USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1916 > Part 2
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Water Department
It will be recalled that the last Board of Water Commissioners predicted that the Water Department would shortly be on a self sustaining basis, and this is now an accomplished fact. The present revenue of this department is sufficient to take care of the annual bond and interest requirements and maintenance expense, although a considerable portion of this revenue (over $14,000) is the result of a bookkeeping transaction which makes a proper charge for hydrant rental, debited to the Fire Department and credited to the Water Department.
We' are near the limit of the amount of water which the wells at the pumping station will supply and manifestly must take steps forthwith to provide for an additional supply, available at that point. There is no scarcity of surface water; indeed, we have an ample supply both at Hoppin Hill Reservoir and at Orr's Pond which can be pumped onto the filter beds, sufficient to care for expanding needs for some years to come, even making it possible for us to take on and supply additional territory like Adamsdale, for instance, if
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any formal and authoritative request from that quarter should meet with favor by the Legislature, and the citizens of Attleboro on a referendum vote.
The present limit of our water supply is due to the lack of infiltra- tion area of the present wells and to relieve the situation to some extent and to improve the quality of the water during the summer months an appropriation for resurfacing the beds is immediately necessary.
I regard as highly important the recommendation of the Super- intendent that extensions be made on Robinson Ave., Brown St., Men- don Rd. and Leedham St., reinforcing the supply at the Home Bleach & Dye Works and the Crown Mill, both of which concerns have built large additions during the past year,-indeed, it affords an investment that will bring satisfactory returns, for increased water supply and fire protection means much to the development of that section of the city. An evidence of the possibilities of revenue from this quarter is indicated by a single instance where as a result of the use of Attleboro water by one of the concerns there during the past year, we are getting approximately $1,400.
Sewer Department
We have had some perplexing questions to adjust in the working out of the plan devised for assessing the cost of sewer construc- tion, but much progress has been made during the past year, and it would seem that we are in a fair way now to get this problem solved so that little difficulty may be anticipated in the future. The sewer system itself is working satisfactorily, and is being cared for efficiently at an unusually low cost. This expense, however, is bound to in- crease as the years go on, with more general use of the sewer and the collection of solid matter in the pipe along the flat grades.
Police Department
There was some suggestion that my criticisms of this depart- ment a year ago were over-harsh; indeed, in the light of same and in view of certain unfortunate happenings of the past year, the query has already been raised as to my present estimate of this department.
It is a great source of satisfaction to me to be able to express my belief that there has been a marked improvement over con- ditions existing a year ago, for at that time affairs in this depart- ment were in a somewhat chaotic state due to a variety of causes. Real progress, however, has been made during the past year in mat- ters of supervision, discipline and harmony and with better organiza- tion there is bound to come increased efficiency, but I still believe that there is needed a little more vim and vigilance tempered with sane exercise of judgment and reason in the administration of police duties and there is well grounded basis for the belief that here, too, the department will demonstrate its possibilities.
It is not with the intent of casting any reflection upon the present membership of the police force that I call your attention to the fact that there has been a dearth of applicants and eligibles therefor. At no time within the past two years has the Civil Service Commission been able to establish an eligible list sufficient for the filling of a single vacancy, as the appointing officer may require the submission of at least three names of persons eligible for any position under the Civil Service.
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We have not only been without such an eligible list but when authorized to make provisional appointments at discretion, we have been confronted with a lack of applicants which has not permitted any wide range of choice.
It would seem that, despite the risks involved, a police appoint- ment here should be more attractive than appears to be the case. Security of wages and stability of employment is assured, and the pay runs from $17.50 to $19.25 per week for regulars every week in the year, one day off in thirty and two weeks' vacation with pay. If the Council sees fit to act favorably on the request for an increase in pay in this department, positions therein will undoubtedly be sought more eagerly.
While fully appreciating that the installation of a police signal system, as recommended by the chief of the department, would make for increased efficiency in that it would allow needed supervision and contact with patrolmen when on their beats, yet the expense involved in the installation of such a system is so large that it should be deferred to such time as it can become a part of the equipment of a new police station.
The Liquor Question
It has been Attleboro's boast that she has been without a licensed saloon in the nearly two and a quarter centuries of her existence.
She has repeatedly registered her preference for no-license, and although at times there has been much criticism of local conditions, I venture to say that the worst possible conditions under no license are preferable to the best possible conditions under a high license regime. Such a statement, however, is not offered with any thought of condoning or extenuating any failure on the part of local authori- ties to enforce the law against the sale of liquor, alertly and aggres- sively.
While there are always more or less irresponsible and exaggerated statements as to the amount of "rum" (as many are pleased to call it) being illicitly sold within our limits, there has been, especially of late, cumulative and convincing testimony to this effect.
Obviously, it is not possible for the police themselves to get di- rect evidence, as those who are obtaining their liquor surreptitiously are certainly not interested in shutting off their source of supply, and those who claim positive knowledge as to conditions and have made bitter complaint thereof, absolutely refuse to offer testimony in court. Under these circumstances, while the authorities may be convinced that more than a normal amount of illicit selling of liquor is taking place, it is made increasingly difficult to get evidence that is satis- factory and convincing to the court.
We have been casting about here for months in the endeavor to get the desired evidence and not until it seemed impossible to ob- tain it otherwise, have we resorted to outside means. How far re- sults obtained will affect conditions in the future cannot be stated at this writing, but it may be accepted as a policy of this administra- tion, after having been unsuccessful in enlisting local assistance, to pursue vigorously by any legal means possible the path we have now set out upon with a view to eliminating to the lowest possible degree the illegal sale of liquor in the City of Attleboro.
There is another condition existing here in connection with this particular question that has frequently been the subject of much comment and criticism,-I refer to the facilities of certain of our
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local clubs for the supplying of liquid refreshment to their members by means of a federal license and the so-called "locker system."
It appears from decisions elsewhere that such use of liquor under proper restrictions is beyond the control of the local authorities. I have no patience with the suggestion that there is a class distinction in this particular method of obtaining liquor,-that the man on the street is just as much entitled to obtain his liquor from the drug store, the "speak easy," or the "boot legger," as the man at his club. If we are prepared to admit, as I believe we all are, that it is wise to restrict the sale of liquor, we are justified in making every legitimate effort to keep it from every group of our citizens and the fact that we may be more or less successful in keeping it from one group should not be made the basis of reproach but should offer en- couragement to the belief that eventually a way will be found to regulate its sale and consumption among other groups.
So far as the local clubs are concerned, permit me to state at this time, not as a threat but merely as a matter of prophecy, offered in the light of present day conditions, that :- first, unless there is a more strict adherence to the real intent of the so-called "locker sys- tem" and a correction of the farcical administration of it that pre- vails very largely at present, vigorous handling that will adequately cope with the situation will inevitably result; secondly, that public sentiment, both outside and inside these organizations-and I use the word "inside" advisedly-will operate to do away with this subter- fuge for avoidance of laws made and believed in by a great majority of the community.
The suggestion has been made by some forward-looking men who have the welfare of our youth at heart, that the time is ripe and they are ready to support a club of such a character and conducted in such a manner as would appeal to a very considerable number of young men who naturally desire some kind of club affiliations but want them of the right sort. It is quite probable that this suggestion may bear fruit within the near future.
Fire Department
It is refreshing to meet with an estimate of expenses for the year 1917 that does not exceed those provided for 1916 and such is the report from the Board of Fire Engineers.
They very properly renew their recommendation of a year ago for a triple combination, and again I am hopeful that some means may be found during the current year whereby this well-nigh indis- pensable piece of apparatus may be procured.
Further progress has been made in the motorization of the de- partment by the reconstruction of the combination hose and chemical wagon in the Union St. house with a motor chassis, so that our present horse drawn apparatus is now reduced to three pieces,-a hose wagon at South Main St., and ladder trucks at Union St. and South Attleboro.
School Department
Although there is no doubt that we all sympathize keenly with the reasonable request of our teachers for an advance in the maximum salaries paid by our School Department in the various grades, yet we must not lose sight of the fact that the high cost of living is re-
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flected in our municipal expenses at the present time and that the taxpayer, already burdened, must also be considered when this ques- tion is brought up.
The vicious circle operates here in a manner that is going to make it very difficult and embarrassing to prepare the budget for the current year. Salary advances in one department will inevitably result in as just and reasonable demands of a similar nature from other departments, and ours is the responsibility of adjusting these claims and those of the taxpayers, on a basis that will be equitable to all concerned.
The finishing of the remaining room at Tiffany School, which was deferred last year, should now be provided for in order to pre- vent over-crowding and assure proper educational facilities for the children of the lower grades in that section of the city.
The recent response to the announcement of the opening of the Evening Industrial School was very gratifying and if the interest is sustained, will be an encouragement to the school authorities to en- large the facilities and scope of this work. It is an especially season- able time, with skilled labor so scarce, for employes in our local factories to take advantage of the opportunities for practical instruc- tion and advancement afforded by this branch of our school system. I am sure that many more who are at present occupying subordinate positions and are comparatively unskilled, if they could be made to realize what a real opportunity is offered here, would enter these classes without delay. The Superintendent of Schools has pointed out that it is especially desirable at this time to train men for jewelry work, not with the idea that these classes will make finished work- men in the short time they are in session, but they will give beginners a chance to get started, and make good workmen better.
Charity Department
Improved business conditions during the past year have not re- sulted in the anticipated reduction in demands upon this department, for while many families who needed aid in 1915 have been able to place themselves on a self-sustaining basis in the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in the calls from other directions, principally under the Mothers' Aid Act, a result in some instances of the death of the head of the family, and in others of desertion, a despicable trick which seems to have been fostered and encour- aged by the provisions of this act. Police activitiy has resulted, with the co-operation of the district court, in bringing some of these repro- bates back to a realizing sense of their responsibilities, but some have been successful so far in eluding search. It is the purpose of both the Charity and Police Departments to keep after such individuals and prosecute them to the limit.
Although it seemed likely a year ago that we would have to meet the need for added room at the City Home, after a thorough investi- gation, which you will recall, by the Municipal Council with the Over- seers of the Poor, it was deemed wise to defer any action until fall with the hope that improved business conditions might result in fewer applications for room at the Home. Such, happily, has proved to be the case, but you will note from the Overseers' report that there is little to spare, only one room being unoccupied at the present time and that the addition in all probability cannot be deferred much longer.
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The report from this department, noting as it does certain ten- dencies and requirements in the administration of charity as it is carried on in this city, is worthy of your careful perusal.
I cannot let pass the opportunity to commend to our citizens the faithful and efficient services of Mr. Nelson Hagar, Superintendent of the City Home. He and his assistants are constantly doing all that they can to make the place clean and attractive for those unfortunates who are compelled to rely upon the City for habitation and sustenance during their declining years.
The impression of comfort and evidences of neatness that charac- terize the home, together with Mr. Hagar's happy faculty of handling difficult cases, call forth favorable comment from all who may have occasion to visit the place, officially or otherwise.
The helpful assistance of the Associated Charities under the ef- ficient supervision of Miss Margaret Todd, is appreciated by this de- partment and should commend itself to all our people.
Health Department
One of the most interesting and comprehensive reports of vital interest to every one of our inhabitants is the record of what has been accomplished in the health department during the past year. Too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the value of inspection of milk and food products that has been carefully made with an equip- ment that is far from adequate. Proper laboratory facilities are a pressing need of this department, and I am hopeful that we may be able to include the necessary funds in this year's budget.
Despite the complaints that have emanated from some quarters, prosecution of violators of health laws is not persecution. The ex- ercise of good business sense must make it clear to every purveyor of food products that expert unbiased evidence of cleanliness is a valuable business asset, and that attempts to conform to the stand- ards established by the health authorities mean larger and more profitable returns, for the public will not hesitate to pay a fair price for clean milk, but it will very properly refuse to patronize those who fail to comply with the reasonable demand that they bring their plant and product up to standard.
Fortunately in a year when many places in the Commonwealth were visited by the terrible scourge of infantile paralysis we were practically free therefrom; indeed, there have been no real epidemics of moment throughout the year, and for this condition we are in- debted not only to the Health Department, but to the other agencies that are helpfully co-operating, like the School Physician, District and School Nurses, Anti-Tuberculosis Society, Associated Charities and Dental Clinic.
Public Library
While the total circulation of books from the Public Library during the past year fell below that of 1915, manifestly due to in- creased employment, yet there has been a development in activities along other lines in this department that have increased its efficiency and value to the public.
There has been closer and more sympathetic work with the schools, distribution of books through the Dodgeville Social Center and special features like the Christmas Exhibit.
There will be an added and much desired element in the near future in a special room in the Library building set aside and equipped for children, with a trained attendant in charge.
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Attleborough Hospital
Those who have had experience with the service at the Hospital are henceforth counted among its warm friends and supporters but it should not require that one be ill or injured to draw attention to the efficient work this institution is doing in our community. The public at large should manifest its appreciation of the generosity of the original donors and those agencies that are now making possible the conduct of the hospital along its present efficient lines.
The income from the invested funds is far from adequate for the annual needs, the number of free beds supported is all too few; indeed, all the present sources of revenue fall considerably short of requirements.
The helpful assistance of the Hospital Aid Association and other organizations and individuals can fortunately be counted upon each year, but the public could have a larger part in this work if more would see fit to join the corporation. This requires the payment of $10 per year and there ought to be at least five hundred in this city who are not only able, but glad and willing to assist in this way. The present membership is absurdly low, and I am hopeful that the suggestion here advanced will bear fruit in the shape of a largely increased membership at an early date.
The city at present makes no contribution to the expense of the Hospital except for the insurance and water wates. On the other hand the Hospital is subjected to no inconsiderable expense as the result of having to care for emergency or accident cases brought in by the police.
Neither the police nor the charity department have any funds available for meeting the expense of accident cases where the indi- viduals concerned are unable to do so or are irresponsible, as is fre- quently the case of the outsider.
These should not be charged to any particular department but ought to be handled in the same manner as by other municipalities of the Commonwealth; that is, an annual appropriation made direct to the hospital,-say not to exceed $1,000.
Recreation.
As the years go on Capron Park grows in interest and attractive- ness to our people, and we appreciate the more the generosity of the donors as well as the painstaking and fruitful efforts of those charged with the administration of this department.
The minimum appropriation by the city has been used judiciously in the last year as always, but private subscriptions have provided for the construction of an adequate and up-to-date wading pool which should prove an advantage to the children when opened next sum- mer, and for the laying out of a much needed ball field and recreation ground.
The East Side Playground has been maintained at the same loca- tion and under the same conditions as last year,-the City merely paying the owners of the land a rental equivalent to the amount of taxes thereon.
I am heartily in accord with the recommendation of the Planning Board and renew my suggestion of a year ago that something be done by the City to acquire, either by purchase or by gift, a permanent location for a playground on the east side of the city.
Both playgrounds, Capron Park and the East Side, were con- ducted last summer wth very satisfactory results. Some complaints
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of the noise that is bound to arise at the gathering of any consider- able group of children is inevitable, but you have only to discontinue one of these playgrounds to meet with a storm of protest, not merely from the children, but from parents and interested observers of the work.
How quickly children wherever located take advantage of any opportunity that is offered them for healthful play, has been demons- trated by the use of the small, almost rude, equipment that was placed for the first time this year at the Finberg Playground at the corner of Park and Bishop Streets,-the first time that any real at- tempt has been made to even recognize, however inadequately, the generosity of the giver and the possibilities of the site.
A permanent well-equipped athletic field for the use of our city and school teams in the various branches of out-door sport has long been desired, so I am confident that the assurance that I bring you tonight that such a field has been procured, will be hailed with satis- faction on all sides.
Announcement as to its location and details regarding its equip- ment and conditions of its use, await only consideration of this sub- ject by the Council in a manner which will be suggested at an early date.
One might be disposed at first thought to question a classification that places the Dodgeville Social Center among the recreative fea- tures of our community life but to those who are familiar with the work that is going on in that section, there can be no doubt that the improved social opportunities afforded the residents mean recrea- tion for them in the highest sense of the word.
This movement is the outgrowth of the combined efforts of the women's clubs of the city and represents loyal and disinterested ser- vice on the part of a number of men and women, with an appreciative response from those they are endeavoring to help.
Industrial Situation
An unusual and remarkable condition has prevailed for a large portion of the last year in our local industrial situation. We have been faced with a shortage of help of all kinds,-both skilled and unskilled,-whether calling for the highest exercise of mechanical ability and ingenuity or manual labor on the highway.
As a matter of fact, we have been on the up grade in our pro- duction of jewelry and other lines, some showing a marked increase ever since the low point of nearly two years ago. It is true that we are not yet up to normal in many respects, and that increasing cost of all the elements entering into production have seriously affected profits, and that the manufacturing jewelry business in particular is going to demand a higher degree of efficiency in administration than ever before,-the practice of more rigid business economies and care- ful scrutiny of costs and credits.
It is naturally not reassuring to hear of concerns going out of business, but here too there has been a tendency to magnify the re- sults of such action and to ignore what must be obvious to any- one giving reasonable consideration to such matters; namely, that all the volume and value of the business of these concerns is not lost to Attleboro. Much of their former business is taken on by other concerns in similar lines, and as a consequence, most, if not all, of their employees find local positions.
I have repeatedly emphasized, and call it to your attention again on this occasion, as worthy of especial note, the industrial develop- ment in the southern part of the city because it is so little known
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and so little appreciated as a business asset to the city. Its growth is reflected in the encouraging report of the Building Inspector, showing considerably more than double the amount of new construc- tion for 1916 as compared with 1915, and also in the increased assess- ments possible that bring in to the city a substantial amount of taxes.
We have endeavored during the past year to show in some meas- ure our appreciation of what this section of the city means to us by doing some much needed highway work in that vicinity, and in re- turn have had gratifying evidence that there is a disposition on the part of the concerns located there to identify their business more closely with Attleboro than it has been, and to encourage the de- velopment of real estate in that locality.
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