USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1891-1900 > Part 55
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During the last year, through the long dry season when other water works, mills, etc., were suffering from a scarcity of water, we were not obliged to limit the use of water, and, although the pond was lower than ever known before, the supply was inexhaustible, and the town should be thankful for having as good a water supply as any in the State.
The quality of the water is good, and, according to the report of the State Board of Health, who analyzes the same monthly, is as good as most any in the State.
STANDPIPE.
There have been no breaks or trouble with the standpipe during the last year, and the grounds are in the same condi- tion as before.
100
During the coming year the standpipe should be painted inside, and this should be done at least every other year.
MAINS.
No extensions have been made during the last year. In regard to the condition of those already put in, I am glad to report that wherever there has been a chance to examine them they seem to be in as good order as when put in.
There have been six (6) breaks in the mains during the last year; three (3) have been all joint breaks; two (2) were on the main street opposite the residence of Charles H. Kendrick, and four (4) have been between the residence of A. J. Towne where the main leads from the main street to the pumping station. Three (3) are owing to the loose nature of the ground, and are liable to happen in this section of the pipe line at any time.
HYDRANTS.
There are the same number as last year, one hundred and fifty-five (155). As has been the custom before, these were examined in the Fall, two (2) repaired, and, as far as can be known, all are in working order at the present time. They should be painted the coming season.
METERS.
We still believe in the use of meters, and, although the rates received in many cases are less where they are in, takers are more apt to look after their fixtures and any useless waste of water.
In many systems of water works the use of meters is being introduced in the entire system, as, according to the best authority, the waste from various causes is nearly one- third (§) of the supply. Any way which will lessen this waste is a gain in the expense of pumping the same.
101
In closing this report, I would say, from what little ex- perience I have had in charge of the Water Works and what I have read and seen of others works, that the people should realize that the putting in of these was well looked after by the ones in charge of the same, and that today we have as good a water supply, station, pumps, boilers, hydrants and mains as any in the State.
The station is open for inspection at any time, and the people should, and we cordially invite them and strangers to call and inspect the same.
CHARLES A. WALES, Superintendent.
To the Water Commissioners of Randolph :
Gentlemen,-I submit to you my twelfth annual report as engineer of your plant for the year ending Dec. 31, 1899.
We had the misfortune to have a crack appear in one of the water cylinders of one of our pumps last November, which gave way entirely November 26, and had to be re- placed by a new one. This work, which you placed in my hands with full authority, has been completed at a small out- lay outside of the actual cost of material, and in this expense is included the cost of overhauling the entire engine, which is now in as good condition, with the exception of painting, as when new, and I trust that an examination of the expenses incurred, and a comparison with a known cost from another source, will be entirely satisfactory. I would also bring to the notice of the Commissioners the great need of a second air pump and condenser sooner or later, as you know we have but one, and that connected to both engines is in oper- ation every day, so that nothing in the way of permanent- repairs can be made upon it, as I can not spare it long enough. We can operate the engines without it, but it
102
would require the use of both boilers, nearly double the amount of coal and the services of another man while run- ning. I speak of this that we may be prepared. The pres- ent air pump is doing good work at the present time, but I can see that the time is coming not very far away when it will refuse to do its work. We have the means of doing everything necessary in the line of repairs that will be needed if we could get along without using the pump for a few weeks, and the amount we would save by doing the work here at our own pleasure, compared with the cost of being obliged to get it done outside in a hurry should it give out, would go a long way towards paying for a second one. I do not look for any trouble from this source for some time to come, prob- ably not this year.
Following is the usual table :
DATE.
Water pumped, Gallons.
Daily average, Gallons.
Coal burned, Pounds.
Daily average, Pounds.
January .
7,841,062
261,368
58,478
1,949
February
6,313,440
210,448
47,224
1,574
March
7,293,662
243,122
51,626
1,720
April
7,455,384
215,179
48,366
1,612
May
11,302,225
376,740
69, 13I
2,30I
June
15,393,594
513,119
87,600
2,920
July
12,489,155
416,305
74,649
2,488
August .
12,034,350
401,14.5
73,912
2,463
September
8,420,959
280,698
56,209
1,873
October
6,507,558
223,585
43,390
1,446
November
5,717,3II
257,243
42,291
1,309
December
5,842,370
294,745
45,294
1,509
Totals
·
106,611,070
292,085
698,170
1,912
Respectfully submitted,
E. J. T. DEXTER,
Engineer.
.
103
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
The following regulations, until further notice, shall be considered a part of the contract with every person who uses water :
1. All applications for the use of water must be made at the office of the Water Commissioners, and state fully the purposes for which it is intended to be used. Water will not be introduced into any building or premises except on the written application of the owner thereof, or by a duly authorized agent. The property will in all cases be held responsible for the water rates.
2. All persons taking water must keep their water pipes and fixtures in good repair and protected from the frost at their own expense. They will be held liable for all damages resulting from their failure to do so. They shall prevent all unnecessary waste, and water shall not be left running to prevent freezing. The Water Commissioners or their agent may, from time to time, ascertain the quantity of water used, the manner of its use, and whether there is any unnecessary waste. They and their agents shall have free access to the premises supplied, to examine the apparatus, and if any fix- tures are found not to be in good order, they shall direct them repaired, and if not repaired within two days the water shall be shut off and not let on again until such repairs are made, and the sum of two dollars paid for shutting off and turning on the water.
3. The occupant of any premises, when unnecessary waste of water occurs, shall be liable to a fine of two dollars for the first offence, and four dollars for the second offence dur- ing the same year, and shall be notified thereof in writing ; and if such waste is not prevented and the fine aforesaid paid within two days from the time when the said notice is given, the water shall be shut off from the premises, and shall not
104
be again let on for the same occupant until the waste be stopped and the fine paid, together with an additional sum of two dollars for shutting off and letting on the water; and in case of a third or subsequent offence the water shall be shut off, and shall not again be let on except by a vote of the Water Commissioners and the payment of such fine, not exceeding ten dollars, as the Water Commissioners may im- pose.
4. Any person supplied with water shall not allow another to take water from their fixtures without the written permis- sion of the Water Commissioners. If any tenant, having no fixtures, has any use of such fixtures, full rates will be charged for such use by each tenant.
5. All parties using water in stables, for horses or other animals, will be charged schedule rates for the same, whether it be carried by hand or through hose.
6. All persons using water for building purposes are re- quired to obtain a permit from the Water Commissioners before taking water from any faucet or fixture connected with the water works, and all water takers are warned not to let any party take water from their premises until they show a permit from the Water Commissioners. Any person furnishing water in violation of this section will be subject to a fine of not less than five nor more than twenty dollars, and if the same when levied is not paid within three days from the time when the notice thereof is given, the water will be shut off from the premises, and will not be let on again until such fine is paid.
7. All fixtures and water-closets and urinals must be of a kind and quality approved by the Water Commissioners.
8. No person shall in any case be allowed to open any fire . hydrants except by a written permit from the Water Com- missioners ; but the Engineers of the Fire Department shall in all cases have control of hydrants at fires and for practice.
105
9. The Commissioners reserve the right to restrict the use of hose or fountain, to shut off the water in all cases when it becomes necessary to make extensions or repairs, or for vio- lation of any of the regulations, or whenever they deem it expedient.
10. The regular rates for the use of water shall be payable in advance on the first days of January and July of each year. except where water is supplied to manufacturers by special agreement. In all cases of non-payment of the water rates within ten days after the same is due, as well as for any vio- lation of these rules and regulations, the supply will be shut off, and the water will not again be let on except upon the payment of the amount due, and the sum of two dollars for shutting off and letting on the water.
11. The Water Commissioners reserve the right to change the water rates at any time, except in case of dwelling-houses, and establish special rates.
12. For business requiring large quantities of water, and all supplies not enumerated in the tariff of rates, special rates will be made.
13. Parties using water for manufacturing or domestic pur- poses can erect hydrants on their grounds or standpipes in their building, to be used only as protection against fire, without additional charge for water.
14. All service pipes will be put in by the Water Commis- sioners. All applicants for the introduction of service pipes into their premises are required to make written application therefor at the office of the Water Commissioners. The Commissioners may then proceed to lay the necessary service pipes to the interior of the building, provided all expenses incurred beyond the line of the street shall be paid by the owner of the premises, who shall thereafter maintain and keep the same in good order at his own cost ; and the same shall be at all times subject to the control of the Commissioners.
106
All applicants for whom the pipe is laid will be charged for the use of one faucet whether the water is used or not, unless they pay all expense that has been incurred in laying such service pipe, and in no case will the main he tapped more than once for the same premises, unless the additional ex- pense is borne by the owner.
The following water rates are established until further notice :
No connection made with the main pipe for any purpose for less than $6 00
DWELLING-HOUSES.
Occupied by one family, for the first faucet
$6 00
Each additional faucet to be used by same family, 2 00
Two or more families occupying one house, one faucet for all, each family 5 00 ·
One faucet for each family
.
6 00
For first bathtub
5 00
If used by more than one family in same house, each family 4 00
Each additional bathtub .
2 00
For first pan or self-acting water closet .
5 00
If used by more than one family in same house, each family 4 00
Each additional pan or self-acting water closet .
2 00
In no case shall the charge for the use of water
by a private family, exclusive of hose and stable, be more than
20 00
Where two faucets are used, one for hot and one for cold water, emptying into the same basin, only one charge will be made for both. Laundry tuh . 3 00
1
107
BOARDING HOUSES AND HOTELS.
First faucet
$10 00
Each additional faucet
3 00
First bathtub
10 00
Each additional bathtub . 3 00 .
First pan or self-acting water closet . 10 00
Each additional pan or self-acting water closet . 3 00
PRIVATE STABLES.
First horse
$5 00
Each additional horse .
3 00
Each cow or ox
.
1 00
LIVERY, EXPRESS, AND BOARDING STABLES.
For the first four horses . $12 00
From five to twelve horses, each 2 00
The above prices include water for washing carriages.
Offices, Stores, Markets, Barber Shops and Res-
taurants-When used for ordinary purposes, same as for dwelling houses.
Building Purposes-Each cast of lime or cement, $0 05
HOSE.
For sprinkling streets, washing windows and similar uses, 4-inch nozzle, to be used only on premises and street opposite, not exceeding two hours per day for six months in the year, 5 00
For any use not herein enumerated, special rates will be made.
108
METER RATES.
For not over 1,000 gallons average per day, per
1,000 gallons $0 30
For over 1,000 gallons and not exceeding 2,000
gallons average per day, per 1,000 gallons 25
For over 2,000 gallons per day, per 1,000 gallons, 20
Provided that in no case where a meter is used shall the annual charge be less than $8.
Meters will be supplied by the Water Commissioners, for which an annual rental will be charged as follows :
Size § inch, $2 per year.
Size & inch, $2 per year.
All needed repairs, damages by frost excepted, will be made at the expense of the town.
Persons desirous of owning their meters will be supplied at cost.
PETER B. HAND,
DANIEL B. WHITE,
CHARLES A. WALES, Water Commissioners.
109
JOSEPH T. LEAHY, TREASURER IN ACCOUNT WITH RANDOLPH WATER WORKS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand December 31, 1898 .
$587 33
Received for water rates, service pipes, etc.
· 7,513 34
Received town appropriations :
For hydrants, etc.
2,000 00
For sinking fund .
3,000 00
Received from Holbrook
260 00
$13,360 67
Paid orders of Water Commissioners
. $12,960 19
Paid three coupons of 1898 presented for payment in 1899
60 00
Balance on hand December 30, 1899 .
340 48
$13,360 67
FINANCIAL STATEMENT BY MONTHS.
MONTH.
Receipts.
Payments.
Balance.
December, 189S .
$587 33
January, 1899
$1, 169 00
$460 00
1,296 33
February
141 50
496 44
941 39
March
526 41
120 98
1,346 82
April
1,081 85
2,094 75
333 92
May
.
325 74
389 04
270 62
June
105 92
5 00
371 54
July
1,791 92
1,294 17
869 29
August
448 12
483 89
S33 52
September
1,595 81
369 12
2,060 2I
October
407 95
2,062 94
405 22
November
542 27
573 79
373 70
December
4,636 85
4,670 07
340 48
Totals
$12,773 34
$13,020 19
$340 48
RANDOLPH, Mass., February 13, 1900.
We, the undersigned, Auditors of the town of Randolph, have this day examined the accounts of Joseph T. Leahy, Treasurer of the Water Com- missioners, and find the same correct and the balance as stated above.
M. F. CUNNINGHAM, R. P. BARRETT, HERBERT F. FRENCH,
Auditors.
EXPENDITURES.
110
JOSEPH T. LEAHY, TREASURER, in account with RANDOLPHI WATER LOAN SINKING FUND.
DR.
Balance on hand December 31, 1898
$4,724 86
Received for town note
4,000 00
town appropriation ·
3,000 00
Received interest :
On town note, $4,000, one year $160 00
town note, $3,000, one year 120 00
Old Colony Railroad bond, one year, 120 00
Maine Central R.R. bond, one year, 30 00 Town of Randolph bonds, one year, 880 00 On deposits in savings banks :
Randolph $23 56
Abington
51 38
Quincy
50 22
Brockton .
50 22
North Easton
50 22
Mass. Loan & Trust Co., 18 38
243 98
1,553 98
$13,278 84
CR.
By amount paid for town note, one year $4,000 00
By amount paid for town note, one year . 3,000 00
By amount deposited in savings banks, 225 60
Cash balance deposited in Mass. Loan & Trust Co. 6,053 24
- $13,278 84
111
FINANCIAL EXHIBIT OF WATER ACCOUNT DECEMBER 31, 1899.
LIABILITIES.
Water bonds outstanding : amount due,-
April 1, 1902
$10,000 00
April 1, 1907
. 20,000 00
April 1, 1912
. 20,000 00
April 1, 1917
. 40,000 00
May 1, 1918
. 20,000 00
July 1, 1922
. 25,000 00
July 1, 1926
. 8,000 00
-- $143,000 00
Interest due on bonds Dec. 31, 1899, 1,693 33
-- $144,693 33
ASSETS.
Amount of sinking fund
. $44,365 23
Cash in hands of Treasurer 340 48
44,705 71
Net water debt December 31, 1899,
$99,987 62
Net water debt December 31, 1898 . $104,294 75 Net water debt December 31, 1899 . .
. 99,987 62
Decrease of water debt in 1899
.
$4,307 13
112
STATE OF THE RANDOLPH WATER LOAN SINK- ING FUND DECEMBER 31,. 1899.
1 Old Colony R.R. bond, registered 4 per cent, $3,000 00
1 Maine Central R.R. bond, coupon, 6 per cent, 500 00
22 Town of Randolph bonds, 4 per cent . 22,000 00
1 Town of Randolph note, 4 per cent
. 4,000 00
1 Town of Randolph note, 4 per cent . 3,000 00 On deposit in Abington Savings Bank . 1,323 88 On deposit in North Easton Savings Bank . 1,293 52
On deposit in Quincy Savings Bank . 1,293 52
On deposit in Brockton Savings Bank . 1,293 52
On deposit in Randolph Savings Bank 607 55
On deposit in Mass. Loan & Trust Co. . 6,053 24
$44,365 23
-
RANDOLPH, MASS., Feb. 13, 1900.
The undersigned, Auditors of the Town of Randolph, have examined the sinking fund and find it to agree with the statement above made.
M. F. CUNNINGHAM, R. P. BARRETT, HERBERT F. FRENCH, Auditors.
-
113
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER.
From a financial standpoint the year ending December 31, 1899, has been an exceptionally prosperous one for the town, and our standing, as compared with that of one year ago, shows a marked improvement. The town debt, as shown by the statement which follows, has been reduced by over $6,000 from the amount owed on December 31, 1898, and it may not be amiss to review the causes which have led to this condition.
Appropriations were made at the annual meeting as follows : $500 for the reduction of the debt incurred for the highway plant ; $1,500 for refunding the expenses incurred and paid in 1898 for the removal of snow, and $800 for refunding the expenses of poor out of almshouse, also incurred and paid in 1898. These amounts reduced the debt by $2,800. The feature of the year's report most deserving of congratulation, in the opinion of the Treasurer, is the absence for the first time in many years of the term "net amount overdrawn," and the substitution therefor of the term " net amount un- expended." This shows a commendable carefulness in each department, which we can only hope will be emulated in the coming year.
If the gross amount of the appropriations is not overdrawn, the town debt must show in each year a healthy decrease from the amount in the one preceding it.
The amount of the corporation tax refunded in 1899 has been nearly $1,000 in excess of that of previous years, and we have received, for the first time, taxes from the various street railway companies which have wonderfully lightened our burdens. Under the old system of apportioning corpo-
114
ration taxes, as applied to street railway companies, the tax was refunded to the towns where the shareholders re- sided, in proportion to the number of shares held by such residents respectively. The present law provides that, in- stead of such apportionment, the tax shall be apportioned among the several cities and towns in proportion to the length of tracks operated by such company in said cities and towns respectively. The receipts under this law during the past year have been $789.87 representing the tax of 1898, and $1,214.82 representing the tax of 1899. In addition thereto, we have received an excise tax, levied directly by the assessors, amounting to $874.85. These returns will recur annually, and without doubt will increase in volume, because increased earnings insure an increased tax to the town.
The following table, compiled from the returns of the var- ious companies to the assessors, will show the amount of ex- cise tax levied on each, the Brockton Street Railway Com- pany being assessed at the rate of 24 per cent, the Quincy & Boston Street Railway Company at the rate of 2 per cent, and the Boston, Milton & Brockton Street Railway Company at the rate of one per cent of gross earnings in proportion to the mileage of each company in the town :
Brockton St. Ry. Co.
Quincy & Boston St. Ry. Co.
Boston, Milton & Brockton St. Ry. Co.
Total number of miles of
track owned and operated, 46.747
40.359
10.364
Number miles owned and
operated in Randolph, 3.867
2.015
1.546
Gross receipts for year
ending Sept. 30,1899, $358,873.21 $190,819.86$10,994.30 Gross receipts per mile of track operated $7,676.92 $4,728.06 $1,060.91
Excise tax levied by as-
sessors
$667.95
$190.54 $16.39
115
During the year the treasurer has received from the Stoughton and Randolph Street Railway Company and de- posited to the credit of the town, two thousand dollars, con- ditioned upon the faithful performance of all the requirements of the Selectmen bygsaid company.
Regarding the future reduction of the town debt, we have already provided for an annual appropriation of $500 on account of the road plant, and an annual appropriation of $850 on account of new streets; this year we ask you to provide a further reduction of $630 annually for ten years, to refund a loan of $6,300 becoming due June 2, 1900.
An unsatisfactory feature of the treasurer's report is the portion showing that the tendency to hold back taxes is still increasing and that each year's report shows a larger amount of taxes outstanding than the one preceding it. Should we meet with the same unfavorable conditions we experienced in 1898 we will be placed in such an unpleasant situation that enforcement of collections must be made at short notice.
The report in detail follows.
116
JOSEPH T. LEAHY, TREASURER, IN ACCOUNT
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand December 31, 1898 .
$1,008 39
Money borrowed on town notes
58,500 00
Received on account of taxes : Of 1896
$61 48
Of 1897
7,992 85
Of 1898
8,500 00
Of 1899
· 25,000 00
41,554 33
Received from State Treasurer :
Corporation tax, 1898
$72 15
Corporation tax, 1899
4,670 15
Street railway tax, 1898
789 87
Street railway tax, 1899
1,214 82
National Bank tax, 1899
1,770 34
Military aid, 1898
281 00
State aid, 1898
2,593 00
Burial of soldiers, 1898
105 00
Massachusetts school fund, 1899
294 38
One-half salary of inspector
25 00
11,815 71 1,250 10
Received from Selectmen for sundry accounts .
Received from other towns, pauper account :
Boston
25 60
Brockton
62 90
Taunton (two years)
91 00
Weymouth .
6 00
Milton (two years)
286 70
Cambridge .
34 00
Milford
33 00
Holbrook ·
314 08
Braintree
60 00
Received from interest : On deposits
$52 27
On taxes
800 00
Premium on notes
347 72
1,199 99
Received from School Committee :
Interest on Coddington fund
$64 00
Sale of sundries .
5 63
Refunded for tuition
97 00
913 28
166 63
117
WITH THE TOWN OF RANDOLPH.
Received from County Treasurer : Dog licenses
$393 46
Received from licenses of various kinds
10 00
Received Court fees : Dedham .
$10.00
Quincy
129 66
139 66
$116,951 55
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid treasury notes
.
$56,000 00
Paid orders of Selectmen
53,215 83
Balance in hands of Treasurer December 30, 1899
7,735 72
$116,951 55
CONDENSED MONTHLY STATEMENTS.
1
RECEIPTS.
EXPENDITURES.
MONTHS.
Taxes.
Select- men, sundry accounts.
Money borrowed on town notes.
Interest.
Other towns, pauper account.
State Treasurer.
All other sources.
Orders of Selectmen.
Town notes.
December, 1898, January, 1899
$3,000 00
$1, 169 65
February .
$1,500 00
$183 95
$9 59
$136 50 6 00 128 73
$72 15 789 87
$9 29
2,379 93
$9,000 00 25,000 00
5,760 23
May
4,000 00
109 94
3 12
4 00
6,751 85
3,125 44
June
2,500 00
114 50
4 49
3,481 19
2,263 24
July
1,000 00
70 00
I 48
25 00
23 03
2,782 29
600 46
August
2,000 00
11,500 00
349 90
97 0Q
1,484 34
11,500 00
1,563 02
September
4,000 00
40 00
October
19,000 00
109 20
4 77
94 19
4,773 63
10,000 00
5,539 39
November
3,000 00
75 00
I 97
77 00 565 05
10.928 69
482 24
13.302 17
7,735 72
Totals, 1899 .
$41,554 33
$1,250 10 $58,500 00 749 OI
$1, 199 99
$913 28
$11,815 71
·
.
41,436 20
1,071 25
956 64
998 50
8,726 78
Totals, 1896
35,000 00
996 28
57,600 00
1,505 51
1,028 75
9,575 60
$709 75 1,135 33 719 66 610 81
$53,215 83 *59,500 30 *56,965 45 *54,560 79
$56,000 00 65,000 00
$7,735 72
Totals, 1898
38,635 06
70,000 00 67,000 00
1,259 25
761 48
9,362 30
1,008 39
Totals, 1897
.
.
.
2,054 33
485 41
822 19
2,993 38
5,699 98
December
1,500 00
56 00
30,000 00
I 00
5,736 54
$1,008 39 $2,838 74 306 o8
March
1,000 00
6 10
14,000 00
I 48
4,021 17
April
.
* Includes all payments except town notes.
64,500 00 53,600 00
3,606 26
4,162 68
3,998 16
500 00
1,104 86
4,362 70
BALANCE.
119
FINANCIAL EXHIBIT.
LIABILITIES.
Treasury notes :
Turner Library, 4 per cent . $5,000 00
Randolph Savings Bank, 4 per cent . 10,000 00
Randolph Savings Bank, 4 per cent . 5,000 00
Coddington Fund, 4 per cent . · 1,600 00
One note (renewal), 3} per cent . 15,000 00
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