USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1951-1957 > Part 16
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Paid to Treasurer
19.29
Abated and not refunded
Uncollectable (2) to be abated by the Commonwealth
7.08
$1,336.02
Interest and Charges-$9.89
1952 Real Estate:
Outstanding as of December 31, 1952
$1,634.23
Paid to Treasurer
34.51
Tax Titles (5)
11.60
Taken by Commonwealth (1)
31.80
Uncollected (1) being paid partially
$1,712.14
$1,712.14
Interest and Charges-$51.46
$229.25
168.85
$1,309.65
35
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
1953 Poll:
1953
Warrant dated March 6, 1953
$1,746.00
Warrant dated June 25, 1953
$6.00
Paid to Treasurer
$1,466.00
Abated and not refunded*
286.00
* Abated were 143 as follows:
Those over age 65
93
Those in the armed forces
37
Abated for various reasons
13
Interest and charges-$11.95
1953 Personal Property:
Warrant dated June 25, 1953
$12,299.27
Abated and refunded
13.34
$12,312.61
Paid to Treasurer
$12,241.27
Abated and refunded (2)
13.34
Uncollected (1)
58.00
Interest and Charges-$3.95
$12,312.61
1953 Real Estate:
Warrant dated June 25, 1953
$127,127.88
Abated and refunded
415.86
Paid to Treasurer
$123,096.09
Abated and refunded
415.86
Abated and not refunded
2,134.88
Tax Titles (13)
100.63
Taken by Commonwealth (1)
11.60
*Uncollected
1,784.68
$127,543.74
(*This represents 53 Taxes and 33 Persons.)
nterest and Charges-$27.39 Percentage of Collection-98.6%
$127,543.74
$1,752.00
$1,752.00
36
ANNUAL REPORT
1953 Excise:
Warrants:
First-March 18, 1953
2,880.71
Second-April 8, 1953
2,927.27
Third-May 15, 1953
3,336.41
Fourth-June 5, 1953
2,495.47
Fifth-July 17, 1953
757.11
Sixth-August 18, 1953
584.59
Seventh-September 30, 1953
413.60
Eighth-November 27, 1953
1,705.53
Ninth-December 15, 1953
800.00
Tenth-December 21, 1953
400.00
Eleventh-December 29, 1953
861.92
Abated and refunded
$19,175.30
$15,798.71
Paid to Treasurer
861.92
Abated and refunded (61)
1,212.60
Abated and not refunded (12)
1,302.07
Uncollected
$19,175.30
Interest and charges-$21.85
Demands, Interest and costs are as follows:
$16.97
1951 (Real Estate)
61.35
1952 (Real and Excise)
65.14
1953 (Real, Personal, Excise and Poll)
155,882.19
Total payments to treasurer in 1953
151,207.72
Total payments to treasurer in 1952
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE F. VECCHIONE, Collector of Taxes.
$2,012.69
37
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Douglas:
The report of the combined boards for the year 1953 is as follows:
This department has had a very busy year, for, as is always the case, when the employment conditions of the town are variable the work of this department increases.
Unemployment Compensation is of inestimable value but there is a waiting period of several weeks before this can be obtained, during which time a number of families had to be aided. Also, sev- eral families, living in this town temporarily and meeting misfor- tune while here, required much care and aid-one family costing the town over three hundred dollars in a short time. Rent increases, allowed by the local rent control board under the new rules, made a big item of expense.
Old Age Assistance aided fifty-two persons throughout the year and many of these had large medical bills. Nursing-home care for three persons cost $1987.70 and hospital bills totalled $1223.50. Three families with seven children were given Aid to Dependent Children at a cost of $4065.00. Beginning February 1, 1954 new State De- partment rules require the agent to make regular monthly calls upon each Aid to Dependent Children family, instead of quarterly calls as at present.
One Disability Assistance case has been cared for at Tewksbury State Infirmary at a cost of $1092. A small pension reimburses the town for part of this amount.
Up to this time each town has had its own medical plan which was applicable to the needs of that community. These plans were approved by the State Department and reimbursement for medical care was restricted to the amounts approved.
However, effective January 1, 1954, new state rules for medical care of welfare recipients are to go into effect and these set a stand- ard fee for physicians throughout the state.
38
ANNUAL REPORT
After January 1, 1954 the following rates will be paid-office calls, $3; house calls (daytimes, Sundays and holidays), $4; house calls after 10 P.M., $5. Other rules require authorization of calls, except in emergencies; reports, copies of prescriptions and bills are to be sent by the physicians to the office of the Board of Public Wel- fare before the fifteenth of each month. Payment for medical care will be made to the vendors instead of to the recipients as formerly. Heretofore it was necessary to make all payments to the recipients in order to secure reimbursement from the State and Federal Gov- ernment.
The Federal Government pays one half of all costs of adminis- tration-that is, salaries, supplies, telephone, mileage, postage, etc.
This department has had a great loss in the recent death of Judge Ferdinand J. Libby, who has been the chairman of the Bu- reau of Old Age Assistance since that work began in 1931. Judge Libby gave long and faithful service to this town, having held nearly every office in the town-being town counsel for thirty-five years, chairman of the Board of Assessors for many years, life trustee of the Simon Fairfield Public Library, member of the Board of Public Welfare and many other offices. His wise counsel did much for the town of Douglas.
Frank X. Rinfrette, who has been chairman of the Board of Public Welfare since 1939, has resigned and Fred J. Jette, member of the board, has been chairman as of Jan. 1, 1954.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED J. JETTE, Chairman FRANK X. RINFRETTE WALTER L. CARPENTER
VERA H. WARNER, Welfare Agent and Clerk of the Combined Boards.
39
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1953
Board of Selectmen,
Mr. Robert J. Frost, Chairman Douglas, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the Douglas Fire Department for the year ending December 31st, 1953.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS
Acting Chief Engineer VICTOR J. NELSON
Deputy Chief Engineer EDWARD A. THERRIEN
1st Engineer, Ernest Brule
3rd Engineer, Edward Bruno
2nd Engineer, Edward Jussaume 4th Engineer, Henry Labonne
FIREFIGHTERS
Lawrence Kolumber
Henry Therrien
Edward Martinsen
John Bloniasz
Andrew Baca
Vincent Cerrule
Carl Windham
Charles Devlin
Louis Bloniasz
Everett Johnson
The Fire Department answered a total of thirty-eight alarms for the year of 1953.
The following is a "break-down" of these alarms:
Type
Amount of Fires (
Loss
House
1
None
Garage
300.00
Automobile
(All same Fire)
300.00
Tools and Equipment
400.00
Truck
1
None
Chimney
2
None
Oil Burners
1
None
Plane Crash
1
No Fire Loss
Grass Fires
17
$1,000.00
40
ANNUAL REPORT
6
Brush Fires
1
Lost Child
5
Rubbish and Junk
2
Dump
Total
38 $1,000.00
There were no industrial fires during the year of 1953 compared with four for the previous year.
One call was answered for a house fire. There was no damage.
One garage stalling an automobile, plus tools and equipment, was completely destroyed for the only fire loss of the year.
Seventeen grass fires occurred. Careless use of incinerators ac- counted for some.
There was a marked improvement at the Town Dump. The Department answered just one call there for the year in comparison to fifteen for 1952.
All members of the Department participated in the search for a lost boy who was found safe and sound.
The fire loss in Douglas for the year of 1953 was set at $1,000.00, as compared to $3,667.66 for 1952.
Federal census taken in 1950 showed a population in Douglas of 2624.
Based on the above figures, it is determined that the fire loss in Douglas per capita (per person) was $.39 for the year of 1953 in com- parison to $1.40 in 1952.
An enterprise started in the year of 1948, was realized this past year. The members of the Department accomplished a five-year ambition to equip the Town and Fire Department with an Ambu- lance. Through the individual efforts of these men and the fine co- operation of the citizens of Douglas this project was eventually made possible.
The members wish to thank all those who made personal con- tributions and purchased fire extinguishers to make the ambulance an actuality.
. The use of this Ambulance is FREE of charge to all residents of the Town. Up to the present date, four hospital trips have beer made.
41
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
Repeating an article that has been put in this report year after year the Board of Engineers recommend that the Town should give SERIOUS consideration to the purchase of a new Fire Truck for the common safety of the people of Douglas. At the present time the Department consists of an old 1935 Ford Truck-a 1939 GMC Truck that was purchased from the Government second hand and made over into a Fire Truck-a 1939 Dodge Truck that was bought second hand for the sole purpose of Forest Fire fighting and of course the Jeep. We appreciate the large amount of money involved in the purchase of such a piece of equipment but still feel the ne- cessity.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR J. NELSON, Acting Chief Engineer
The itemized financial statement:
APPROPRIATION
Town Meeting (1953)
$4,195.00
Reserve Fund
225.00
$4,420.00
EXPENDITURES
Various Budget
Appropriated Expended
Fire Chief's Salary
$500.00
$500.00
Fire Company's Salary
1,600.00
1,600.00
Treasurer's Salary
15.00
15.00
Secretary's Salary
15.00
15.00
Janitor's Salary
115.00
115.00
Radio and Telephone Operator
650.00
650.00
Equipment Maintenance
600.00
309.00
New Equipment
100.00
320.29
Labor and Building Maintenance
100.00
311.26
Electricity
35.00
37.90
Telephone
265.00
259.00
Radio Maintenance
25.00
27.50
Miscellaneous
25.00
39.65
$4,195.00
$4,397.21
Total
$4,420.00
Fuel
150.00
197.21
Unexpended balance
22.79
42
ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE EQUIPMENT APPROPRIATION
Town Meeting $750.00
$750.00
EXPENDITURES
Farrar Company for Hose and Coupling $750.00
$750.00
INSURANCE ON FIRE EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION
Town Meeting
$850.00
$850.00
EXPENDITURES
$430.47
Insurance-Equipment
277.50
Insurance-Personnel
707.97
Unexpended balance
142.03
Total
$850.00
43
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE WARDEN
December 31, 1953
Board of Selectmen
Mr. Robert J. Frost, Chairman
Douglas, Massachusetts
I herewith respectfully submit the Annual Report of the Douglas Forest Fire Department.
During the year of 1953, eleven alarms were answered by the Forest Fire Department. They constituted Brush and Grass Fires.
One fire in the woods off of Franklin St. and on the property of John Meszaro, lasted three days before finally being put out. This fire is believed to have been started by blueberry pickers.
Itemized Financial Statement of the Forest Fire Department
APPROPRIATION
Town Meeting
$500.00
$500.00
EXPENDITURES
Payrolls
$300.00
Hose
106.00
Food
48.27
Advertising
38.24
Unexpended Balance
493.50
6.50
$500.00
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR J. NELSON Acting Forest Fire Warden
44
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1953
Board of Selectmen
Mr. Robert J. Frost, Chairman
Douglas, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith respectfully submit by Annual Report as Dog Officer for the year ending December 31, 1953:
Dogs Licensed
Males 139
28
Spayed Dogs 51
4
Kennel Licenses
7
Unlicensed Dogs killed
10
Stray Dogs (licensed) found and returned to owners .
3
Dogs killed by autos
Persons alleged to have been bitten by Dogs
2
Number of Inspections of Kennels
6
To the best of my knowledge there are no dogs unlicensed in the Town at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR J. NELSON, Dog Officer
218
Females
45
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE DOUGLAS RECREATION COMMITTEE
January 12, 1954
Board of Selectmen Mr. Robert J. Frost, Chairman Douglas, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Recreation Commission submits the following report of their activities for the year 1953.
The Little League operated again this year with upwards of seventy boys between the ages of eight and twelve enjoying four months of baseball in a highly successful program.
The Commission would like to note at this time, that unless the parents of these boys take more interest in their sons' activities, that there is definite danger to the future of the Little League, in the years to come.
An attempt was made to organize an older boys league, but a definite lack of interest in the boys in this age group, plus a lack of older persons to take an interest in the program, made it impossible for the Commission to carry on this project.
On December 20th, the skating area, known as Dudley's Pond, in Douglas Center was declared safe and the flood lights put into operation.
The other recreation skating area, known as Hunt's pond, was tested numerous times and up until the snowstorm of January 9, 1954, had not been declared safe. The Commission again wants to remind the public that only when the lights are turned on, are skat- ing conditions safe.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. DEVLIN, Chairman ANDREW MERCAK HAROLD KEITH Douglas Recreation Commission.
46
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1953
To the Honorable Selectmen of Douglas
Dear Sirs:
Herein is my report for the year 1953.
I have tested and sealed all scales and measures, also gas and oil pumps in the Town of Douglas and found them to be in good con- dition.
I have collected the amount of $70.25 and turned the same over to the Town Treasurer.
I have also had Mr. Camille Guertin test and seal fuel trucks for which the Town of Douglas has no equipment for same.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH E. McMAHON, Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF TOWN HALL
NEW TOWN HALL MAINTENANCE
The itemized financial statement follows:
Appropriations:
$4,100.00
Town Meeting
305.93
Moses Wallis Devise
129.44
Reserve Fund
$4,535.37
47
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
Expenditures:
Janitor's Salary
$2,574.00
Fuel
941.72
Lights
500.14
Maintenance
356.07
Janitor's Supplies
55.04
Bond
100.00
Piano Tuning
8.40
$4,535.37
OLD TOWN HALL MAINTENANCE
The itemized financial statement follows:
Appropriations:
Town Meeting
$400.00
Reserve Fund
76.82
$476.82
Expenditures :
Fuel
$332.92
Lights
68.40
Building Maintenance
75.50
$476.82
48
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF AGENT MOSES WALLIS DEVISE
DECEMBER 31, 1953
To The Selectmen of the Town of Douglas:
The Agent charges himself with amounts due the Devise, Jan- uary 1, 1953.
$14,500.00 U. S. Bonds, 21/2% 1967-62 $14,500.00
3,000.00
3,000.00 First National Banks, Boston
3,000.00 Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
23/4% 1981
$3,093.75
Amortization
3,076.59
3,000.00 Northern Pacific Railroad
$3,048.75
41/2% 1975
11.99
Amortization
3,036.76
4,000.00 Southern Pacific Railroad
23/4 % 1966 $3,340.00
3,340.00
3,000.00 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
$3,063.75
27/8 % 1987
10.45
Amoritzation
3,053.30
1,500.00 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
1,742.04
31/2% 1964
31,748.69
574.87
Whitinsville National Bank
32,323.56
Capital increase reported previously
28,350.23
Due Town Treasurer
847.80
Value to be kept permanent
3,973.33
$27,502.43
17.16
49
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
The Agent has received as follows:
1953 Balance January 1, 1953
Jan. 2, 1953 First National Bank, Boston
$84.00
January 1, 1953 Southern Pacific Railroad
55.00
Jan. 31, 1953 American Tel. & Tel. 31/2 C deb
26.25
March 1, 1953 Northern Pacific Railroad
67.50
April 1, 1953 First National Bank, Boston
30.00
June 1, 1953 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
43.11
June 1, Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
41.25
June 16, 1953 Treasurer of the United States
181.25
July 1, 1953 First National Bank of Boston
30.00
July 2, 1953 Southern Pacific Railroad
55.00
July 31, 1953 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
26.25
Sept. 1, 1953 Northern Pacific Railroad
67.50
Oct. 1, 1953 First National Bank of Boston
30.00
Nov. 16, 1953 First National Bank of Boston
2.65
Dec. 1, 1953 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
43.14
Dec. 1, 1953 Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
41.25
Dec. 16, 1953 Treasurer of the United States . . 181.25
1,005.40
$1,580.27
"The Agent has paid out as follows:
Sept. Town of Douglas
$847.80
Nov. 12 The First National Bank, Boston
22.50
Dec. 16, Salary Agent
75.00
Balance
$945.30
634.97
$1,580.27
PRESENT VALUE OF DEVISE
December 31, 1953
$14,500.00 U. S. Bonds 21/2% 1967-62
3,019.85 First National Bank, Boston, 65 Shares
$14,500.00
3,000.00 Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
3,019.85
23/4 % 1981
$3,093.75
Amortization
20.28
4,000.00 Southern Pacific Railroad
3,073.47
23/4% 1996
3,340.00
$574.87
50
ANNUAL REPORT
3,000.00 Northern Pacific Railroad 41/2 % 1975
$3,048.75
Amortization 14.17
3,034.58
3,000.00 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
27/8 % 1987
12.35
Amortization
3,051.40
1,500.00 American Tel. & Tel. Co.
$1,742.04
31/2% 1964
1,742.04
$31,761.34
Whitinsville National Bank
32,396.31
Capital increase reported previously
3,973.33
28,422.98
Due Town Treasurer
920.55
Value to be kept permanent
$27,502.43
Respectfully submitted, GILBERT W. ROWLEY, Agent
$3,063.75
634.97
51
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Water Commissioners submit the following as their report for the year 1953.
Again we failed to keep within the amount appropriated for our spending in keeping the department working properly. We had asked that $8300.00 be appropriated and in December we were com- pelled to ask for another $1,000.00.
Three hydrants were damaged so that one new one was required and two were repaired. On route No. 16 between East Douglas and Old Douglas the road was raised, making it necessary for us to raise two hundrants and three valves. This cost us about $200.00. The last hydrant accident was on East Main Street on December 25th, and cost about $225.00. Lower village service changes amounts to $150.00. Service changes on Martin Road made from Depot Street to the new main on Martin Road cost us about $500.00. Seventeen new services were put in throughout the system. Thirty-six renewals including Martin Road renewals were made. Twelve shutoffs were replaced or repaired.
The town has already been reimbursed about $695.00 of the extra $1,000.00 overexpended and the rest is to be collected. How- ever this money repossessed cannot be used by us and made neces- sary the added appropriation.
Some small trees were planted in the pumping house lot. This item cost us $12.00. This planting was in the nature of an im- provement. We expect to plant a few more trees this year.
The drought caused us all a lot of anxiety. People of the com- munity outside the limits of the water system drew water from four hydrants. There was no restraint in the use of the water in any case. The wells did show the effect of the drought but not enough so we felt it necessary to restrict people in the use of water for gar- dens or lawns.
We have advocated in the past that we should have a reserve of water and with the new extensions lately and more possible we may find it necessary to acquire an additional water field.
Martin Road extension added about 3000 feet and four hydrants to our system. . We encountered much difficult digging on the Martin Road but the job was done without over-running the amount alloted for the work.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
We call your attention to articles in the Warrant calling for consideration of three more extensions this year.
1. Extension on North Street from the Dargen property up the hill and to the Lambert place. This would be some 2600 feet and would cost about $13,000.00.
2. Gilboa Court extension to Metcalf home would cost for some 1600 feet about $6400.00.
3. Harrisville Road to Harry Downs' farm would cost for some 3960 feet about $23,000, as some extra cost would be met with in crossing the railroad.
We ask for 1954 an appropriation of $9360.
The itemized financial statement follows:
APPROPRIATIONS:
Town Meeting
1,000.00
Transfer from Water Surplus
$9,400.00
EXPENDITURES:
Administration:
Superintendent's Salary
85.00
Clerical Assistance
28.00
Meter Reading
77.46
Telephone
18.75
Bond
$3,477.50
General:
$389.20
Truck Maintenance
1,159.48
Valves, Tubing, Pipes and Fittings
220.00
Equipment
108.94
Meters Repaired
469.77
New Meters
48.09
General Supplies
2,395.48
$8,400.00
$3,120.00
Printing, Stationery and Postage
148.29
53
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
Pumping Station:
Power and Light
$1,762.28
Power-Booster Pump
265.35
Fuel
89.93
Building Maintenance
43.09
Charts and Trees
45.38
2,206.03
SERVICE PIPE:
Labor
987.00
DAMAGED HYDRANT:
Hydrant, etc.
204.90
Unexpended Balance
129.09
$9,400.00
1953 WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS
APPROPRIATIONS:
1952 Balance
$5,000.00
Town Meeting
10,000.00
$15,000.00
EXPENDITURES :
Warren Pipe Co.
$7,424.28
Joseph DeVries & Sons, Inc.
4,938.86
The Ludlow Valve Mfg. Co.
826.79
Cold Patch
280.26
Highway Payroll and Equipment
861.96
Contract and Specification
178.32
Survey
130.00
Superintendent
125.00
Gravel
99.20
Hilco Supply Co.
81.40
Express and Freight Charges
30.88
Unexpended Balance
14,976.95
23.05
$15,000.00
Respectfully submitted, GILBERT W. ROWLEY, FELIX S. VECCHIONE, WILLIAM J. WALLIS,
Water Commissioners
$9,270.91
54
ANNUAL REPORT
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
December 31, 1953
To the Board of Selectmen of Douglas:
As Inspector of Slaughtering, I wish to make my report for the year ending December 31, 1953.
I have inspected ten swine, two calves, one beef.
Respectfully submitted, ROY E. KENYON Inspector of Slaughtering
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
December 31, 1953
To the Board of Selectmen of Douglas:
A report on livestock disease control follows:
There were three hundred forty-two cattle, of which there was one hundred sixty-five dairy cows, one hundred thirty young cattle, forty-seven steers, twenty-eight swine, twenty-eight horses, twenty- eight goats, and fourteen sheep.
The barns and animals seem to be in good condition.
Respectfully submitted, ROY E. KENYON Animal Inspector
55
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1953
Board of Selectmen,
Mr. Robert J. Frost, Chairman, Douglas, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the Douglas Police Department for the year ending December 31st, 1953.
ORGANIZATION
Chief of Police
VICTOR J. NELSON
Patrolmen
JOSEPH KOSTKA WARREN JOHNSON JEREMIAH KELLY
HARRY BROWN JOHN MICHNA
ACTIVITY REPORT
Complaints Received (all nature)
475
Complaints Investigated
403
Investigations for Other Departments
Hours of Investigation 22
610
Hours at Court (all officers)
55
Value of Stolen Property Recovered
$35.00
Arrests (see following schedule for classification)
24
TRAFFIC
Cars stopped, operators warned and booked, Violation M. V. Laws
633
Cars stopped, operators summoned to Court, Violation M. V. Laws
11
Cars stopped, operator's license recommended suspended
250
Cars stopped, registrations revoked, Violation M. V. Laws
4
Motor Vehicle transfers checked and approved
47
Accidents
Fatal
1
Personal Injury
7
Property Damage
11
7
56
ANNUAL REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES
1550
Hours Special Duty (All Officers)
27
Street Lights found to be out and reported to authority
10
Emergency messages delivered
3
Death messages delivered
$25.00
Value of lost property found and returned to owners
4
Emergency trip to Hospital with Cruiser
2
Vacant houses inspected at request of owner (Inspections)
1200
Mileage, Cruiser, Patrols, Investigations, Court, etc.
25,102
Permits to carry Firearms
CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENSES FOR WHICH ARRESTS WERE MADE
Crimes against the Person:
1
Assault
2
Rape
Crimes against Property :
6
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
Crimes against Public Order:
1
Delinquency
1
Drunkenness
1
Incest
1
Lewdness
3
Violation Motor Vehicle Laws
5
Neglect and Non-Support of Family
3
Total
Males
Females
20
Residents
4
Non-Residents
9
Felonies
15
Misdemeanors
0
For Other Departments
7
Sentences to Jails, Prisons, etc.
1
Cases Pending
0
Unserved Warrants
Juveniles brought to Police Headquarters regarding
various complaints-No prosecution wanted by complainants
7
Doors to Business Places found unlocked and secured
101
Highway defects located and reported to Supervisor
11
Insane Persons Committed
24
23
1
57
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
During the year of 1953, through the cooperation of the Mass. Dept. of Public Works "Traffic Counts" were made on four different roads or streets in Douglas. These "Counts" were made during the summer months when the traffic is the heaviest. Locations as fol- lows:
1. Main St. (Rt. No. 16) 200 feet southwest of the intersection of Main (Rt. No. 16) and Mechanic Streets.
2. Mechanic St. 200 feet west of intersection of Main (Rt. No. 16) and Mechanic Sts.
3. North St. 300 feet north of intersection of Gilboa and North Sts.
4. South St. One mile south of intersection of Rt. No. 16 and South Sts.
The result of the "Traffic Counts" as follows:
1. Main St. (Rt. No. 16) Friday 4,052
Saturday 4,412
Sunday 4,773
Three Day Total
13,187
2. Mechanic St.
Friday
1,697
Saturday
2,613
Sunday
2,020
Three Day Total
6,330
3. North St.
Friday 574
4. South St. Friday 384
Peak hours of traffic were the same on all four locations. Heaviest between the hours of 3.00 P.M. and 8.00 P.M.
The only comparable day that we were able to make was on a Friday.
Main St. (Rt. No. 16) 4,052 Mechanic St. 1,697
North St. 574 South St. 384
The above facts and figures should answer some of the queries as to why some roads are patrolled heavier and more constant than others. With a Police Budget that only allows one man on duty at a time, with the exception of emergencies, it is apparent that the Officer must concentrate in the areas where and when the Traffic is the heaviest in an endeavor to keep accidents at a minimum. This is only consistent with the three "E's" of traffic management, namely: Engineering, Education and Enforcement.
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