USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1887 > Part 4
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15 50
James Clark,
9 00
Peter Macker,
14 00
Hannah Cooney,
18 00
Henry Rice,
12 00
Amos Smith,
6 00
Lizzie Greene,
3 00
Isabelle Rogers,
34 20
Julia Grady,
46 00
James Queenan,
2 00
George Smith,
6 00
Ann Ferguson,
4 70
Bridget Connelly,
6 00
96
ANNUAL REPORT.
Mary Anger,
$5 00
John Covilland,
14 00
Mary Connelly,
24 00
Mary McLear,
II 25
William Singer,
7 69
John Duffy,
10 00
J. Wilson,
12 00
Bridget Dewire,
8 00
Warren Richford,
4 25
George Wolf,
5 00
Mary A. German,
5 00
Bridget McDownley,
4 00
John McLean,
8 00
Martin McCormick,
5 00
Ellen Furlong,
6 75
J. Freely,
5 65
J. Lambert,
7 50
Napoleon Forrest,
30 12
James Crowley,
5 65
William Jutros,
27 70
William Buckley,
7 75
James Curran,
235 00
Julia Leffleur,
62 56
Mrs. Joseph Martin,
21 75
Charles Martin,
16 75
John Martin,
2 00
Frank I. Hunt,
4 00
Fred. Bowder,
23 75
Michael Cassidy,
47 50
Mrs. William Kraszewski,
151 23
Ignatious Hanson,
5 00
Patrick Kelly,
13 00
James Teyrell,
31 50
Mrs. A. Thouin,
24 00
97
ANNUAL REPORT.
John J. Devine,
IO 77
Mary Clark, 6 40
Susan Cheney,
29 00
Mary Cunningham,
6 00
Charles Macker,
5 75
John Bowen,
15 00
E. Honey,
5 75
Patrick Bird,
18 00
Margaret Timmons,
12 50
W. B. Holland,
12 00
S. Crooker,
6 75
T. H. Ball,
8 00
H. Cooney,
7 25
Catherine Hammon,
8 00
H. Mannon,
7 25
J. Best,
6 50
Margaret Mack,
5 75
David Tiffany,
6 25
Margaret Touey,
22 00
Ann Cooley,
7 50
Leu. Mouser,
6 25
M. J. Casey,
5 00
Bridget Dewire,
7 00
James Brown,
10 00
Mary Kelly,
10 00
Patrick Powers,
8 00
Ann Gurry,
8 00
H. P. Briggs,
4 00
Margaret Hammond,
6 00
John Costello,
5 00
Michael Nado,
7 50
Mary L. Singer,
2,4 00
Charles Fontneau,
7 00
98
ANNUAL REPORT.
MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL FOR FEEBLE MINDED.
Amy Richardson,
$84 04
Maggie Freeman,
94 52
$178 56
TAUNTON LUNATIC HOSPITAL.
Charles Bailey,
$177 10
Charles Cheever,
184 09
Bernard Cannon,
189 63
Alvan G. Sadler,
200 89
Ruth C. Munroe,
186 29
William A. Spear,
174 17
Francis Doran,
186 82
Alice Yates,
169 50
Mary O'Neal,
136 08
Isaac Briggs,
196 52
E. H. Gilmore,
43 79
Edward H. Killion,
55 08
Thomas McGivney,
27 39
Charles S. Pierce,
6 56
Theodore F. Martin,
90 10
$2,024 OI
DANVERS LUNATIC HOSPITAL.
Alvah R. Chace, $181 49
$181 49
99
ANNUAL REPORT.
STATION HOUSES.
NORTH STATION.
Care of 731 tramps,
$146 20
Repairs, Supplies,
17 04
45 03
$208 27
EAST STATION.
Care of 763 tramps,
$152 60
Repairs,
II 33
Supplies,
47 80
$211 73
INCIDENTAL.
Vaccinating school children, $2 00
Perry, Barnes & Co., printing, 13 75
Five years subscription for Ploughman, 10 00
Providence Telephone Co.,
2 50
Superintendent of Almshouse, 320 83
Almshouse supplies, 951 53
$1,300 61
MEDICAL ATTENDANCE.
Dr. Mary Battershall, $33 41
" Burden & Gerould,
96 93
" Edward Sanford, 5 13
" Charles S. Holden, 71 28
" Edgar Gates, 13 30
100
ANNUAL REPORT.
Dr. James R. Foster, $14 78
" Laura V. G. Mackie,
29 30
" George Mackie, 34 90
" Bronson & Roberts,
7 43
" Herbert C. Bullard, 39 84
" John W. Battershall, 117 65
" Thomas P. McDonnough, 36 05
$500 00
$12,159 82
Amount due from other towns and cities, $985 22
Amount due from State, 1,481 65
Amount due for support of Ruth Munroe, 186 29
Amount due for support of Isaac
Briggs, 196 52
Amount due for support of Theodore F. Martin,
90 10
Amount due for support of E. H. Gil- more, 43 79
Amount due for support of Alvah R. Chace, 96 76
Station houses,
420 00
Bill heads, printing, etc.,
26 25
Money refunded,
67 58
Net cost supporting Poor,
8,565 66
-- $12,159 82
STATEMENT.
Appropriation, $8,000 00
Appropriation (Medical attendance), 500 00
Excess of appropriation, 3,659 82 -
$12,159 82
IOI
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF ALMS- HOUSE, MARCH 1, 1887.
CASH PAID.
For Provisions,
$497 03
Grain,
395 35
Seed and fertilizer,
116 09
Stock,
249 00
Tools and repairs,
65 81
Blacksmithing,
28 02
Labor,
47 38
Pump and repairs,
IO 43
Lumber and nails,
32 70
Paint, putty and glass,
5 40
Blankets and harness,
18 06
Salt and lime,
5 55
Coal,
31 24
Bedding and clothing,
100 02
Soap, oil and matches,
47 26
Medicines,
4 15
Medicine and attendance at house,
IO 05
Tin, wooden and earthen ware,
26 79
Tobacco,
6 32
Sundry small bills,
21 22
Salary of the Superintendent (II months),
320 83
Hay,
128 34
Cash on hand,
29 II
$2,196 15
IO2
ANNUAL REPORT.
CASH RECEIVED.
For Milk and butter,
$409 94
Eggs and Poultry,
68 21
Hay and straw,
73 21
Beef, veal and pork,
144 II
Vegetables,
98 02
Labor,
74 05
One cow,
27 00
Posts,
18 29
Sundry small bills,
IO 96
Town Treasurer,
1,272 36
$2,196 15
Average number of paupers, 7 3-8
Number of tramps,
2
Number of inmates,
9
FRED. H. COLLINGWOOD, Superintendent.
STATE OF ALMSHOUSE, MARCH 1, 1887.
DR.
To Hay, stock, farming tools, provisions, house- hold furniture, etc., appraisal of March I, 1886, $2,086 02
Cash paid Superintendent, 1,272 36
$3,358 38
IO3
ANNUAL REPORT.
CR.
By appraisal value of personal property, March 1, 1887, $2,393 63 Expense of supporting Almshouse, 964 75
$3,358 38
S. P. LATHROP, G. B. FITTZ, C. T. GUILD,
Overseers of the Poor.
104
ANNUAL REPORT.
RECAPITULATION.
Educational, including salaries of teachers, jan- itors and fuel,
$30,710 35
School repairs,
2,999, 52
Text books and supplies,
2,599 49
Educational incidental,
1,499 88
School Superintendent,
1,775 00
Pine street school,
2,091 87
School transportation,
551 00
Apparatus and reference books,
288 04
New school accommodations,
108 43
Decoration,
300 00
Markers for soldiers' graves,
71 IO
Patrol,
206 45
Sewer special,
912 50
Military aid,
516 00
Current,
8,351 54
Incidental,
9,502 25
Pauper,
12,159 82
General highway,
22,975 71
Highway district,
3,IOI 78
$100,720 73
IO5
ANNUAL REPORT.
STANDING OF THE TOWN, MARCH 1, 1887.
ASSETS.
Cash in treasury March 1, 1887,
$5,585 92
Uncollected taxes and cash in hands of collec-
tors, 30,807 14
Claim for State aid,
924 00
Claim for military aid,
258 00
Claim for support of paupers against the State,
1,481 65
Claim for support of A. R. Chace against the State, 96 76
Claims for support of paupers against other towns, 485 22
Claim for support of insane,
382 81
School property,
190,000 00
Real estate, poor farm,
3,500 00
Personal estate at Almshouse,
2,393 63
Gravel pit,
1,000 00
Sinking fund,
10,660 00
Stone crusher and road machinery,
3,000 00
Station houses,
1,500 00
$252,075 13
LIABILITIES.
Balance of loan voted to purchase School Dis- trict property, $25,000 00
Town bonds due July, 1894, 25,000 00
Town bonds due April, 1895, 40,000 00
106
ANNUAL REPORT.
Treasurer's note due March 26, 1887,
$30,000 00
June 1, 1887, 5,000 00
66
" October 15, 1887,
20,000 00
" October 28, 1887,
5,000 00
(demand,)
8,500 00
2,000 00
Unpaid bills, including salaries, Balance,
91,575 13
$252,075 13
C. T. GUILD, F. I. BABCOCK, HENRY K. W. ALLEN, Selectmen of Attleborough.
1
IO7
ANNUAL REPORT.
ASSESSORS' REPORT,
Valuation of real estate, North district,
$2,283,780 00
66
East district, 1,880,945 00
66 66 South district, 680,632 00
Total value of real estate, $4,945,357 00
Valuation of personal estate, North district, $705,555 00
East district, 612,793 00
66 South district, 192,894 00
Total value of personal estate, $1,511,242 00
Total valuation May 1, 1886,
$6,456,599 00
Total number of polls,
3,334
(males,)
3,253
(females,) 81
Number of acres of land,
26,283
66
' dwelling houses,
2, 115
" horses,
1, 129
" COWS,
1,004
" other neat cattle,
174
" sheep,
22
" swines, 156
IO8
ANNUAL REPORT.
Tax on each poll, $2.00. Rate of tax on each one thousand dollars, seven- teen dollars and fifty cents ($17.50). Total amount assessed, $119,616 98
Net tax committed to Collector,
North district, $56,909 36
East district, 46,410 42
South district, 16,297 20
$119,616 98
C. T. GUILD, F. I. BABCOCK, H. K. W. ALLEN, E. I. FRANKLIN, Assessors of Attleborough.
109
ANNUAL REPORT. .
COLLECTORS' REPORT,
REPORT OF C. T. GUILD, COLLECTOR FOR NORTH DISTRICT.
DR.
Uncollected taxes and cash on hand at last settlement, $7,144 13
Taxes committed for 1886, 56,909 36
Interest, 264 79
- $64,318 28
CR.
Paid R. Knapp, treasurer,
$47,066 40
Abatements,
891 70
Uncollected taxes for 1884,
144 62
1885,
1,781 40
" 1886,
12,252 44
Cash on hand,
2,181 72
$64,318 28
C. T. GUILD, Collector.
March 2, 1887.
IIO
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF GEORGE F. IDE, COLLECTOR FOR SOUTH DISTRICT.
DR.
Uncollected taxes at last settlement, $2,695 00 Additional taxes, 9 35
Committed for 1886,
16,297 20
Interest, 86 82
$19,088 37
CR.
Paid R. Knapp, treasurer,
$13,954 II
Abatements,
193 27
Cash on hand,
8 67
Uncollected taxes,
4,932 32
-$19,088 37
GEORGE F. IDE, Collector.
March 2, 1887.
REPORT OF JOHN THACHER, COLLECTOR FOR EAST DISTRICT.
DR.
Taxes in my hands at last report, $4,876 71
Taxes committed for 1886, 46,410 42
Additional taxes, 75 13
Interest,
313 81
$51,676 07
III
ANNUAL REPORT.
CR.
Paid R. Knapp, treasurer,
$44,561 39
Abatements,
1,078 89
Cash on hand,
276 92
Uncollected taxes,
5,758 87
$51,676 07
JOHN THACHER, Collector.
March 2, 1887.
REPORT OF B. PORTER, JR., COLLECTOR FOR NORTH AND SOUTH DISTRICTS, 1880, '81, '82, '83.
DR.
To Uncollected taxes, March 1, 1886, $4,195 08 Interest, 78 IO
$4,270 18
CR.
Cash paid R. Knapp, treasurer, $800 00
Cash and uncollected taxes, 3,470 18
$4,270 18
B. PORTER, JR., Collector.
March 5, 1887.
II2
ANNUAL REPORT.
TREASURER'S REPORT,
RECEIPTS.
1886.
March I. Cash on hand, $8,375 66 26. For town note, 7 months, 3 per cent.,. 50,000 00
26. For town note, 12 months, 3 1-4 per cent., 30,000 00
July 8. For town note, on demand, 3 per cent., 5,000 00
Aug. 12. For town note, 6 months, 5 per cent., 5,000 00
12. For town note, on demand, 5 per cent., 5,000 00
Sept. 4. For town note, on demand, 5 per cent., 5,000 00
Oct. 28. For town note, on demand, 4 1-2 per cent., 5,000 00
Dec. 9. For town note, on demand, 4 1-2 per cent., 5,000 00 1887. Jan. I. For town note, on demand, 5 per cent., 5,000 00
I13
ANNUAL REPORT.
Feb. 12. For town note, 8 months, 4 per cent., $20,000 00
25. For town note, 8 months, 4 per cent., 5,000 00 B. Porter, Jr., collector, 800 00
C. T. Guild, collector,
47,066 40
John Thacher, collector, 44,561 39
George F. Ide, collector, 13,954 II
H. M. Maxson, tuition and books,
249 81
F. E. Shaw,
5 49
Annie Mendell, tuition,
13 00
Old Iron, 5 66
Thompson & Springer, 50
R. Knapp & Co.,
50
T. E. Hancock & Co.,
50
Wm. Kraski, 32 00
J. C. Cummings, sewer entrance, 37 50
Interest on bank deposit, 98 35
C. E. Bliss, sewer entrance, 22 50
Rodolph Haker, 25 CO
Support of T. F. Martin,
90 10
Nelson Briggs, sewer entrance,
49 00
County treasurer, dog fund,
1,611 06
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, corporation tax, 2,874 53
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
support State paupers, 124 83
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
support temporary paupers, 189 25
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
National Bank tax, 375 48
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State aid, 1,053 00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
income school fund, I47 II
114
ANNUAL REPORT.
Feb. 25. Licenses, $210 50
Sewer entrance, E. A. Robinson,
74 25
City of Taunton, 286 02
Town of Mansfield,
141 25
" Middleboro,
60 00
" Wrentham,
130 69
" Rehoboth,
6 00
Sarah Chase,
10 00
John Barry,
20 00
$262,701 44
EXPENDITURES.
1886.
March 23. Coupons, $802 00
26. Interest, 887 50
Commission,
50 00
27. Note,
30,000 00
Interest,
270 00
Note,
12,000 00
Interest,
74 66
May 24. Note,
5,000 00
Interest,
600 00
June 8. Interest,
150 00
17. Coupons,
100 25
25. Coupons,
400 00
Aug. 12. Note,
5,000 00
Interest,
15 00
Sept. 20. Interest,
487 50
28. Coupons,
802 00
II5
ANNUAL REPORT.
Oct. 7. Note, $5,000 00
Interest,
22 91
Note,
5,000 00
Interest,
38 89
18. Interest,
265 00
28. Note,
50,000 00
Nov.
22. Interest,
500 00
Dec.
27. Coupons,
100 25
1887.
Jan. I. Coupons,
400 00
Feb.
I2. Note,
5,000 00
Note,
5,000 00
Note,
5,000 00
Note,
5,000 00
Interest,
265 34
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, proportion
Paid bills approved by Selectmen,
100,720 73
" County tax,
6,396 72
" State tax,
5,100 00
" National Bank tax,
542 27
State aid to discharged soldiers and their families, 924 00
Sinking Fund Commissioners,
5,200 00
Cash on hand,
5,585 92
$262,701 44
R. KNAPP, Treasurer.
drug license, 50
II6
ANNUAL REPORT.
LIABILITIES.
Treasurer's note to Attleboro Savings Bank,
due May 24, 1887, $5,000 00 Treasurer's note to Attleboro Savings Bank, due May 24, 1888, 5,000 00
Treasurer's note to Attleboro Savings Bank, due May 24, 1889, 5,000 00
Treasurer's note to Attleboro Savings Bank, due May 24, 1890, 5,000 00
Treasurer's note to Attleboro Savings Bank, due May 24, 1891,
5,000 00
Interest on above notes payable semi- annually at 4 per cent. per annum. In- terest paid to Nov. 24, 1886.
Treasurer's note to Sally Codding, due June I, 1887, at 3 per cent. per annum. Interest paid to June 1, 1886, 5,000 00
Treasurer's notes to Sally Codding on demand, with interest at 3 per cent. per annum. Interest paid to Oct. 18, 1886,
8,500 00
Treasurer's note, due March 26, 1887. Inter- est paid to Sept. 26, 1886, at 3 1-4 per cent. per annum, 30,000 00
Treasurer's note, due Oct. 15, 1887, at 4 per cent. per annum, 20,000 00
Treasurer's note, due Oct. 28, 1887, at 4 per cent. per annum, 5,000 00
Bonds payable July, 1894, 25,000 00
Bonds payable April, 1895, 40,000 00
$158,500 00
R. KNAPP, Treasurer.
II7
ANNUAL REPORT.
DISTRICTS.
Received of C. T. Guild, collector
North Attleboro Fire District, No. I, $9,384 24
Received of B. Porter, Jr., col- lector North Attleboro Fire
District, No. I, 500 00
$9,884 24
Paid E. R. Price, Treasurer North Attleboro Fire District, No. I, 1,109 53
Paid F. I. Barden, Treasurer North Attleboro Fire District, No. I, 8,764 71
9,884 24
Received of C. T. Guild, collector
Union Improvement District, 2,758 35
2,758 35
Paid W. W. Sherman, Treasurer Union Improvement District, 172 23
Paid J. H. Peckham, Treasurer Union Improvement District, 2,586 12
2,758 35
Received of John Thacher, collector Fire District No. I, Attleboro, 9,733 66 Paid M. O. Wheaton, Treasurer Fire District No. I, Attleboro, 9,733 66
Received of John Thacher, collector Attleboro Improvement Dis- trict, 2,789 52
Paid C. O. Sweet, Treasurer Attle- boro Improvement District, 2,789 52
R. KNAPP, Town Treasurer.
118
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS
OF THE
SINKING FUND.
DR.
1886.
Jan.
23.
To amount received from
Town Treasurer,
$5,200 00
1887.
Jan.
24.
To amount received for
for interest,
260 00
March I.
To amount received from
Town Treasurer,
5,200 00
-- $10,660 00
CR.
1887.
March I.
By amount invested on
mortgage of real
estate,
$7,000 00
March I. Cash on hand,
3,660 00
-- $10,660 00
SAMUEL P. LATHROP,
C. T. GUILD,
FRANK I. BABCOCK,
JOHN T. BATES, Treasurer.
Commissioners.
119
ANNUAL REPORT.
AUDITORS' REPORT,
The undersigned, appointed as Auditors at the annual town meeting in March, 1886, respectfully report that they have examined the accounts of the Treasurer and find the same correctly kept, with proper vouchers for all payments.
They have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and find vouchers for all payments authorized by them, and the amount of money there stated as approved corre- sponds with the amount as charged on the Treasurer's book.
Returns of Collectors have been examined and found correct .. They hold proper vouchers for all moneys re- ported by them as paid the Treasurer, and agree with his books.
GEORGE W. CHEEVER, WILLIAM P. SHAW, Auditors.
L
I20
ANNUAL REPORT.
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ATTLE- BORO BOARD OF HEALTH.
At the annual Town meeting held March 15, 1886, the citizens of Attleboro elected the following gentlemen to act as a Board of Health for the coming year: Dr. James R. Foster, Dr. George Mackie, E. G. May, E. S. Horton and J. G. Barden.
They commenced their year's duties by holding their first meeting on March 24, at the office of Dr. Mackie, and organized by the choice of Dr. Mackie as Chairman, and Dr. J. R. Foster as Secretary. In addition, the two latter were instructed to approve the physicians' certificates as to the cause of death in their respective district, and to in- vestigate all cases of death where no Physician had been in attendance and certify to the cause of the same, accord- ing to the provisions of the statutes.
As in the past, each member was appointed Health Officer for their respective districts to abate all nuisances brought to their notice, occurring therein, without calling the entire board together, except the magnitude of the nuisance required it. We are confident much trouble and delay in the abatement of many minor nuisances has re- sulted from this course.
121
1
ANNUAL REPORT.
This year, as in the past, most of the complaints have come from tenants, or their neighbors, where the owners of the property were not aware of the unsanitary condition of the premises, but in every instance when brought to their notice, were willing to comply with the board's recommendations.
We are pleased that we have not been compelled during the year to serve upon any citizen a single legal notice, by an officer qualified to serve the same.
During the past four years the Chairman of the Board has received many samples of well water asking for ex- amination and analysis, and he has made a qualitative analysis of each sample delivered gratuitously, and con- ducted his examination far enough to convince him that the water was dangerous, or otherwise to the public health. When the same came from within the water district we have advised the introduction of the district water. Most of the cases have occurred outside of the water district and we have had the wells cleaned as thoroughly as possible, but with their close proximity to so many contaminating sources the evil is only partially remedied.
During the dry weather of the past summer the Board received a petition signed by nearly all of the residents and business men on Washington street, North Attleboro, complaining of the stench arising from the sewers, gutters and catch basins on said street. The Board recommended that the sewers, catch basins and gutters be cleaned out, and that the road surveyor of that district should see that the catch basins be cleaned at frequent intervals, feeling that in the past this was a cause of most of the difficulty. As we have heard of no further complaint, we feel that this has remedied the evil.
Barns, hog-pens, and other out buildings have been a frequent source of just complaint, and we have been com-
122
ANNUAL REPORT.
pelled, in numerous instances, to cause the proprietors thereof to keep them in a more cleanly condition.
Under the act passed by the Legislature in 1884, in relation to the reporting of contagious diseases, there has been reported to the Board sixty-eight cases of contagious diseases dangerous to the public health. At the com- mencement of this season the State Board of Health added typhoid fever to the list, and we find of the above number, twenty-nine were due to this disease, twenty-one to scarlet fever and of diphtheria eighteen.
There has been some misunderstanding among parents and others in regard to the return of school children to school from an infected family, and the Board were appealed to in many instances to allow some to return to school be- fore a sufficient period had occurred to comply with the re- quirements of the statutes, and if one will read the ap- pended law, he will see that no one had the power to per- mit them. The statutes is as follows :
The School Committee shall not allow any pupil to attend the public schools while any member of the house- hold to which such pupil belongs is sick of small pox, diphtheria or scarlet fever, or during a period of two weeks after the death, recovery or removal of such sick persons, and any pupil coming from such household shall be required to present, to the teacher of the school the pupil desires to attend, a certificate from the attending physician or Board of Health of the facts necessary to entitle him to admission in accordance with the above regulations.
There has been a good deal of carelessness on the part of the physicians in reporting their cases of contagious diseases, some would omit the name of patient, its age or residence, all being required, for in addition to keeping a proper report the Board is compelled to notify the Super- intendent of schools of such cases as reported, so he can
ANNUAL REPORT.
123
protect the other schools from danger of contagion and also aid in carrying out the above regulations.
During the period extending from March 1, 1886, to December 31, 1886, there were 168 deaths, resulting from the following causes, as gathered from the physicians' cer- tificates giving the cause of death :
Consumption,
2I
Apoplexy,
I5
Heart diseases,
15
Cholera Infantum,
I3
Pneumonia,
II IO
Convulsions,
8
Marasmus,
7 5
Diphtheria,
4 4 4
Nephritis,
4
Cystitis,
4
Old age,
3
Meningitis,
3
Dysentery,
3
Croup,
3
Scarlatina,
3
Liver diseases,
2
Typhoid fever,
2
Inanition,
2
Asthma,
2
Diarrhea,
2
Bronchitis,
2
Hydrocephalus,
2
Cancer,
Accidents,
Brain diseases,
Still born,
124
ANNUAL REPORT.
And one each of Eulentis, Suicide, Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, Emphysema, Diabetes, Enlarge Prostate Gland, Epilepsy, Hernia, Peritonitis, Lightning, Carbuncle, In- flammation, Locomotor Alaxia Dropsy.
One will notice from the above list that consumption has caused the largest number of deaths, and that the more common preventable diseases are very much further down the list than they have been in previous years, diphtheria being the tenth, scarlet fever the nineteenth, and typhoid fever the twentieth, the two latter making the most favorable showing of any year during the Board's existence.
As we look back over the year just passed, we can congratulate the whole town on its immunity from any serious epidemic. At the present time measles is prevail- ing to a large extent in the East District, but with no fatal cases as yet.
During the past year the school children have been compelled to comply with the statute and be vaccinated before attendance at school, and each scholar has been re- quired to be provided with a certificate to that effect, as provided by the School Committee. We would suggest that in all future certificates the word successfully be sub- stituted for duly, as one to be protected must pass through the stages of vaccine disease as produced by inoculation. Many persons, not school children, have applied to the Board for gratuitous vaccination, but as the Town has not ordered a general vaccination nor appropriated the means for such, all applicants have been referred to the Overseer of the Poor.
Since writing the above we received the following circular from the State Board of Health and thought it worthy of a place in our report :
125
ANNUAL REPORT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
OFFICE OF STATE BOARD OF HEALTH,
13 BEACON ST., BOSTON, March, 1887.
VACCINATION.
-
A CIRCULAR FROM THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
In consequence of the continued prevalence of small- pox in cities in neighboring States, which are in constant communication with Massachusetts, the State Board of Health would call the attention of the local Boards to the necessity of vaccination and re-vaccination, in their respec- tive cities and towns.
In times of immunity from epidemics of small-pox the practice of vaccination in many cities and towns in the Commonwealth has been neglected, and a large part of the population, born since the last epidemic, remains un- vaccinated ; the truth of this statement, admitted by those having large experience in sanitary administration, has been verified by the recent correspondence of this Board. While the Statutes relative to vaccination as a prerequisite to school attendance are carefully complied with in most cities and large towns, this provision is not carried out in others.
I26
ANNUAL REPORT.
As an example of the deplorable results of municipal neglect in these matters, the recent experience of Montreal may be quoted, where, in a total of 3, 164 deaths from small-pox in 1885, 2,036, or 64 per cent., occurred among children under 5 years of age, and 86 per cent. among children under 10.
It is also urged that local Boards of Health should take special pains to carry out, as far as lies in their power, the provisions of the Statutes relative to vaccination, by making provision for general vaccination of the unvaccin- ated and re-vaccination of those who have not been recently vaccinated, and also by securing the enforcement of the Statutes relative to vaccination as a prerequisite to school attendance and employment in mills and work- shops.
Attention is also called to the requirements of Chapter 138 of Acts of 1883, which provides for immediate notice to the State Board of the existence of cases of small-pox.
The custom, observed by many physicians, of vaccin- ating all infants born in their practice within a few months after their birth, is commended by this Board, as being worthy of general adoption, as is also the practice of con- tinuing such vaccination at short intervals, until the oper- ation gives absolutely negative results.
During the past year five cases of suspected glanders have been brought to the notice of the board, and upon careful examination they did not think the cases to be such, or worthy of being reported to the Selectmen to be further investigated by the State Cattle Commissioners. To-day we feel that there is not a single case of glanders within the limits of the town. The board would be pleased
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