USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1912 > Part 3
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60
TOWN REPORT
18. Isaac Whittier, (Adalaid Whittier), ex- pended for care, 2 85
19. Henry Sargent, (W. A. Paine), ex- pended for care, 2 02
·LOCUST GROVE CEMETERY.
20. J. E. Prescott, (Geo. Batchelder), ex- pended for care, 2 85
21. D. J. Poore, (Rhoda S. Poore), expended for care, 3 75
22. O. W. Little, (Mary A. Little), expended for care, 8 10
23. I. B. Little, (By own will), expended for care, 5 00
24. Dr. A. F. Pattee, (Sarah A. Pattee), double lot, Bailey Sargent, expended for care 2 25
25. T. D. Nelson, (Accumulating), expended for care, (personally paid).
26. J. H. Little and Fred A. Loud, (Linda A. Little), expended for care, 6 06
27. Henry C. Crosby, (Accumulating), ex- pended for care, (personally paid).
28. Phineas Chase, (By own will), expended for care, 2 50
29. Charles A. Bridges, (Mrs. C. A. Bridges), expended for care, 2 98
61
TOWN REPORT
PERPETUAL CARE OF LOTS.
Under Massachusetts Laws, Revised Statutes, 1902, Chap. 78, Sec. 24 of Cemeteries and Burials.
A town in which Cemetery Commissioners or Trus- tees are chosen may receive gifts or bequests for main- taining cemeteries or cemetery lots, which shall be paid into the town treasury of said town and with the ac- counts thereof, shall be kept separate from the other money and accounts of said town; the town treasurer shall invest all such funds in accordance with the stipu- lations, if any accompany them; otherwise he shall invest them as ordered by the Selectmen and Commissioners or Trustees, and pay the income therefrom upon their order, or with their approval.
The income only can be used under this law.
62
TOWN REPORT
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
To the citizens of the Town of Merrimac :
Gentlemen :- I take pleasure in submitting my first annual report as auditor of the Town of Merrimac for the year ending Dec. 31, 1912.
I have made a careful audit of the books and ac- counts of the Selectmen, Treasurer, Collector Taxes, School Committee, Water and Light Departments and find them to be well and correctly kept.
Statement of orders drawn by the several departments and the same as paid by the Town Treasurer follows :
Selectmen's dept.,
$ 34,437 58
Water dept., 10,666 78
Light dept., 11,770 00
School dept., 9,516 85
1911 orders outstanding as paid 1912, 426 72
$ 66,817 93
The treasurer has paid during 1912 in orders,
Selectmen's dept.,
$ 34,641 05
Water dept.,
10,666 78
Light dept.,
11,770 00
School dept.,
9,516 85
Outstanding orders 1912, 223 25
$ 66,817 93
63
TOWN REPORT
Selectmen's dept., No. 1709,
$ 50
No. 1897,
2 02
No. 1853,
35 69
No. 1864,
20 83
No. 1873,
4 17
No. 1876,
2 00
No. 1883,
11 00
No. 1883,
32 00
No. 1884,
22 50
No. 1885,
20 83
No. 1886,
3 95
No. 1889,
50 76
No. 1890,
8 00
No. 1891,
9 00
$ 223 25
Respectfully submitted, C. E. WHITTING.
64
TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD.
The Municipal Light Board herein submit their ninth annual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1912.
Additions to the plant for the year have been 12 lighting services and one power service, and there are in use 100 lighting services exclusive of town buildings and eight power services.
K. W. H. delivered at the switchboard power 135,999, commercial lights 47,195, street lights 36,295, total 219,389.
In compliance with the law the manager has furnish- ed the Board with the following estimates of income and expense for the ensuing year.
Estimated Expense.
Gross expense of operation, main-
tenance and repairs,
$ 6,521 64 414 00
Interest,
Depreciation,
793 57
Note payments,
600 00
Bond payments,
500 00
Loss preceding year,
28 54
$ 8,857 75
Income.
From private consumers,
$ 7,450 00
From appropriation for mainten-
ance,
1,407 75
$ 8,857 75
The sum of $1,407 75 is the amount to be included by the town in the annual appropriation and in the tax levy.
65
TOWN REPORT
CONSTRUCTION. Street Lines.
Pettingell Andrews Co., supplies, $ 481 35
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, 15 08
American Express Co., expressage, 75
I. B. Little Co., supplies, 96
James Dickens, supplies, 7 43
B. & M. R. R., freight, 16 11
J. E. Currier, poles, 21 00
Water Dept., team and labor, 145 74
-$
688 42
Transformers. Westinghouse E. & M. Co., trans- formers, $ 111 96
A. McInnis, freight and trucking,
3 98
Water Dept., team and labor, 5 00
$ 120 94
Meters.
Westinghouse E. & M. Co., meters, $ 107 07
American Express Co., expressage, 2 75
A. McInnis, trucking, 75
Water Dept., team and labor, 2 50
--
-$ 113 07
MAINTENANCE.
Fuel.
Atkinson Coal Co., fuel,
$
4,788 93
Sargent Coal Co., fuel and teaming, 716 81
W. A. Jepson, fuel, 48 83
Water Dept., freight, 85 93
$ 5,640 50
66
TOWN REPORT
MAINTENANCE.
Oil and Waste.
Water Dept., oil and waste, $ 181 16
-$ 181 16
Wages at Station.
W. A. Barbeau, engineer, $ 233 14
G. G. Hall, engineer, 491 14
A. J. Cottam, engineer, 226 71
W. B. Perry, helper, 477 00
-$ 1,427 99
Repairing Steam Plant.
Water Dept., supplies,
$ 32 30
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, 1 50
S. E. Woodbury, stock and labor, 20 70
$ 54 50
Repairing Electric Plant. Westinghouse E. & M. Co., sup- plies, $ 20 08
J. Dickens, supplies and labor, 37 65
American Express Co., expressage, 2 17
Pettingell Andrews Co., supplies, 1 20
A. McInnis, freight and trucking,
1 44
E. S. Lincoln, labor,
25 00
Condit Electric Co., supplies,
7 69
C. Dickens, labor, 3 00
$ 98 23
Incandescent Lamps, Etc.
Pettingell Andrews Co., lamps etc., $ 470 50
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, 70
American Express Co., expressage, 3 15
$ 474 35
67
TOWN REPORT
Repairing Lines, Etc.
Pettingell Andrews Co., supplies, $ 47 54
American Express Co., expressage, 85
B. & M. R. R., freight, 8 10
Westinghouse E. & M. Co., sup-
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, plies, 12 75
1 40
I. B. Little Co., supplies,
50
J. Dickens, supplies,
2 85
Water Dept., team and labor, 129 15
$ 203 14
Distribution Tools.
Pettingell Andrews Co., tools, $ 30 30
J. L. Fales, ladder, 2 13
I. B. Little Co., tools, 2 35
$
34 78
Salaries.
W. A. Bailey, manager, $ 400 00
W. A. Bailey, commissioner, 12 50
J. L. Howe, commissioner, 12 50
W. H. Scott, commissioner, 12 50
$ 437 50
Office.
Pettingell Andrews Co., supplies, $ 7 00
Merrimac Job Print, printing, 24 75
W. H. Scott, car fare and expense, 5 00
Water Dept., expense, 82 96
$ 119 71
Incidentals.
Water Dept., rent of station,
$
300 00
$
300 00
68
TOWN REPORT
Insurance.
Merrimac Insurance Agency, em- ployees and public, $ 275 14 $ 275 14
Bonds, Notes and Interest,
Bond payment, $ 500 00
Note payment,
600 00
Interest payment,
480 00
$ 1,580 00
Total,
$ 11,749 43
BALANCE SHEET.
Total cash on hand Jan. 1, 1912, $ 4,565 10
Received for sale of light and
power, 8,058 25
Water Dept., fuel,
1,260 13
Miscellaneous,
31 00
Lamp sales,
293 40
Appropriations,
2,183 89
Interest on depreciation fund, 93 04
$ 16,484 81
Expended.
For construction, $ 922 43
For maintenance,
10,827 00
Balance,
4,735 38
$ 16,484 81
Analysis of Cash on Hand.
Total cash on hand Jan. 1, 1913, $ 4,735 38
Depreciation and interest, 2,972 86
General cash on hand Jan. 1, 1913, 1,762 52
69
TOWN REPORT
COST OF CONSTRUCTION.
Steam plant,
$ 3,985 39
Electric plant,
4,481 01
Street lines,
12,620 52
Transformers,
3,349 62
Meters,
2,015 82
$ 26,452 36
Assets.
Steam plant,
$ 3,045 59
Electric plant,
3,027 46
Street lines,
11,435 11
Transformers,
2,619 62
Meters,
1,607 48
Due for light and power,
1,240 71
Due for lamps,
44 82
Fuel on hand,
1,620 38
Lamps on hand,
179 44
Tools,
125 91
General cash,
1,762 52
Depreciation fund,
2,972 86
$ 29,681 90
Liabilities.
Bonds outstanding,
$ 7,000 00
Notes payable,
4,200 00
Appropriations for construction,
5,225 83
Appropriations for bond payments,
3,000 00
Appropriations for note payments,
679,80
Unpaid bills,
1,106 66
Balance,
8,469 61
$ 29,681 90 WILLIS H. SCOTT, JAMES L. HOWE, WARREN A. BAILEY, Municipal Light Board.
70
TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
The Board of Water Commissioners herein submit their ninth annual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1912.
We have added seven services during the year, mak- ing a total of 501, and there are in use 481, of the 20 services shut off there are a number of summer services in use from three months to six months each year. The receipts from water rates were $5,324.50, an increase over last year of $148.50. The pumping record shows 32,305,110 gallons pumped.
ESTIMATES FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.
Expense.
Gross expense of operating plant, $ 5,004 26
Bond payments, 3,500 00
Interest payments, 2,730 00
Construction, 100 00
$ 11,334 26
Income.
Water rates,
$ 5,150 00
Light Dept., rent,
300 00
Cash on hand,
2,257 47
We recommend that the town
appropriate for water for
municipal use,
1,775 00
For Construction, 100 00
And balance for maintenance, 1,751 79
$ 11,334 26
71
TOWN REPORT
Construction.
G. P. Anderson, pipe and fitting,
$
89 11
G. G. Davis, team, 130 50
W. A. Bailey, supt. pay roll, 292 15
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, 2 90
American Express Co., expressage, 75
Zenas Lovell & Co., supplies,
78
National Meter Co., meter connec- tions, 4 80
Sargent Coal Co., supplies,
2 50
Jonah & George, supplies,
20
F. C. Williams, labor on tools,
3 65
$
527 34
Appropriation, $ 100 00
Received for laying service pipe, 51 85
Received from Light Dept., team and labor, 282 39
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1912, 151 12
$ 585 36
Balance unexpended, $
58 02
Oil and Waste.
G. P. Anderson, oil and waste,
$
218 63
Walker Carriage Co., oil, 1 20
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, 11 22
-- $ 231 05
Fuel.
Light Dept., fuel,
$ 1,260 13
B. & M. R. R., freight, 85 93
$ 1,346 06
Station Wages.
T. C. Story, engineer,
$
669 00
G. G. Hall, engineer,
267 00
$
936 00
72
TOWN REPORT
Repairs.
American Express Co., expressage, $ 1 25
G. G. Davis, team, 18 00
H. Worthington, supplies, 6 05
C. F. Bennett, supplies,
2 71
W. A. Bailey, supt. pay roll,
65 99
I. B. Little Co., supplies,
49
Keniston Engineering Co., repairs,
121 06
N. L. Howe, stock and labor,
4 43
W. W. Gormley, repairs,
1 00
E. H. Alexander, supplies,
20 50
Sargent Coal Co., supplies,
1 00
G. P. Anderson, supplies,
24 46
A. McInnis, freight and trucking,
2 03
David Roy, repairs,
17 85
J. E. Currier, supplies,
7 19
Scannell Boiler Works, supplies,
35 40
Crosby Steam Gage & Valve Co., repairs,
3 15
Deane Steam Pump Co., supplies,
9 04
D. W. Gould, supplies,
75
F. C. Williams, repairs,
1 00
$
343 35
Salaries.
W. A. Bailey, superintendent, $ 550 00
W. A. Bailey, commissioner, 12 50
J. L. Howe, commissioner,
12 50
W. H. Scott, commissioner,
12 50
$
587 50
Supplies to Station.
G. P. Anderson, supplies, $ 64 54
A. McInnis, freight and trucking, 52
I. B. Little Co., supplies, 3 45
American Express Co., expressage, 1 45
Zenas Lovell & Co., supplies, 11 89
$ 81 85
73
TOWN REPORT
Office.
G. E. Ricker, P. M., stamps and box rent, $ 34 80
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co., service and rental, 53 74
Amesbury Pub. Co., printing,
5 50
G. P. Anderson, supplies,
5 00
W. A. Bailey, supt, pay roll,
2 00
I. B. Little & Co., supplies,
30
Sargent Coal Co., coal,
67 50
H. H. Story, supplies,
1 90
W. H. Scott, supplies,
50
Zenas Lovell & Co., supplies,
2 39
173 63
Bonds and Interest.
Bond payment,
$ 3,500 00
Interest payment, 2,940 00
-$ 6,440 00
Total,
$ 10,666 78
74
TOWN REPORT
BALANCE SHEET.
Receipts.
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1912,
$ 2,610 74
Appropriations,
3,902 43
Water rates,
5,324 50
Light Dept., rent,
300 00
Team and labor,
282 39
Supplies,
32 30
Office,
82 96
Fuel bill paid,
85 93
Oil and waste,
181 16
Laying service pipe,
51 85
Miscellaneous,
57 30
Repairing service pipe,
12 69
-$ 12,924 25
Expended.
For Construction,
$
527 34
For maintenance,
,10,139 44
Cash balance Jan. 1, 1913,
2,257 47
$ 12,924 25
Dr.
To outstanding bills including in-
terest due Jan. 15, $ 1,635 76
Cr.
By cash on hand,
$ 2,257 47
By fuel on hand, 539 12
By supplies on hand,
42 40
$ 2,838 99
WILLIS H. SCOTT, JAMES L. HOWE, WARREN A. BAILEY, Board of Water Commissioners.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Subject to Correction
State Board of Health Merrimac Water Analysis. (Parts in 100,000.) 1912
DATE OF
APPEARANCE
ODOR
Number
Collection
Exam'tion
Turbidity
Sediment
Color
Cold
Hot
Residue on
Evaporation
Free
Albu-
Chlorine
Nitrates
Nitrites
Hardness
Iron
103822
4
5
none
none
.00
none
none
8.60
.0006
.0012
.51
.0300
.0000
2.6
·0100 |Welis
98459
8
none
none
.00
none
none
5 50
0002
.0014
48
.0180
.0000
2.2
.0100
Wells
100655
27
28
none
v slight
.00
none
none
7.00
.0008
.0020
.49
.C300
COPO
2.6
.0120
Wells
102238
3
4
none
none
.00
none
none
5.60
,0004
.0014
.51
.0200
.0000
2.6
.0100
Wells
AMMONIA
Nitrogen As
minoid
Remarks
1
Nov 1912
Mar 1912
June 1912
Sept.
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
While the committee have not always taken the same view in school matters, they on the whole worked in har- mony and each has tried to do his duty as he saw it for the best interest of our schools.
It seems as though this has been an unusually hard year as so many questions of importance have had to be settled. Acting under the advice of our former Superin- tendent and the Board of Education, likewise the opinion of educators in general, we decided to raise the entering age to six years. This, as we planned, would only give two or three scholars for the first grade, and we could put them in with the second grade, thus saving one teach- er's salary. Feeling that this change might possibly work to a disadvantage in some cases, we finally decided to make the entering age five years and six months, and raise the other six months the following year. This proved to be a mistake, for much to our surprise, it gave us a first grade of about twenty scholars, which combined with the large second grade, made a most difficult prob- lem for any teacher. We shall have to divide these grades another year and employ another teacher.
In April, at a meeting of the joint Boards of Ames- bury and Merrimac, it was voted to dissolve the union with Amesbury, that town feeling that they needed a Su- perintendent's entire time. By the Board of Education we were put into a union, consisting of Newbury, West
2
SCHOOL REPORT
Newbury, Salisbury and Merrimac. This brought us in touch with towns nearer our own class, and we believed this would prove an advantageous union.
Mr. A. W. Small of Newburyport was elected as Su- perintendent of this union, Merrimac paying 7-20 of his salary, and to have 7-20 of his time. His salary was fixed at $1700 per year. Mr. Small, who has proven himself. thus far a worker, started at once to solve the problems he found in our schools, and the committee feel that he has made a marked improvement in a very short time in spite of the fact that he has been terribly handicapped by sickness among his teaching force.
The terms of a new law make it compulsory to hire all superintendents for three-year terms.
We feel that the town never had its teaching force so crippled at the beginning of any schol year. Mr. Cutts, Miss Sayre and Miss Head, all of them teachers of un- usual ability, who have given many years of the best part of their lives in the interest of education in this town, resigned and took up the work in other places.
To fill their places was a problem. Miss Neal, who, though only with us a short time, was doing very efficient work, also resigned. This left us with but one assistant. Miss Brown, who was familiar with the routine work in our High school.
In addition to this loss of valuable teachers, we were handicapped by a very unusual amount of sickness among the teachers. We would respectfully refer you to the re- ports of the Superintendent, Supervisor, Principal and School Physician for further information in regard to the work being done.
Our High school building is by far the best equipped building we have, and the present committee believe, as those of the past, that it pays to keep it so. Aside from the usual repairs we had to spend about $175 on the heating plant the past year, and must have some shingling
3
SCHOOL REPORT
done on the east side of the building and also the cupola this year.
The Centre building with the antiquated system of heating and sanitary conditions certainly is a problem, and we feel as no doubt past committee have, that there should be something done to put this building in a better condition. We certainly think that it would be better for us to raise a sum sufficient to so remodel and heat this building, that we will have it off our hands for a term of years, and pay the same in small yearly pay- ments than to spend about the same amounts in yearly re- pairs which are of little permanent value. With this end in view your committee will try and have some facts and figures for your consideration at our March meeting.
The Prospect street building is in a very good condi- tion with the exception of the piazza which must be re- placed this year with a new one or extensive repairs made The building at the Port should be shingled this year.
It is growing harder every year to run the schools on the same amount appropriated the previous year. This town has always been very generous in its appropriations for the schools, and we feel that it will continue in future years as in the past to adequately provide for its educa- tional needs.
With a due appreciation of the efforts and co-opera- tion of our Superintendent and teachers, likewise parents and pupils, we respectfully submit this report.
WALTER L. CHALONER,
HENRY C. MANNING, RALPH H. SARGENT.
4
SCHOOL REPORT
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT. Financial Statement.
Appropriations and receipts.
General fund,
$ 7,650 00
Transportation,
1,000 00
Superintendent,
375 00
Town of Salisbury, tuition.
40 00
Hazel Farnham, tuition,
19 00
Dog tax,
155 76
From State, account of Supt., etc.,
458 33
Sale of stove,
7 00
Grass,
2 00
Books,
2 00
Tuition and transportation of state wards,
173 00
Mass. School fund,
907 10
Mass. school fund balance on hand in 1911,
47 12
Total,
$ 10,836 31
Expenditures.
Teachers' salaries,
$ 6,516 60
Janitors' salaries,
789 52
Fuel,
618 82
Superintendent's salary,
585 50
Repairs,
485 55
Transportation,
947.50
Incidentals,
335 45
Supplies,
318 05
Books,
223 68
Total,
$ 10,820 67
General fund, balance on hand,
15 64
$ 10,836 31
5 ,
SCHOOL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
Gentlemen :- I have the pleasure of presenting you my first annual report relative to the work and condi- tions of the schools in your town, and also to matter rela- tive to educational interest.
Now four months is altogether too short a time to become thoroughly conversant with all the conditions and factors entering into the successful management of any complex business system. Notwithstanding all that has been said to the contrary, there certainly is no business that presents more or greater problems than our schools. In other lines the problems are somewhat constant or they repeat themselves in cycles of every few years, but in school work and the management of the school room, the problems continually arising are never constant but are the most variable variables. This is the reason why so many faithful, earnest teachers break down, after a few years teaching, with nervous prostration.
No class of workmen is receiving so poor a compensa- tion for the nervous, vital energy spent, nor is any other class doing so important a work. Common Law recognizes teachers as standing in the place, and with the same legal rights, of parents. Their life, example and touch is moulding, shaping and developing the soul-life of the children under their care. This is the chief end of education since this is so it is highly important that those, who are the best equipped for this all-import- ant work, should be secured. And when such a teacher with the love instinct of the mother combined with the other necessary qualifications, has been found, it is of the greatest importance to the child as well as to the par- ents that a few cents or even a few dollars is not allowed a moment's consideration between the going or the stay-
6
SCHOOL REPORT
ing of this teacher in our schools. "The laborer is worthy of his hire."
This seems a favorable opportunity for calling the attention of parents to the Home Garden Scheme of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. The College pro -. poses this year as last, only more extensively to offer' prizes for home gardens. Also the State Board of Agri- culture is to offer State premiums for home garden work directed by individual schools or towns, for larger home garden areas cared for by individuals, for one-half or one acre of corn and one-fourth or one-half acre of potatoes.
The first premium will be a free trip to Washington, . D. C .; the second, a free trip to the Corn Show; and the third will be a week's course of instruction at the Massa- chusetts Agricultural College.
Now these, with the many prizes offered by the Col- lege and Amesbury-Salisbury Fair Association, with easier conditions, ought to interest a goodly number of boys sufficiently to induce them to enter these contests. A West Newbury boy won the first prize last year for the one-quarter acre of corn. The Fair Association offers prizes for flowers as well as for sewing and canned fruit, which gives the girls an opportunity. This is a good thing and one in which parents may well encourage their boys and girls. Agriculture is coming to take its rightful posi- tion as an industry worthy the attention of the best of us. There is no occupation more honorable or more elevating when viewed in its proper light. Parents, encourage your boys and girls to become interested in these Home Gardens and home work. The results to the boys and girls, outside of the prizes, in development of character will far outweight all sacrifices and efforts on your part. A letter to the Agricultural College will bring full intor- mation regarding these projects. "
The spiral scheme of the Werner Arithmetics, books that have been in use in the schools for some years, did
7
SCHOOL REPORT
not seem to be the best adapted for the work in our schools. Therefore it was thought advisable to make a change. And so at the beginning of the school year these books were replaced by the Hamilton Arithmetics. These seem to be giving satisfaction, and it is believed will re- sult in better work in arithmetic in all the grades. Other- wise the books in use are the same as last year. An in- creased amount of supplementary reading should be add- ed as soon as convenient. A good supply of such read- ing matter is decidedly essential since the greatest good to the child in expression and in interpretation of the printed page is desired.
There has been an unusual amount of sickness this fall and early winter in the teaching corps. Fortunately good substitutes have been secured; but even with this, the work has been decidedly interferred with. Yet, in spite of this, reasonable progress has been made all along the line. The work in some of the rooms has decidedly im- proved since the opening of the school. Everything seems favorable for stronger, more progressive work for the rest of the year.
In the High school there has been a strong, steady progressive advancement; the pupils as well as the teach- ers, are increasingly interested in their work. An excel- lent esprit de corps exists among the teachers. For more specific details of the work in the High school I will call your attention to the report of the principal.
The committee may well feel pleased with the char- acter of work being done in the department of music. Your supervisor is thoroughly interested and in love with his work. With such a leader only the best results are to be expected.
A supervisor of drawing has not been employed this year. Many of the teachers are carrying this work on rather successfully.
If the committee will allow me, I wish to take this
8
SCHOOL REPORT
opportunity to thank you for the many helpful sugges- tions you have given me and to assure you of my apprecia- tion of your co-operation. I have the fullest assurance in your loyal support. Every question or problem that has arisen this year has been considered by you for the best interest of the schools. For such loyalty, assistance, and encouragement, I assure you I am deeply grateful.
Respectfully submitted, A. W. SMALL, Superintendent of Schools.
Jan. 22, 1913.
9
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Board of Merrimac :
In compliance with the custom which prevails, I here- with submit my report concerning the Merrimac High School.
When I commenced my work here last September, the pupils made a favorable impression. Since that time they have shown a fine spirit of cooperation and have been responsive to suggestions in a most gratifying manner. This relationship between pupil and teacher is universal, and characteristic of each department, and should pro- duce satisfactory results at the end of the year.
A school should aim to enrich its various depart- ments as rapidly as means are available, and we feel that something has been done to this end already.
My attention was first directed to the need of a suit- able room for the Commercial Department. The transfer of the equipment to the recitation room on the first floor has proved entirely satisfactory, and greatly increased the efficiency of the department. Now the typewriters can be used most advantageously. Two pupils at a table on one side of the room, receive the rest of the class as patrons of a bank. The aim is to give the practical knowledge that every citizen of a town should possess.
The former commercial room with the new chairs is satisfactory for the Latin and French classes. Heat and ventilation secured by changing the register from the floor to the wall and connecting the room with the ventilating system is appreciated by the pupils.
The interest manifested by the pupils in solving prob- lems in physical science by actual demonstration and ex- perimental work in chemistry is sufficient to demand bet- ter conditions in this practical phase of school. work. It is impossible to estimate the value that would be de-
10
SCHOOL REPORT
rived from the expenditure of money for such purposes.
It is true that pupils who have fallen behind in their work are sometimes allowed to leave school by their parents when the failure is due to the fact that the re- quired amount of time has not been given to prepara- tion.
As one writer has stated "High school education is not compulsory upon anyone, but has been established by the state for the benefit of those who wish or are able to go beyond the common schools."
It is necessary that we do a certain amount of work each year in the different subjects and there are those "who wish or are able" to do it, therefore those who do not must necessarily fall out. I am confident that these same pupils could continue with their classes if they would plan their time out of school more systematically, thus finding a place for home study. If, however, they are so employed at home that the work required to secure a diploma is not completed in four years, credit is given for the amount satisfactorily performed, therefore a di -. ploma may be obtained by continuing in school a longer period.
The members of the senior class appreciate the privil- . ege granted them of continuing the plans begun last year to raise money for a Washington trip. I believe that the efforts of preparation and the results of the trip will be of exceptional educational value.
In closing, I wish to extend to the members of the School Board, individually and collectively, my sincere thanks for their support and encouragement; to the Su- perintendent for helpful suggestions, and I want also to acknowledge the spirit of co-operation manifested by the teachers. The combination of these influences has pro- duced the success which has crowned the work thus far.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD F. CUNNINGHAM,
Principal.
11
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
To the School Committee, Merrimac, Mass.
Gentlemen :- The following brief report is respect- fully submitted.
The law relative. to the inspection of the public school children has been complied with this past year.
There are some bad cases of adenoids that have not been operated on.
There is an improvement in the general care of the children's teeth.
In the seventh grade, however, nearly forty per cent were in need of dental work and some of them shame- fully so.
It is a pity that any child's health should be impair- ed now, and in the years to come, from this cause.
In most cases it is pure neglect and, in cases where it is because of poverty, the town should assume the cost.
Many families and all should who can afford it send the children twice a year or more to the dentist for in-' spection.
In this way the permanent teeth instead of being sacrificed in youth are preserved as they are intended to be into old age.
Many a case of so-called dyspepsia a physician sees is due to the fact that the patient has not teeth to prop- erly masticate his food.
Far and away the best asset any boy or girl can have in this world is good health. Given this and a good edu- cation, if they don't get along well in the world, it is their own fault.
Although it has been under consideration for some time among the boys of the High school the matter of sex hygiena has not as yet been taken up.
In the past few years leading educators have taken
12
SCHOOL REPORT
up this subject throughout the length and breadth of the land, and the time is surely coming and coming soon when school children, both boys and girls at the proper age and in a proper manner, will receive instruction in sex hygiena.
It is a lamentable fact that the average father and mother are woefully ignorant on this subject; in many instances as ignorant as the children themselves.
It is a conceded fact by those best qualified to speak, that the only way to overcome some of the greatest social evils of the day is by knowledge; not that knowledge that comes from the slang and vileness of the street, but from those who from education, training and long experi- ence with. the evil effects. of social vice, know whereof they speak.
In the past few years next to the prevention and cure of tuberculosis this subject has received more attention than any other subject among educators.
A few years ago outside of Medical Societies venereal diseases were unmentionable, while now we frequently see in our best periodicals long articles with a plea for the pure life.
This year with the consent of the School Board a talk or two will be given to the High school boys.
Respectfully submitted, F. E. SWEETSIR, M. D., School Physician.
13
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To the Supt. of Schools and the School Board of Merri- mac :
Your supervisor of music is again pleased to report, though briefly, upon the condition of the schools of Mer- rimac in musical study during the past year. My specific object has been to demonstrate just how much proficiency can be obtained from the several grades in the matter of reading music. Individual work has been the rule very largely, and, despite the difficult tasks exacted in many cases, the pupils have not seemingly lost their interest in .any large degree, but, on the contrary, appear to enjoy the added work. These tests have shown that there are a few in all of the grades-and I am thankful that the percentage is small-who have quite a deal of trouble in understanding and applying the methods for ready sight singing. These pupils must therefore require con- siderable personal attention from the supervisor and teachers, as they are often times those possessing good voices, and are, therefore, not to be given up and allowed to drift along as best they may.
The loss of several of the former teachers is greatly felt, and this, together with the frequent changes on ac- count of sickness in the teaching force, has been quite a serious handicap in the musical study of the grades.
My latest visits have shown the eighth grade to be doing much better work than that of a year ago, and it is going to contribute some good material to the High school in another year.
Of the work of the High school I can speak only in the highest praise. My visits there are always a pleasure to me, as the enthusiasm and good cheer of the pupils and teachers is much appreciated. I miss some of the solo voices of past years greatly, and wish that many of the
14
SCHOOL REPORT
pupils could be induced to take up the special study of voice culture with good teachers, that we may have more soloists.
I wish to thank the teachers for co-operation in the work; the pupils for best endeavor; and the Superinten dent and School Board for all needed material and as sistance.
Respectfully, W. E. HARTWELL,
Supervisor of Music.
Haverhill, Mass., Jan. 13, 1913.
i
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICER.
A. W. Small, Superintendent of Schools:
Your Truant Officer respectfully submits the follow. ing report :
Number of cases investigated, 39
Number of cases of truancy, 5
HENRY C. MANNING, Truant Officer.
INDEX.
Appropriations 5
Auditor's Report .62-63
Collector's Report 31-32-33
Cemetery Trust Funds .37
Cemetery Trustees' Report
56
Church St. and Lower Corner 56
Locust Grove .57
Perpetual care of lots 58-59-60-61
Fire Department Engineers . 43-44-45
Kimball Park Trustees' Report 51
Merrimac Public Library. 48
Massachusetts School Fund .37
Landing Places 52-53-54-55
Public Library Trustees' Report 48-49-50
Police Report 46
Public Library Trust Funds 39
Public Park Fund 39
Selectmen's Report .7
Assessors 21
County Tax 25
Depreciation Fund 26
Board of Health
.8
Bonding Town Officers
24
Cemetery Account 12-13
Forest Warden 21
Financial Statement 30
Fire Department 18
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths 22 .
Interest
16
Highways and Bridges 9-10
Insurance 25
Notes
26
National Bank Tax
25
Memorial Day
26
Miscellaneous Department
13-14-15
Oil Lamps
17
Notes
26
Poor Department 15-16
18
Reimbursements
18
17
Public Library
26
Recapitulation
28-29
Sidewalks and Crossings
12
Sealer of Weights and Measures. 24
Snow and Washouts
11-12
Soldiers' Relief 17
State Tax 25
State Aid 26
State Highway Tax 25
Statistics from Valuation Book 27
Tree Warden 21
Town Officers 2-3-4
Town Meeting Mar. 4, 1912. 6
6
Special Meeting Sept. 10, 1912
6
Sargent Hall 47
Sealer's Report 47
41-42
Town Clerk's Report
Town Officers
2-3-4
Town Warrant
5
Treasurer's Report
34-35-36-37-38-39-40
Uncollected Taxes
32
Report of Board of Water Commissioners
70
Balance Sheet
74
Construction
71
Maintenance
71-72-73
Town Landings,
Street Lights
Special Meeting July 20, 1912 .
Water Analysis 75
Report of Municipal Light Board 64-69
Construction .65
Maintenance 65-66
Assets
69
Liabilities
69
Balance Sheet 68
Report of School Committee
6
Financial Statement . 4
Superintendent's Report . 6-7-8.
High School Principal's Report .9-10
Supervisor of Music Report 13-14
Supervisor of Drawing Report
School Physician Report
11-12
Attendance Table
? ?
Truant Officer's Report 14
1
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