note given
10
for the money borrowed, with the interest accrued, to October next. We contracted with O. A. Harris to erect the building for nine hundred and thirty dollars ($930), - seventy dollars ($70) less than the appropriation, the balance being used to improve the basement. The cost of suitably grading the ground was one hundred and ten dollars ($110).
On the demand for damages upon the highway - the case of Wood vs. Wayland - we were instructed " to pay no damages, except at the end of an execution." We engaged as counsel G. A. Somerby, Esq., who has so ably and successfully aided the town before.
At the meeting held April 30 of last year it was " voted that the Selectmen be instructed to take such legal advice on the doings of the town as they think best."
Two questions arose during the year of such importance to the town that it was deemed advisable to take the advice of the most eminent counsel we could select.
In the act of the Legislature " authorizing the town of Way- land to supply itself and its inhabitants with pure water," it was provided, among other things, that no expenditure should be made or liability incurred under the same, until the act is accepted, etc. At a meeting under a warrant having an article to adopt the act passed by the Legislature, etc., it was voted to adopt the act.
It was thought by many that the action of the town in chang- ing the language of the act made void the proceedings ; that issuing bonds, borrowing money, assessing taxes to pay interest upon the same, and all other after votes and acts of officers and committees would be illegal.
The other question was the wisdom of settling the railroad note case by compromise (from the legal point of view, of course), or still defend in the action against the town.
Both of these matters were referred to the Hon. E. Rockwood Hoar, who was very decided in the opinion of the legality of the proceedings relative to the water works, and as equally de- cided in advising the town to compromise the matter upon the most favorable terms possible. Mr. Hoar's fee was fifty dollars ($50) for the two consultations ; and, considering the amount of money involved in both cases, the necessity of straight municipal action in the former, and the contingency of increased
11
costs, with the compulsion of payment, in the latter, we think the money judiciously expended.
As one or two important questions are likely to arise in the future - perhaps at our annual meeting for appropriations - touching town affairs, we recommend the power of taking coun- sel be conferred upon our successors. This is the course, we understand, pursued by other towns where there is no solicitor.
We deem it proper to make the following statements, and the suggestions which necessarily flow from them : Your Treas- urer will report to you that, on the first day of February of the present year, the total debt of the town, bonded and otherwise, will amount to one hundred and nine thousand eight hundred and sixty-four dollars and sixty-six cents, or one-eleventh of the present valuation, - a sum sufficiently large to enable the most of us to appreciate fully, if not seriously, in some cases, the burden of increased taxation. Taking the census of 1875 (1,766) as a basis, and assuming the increase to have been sufficient to make the present population two thousand (2,000), the amount will be, per capita, about fifty-five dollars ($55). While the population is made up of " adults, male and female, tax-payers upon estates ; adults, male and female, non-tax- payers upon estates, and infants in law," who pay nothing ; and while the single poll-tax payers will pay neither more nor less (but actually paying a small portion of the two dollars, which necessarily enters into and forms a part of each and every ap- propriation and expenditure) than if there were no debt, but a surplus of the same amount in the treasury, towards the final ex- tinguishment of the debt; and the minors nothing, and the " women, married or single, being non-tax payers upon estates, nothing,"-it will be evident where the twenty years' burden of paying the bonded debt, and its series of yearly accumulated interests, and all other debts on time or demand, will mostly and inevitably fall.
We make this statement as plain as we are capable of, with no other motive than that each tax-payer, estate or poll, may have an intelligent idea of his personal position in the matter, as well at the April meeting as when the " tax gatherer, under the strong arm of the law, goes into his castle-yard."
We shall be allowed to suggest, in consideration of the in- creased rate of taxation for years to come, the importance of
12
retrenchment where possible, and of economy in every depart- ment of expenditure ; that with all of the town officers, special agents, and committees, in their respective positions of trust and responsibility, such expenses only shall be incurred under their direction as are imperatively demanded by the best inter- ests of the town; that at our annual meeting for ordering assessments, no appropriation be voted for, either for local or general improvement, unless shown to be absolutely necessary.
As to the interest money, which we are obliged to raise- and in regard to which there can be no retrenchment, as with other appropriations - we take the liberty of saying, that paying interest upon money borrowed to pay interest upon money bor- rowed, indicates financial embarrassment, either in citizen or corporation, and tending towards the descent reaching bank- ruptcy.
A sufficient sum should be provided at our annual meeting, upon a clear and plain statement of how much is needed for the fiscal year, upon each note, and the coupons upon the bonds ; and also such additional sum as will enable the treasurer - under a vote to borrow in anticipation of taxes - to borrow less by so much as will meet the first semi-annual interest tlie succeeding year.
Unless this course is pursued we shall still pay interest upon interest, and give rise to the reputation of poor financial ability in conducting town affairs.
The tax-payers of the town deemed it for the best interests of the town to charge themselves with the expense of two very important matters, viz., the introduction of pure water in the village of Cochituate, and the building of a Town House in the Centre ; and the residents of the two localities can congratulate themselves upon the success of both undertakings.
We think the challenge may be reasonably made for proof of two such instances in the Commonwealth where, for the objects named, such comparatively small sums of money were necessary to accomplish the ends desired. The two construction com- mittees are to be commended for their prudential management in behalf of the town.
A beautiful, substantial, and very thoroughly-built Town House, - under an honest contractor, anxious to conform in every particular to the details of the specifications as drawn
13
by an able and competent architect, - with sufficient hall- room for municipal or social purposes, and ample accommoda- tions for the Library and Town Officers, is the result of the care and supervision of the committee having the matter in charge.
There is some dissatisfaction as to the method pursued in re- gard to the collection of the taxes, it being affirmed that more effective measures should be adopted by the town to compel the Collector to make prompt payment to the Treasury, in accord- ance with the vote of the town.
While it is contended on the one hand, that the Collector has full and complete power by statute to rigidly enforce the col- lection in every instance of delinquency, and thereby meet his obligation as entered into by himself and sureties, it is replied on the other, that to ensure full payment to the Treasury, on or before the close of the fiscal year, such reasonable compensa- tion should be allowed the Collector for his services (under a vote of forfeiture of fees, if his account is not completed at the time named by the town, with conditions broken) as will induce him to accept the position, with the full knowledge that the proper town officers will be instructed not to order, or to answer the order for the payment of the fee, and also that he will be obliged to borrow such sum to meet each payment as his un- collected tax will render necessary.
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