USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1932 > Part 16
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179
ANNUAL REPORT
thrown out by Bousquet who got into the driver's seat and went away with the officer's car. Passing motorists hurried Officer Gobin to the Sturdy Memorial Hospital where, on arrival, he was pronounced dead. Officer Johnson was taken to the Hospital also where he remained for several weeks. Bousquet was arrested a few hours later and was positively identified by Johnson as the person who did the shooting. He was found guilty of murder in the first degree at the March session of the Superior Court sitting at New Bedford, and at the present time he is confined to the House of Correction awaiting sentence.
On the morning of January 31, 1932, the Horton and Angell factory was broken into by four armed bandits, the night watchman was seized and tied with rope while the bandits leisurely pryed their way into the gold room and took all the gold they could find amounting to about $50,000 worth. After an investi- gation by State and local police which covered several weeks, this Department feels certain of the identity of some of the persons involved. However, the night watchman will not positively state that any of the suspects shown to him are the persons who did the job, although he is satisfied that there is a striking resemb- lance. Another witness who saw the bandit car and got the first two numbers of the registration in the factory yard on the morning of the robbery, failed to identify a car of similar make owned by one of the suspects and bearing registra- tion numbers the first two of which are the same as were on the car he saw on that morning in the Horton-Angell yard.
On the evening of October 29, 1932, a grocery store on Lord Street in the St. Jean Plat section was held up by two armed men and $30.00 taken from the cash register. The persons who did this are now under arrest in Rhode Island for similar offences and we have warrants awaiting for them when they are re- leased.
On the evening of December 7, 1932, or early on the morning of December 8, the freight house of the N. Y., N. H.& H. R. R. was broken into, the safe which was of ancient vintage was smashed open and about $275.00 taken. The officers are at present working on this and we hope to solve the matter in a short time.
All the other crimes committed during the year were of a petty nature, and most of those responsible for same were quickly apprehended and their cases disposed of as the law directs.
TRAFFIC
This branch of the service has received as much attention as was possible to give to it under existing conditions. The Municipal Council in its wisdom saw fit to reduce the number of Patrolmen by two, with the result that the officers assigned to enforce the traffic rules had to be put to other lines of duty. As no appropriation was made for material for street lines, nor for the payment of wages to apply it, the cross walks and curve lines are now obliterated and pedestrians have to guess where the cross walks are. The Department is endeavoring to protect the school children as far as it possibly is able. An Officer is stationed at the corner of North Main and Sanford Streets while the children are going to and from the Sanford Street School. Another takes care of the traffic on Pine Street when the Richardson School is dismissed both at noon and when school is dismissed for the day. The Officer on day duty in the Hebronville-Dodgeville section is assigned to traffic at the Dodgeville School when the sessions are over. At the end of the school periods there is an officer on duty at the Washington School in South Attleboro, while the day officer in that district takes care of the traffic at the Lincoln School. Again an officer from the center goes down to protect the children at the Village School in South Attleboro twice a day when the children are being dismissed.
There are other schools where an officer is needed to give the necessary protection to the children when crossing the street, but with the number of men available and the limited appropriations, it is impossible to give any better service.
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ANNUAL REPORT
LIQUOR
The enforcement of the liquor laws has been carried on with the same degree of efficiency as in previous years. There are no open bars or speakeasies, so called, in the city, known to this Department. A number of raids have been made during the year, and the proprietors of such places arraigned in the Fourth District Court, where convictions have been obtained in all cases prosecuted. Many anonymous letters have been received during the year regarding places where liquor is being dispensed, and much valuable time has been wasted by having officers watch the places complained of, only to find that the letters have been written either in a spirit of malice of spite. It is the duty of any law abiding citizen to make a legitimate complaint either in person or by mail, but if sent by mail it is not too much to expect that the sender will sign his or her name. Such complaints will be promptly taken care of and if they are not, the persons making them can bring just charges against the Department.
WELFARE WORK
The Department has, as in past years, spent considerable time in welfare work. In a large number of cases juveniles have been successfully corrected without bringing them before the Court. In this manner many cases where sex is involved are properly taken care of, and eliminates the embarrassment of telling the truths in Court.
In this work we have received the fullest co-operation of Miss Olive Mc- Kinnon, Agent for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for her un- tiring efforts and able assistance.
EQUIPMENT
The motor equipment consists of a Cadillac Patrol Wagon, a Chrysler Sedan, three Model A Ford Runabouts and three Indian motorcycles. The Patrol Wagon is now fourteen years In the service, and while it has given good satisfaction I believe it would be economy to replace it with a smaller and lighter vehicle.
The Chrysler is in fairly good condition and will not need to be replaced for another year.
The Ford Runabouts are now almost two years old being purchased in April, 1931. They have given excellent service, having a mileage of almost sixty thousand miles each. They must be turned in as soon as possible and new ones purchased for patrol work, if the outlying districts are to receive the proper protection. A place to house the Fords is also a necessity, as the ones now in use have never had a roof over them except when they were in a garage for repairs.
One of the Motorcyles is three years in use and the other two have been two years. While all are in very good working order it is evident that the repair bills from this time will be large if new ones are not purchased to take their place.
The equipment carried by the Officers is of the most modern design, and is in good condition. We have also three riot guns, one of which is carried in each night patrol Ford car.
THE POLICE FORCE
The members of the Department performed their duties faithfully and well during the year. There was no task too hard nor risk too hazardous for any
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ANNUAL REPORT
of them. Perfect harmony and good will towards each other prevailed among the officers, and it is only in this manner that the best results can be accom- plished. The Department is poorly equipped at the present time and the quarters have fewer privileges than most Police Departments throughout the State. I sincerely trust, gentlemen, you will give this matter your favorable consideration in the coming year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend the erection of a suitable building for Police Headquarters, with ample accommodations for the motor apparatus.
With a new station I would recommend the installation of a modern recall Gamewell System with the colored lights attached, which would enable the Superior Officers to get in touch with the men on the different routes in a much shorter space of time than is now possible.
I recommend the placing of a short wave receiving radio set in each of the patrol cars. Having talked with Police Officials in cities and towns that have this equipment, I find that it increases the efficiency of their respective depart- ments 100%. I believe suitable arrangements could be made with the Head- quarters of the Massachusetts State Police for the installation and service on such radios at a very nominal sum. In our city we had a very striking example of the use of radio on the evening two of our Officers were shot. A telephone message to the Framingham Barracks of the State Police brought a large detail of officers to Attleboro from the routes which they were covering, before it was possible to get in touch with our own men in the patrol cars.
I recommend the adoption of the teletype system as a means of communica- tion with other Police Departments. It is a much faster and a more accurate way of sending messages than by telephone.
I recommend also the appropriation of a sufficient sum for the purchase of furniture and other necessary articles for the station which are badly needed.
CONCLUSION
I take this opportunity to thank His Honor, Mayor Stephen H. Foley, for the interest he has taken in the Department for the past year by his frequent visits to Headquarters to inspire and encourage the men in their work, the Justices of the Fourth District Court, Court Officials, Chief Fred A. Clark and members of the Fire Department, newspaper men, City Hall employees, members of the State Police, the members of Police Departments who rendered able assistance and all others who in any way were of service during the year just closed.
IN MEMORIAM
Patrolman Edward E. Gobin who served as a Police Officer of this Town and City for over a period of thirty years was shot and almost instantly killed on the evening of January 20, 1932. He was an able and efficient officer beloved by all his comrades, and admired and respected by those who knew him.
Special Officer John A. Welsh passed to his reward on December 1, 1932. Although not actively connected with the Department for a number of years, he was ever ready and willing to assist when his services or advice were needed.
Respectfully submitted, TERENCE E. FLANAGAN, Chief of Police.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Dept. of Public Welfare FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1932
June 13, 1933.
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council, City of Attleboro, Mass.,
Gentlemen:
In compliance with the city ordinance, the Board of Public Welfare here- with respectfully submits the annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1932.
During the past year the department continued to show a steady increase in applications for relief over the previous year. As the year came to a close, the board was faced with the fact that applicants for aid were constantly in- creasing. The upward trend in expenditures which have been country wide in scope appeared to be increasing at a more rapid rate in this city than elsewhere which caused the Board much concern, as the increase over the previous year amounted to the sum of $180,150.06 which brought the total expenditures to the staggering total of $321,245.02 for the year ending December 31, 1932, and the increase in the number of applicants of 624 families which brought the total number of familes for the year to 1,113, representing 3,898 persons, as against 2,300 persons in 1931. Each month showed a steady increase over the preceed- ing month.
In February his honor the Mayor submitted to the City Council for con- firmation the name of Frank E. Rounseville as a member of the Board for re- appointment. Mr. Rounseville had acted in the capacity as chairman of the Board for a period of 6 years with credit to both the department and the city. Mr. Rounseville had proven to be a conscientious and faithful public servant during hls entire incumbency as chairman of the Board. However, the council rejected confirmation, and Mr. Rounseville continued to act as a member of the Board until early in May when his honor submitted the name of Mr. Samuel M. Holman, Jr., before the Council, which name was confirmed.
The Board then proceeded to organize with the election of Mr. Holman as chairman. The newly organized Board proceeded with the business in hand and committed itself to the idea of making the department most efficient in carrying on its activities, and making changes in the routine of the department. One of the first.recommendations was that of meeting weekly. The most im- portant and vital recommendation which was given careful consideration at the first meeting of the Board was that of enlarged and more suitable quarters, in- crease in the personnel, especially the clerical staff. The Board was satisfied that efficient work in the quarters occupied was impossible and conditions unbearable for the staff, applicants, and the other departments in the City Hall.
The newly organized Board lost no time in placing their recommendations into action, with the result that on the first day of July the department was in enlarged and more spacious quarters, which enabled it to function with im- provement in the keeping of the record system, the dispensing of relief, and the abolishing of congestion in the office and hallways of the building. Applicants were given an opportunity to give information requested of them and also re- ceive orders for aid, free from observation and the hearing of others. It also made possible the additional room for the placing of additional clerical assistance which was impossible in the quarters in City Hall.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Almoner is indebted to the members of the Board of Public Welfare for their counsel and assistance in the performance of his duties, also to all a- gencies and departments, and a large number of individuals in the city. Their cooperation has been of much value, both to the department and the city in general.
For the third consecutive year the city government has made no provisions for the employment of any of the hundreds of men who in these years were unable to find work, but who were willing to work. The entire burden was again placed upon the department to find positions for them. Throughout the year, as in previous years, the almoner has been compelled to assign unemployed men to work 2 and 3 days a week at the City Home Farin, Public Works Department, Park, Forestry Department, Schools, and all other departments of the city, in return for the aid rendered. The other days they were expected to look for a steady job and report at the office in the event they secured one.
About 95% of those compelled to report with the several departments were not familiar with the kind of work assigned them; most of the recipients being jewelry workers. Because of the work being of a laborious nature it required about four men to do an ordinary laboring man's work. They cannot be held for something they know nothing about. The city received a large amount of benefit, nevertheless. The many reports received from those departments benefitting from this labor will testify most of those assigned were honest and faithfully performed the work.
In summing up the results from all the men assigned to work on the different projects in the several departments, we find there was much benefit derived be- cause in most of the departments they were extra help and enabled the depart- ment to do extra work that could not have been done by the regular force. Be- cause of the failure of sufficient appropriations in some of the departments, much necessary work was performed by recipients of aid. It became necessary in some departments to lay off regular help that had previously performed the necessary labor. After a while they made application for relief which we were compelled to render because of their inability to secure another job. These men were also assigned to the department where they had been discharged because of insufficient appropriations.
With the depression now going into the fourth year and with the experience gained by a large number of these men, we feel they could be of more value to the city if some projects could be planned by the city government where those with sufficient experience could be assigned to work and be compensated in cash by the department where they are employed. In almost all other cities and towns in the state, projects have been planned and the unfortunates placed to work, paid in cash. This has tendered to relieve the burden on the welfare departments. No projects in this city having been planned to relieve this depart- ment, the percentage cost has naturally been reflected on it.
In the case of mechanics, carpenters, painters, masons, etc., the city was benefited because the several departments were enabled to keep work along their lines up to date which ordinarily would have been done in the course of time. There was plenty of work done that was not absolutely necessary, such as in the Park. The department was compelled to send men there, however, because of shortage of tools, equipment, and also material, in other departments which could have used these men to more advantage to the city in general. Many odd jobs such as the maintenance of the polling booths, washing windows in the offices in the several departments in city hall, assisting in the moving of families, cleaning schools, and assisting the janitors of the schools, etc. This work was performed by men who were not accustomed to laborious work, all of which was given with satisfactory results. Clerical work in the office was also given with satisfactory results, and barbers were placed to work. Two barbers shop have been maintained by the department for the past 2 years, one in the office, and
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ANNUAL REPORT
the other at the South End. Hundreds of pieces of discarded furniture have been repaired and placed in homes where it was badly needed and where it was neces- sary to relieve crowded conditions.
One of the most pertinent questions that can be asked about our city today is, "How has the depression and the methods of relief affected the unemployed and those dependent upon them?" The hundreds of men, who, in 1932 were able and willing to work but could get none had many dependent upon them, many of whom were hundreds of children under sixteen. "What has been the effect on their families and especially on the children of the inability of these hundreds of men who carry their responsibilities?" The interest in the children is not due to pity, but to the fact that the children are true Americans of the future. On their physical, mental health, and morale, depend the possibilities before us. We feel confident that cooperation will prevail, and some constructive plan will be devised in the near future with the children of those unfortunates who find it necessary to call on this department for relief, which will envisage the whole city.
In conclusion, we wish to express to his honor the Mayor, all city depart- ments, and the staff in the office, our sincere appreciation of the splendid co- operation, especially the clerical staff for their sincere devotion and splendid work during the year 1932.
For the detailed statement of receipts and expenditures of the Public Wel- fare Department, we refer you to the attached tables and statements.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL M. HOLMAN, JR. CHARLES A. BOWEN Board of Public Welfare.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Salaries, Almoner, Clerk, Asst. Clerk .
Appropriations $ 3,977.50
Administration and Other Expenses
2,481.06
City Infirmary
8,514.99
Mothers' Aid.
12,953.03
Outside Relief .
274,237.68
Old Age Assistance.
19,631.68
Total Appropriations
321,795.94
Total Expenditures.
321,674.02
Unexpended Balance.
$ 121.92
DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES
Salaries
Almoner
2,040.00
Chief Clerk
1,000.00
Assistant Clerk
937.50
Total Appropriations
3,977.50
Total Expenditures
3,977.50
.00
185
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY INFIRMARY
Salaries and Wages
Matron
900.00
Labor
520.00
Total Appropriation.
1,420.00
Total Expenditures .
1,420.00
.00
Appropriations .
4,220.00
Additional Appropriation, Aug. 9.
1,200.00
Transfer from Outside Relief, Oct. 20
420.00
Additional Appropriation, Nov. 15.
400.00
Additional Appropriation, Dec. 20.
400.00
Additional Appropriation, Dec. 28.
454.99
Total Appropriation
7,094.99
Expended .
7,082.47
Unexpended Balance
12.52
Administration and Other Expenses
Appropriation .
1,004.00
Additional Appropriation, June 7
425.00
Additional Appropriation, July 5.
131.00
Additional Appropriation, Aug. 15.
764.00
Additional Appropriation, Dec. 28
139.59
Refund Aug. 5.
17.47
Total Appropriation.
2,481.06
Total Expenditures.
2,478.72
Unexpended Balance
2.34
Mothers' Aid
Appropriation. .
10,019.03
Additional Appropriation, Oct. 18.
2,200.00
Additional Appropriation, Dec. 13.
575.00
Additional Appropriation, Dec. 28.
145.00
Refund June 15
14.00
Total Appropriation
12,953.03
Total Expenditures.
12,921.34
Unexpended Balance
31.69
Outside Relief
Appropriations
250.00
Additional Appropriation Feb. 2.
11,308.01
Additional Appropriation March 1
20,488.12
Additional Appropriation April 5
23,000.00
Additional Appropriation May 9.
22,500.00
1S6
ANNUAL REPORT
Additional Appropriation June 7.
17,106.06
Additional Appropriation July 5.
20,000.00
Additional Appropriation Aug. 2
23,618.13
Additional Appropriation Aug. 12
50,000.00
Additional Appropriation Oct. 18
11,967.88
Additional Appropriation Nov. 1
22,338.27
Additional Appropriation Dec. 13
19,493.31
Additional Appropriation Dec. 28
31,217.35
Refunds, May
18.00
Refunds, May
704.00
Refunds, June
7.00
Refunds, June .
11.00
Refunds, Sept. 24
7.00
Refunds, Oct. 4.
22.50
Refunds, Nov. 7
181.05
Total Appropriations
274,237.68
Total Expenditures.
274,235.31
Unexpended Balance.
2.37
Old Age Assistance
Appropriations.
$ 16,500.00
Additional Appropriation Nov. 15.
2,900.00
Additional Appropriation Dec. 13.
224.68
Refund
7.00
Total Appropriation.
19,631.68
Total Expended.
19,558.68
Unexpended Balance.
73.00
DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES Administration and Other Expenses
Rent
335.50
Light.
35.54
Phone
50.75
Office Supplies
1,322.06
Auto Allowance.
360.00
Transportation-
A. Mothers' Aid
.00
B. Outside Relief
364.67
Incidentals.
10.20
2,478.72
City Infirmary
Medical.
171.25
Food Supplies .
3,531.06
Dry Goods and Clothing.
399.04
Repairs on house
.00
Fuel.
1,132.83
Light.
186.05
Phone
41.26
187
ANNUAL REPORT
Other House Maintenance and Operation
765.29
Insurance. Hay and Grain
492 00
Outbuildings-Maint. and Oper.
363.69
7,082.47
Outside Relief
Clothing
11,142.86
Fuel. .
19,658.48
Rent, Board and Care.
226,573.16
Medical.
8,437.84
Towns, Cities and Institutions
7,752.97
Burials .
250.00
Transfer to City Infirmary Account
420.00
274,235.31
Mothers' Aid
Weekly Cash
12,428.00
Supplies
367.84
Medical
125.50
12,921.34
Old Age Assistance
Weekly Cash
19,151.75
Fuel
6.22
Medical
400.71
19,558.68
DETAIL OF APPROPRIATIONS MADE IN 1932 IN PAYMENT OF 1931 BILLS
Administration and Other Expenses
Rent .
72.00
Light
8.96
Phone
16.10
Office Supplies .
97.36
Auto Allowance.
153.25
Transportation-
A. Mother's Aid .
.00
B. Outside Relief
10.00
357.67
City Infirmary
Medical
22.21
Food Supplies . .
567.83
Dry Goods and Clothing.
29.75
Repairs on House .
.00
Fuel
335.60
Light
41.60
Phone
10.89
Other House Main .. and Oper
147.06
Insurance
84.05
Hay and Grain ..
.00
Outbuildings-Maint. and Oper.
. .. 12.24
1,251.23
.00
1SS
ANNUAL REPORT
Outside Relief
Clothing 895.12
Fuel.
1,490.38
Rent, Board and Care.
13,167.87
Medical.
778.52
Towns, Cities and Institutions.
.00
Burials
.00
16,331.89
BILLS RECEIVABLE
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1932
24,056.69
Committed, 1932-
Cities and Towns
24,370.19
State
34,641.27
Old Age Assistance
7,639.20
90,707.35
Collected and Paid Treasurer-Cities and Towns
11,919.39
State .
24,124.64
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1932
54,663.32
ADDITIONAL RECEIPTS
Refunds-Outside Relief .
18.00
Old Age Assistance.
118.00
Sale of Hay, City Infirmary.
15.00
Sale of Turkeys, City Infirmary
338.98
489.98
Total Number of Cases
1,133
Individuals 3,898
CAUSES OF DEPENDENCY
1932
1931
Unemployment
635
283
Insufficient Income
165
55
Sickness
120
65
Desertion, Non-Support.
12
23
Widows. .
32
21
Husband in Prison
13
12
Insanity
3
3
Old Age
135
24
Orphans
10
12
Crippled
1
2
Blind .
3
0
Chronic Illness.
4
4
0
2
Death of Parents
0
Burials
1133
508
36,044.03
189
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Board of Park Commissioners, Attleboro, Mass.,
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my eighth annual report as your Superintendent.
With the help supplied by the City Welfare Department a large amount of permanent work has been accomplished in 1932. About four hundred stumps were pulled out and cut up for wood and delivered to the welfare help from that piece of land in the center of the Park where the future flower gardens are to be located. What loam was left from last year's work was carted in wheelbarrows and distributed on the high ground where the trees are standing. This gravelly soil was covered ten inches with the loam that was carted from the low land, or the land that had to be filled in from two to five feet.
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