USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1948-1950 > Part 31
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Spec. Accounts-Balances
52,892.25
Maturing Debt
Bonds-School Constr.
12,000.00
Watermain Extension
137,000.00
School Constr .- Addition
622,000.00
Appt'd Betterment Assmts.
1,840.96
Trust Funds:
Charity
9,551.67
Library
32,900.00
Cemetery
26,475.00
Cemetery Parmenter
5,000.00
Trust Funds' Reserve
3,014.85
$1,172,893.62
$1,172,893.62
DOROTHY M. HARRINGTON Town Accountant
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER 1950
1950
Jan. 1 Cash Balance
$295,588.41
Total Receipts 733,331.02
Total Payments
$1,028,919.43 819,591.14
Dec. 31 Cash Balance
$209,328.29
DEBT AND INTEREST
School Dept.
Outstanding
Due 1951
Interest 1951
1934 Issue
$12,000.00
$3,000.00
$390.00
400,000
1948 21/4 %
360,000.00
20,000.00
8,100.00
150,000
1948 21/4%
132,000.00
9,000.00
2,970.00
140,000
1949 13/4 %
130,000.00
10,000.00
2,187.50
Water Debt.
37,000
1948 2%
31,000.00
3,000.00
590.00
90,000
1948 21/4 %
78,000.00
6,000.00
1,755.00
10,000
1949 11/4%
9,000.00
1,000.00
112.50
19,000
1950 11/2%
19,000.00
2,000.00
270.00
Authorized but unissued, $10,000 for 6-inch water mains in accepted streets.
TRUST FUNDS - INVESTMENTS
The same as shown in 1949 Report, with addition of follow- ing Cemetery Funds.
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds Received in 1950
Thomas R. Shay Fund
$150.00
French Williams Fund
400.00
William J. Scotland Fund
150.00
140
Jacob H. Wood Fund
John H. Regan Fund
James H. Lee Fund
Alice M. Blevins Fund
250.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
$1,400.00
Tax Titles Property thru Foreclosure
Number Held
53
29
Amount
$8,509.92
$1,075.62
Valuation
61,250.00
6,300.00
FRANK. G. MacKENNA
Town Treasurer.
141
REPORT OF THE TAX COLLECTOR
Balance
Balance 1/1/50
Refunds Receipts Abatements Tax Titles 12/31/50
1944
Real Estate Taxes
$1.45
$1.45
1945
1.54
1.54
Real Estate Taxes
1.65
1.65
Motor Excise Taxes
90.63
$2.00
$88.63
1947
Poll Taxes
72.00
6.00
$46.00
20.00
Personal Taxes
25.20
23.40
1.80
Real Estate Taxes
1.80
Motor Excise Taxes
100.03
$1.92
4.54
97.41
1948
Poll Taxes
100.00
18.00
54.00
28.00
Personal Taxes
144.05
30.10
113.95
Real Estate Taxes
5,507.46
1.00
4,405.51
189.20
913.75
Motor Excise Taxes
443.29
2.86
100.98
345.17
Street Betterments
10.00
10.00
Street Betterments Com. Interest
1.16
1.16
1.80
Real Estate Taxes 1946
142
1949
Poll Taxes
354.00
182.00 679.58
10.00
162.00
Personal Taxes
797.94
3.30
115.06
Real Estate Taxes
30,389.24
765.60
24,293.79
607.20
1,991.00
4,262.85
Motor Excise Taxes
4,935.34
154.59
4,013.43
132.01
944.49
Moth Assessments
87.00
39.00
18.00
30.00
Street Betterments
58.50
51.30
7.20
Street Betterments Com. Interest
3.89
7.74
1.15
1950
Commitments
Poll Taxes
2,986.00
10.00
2,448.00
190.00
358.00
Personal Taxes
26,692.16
34.30
25,606.56
57.58
1,062.32
Real Estate Taxes
327,037.27
1,915.90 292,094.64
8,159.73
2,974.30
25,724.50
Motor Excise Taxes
40,015.66
589.95
29,154.35
1,808.49
9,642.77
Moth Assessments
657.00
591.00
11.00
20.00
35.00
Street Betterments
216.85
171.35
45.50
Street Betterments Com. Interest
19.63
14.21
5.42
Water Betterments
459.77
11.32
377.84
24.38
68.87
Water Betterments Com. Interest
68.90
42.33
7.90
18.67
Water Account-Balance
6,624.19
Water Account Commitment
46,313.54
145.09
48,580.11
556.80
3,945.91
Total Outstanding Taxes 12/31/50
$47,122.87
Water Betterments-
Unapportioned 1949
2,046.27
20.00 ($2,026.27 apportioned
143
Unappropriated 1950 3,499.33 Street Betterments Unapportioned 1950 6,999.68 Claims against the estates of deceased persons 386.68 386.68
over 10 yr. period) 3,499.33
6,999.68
Respectfully submitted, THEODORE H. HARRINGTON Tax Collector.
144
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
FOR THE YEAR 1950
We deeply regret the death of our fellow member, J. Fred Wheeler on December 16, 1950.
Mr. Wheeler was a life long resident of Wayland who ex- pended, without limit, his time and energy in serving the town. For many years he was a selectman. In 1948, he was elected assessor and served continuously until his death. He brought to the work of the Board of Assessors complete familiarity with the town and invaluable knowledge of its history and problems.
The town will share our loss.
For several years the work of the Board of Assessors has continuously increased in volume and difficulty. This results from three circumstances:
First, the rapid growth of Wayland has added greatly to the volume of work. In ten years, the number of separate parcels to be taxed has increased from approximately 1,350 to 2,313-an in- crease of over 70 per cent. In the past five years alone, approxi- mately 326 permits have been issued for new houses; more than half in the last two years.
Second, the building boom and other post-war conditions have multiplied the transfers of property.
Third, during the past five years, real estate values in Way- land have changed very greatly. This is the result of the town's rapid growth, the building boom, and economic conditions throughout the country.
The assessors are making every effort to keep up with these developments. Our program includes four steps :
First, the establishment of a uniform rule for valuing real estate. Under the statutes and court decisions, the assessors must find the "fair cash value". Since this is a long range value, allowance is properly made for inflated prices. In Wayland, our
145
effort is to place the assessments at approximately 50 per cent of current selling prices. It must be remembered, however, that any single sale price may have to be disregarded because the peculiar needs of the buyer or seller made it a forced sale.
Second, during the past year, we have felt the need of more information about the properties to be assessed. After consulting other towns, we worked out our own plan for a file containing a permanent card for each property on which there would be a de- scription of the land and buildings, showing the size and age of the house, the number of rooms, etc., and also a continuing record of sales and mortgages. In collecting this information, we shall need the cooperation of all citizens. When finished, the cards will make it much easier to compare different properties and go to avoid unfairness and inequities.
Third, revaluation has gone forward during the past year; it will be speeded up by the additional information which will be accessible. We believe that the January 1, 1951 assessments will eliminate any inequalities and that the bulk of the work can be completed before property is assessed January 1, 1952.
Fourth, the increase in the assessors' work has made it necessary to devote to valuations, and especially revaluations, several extra months each year.
Statistics for the year ending December 31, 1950
Real Estate Assessed January 1, 1949 $6,324,355.00
Personal Property Assessed January 1, 1949 531,031.00
Real Estate Owned by Metr. Dist. Com. 45,588.50
$6,900,974.50
Real Estate Assessed January 1, 1950
Land Exclusive of Buildings $1,752,605.00
Buildings Exclusive of Land 4,914,125.00
Real Estate Owned by Metr. Dist. Com. 41,892.56
6,708,622.56
Personal Estate Assessed January 1, 1950
Stock in Trade $ 27,050.00
Machinery 300,688.00
Live Stock 62,375.00
146
All Other Tangible Personal Property 154,625.00.
$ 544,738.00 1
Total Property Assessed January 1, 1950
$ 7,253,360.56
Total Property Assessed January 1, 1949
6,900,974.50
Increase
$ 352,386.06
Number of Polls Assessed:
1,482
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Farm Horses
12
Saddle Horses
30
Ponies
4
46
Number of Neat Cattle:
Cows
407
Yearlings
76
Heifers
6
82
Bulls
10
Swine
199
Fowl
3,835
All Other:
Mules
2
Mink
150
Goats
5
157
Number of Acres of Land Assessed:
8,184
Number of Dwellings Assessed
Omitted Assessments :
Value
Tax
Real Estate
$ 7,500.00
$ 367.50
Personal Estate
None
None
Additional Polls-11
22.00
Motor Vehicles :
Number
Value
1950
2,530
$ 1,080,740.00
Tax $ 40,015.66
1949
2,245
868,933.00
27,618.14
Increase
285
$211,807.00
$12,397.52
Exempt from Taxes :
Valuation
United States Government
Post Office-Equipment
..... $ 400.00
147
1,489
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Weston & Pressure Aqueducts
15,000.00
Widows (Real Estate)
12,100.00
Veterans (Real Estate)
127,975.00
-$ 155,475.00 -
Town-Personal and Real:
Schools
$ 350,200.00
Parks
29,300.00
Fire Department
22,400.00
Police Department
300.00
Water Department
352,400.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
500.00
Moth Department
2,000.00
Town Hall and Equipment
48,500.00
Highway Department
41,955.00
Library and Books
57,000.00
Cemeteries
5,750.00
Cochituate Civic Center Building --
Land
2,500.00
Tax Title Possessions
5,500.00
$ 918,305.00
Churches and Parsonages
Church Property
$ 143,300.00
Parsonages
15,255.00
Church Cemetery
Fraternal Societies
Pequod Lodge, I. O. O. F. - Equipment
200.00
Corporations
Hannah Williams Playground, Inc. $ 2,950.00
Wayland and Cochituate Legion Building Association, Inc. 15,500.00
Dorchester House, Inc .- Land
600.00
The Grey Nuns Charities, Inc.
20,000.00
Vokes Players, Inc.
1,200.00
40,250.00
$ 1,274,785.00
148
$ 158,555.00
2,000.00
Tax Levy of 1950
Appropriation for Town Purposes $ ...... 613,047.16 Overlay for 1950 10,701.18
$ 623,748.34
State Park Tax $ 461.70
State Park Tax Under-
estimate-1949
148.94
State Audit
1,243.69
1,854.33
County Tax Under-
estimate -- 1949
1,303.30
County Tax
$ 15,116.16
Tuberculosis Hospital Tax $ 2,696.90
Retirement System
3,132.00
22,248.36
24,102.69
To be raised
$ 647,851.03
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds:
Income Tax $ 42,749.17
Corporation Tax
24,112.74
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
24,000.00
Licenses
7,270.00
Fines
100.00
Protection of Persons & Property
500.00
Special Assessments-Moth &
Betterments
800.00
General Government
200.00
Health & School Nurse
160.00
Old Age Assistance
37,700.00
Old Age Tax (Meals)
1,817.83
Veterans' Benefits
1,390.00
School
1,800.00
Libraries
220.00
Cemeteries
1,819.22
Interest on Taxes & Assessments
800.00
In Lieu of Taxes
2,052.74
Charities
14,503.00
Chap. 645-Acts of 1948
12,995.00
149
Available Funds and Over-estimate Audit 1949
116,535.40
291,525.10
To be Levied on Polls and Property
$
356,325.93
Assessed on Polls $
2,964.00
Assessed on Personal Property
26,692.16
Assessed on Real Estate
326,669.77
Fractional Gain
none $356,325.93
Betterments :
Street
Tax
Int.
Total
Lake Road $ 61.00
$ 2.44
$ 63.44
Pine Ridge Road
86.05
9.99
96.04
Lakeview Road
41.80
6.08
47.88
Water
Riverview Avenue
58.20
19.18
77.38
Overlook Road
169.37
49.72
219.09
503.83
Moth Tax
657.00
Total Amount Committed to Collector-June 13, 1950 $357,486.76
Betterments Committed November 21, 1950
Water Betterments- Adelaide Avenue $ 900.24
900.24
Betterments Committed December 18, 1950
Water Betterment Assessments Riverview Cir. Por.
1,244.19
Riverview Cir. & Shore Drive
1,354.90
$2,599.09
Street Betterment Assessments
Overlook Road
2,529.15
Adelaide Avenue
900.24
Riverview Circle & Shore Drive
2,546.29
Por. Riverview Avenue
1,024.00
6,999.68
$10,499.01
Overlay-1950
$10,701.18
Abatements and Exemptions-1950
Levy
8,407.31
Balance December 31, 1950 $2,293.87
150
1950 Rate on Property : $49.00 1950 Rate on Motor Vehicles 44.16
For Abatements see Collector's Report.
Note: It is to be noted that the tax on State owned land is reflected in estimated receipts-"In Lieu of Taxes."
CHARLES M. MATHEWS ARCHIBALD COX Board of Assessors-Wayland.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
The Building Inspection Department submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1950.
The number of permits issued during 1950 are as follows:
Building Permits 19 alterations 141 new houses
7 garages
1 shed
1 filling station
1 post office
1 commissary
1 boiler room
1 store
2 hen houses
Wiring Permits
37 alterations
104 new houses
2 old houses
50 oil burners
28 hot water heaters
22 ranges
4 electric controls on gas heaters
1 shoe repair shop
3 sheds
2 filling stations
151
1 commissary 1 post office
The total estimated cost of new buildings and alterations in 1950 was $754,500.00. There were more new homes built this year than in any year since the Building Code was adopted in 1941 and probably more than any year in the existence of the Town. A list of comparisons to show the development of new homes in the past five years are shown below.
Year
New Houses
Estimated Cost
1946
32
$221,075.00
1947
64
406,100.00
1948
40
243,200.00
1949
63
405,550.00
1950
141
754,500.00
NEW HOUSE DEVELOPMENT BY PRECINCT
Year
Cochituate
Wayland
1946
15
17
1947
38
26
1948
23
17
1949
28
35
1950
30
111
Four new home developments were added in 1950 as in com- parison to two developments last year. A much larger percentage of these homes this year were made for speculation, however this department would like to state that in many cases whether the houses were built for speculation or for individual specifications that they were made better than code requirements on structural strength.
Forty nine cases of zoning variations were prepared and brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals for decision. There were six more cases than the previous year.
A new Rest Home was established in Cochituate during the past year and four permits were issued in the business zones for a Commissary, Post Office, Filling Station and a Hardware Store.
There were 255 wiring permits issued this year, which was 75 more than the previous year.
152
1
Fees collected from both wiring and building permits during 1950 amounted to $1558.00 and have been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The Building Department would like to thank the Town Officials and Citizens who have helped in the affairs of this office during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, HOMER L. MacDONALD Building Inspector.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
This year, as last, has been a year of heavy expenditures. It has seen an increase in the case load on General Relief and Aid to Dependent Children. However, the case load on Old Age Assist- ance has not reached as high a case load figure as in the previous year. The total amounts expended are shown at the end of this report.
The General Relief situation does not appear to show much chance of being reduced materially, inasmuch as all cases at present are unemployables-a substantial number being young children not eligible for Aid to Dependent Children, the balance being persons unfitted by illness or persons not eligible for Old Age Assistance.
We did not have the anticipated increase in cases on Old Age Assistance last year and it could be that we have hit the peak in the size of this load in this category for the forseeable future, if the new legislation approved by the voters this past fall does not greatly increase the load in number and expense. Also the ex- pense of Old Age Assistance will probably increase if prices continue to rise.
The Board has continued to use every effort to insure that expenditures are as low as is consistent with the giving of re- quired and needed assistance.
Respectfully submitted, CARLISLE D. SCOTLAND, Chairman J. SIDNEY STONE GUSTAF M. BLOMGREN
153
WELFARE STATISTICS
1948
1949
1950
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Case Load, January 1
99
92
100
" " December 31
92
100
95
Average Monthly Caseload
94.7
94.8
96.1
Total Gross Expenditures
$74,689.53
$82,228.02
$87,050.46
Aver. Monthly Payment per case
$65.72
$72.28
$75.49
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Case Load, January 1 " December 31 13
7 cases, 21 children
12 cases, 33 children
17
46 "
17 cases, 46 children 16 " 43
Average Monthly Caseload 10.3
29.1
"
15.3 " 40.9
"
16.2 " 44.5 "
Total Gross Expenditures
$15,320.40
$23,845.00
$25,493.29
Aver. Monthly Payment per case
$123.95
$129.87
$131.14
GENERAL RELIEF
Case Load, January 1 " " December 31
24 "
65
"
49 " 27 cases, 57 persons 27
20
"
33
Average Monthly Caseload 21.2 "
42.3
"
22.6 " 48.8
"
24.1 " 49.6
Total Gross Expenditures
$16,709.70
$17,059.22
$18,879.53
Aver. Monthly Payment per case
$66.08
$62.90
$65.35
"
34
"
20 cases 33 persons
24 cases, 52 persons "
154
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
For the Year Ending December 31, 1950
Drunkenness
24
Driving under the influence
2
Driving to endanger
7
Improper plates
1
No license in possession
1
Driving after license has been suspended
Speeding
Leaving the scene
No sticker
Laws of the road
Failing to stop at stop sign
Fires without a permit
1 3 1
Malicious destruction Town Property
Non-Support
5
Neglect of minor children
2
Contributing to neglect of minor children
2
Assault and Battery
6
Disturbing the peace
1
Fraudulent Checks
6 1
Larceny by false pretense
Breaking and entering in night time
1
Breaking and entering in day time
1
Larceny over $100.00
3
Larceny under $100.00
1
85
This list includes arrests made by the State Police.
This list does not include the juvenile arrests.
The Wayland Police served, during 1950 eighty-seven sum- monses, six subpoenas, five summonses to show cause, two sum- monses to children and four warrants.
During the past year several accidents of rather serious import occurred in the Town. On occasions the cruiser was used to facilitate the rapid transport of the injured to local hospitals
155
1 2
1 4 1 7
Fish & Game Law
where prompt treatment was administered. No fatalities are recorded for the year 1950.
It is with sincere sorrow and respect that I mention the death of the late Chief Thomas P. Evans of Natick. I wish to thank the new Chief, W. Joseph Shea, and his department for the con- tinued cooperation and help extended me.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks also to all the citizens of the community for their excellent sense of responsibility and fine spirit of cooperation which have helped me immeasurably.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST H. DAMON Chief of Police.
REPORT OF HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS
In submitting our budget for the coming year, we are recom- mending a larger appropriation for the general Highway account in order to properly maintain and improve the Town roads. During the past year, we have received several requests to improve roads which up to the present time have not had extensive use. New homes with the resulting increase in traffic make improve- ments necessary.
We are recommending the purchase of a Tractor Shovel. This piece of equipment would be a valuable addition to our Department as more work could be accomplished with our ap- propriations. The Town owns two gravel pits where sand and gravel are available without cost, but it is necessary for us to have the proper equipment to make use of them.
Under Chapter 90 Construction in 1951, plans call for the completion of construction of Main Street, Cochituate,, to Legion Square.
JOSEPH DECATUR RONALD S. CAMPBELL GUSTAF M. BLOMGREN Road Commissioners.
156
REPORT OF HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The following is a brief outline of the work done under the various appropriations of the Highway Department.
The general Highway appropriation allows for cleaning of roads and drainage systems as well as maintenance work. We used 35,000 gallons of Bituminous materials for surface treat- ments. On Stone Bridge Road, we gravelled and surfaced 3500 ft. of roadway. On Lincoln Road, 1800 ft. has been excavated and gravelled in preparation for surfacing.
Under Chapter 90 Maintenance, in addition to the general maintenance of Chapter 90 roads, 15,000 gallons of Bituminous materials were used for surface treatments.
The Chapter 90 Construction appropriation was used on Main Street, Cochituate. This work is being done in two sections. Section 1, which has been completed, consisted of installing a new drainage system from the Natick line to Legion Square and reconstructing 900 ft. of the street.
Streets completed under Betterment appropriations were Adelaide Avenue, Riverview Avenue, Overlook Road and Sec- tion 1 of Riverview Circle and Shore Drive. Section 2 of River- view Circle is under construction at the present time.
New equipment puchased this year included a 2 Ton Ford Dump Truck and a 1/2 Ton Chevrolet Pick-up Truck.
Respectfully submitted, ALBERT E. POTVIN, Highway Surveyor.
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
This year there has been considerable damage to the elm trees of the town due to the Dutch Elm Disease. The Gypsy moth has been kept under control by successful spraying. This has been done throughout the town. The trees along the roadways and public places have all been sprayed for the Elm Beetle also. Trees
157
on private property were also sprayed upon the request of the owners.
The State Department of Insect Pest Control during the first months of the year condemned a number of elm trees and ordered them taken down. This was done and the wood burned. The State has again, in November, condemned three elm trees and has ordered their removal. These trees have all been infected with the Dutch Elm Disease.
A thorough survey of all the elm trees in the whole town has been taken and all questionable trees have been tagged. The number of public trees tagged was 168 and 68 on private property. To this date there haven't been any samples taken so it is not known how many of these trees have the disease.
The Dutch Elm disease is a serious threat to our beautiful elms, and if it is not properly dealt with will cause us to lose most, if not all, of our elms. Spraying an infected tree does not cure it, nor does spraying a healthy tree near infected ones save it. So far, the only sure way of dealing with this disease, and saving our healthy trees, is to remove the affected trees and either burn or bury the wood.
Respectfully submitted. JOHN E. NELSON, Superintendent.
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
I hereby subinit my report for the year 1950.
Twenty store licenses and nine milk dealer's permits have been issued to sell milk in Wayland from June 1, 1950 to June 1, 1951.
These establishments and dealers are operating according to the rules and regulations of the Board of Health and are under the supervision of the laws of the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS FRANCIS LINNEHAN
158
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The Fire Department answered the following alarms for the year ending 1950.
Number of alarms answered by
Wayland
Cochituate
Auto
1
6
Airplane
1
-
Bulldozer
1
Burning Oil
1
Boiler Room
1
Brush
5
17
Chimney
3
1
Dump
2
1
Fence
1
5
Gas Station
-
1
Grass
14
9
Garage
2
House
2
6
Leaking Gas
2
Oil Burner
-
3
Moving Sick Person
1
Rubbish
2
4
Rescue
2
Still
1
Shed
1
Tractor
1
2
3
Total
40
67
The group of citizens from the Stonebridge section of Way- land who were instructed in the care and use of hose, appliances and ladders by the department in 1949, organized this year with William Dugan as their leader and with Robert Walker, Robert Bullock, William Smith and Frank McClellan, as deputies. Under his leadership they purchased a used truck, repaired and painted it and made the body suitable to carry fire fighting equipment. When this work was done and quarters provided to
159
-
Truck
Woods
4
-
1
False Alarm
house the truck, the Board of Engineers turned over to them 500 feet of 11/2 inch hose and other miscellaneous equipment. The purpose of this volunteer unit is to put out fires of a minor nature under their own efforts and to hold larger fires down to a mini- mum until help arrives from Cochituate or Wayland Fire Companies.
The citizens of this community are to be commended for their fine civic pride in giving so generously of their time and dollars in the completion of this unit and the placing of it into service.
The Board of Engineers would like to bring again to the attention of the Citizens, the age of the trucks in this department.
Engine No. 1 LaFrance Cochituate 26 years old
Engine No. 2 Chevrolet Wayland 17 years old
Engine No. 3 Ford Cochituate 16 years old
Forest Fire truck Ford Wayland 11 years old
Although Engine 1 of Cochituate is 26 years old, the Board feels that Engine 2, of Wayland should be the first truck to be replaced, due to its worn out mechanical condition, both in the pump and the truck. An article has been prepared for the next annual town meeting to see if the Town will appropriate money for the purchase of a new pump.
Five new fire boxes were installed during the past year, at the following locations: Oak St. and Timber Lane, Dudley Rd., Cochituate Road at the Town Hall and two on Pemberton Road. All the old iron wire was removed from the Fire Alarm System on Commonwealth Rd .- East and on Main St., from the intersection of East & West Plain St., to Fiske's Corner and replaced with insulated copper wire. During the replacement of new wire on Main St., two additional wires were strung to complete the mutual aid circuit between Wayland and Cochitu- ate fire station.
The new air whistle for the Wayland Fire Station was placed into operation in November. The air whistles at both the Cochituate and Wayland Fire Stations now sound every blow instantly, whether a fire alarm box is pulled in either pre- cinct. The purpose of the installation of this air whistle was two fold; first it alerts the Fire Company not involved in answering
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a first alarm to be in a stand by position for a possible second alarm call for mutual aid and secondly the siren which had been in service at Wayland for many years could not be adapted to work in conjunction with fire alarm boxes.
The fire alarm circuit was extended to the Wayland-Natick town line in November and the Natick Fire Department installed instruments to record all blows on our alarm system. A running card has been worked out between the two departments for mutual aid and placed in operation.
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