USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1929 > Part 3
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In anticipation of the increased cost of operation, your Trustees have reserved a portion of the bequest of the late Thomas H. Hoyt, the income of which will be used toward "the perpetual maintenance of the library". This income, however, will be insufficient for this main- tenance and we, therefore, request an appropriation of $1,250.00 for the ensuing year.
JOHN B. JUDKINS ALVIN F. HEATH LAURA R. JEWELL ABBIE W. SARGENT F. LESLIE VICCARO FRANK E. WALKER
64
TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Merrimac:
The Board of Assessors (submit the following report for the year 1929.
Recapitulation
Town appropriations
$88,148.38
State assessments:
State tax
3,060.00
Highway tax
383.93
Municipal account tax
1,439.74
Municipal lighting tax
16.17
Snow removal tax
160.61
County assessments
County tax
4,644.36
Overlay
3,416.05
$101,266.24
Estimated Receipts
Income tax
$10,160.00
Corporation tax
2,496.17
Bank tax
147.38
Licenses
189.50
Fines
597.00
Special assessments
4,221.35
General government
948.00
Health and sanitation
204.80
Highways
107.25
Charities
1,443.72
Soldiers' benefits
304.24
Schools
3,187.05
Library
54.53
65
TOWN REPORT
Cemeteries
353.50
Interest on deposits
111.07
Interest on taxes
792.23
Total receipts
$25,318.69
Free cash in treasury, voted
7,000.00
Total deductions
Net amount to be raised
Number of polls 770 at $2 $1,540.00
Tax on $1,925,930.00 valuation 67,407.55
68,947.55 206.50
Moth tax
December Assessment
6 polls
$12.00
Tax on real estate
17.50
$29.50
Excise Tax
Total commitment on 787 cars $5,589.43
Abatements on excise tax 501.59
Abatements Made in 1929
On levy of 1928
$525.90
On levy of 1929 403.40
Overlay Reserved for Abatements
On levy of 1928
$356.02
On levy of 1929
3,012.65
CLIFFORD R. HOWE GEORGE B. CROFUT WILLIAM H. WHITING
Board of Assessors.
32,318.69 68,947.55
66
TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1929
In the Spring of this year 2000 more trees were set out. Of this number 1000 were white pine and 1000 were red pine. Clearing of hard wood from some areas was necessary to make room for the growth of the young trees.
Thirty seven cords of wood, volued at seven dollars per cord, were turned over to the Selectmen. This makes a return from the Town Forest of two hundred and fifty- nine dollars.
The young trees have made rapid growth. There is still much work to be done and more wood to be cut in the Town Forest.
FRANK N. RAND CHARLES R. FORD JAMES T. COLGAN
67
TOWN REPORT
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Town of Merrimac, Mass.
I hereby submit my annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1929.
Sealed Condemned
Platform Scale over 5,000 lbs. 2
Platform Scale 100 to 5,000 lbs.
9
Counter Scale over 100 lbs.
1
Counter Scale under 100 lbs.
5
Beam Scale 100 lbs. or over
2
Beam Scale under 100 lbs.
7
1
Spring Scale under 100 lbs.
13
Computing under 100 lbs.
12
1
Prescription Scale
1
Avoirdupois
9
Apothecary
10
7
Metric
11
Liquid
84
Gasoline measuring pumps
43
Kerosene measuring pumps
2
Molasses
7
Quantity measure on pumps
124
Total receipts $38.84.
The record of expenditures can be found in the Town Office.
Respectfully submitted by
HAROLD R. EASTMAN,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
68
TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Water Commissioners herein submit their twenty sixth annual report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 1929.
We have added six making a total of 700 services. There were 56 services not in use or 14 less than Decem- ber 31, 1928.
Estimates for the Ensuing Year
Gross expense of operating
$10,240.00
Bond payment
3,500.00
Interest
420.00
Construction
250.00
$14,410.00
Estimated Income
Water rates
$9,200.00
Rent and engineer
1,032.00
Water in town buildings
100.00
Hydrant service
1,029.60
Cash on hand
3,048.40
$14,410.00
We recommend that the Town appropriate: For water in town buildings $100.00
For hydrant service 1,029.60
$1,129.60
Construction
Total expended
$1,562.68
69
TOWN REPORT
Credits
Construction cash Jan. 1, 1929
$794.46
Laying service pipe
122.70
Light Depit. account payrolls
964.55
Sale of material
35.25
$1,917.46
Balance
$354.78
Maintenance
Miscellaneous and repairs
$2,969.08
Oil and waste
78.80
Salary of superintendent
799.76
Salary of collector
520.00
Salary of commissioners
75.00
Fuel
1,477.25
Station wages
1,820.00
Office expense
510.79
Bond payment
3,500.00
Interest
560.00
Insurance
109.41
$12,420.09 $13,982.77
Total expended
Monthly Report of Pumping Station
Gallons Pumped
Hours
Minutes
January
3,960,000
183
45
February
3,312,000
166
30
March
3,336,000
162
April
3,468,000
154
40
May
4,056,000
175
45
June
4,812,000
206
55
July
5,928,000
246
50
August
4,920,000
196
15
September
4,296,000
145
10
October
3,576,000
139
30
November
3,312,000
140
December
3,624,000
147
15
48,600,000
70
TOWN REPORT
Balance Sheet
On hand and received:
Appropriation water in town buildings
$100.00
Appropriation hydrant service 2,370.00
Appropriation maintenance 708.56
Water rates
9,671.26
Repairing service pipe
111.57
Laying service pipe
122.70
Miscellaneous
65.50
Light Dept. rent of station
350.00
Light Dept. station wages
588.00
Light Dept. office expense
139.59
Light Dept. payrolls
964.55
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1929
1,839.44
$17,031.17
Expended and on hand:
For construction
$1,562.68
For maintenance
12,420.09
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1930
3,048.40
$17,031.17
LOUIS B. DAVIS JOHN MARSHALL CHAS. A. LANCASTER
Board of Water Commissioners.
71
TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
The Municipal Light Board herein submit their twenty sixth annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1929.
We have added 47 lighting services during the year, and there were in use Dec. 31, 1929, 785 light services and 19 power services.
Estimates under Section 57 of Chapter 164 General Laws.
Expense
Gross expense of operating $28,528.00
Depreciation 3% on $71,035.79 2,131.07
$30,659.07
Income
From private consumers
28,750.00
From municipal buildings
436.38
From street lighting 1,918.81
31,105.19
To be included in the tax levy
2,355.19
Const of Construction
Steam plant
$3,985.39
Electric plant
4,481.01
Street lines
39,636.31
Meters
9,683.75
Transformers
11,113.40
Street lighting equipment
2,135.93
$71,035.79
72
TOWN REPORT
Expended 1929
Construction
Street lines
$2,249.32
Street light equipment
81.68
Meters
439.89
Transformers
799.14
$3,570.03
Maintenance
Current purchased
$17,004.53
Station wages
588.00
Rent of station
350.00
Repairing lines, etc.
1,121.93
Lamps, etc.
1,188.92
Tools
2.72
Salary of manager
1,270.10
Salary of collector
1,040.00
Salary of assistant
285.00
Salary of commissioners
75.00
Office expense
898.57
Insurance
207.14
Incidenta'ls
337.40
$24,369.31
Expended for construction
3,570.03
Total expended
$27,939.34
Balance Sheet
On hand and received
Construction fund Jan. 1 1929 $4,287.97
Operation fund, Jan. 1, 1929
7,000.00
Depreciation fund Jan. 1 1929 8,113.11
Reserve fund Jan. 1, 1929
7,313.15
Sale of power 12,686.42
73
TOWN REPORT
Sale of light
21,456.15
Appropriation town lights
1,909.26
Pole rentals
24.05
Sale of lamps, etc.
1,035.70
Use of truck
156.68
Interest on depreciation fund
397.10
Interest on reserve fund
370.21
Miscellantous
714.00
$65,463.80
Expended and on hand
Construction and renewals
$3,570.03
Maintenance
24,369.31
Depreciation fund
10,455.52
Reserve fund
7,683.36
Operation fund
8,000.00
Construction fund
4,385.58
Turned back to town
7,000.00
$65,463.80
JOHN MARSHALL LOUIS B. DAVIS CHAS. A. LANCASTER
Municipal Light Board.
74
TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
A. Raymond Waterhouse, Collector, in account with the Town of Merrimac:
FINAL ACCOUNT-1928 TAX LIST AND ADDITIONS
Dr.
To uncollected resident taxes (last report)
$11,402.97
To uncollected non-resident taxes (last report)
3,229.30
To uncollected Attitash Park taxes (last report)
325.30
To late assessments (last report)
20.00
To late collections (last report)
6,050.69
To interest received on over-due taxes
879.41
$21,907.67
Cr.
By cash paid to Town Treasurer
$20,982.17
By abatements 523.90
By property taken for Town at Tax Sale
396.40
By tax titles held by the Town
5.20
$21,907.67
1929 ACCOUNT
Dr.
To 1929 tax list and additions
$69,370.10
To 1929 Excise tax commitment 5,589.43
To interest received on overdue taxes
219.18
$75,178.71
75
TOWN REPORT
Cr.
By cash paid to Town Treasurer
$54,789.69
By uncollected resident taxes
8,279.29
By uncollected non-resident and Attitash Park Taxes
3,577.27
By uncollected Excise Taxes
1,064.72
By late assessments
10.00
By abatements
1,098.89
Collected since Dec. 31, 1929
6,358.85
$75,178.71
UNCOLLECTED RESIDENT TAXES
Allen, Fred E.
$23.00
Anderson, Charles B.
2.00
Andre, Jules
2.00
Arseneau, Andrew C. et als
84.00
Bacon, Charles A.
2.00
Bailey, Cora F.
51.00
Bailey, Lucy Heirs
2.45
Basilere, Arthur L.
149.70
Battie, Elmer E.
120.40
Battis, J. William
73.75
Bisson, Joseph
372.45
Blackden, Fred E.
44.00
Bouley, Mary B.
56.00
Bousquet, Ida M. bal.
25.00
Bradbury, Ray
54.50
Burke, Orin W.
66.75
Burnham, William E.
2.00
Bushong, William P.
2.00
Buzzell, Stanford A.
2.00
Campbell, Roy T.
2.00
Carroll, Esther
49.00
Carter, Loren E. & Hughenia
65.35
Chard, Franklin A.
54.10
76
TOWN REPORT
Clark, Annie E.
68.25
Clement, R. P.
77.00
Crane, Willard R.
74.50
Crockett, Ida L. Heirs
31.50
Crofut, Daisy M.
70.75
Cummings, Thomas F.
2.00
Chase, Lizzie M. Heirs
98.00
Daniel Wood Heel Co.
10.50
Darbe, Cavis W. bal.
26.66
Demerrit, Emma A.
87.50
Deminie, Adelaide & Henry W.
100.85
Denault, Ernest J.
2.00
Desjardines, Marion
3.50
Desjardines, Maud
15.75
Dickens, Ella K.
108.50
Doherty, Alexander W.
2.00
Dore, Leslie
108.75
Drolette, Herman bal.
3.25
Ells, Isaac B.
2.00
Eastman, Charles F.
50.75
Eaton, Frank E.
2.00
Eaton, Leslie R. & Annie L.
42.50
Elbridge, Wallace L.
42.00
Emery, Eben
2.00
Flanders, Ivory W.
2.00
Foster, Willis J.
75.50
Foster, Willis M.
9.00
Fyfe, John
2.00
Germaine, John B. Heirs
33.25
Gilmore, Michael J. Jr.
2.00
Goodwin, Edw. W. et als
3.50
Gortat, Phillipe
86.00
Gould, I. Morrill
95.80
Greeley, Arthur B. & Mildred
79.00
Hall, Roscoe M.
2.00
Hamel, Arthur J. & Bertha
19.50
Hargraves, Daniel E.
33.50
77
TOWN REPORT
Harrower, Thomas W. & Lillian J.
72.00
Hartwell, Paul
24.75
Harvey, Wendell T.
2.00
Head, Natt
65.00
Heath, Fred L.
61.75
Hemmenway, Raymond
2.00
Herbert, Victor
19.50
Hopkinson, Fred T.
156.85
How, J. Duncan
80.25
Howeison, Rufus E.
38.50
Hoyt, Eva M. & Horace W.
103.00
Hughes, Laura B. bal.
14.88
Hull, Alice M.
6.30
Hull, Harry W.
58.00
Hume, Aaron A.
73.75
Humphreys, James
45.05
Hutchins, John A.
2.00
Hutchinson, Ethel A.
52.50
Johnson, Jessie
43.75
Johnston, Edward
2.00
Joudrey, Angus
2.00
Kelly, Willard B.
136.65
Kingsbury, Ella E.
73.50
Knight, Allen G.
2.00
Knight, John D.
2.00
Kravenbuhl, Amelia
210.00
Krayenbuhl, Merfield I ..
2.00
Kourian, George W.
2.00
Krebs, Harry C.
46.00
Lancaster, Charles L.
2.00
Lavalley, Wilfred
49.25
Lawrence, Luther D.
86.00
Legault, Henry
44.00
Leighton, Walter F.
2.00
MacDougall, William J.
28.25
Mccutcheon, Thomas
61.25
McInnis, George A.
105.00
78
TOWN REPORT
Merrimac Body Company
805.00
Merrimac Shoe Mart
35.00
Merrimac Sweet Shop
87.50
iviiles, Chas W., Heirs bal.
26.50
Merritt, William O.
2.00
Murphy, George W. J.
184.00
Mustonen, Henry H.
87.50
Naismith, James B.
149.00
Nason, Elbert
68.25
O'Keefe, John J.
2.00
Parker, Alvin F.
2.00
Peavey, Albert W.
2.00
Perkins, John F. & Mildred P.
65.00
Prescott, Charles W.
2.00
Purdy, George B.
61.50
Quinney, Jacob E.
32.50
Rand, Frank H. & Fannie N.
349.50
Raymond, Harold W.
2.00
Rickard, Edward
2.00
Roberts, Walter S.
1.75
Sanborn, James
2.00
Sande, Charles E.
33.50
Sande, Gunner M.
2.00
Sargent, Orlando M.
58.00
Smith, Albert B.
107.00
Smith, George P.
31.75
Smith, Merrill B.
2.00
Smithers, Frank
2.00
Spence, William C.
2.00
Spinney, Harry L. et als
6.00
Steer, William M. Jr.
· 136.85
Stevens, George V.
49.25
Stewart, Arthur E.
2.00
Stewart, Charles W. bal.
36.25
Stewart, Robert H.
2.00
Streeter, Chester W.
33.25
Streeter, Mary T.
35.00
:
79
TOWN REPORT
Streeter, William C. et als
156.40
Stuart, James H.
14.00
Sutherland, Annie L. Heirs
40.25
Sutherland, Hugh M.
2.00
Sweeney, Harry
9.00
Sylvester, Arthur C. et als
102.25
Talbot, Adelaide
12.50
Tarbox, Chester W.
16.00
Tammick, Henry C.
47.00
Urquhart, Arthur F.
2.00
Vallieries, Joseph I. bal.
46.55
Wallace, Erle G. et als
87.75
Watson, Merle V.
61.50
Wentworth, Chester
2.00
Worcester, Edward H.
40.50
Wright Garage Co.
479.50
Wright, Thomas W.
82.50
Young, Ernest F.
2.00
Zinck, Charles R.
9.00
Total
$8,279.29
A. RAYMOND WATERHOUSE,
Collector of Taxes.
Annual Report of the
School Committee of the
Town of Merrimac FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 1929
82
TOWN REPORT
MERRIMAC SCHOOL CALENDAR
September 1929 to March 1931
Elem. Schools: 38 weeks in school year High School: 40 weeks in school year
Sept.
3, 1929
Sept.
4, 1929
Sept.
9, 1929
Sept. 10, 1929
Nov.
11, 1929
Nov. 28 & 29, 1929
Dec.
20, 1929
Dec.
30, 1929
Feb.
21, 1930
March
3, 1930
April
18, 1930
April
28, 1930
May
30, 1930
June
20, 1930
June 24, 1930
Junior High Graduation
June
25, 1930
High School Graduation
Sept.
2, 1930
Parents' Day-Registration of en- tering students
Sept. 3, 1930
Oct.
13, 1930
Entering students register at High School
High School opens for Fall term Entering pupils register at elemen- tary schools
Elementary schools open
Armistice Day-All schools close Thanksgiving recess-All schools close
All schools close for Christmas vacation
All schools open for Winter term All schools close for Washing- ton's birthday vacation
All schools open for third term All schools close for Easter vaca- tion
All schools open for Spring term Memorial Day-All schools close Elementary schools close for sum- mer vacation
All schools open for Fall term Columbus Day (observed)-All schools close
83
TOWN REPORT
Nov. 11, 1930 Nov. 27 & 28 1930
Dec. 19, 1930
Dec. 29, 1930
Jan. 5, 1930
Feb. 20, 1930
March 2, 1930
Armistice Day-All schools close Thanksgiving recess-All schools close
All schools close for Christmas vacation
High School opens for Winter term
Elementary schools open for Win- ter term
All schools close for Washing- ton's birthday vacation All schools open for third term
Junior High School follows High School calendar.
84
DIRECTORY OF THE SCHOOL STAFF
September 1, 1929
Total
Years T' ching
Years' Service in Mer.
Position
Name
Training
Supt. Schools
John C. Page
B. S., Univ. N. H. 1908 Columbia Univ., 1922 - 1923 Ed. M., Harvard 1924 Ed. D., Harvard 1928 19 101/2 mos. 8 mos.
Sec. Supt. Office
Margaret R. Sawyer
W. N. H. S. 1920
High School Principal Math. & Science History & Civics
Chauncey D. Mackay B. S. E., B. U. School of Education 1924 5
1
Rose Schifino
B. S. in Ed., Bridgewater · Normal 1925 A. B., Bates 1915
4
4
French & Latin
Barbara Morrell
7
3
TOWN REPORT
English
Harriot Cazneau
B. S. in English, Tufts Col- lege 1929 Chandler Normal 1929
0
0
Commercial
Arlene H. Gow
0
0
Junior High
Prin. & Social Sc.
23
7
Math. & English
Pearl C. Van Houten Ethel M. Lawrie
Westfield Normal 1894 Salem Normal 1929
0
0
Centre School Prin. Grade 6
Wilma B. Kingsbury
Castine Normal 1896
1 summer Hyannis Normal 1 summer North Adams Nor.
14
5
Grade 5
Dorothy M. Noddin Grace E. Sawyer
Simonds High, Warner, N. H.
3 summers Hyannis Normal
29
7
Grade 3
Sarah B. Titcomb
Salem Normal 1905
161/2
8
Grade 2
Helen O. Manning
Bridgewater Normal 1918
4
21/2
Grade 1
Katharine Collins
Lesley School 1920
9
8
Merrimacport Grades 1 - 3
Mae Ethel Davis
Salem Normal 1914
15
10
TOWN REPORT
Salem Normal 1929
0
0
Grade 4
85
86
Grades 4 and 5 Sarah L. Carpenter
Plymouth ( N.H.) Normal 1927
2 0
Drawing Supervisor Annie A. Kelly
Mass. School of Art 1906 1 summer course N. E. School Design 2 summers private instruction 211/2 3
Music Supervisor
Douglas A. Porell
Haverhill High School B. U. Music Supervisor's Cer- tificate 3 summers B. U.
School Nurse Jean Badashaw, R. N. Gale Hospital
School Physician F. E. Sweetsir
1 summer Hyannis Normal M. D. Bowdoin, 1888
15
TOWN REPORT
87
TOWN REPORT
SIXTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC
During the past year we believe that our schools have been improved.
Our teaching staff has been strengthened and as a whole has co-operated with the Superintendent and the School Board.
Dr. Page has had many teacher meetings, not only in this town, but joint meetings of the teachers of the whole district, which have been instructive and of bene- fit to all concerned.
Meetings of the Board and Superintendent have been held monthly, with special meetings from time to time as seemed desirable.
At these meetings long and earnest discussion has taken place, as to how, when and where the public school system could be improved.
Four rooms in the Centre School have been painted inside, and necessary repairs made.
For many years, we have felt that money spent on this building was unwise, as it is so old that no amount expended could make it a desirable building.
While we do not feel that the time has come to build a new school house, we are all agreed, that this year the Town should buy a suitable piece of land with ample play grounds.
You are referred to the report of the Town Commit- tee on this subject.
88
TOWN REPORT
The school house at the Pont has been painted inside and out, and the Fourth and Fifth grade scholars are attending school in the upstairs room with Miss Dorothy Noddin as teacher.
The outhouse at this building is in a deplorable con- dition, as all of the outhouses of country schools have al- ways been.
Owing to the dire need of a playground and to the business conditions, we have not asked for money this year for modern toilets for this building.
We have bought more good, new modern books and up-to-date maps and equipment this year than for sev- eral years previous, and we know that they are enjoyed and appreciated by the teachers and children.
The attention of the townspeople is called to a recent law, Chapter 74. Any resident of Merrimac, who has ar- rived at his fourteenth birthday, is entitled under Chapter 74 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, to his tuition in any type of vocational or trade school, which he and his parents may select. His tuition must be paid by the Town, one half of it afterwards to be reimbursed by the State.
Vocational and Trade Schools are not public schools, so that the tuition does not come out of the school ap- propriation. This is the ruling of the Attorney General's office.
Towns have been asked to make a special appropria- tion for these tuition costs, otherwise they are collectable of the town in contract under this chapter.
Laws are passed year after year, so that the State more and more controls our public schools, and there is now pending, much more radical legislation, than has ever before been dreamed of.
89
TOWN REPORT
One of the most radical of the proposed laws is, that a Superintendent shall have absolute right and authority to say to your boy, what in his opinion, is best for him when he is fifteen or sixteen years of age. He may say, The public school is not the place for you, we will send you to this or that vocational school and teach you to be a plumber, or a carpenter or what not and there is to be no appeal. Not only that but the Town must pay the tuition and part of the transportation cost for a period of perhaps three years.
All these things are revolutionary and socialistic and the parents and taxpayers know nothing of these laws until they are a part of the laws of the commonwealth.
Whether or not in the end all this may work out as an answer to some of the long existing weaknesses of our public school system, nobody knows.
In the meantime, it behooves every voter and every taxpayer, every mother and every father, to wake up and take an interest, in the public school system, more than they have ever taken before and watch legislation.
Your school board does not know how much to advise the Town to raise for tuition for trade schools. Some of them charge, for tuition, as much as some of our colleges. How many children will want to go? Where will they want to go? How much will it cost the Town? Nobody knows, nobody can tell us. It is a noble experiment and in the meantime, we can simply voice the sentiment of the Superior Courts: "God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
If a considerable number of children of High School age avail themselves of this law, the question arises, whether or not Merrimac should continue her High School.
90
TOWN REPORT
The policy of tht State is to advise small towns to transport their High School children to larger city or town High Schools, in which case the State pays all trans- portation charges up to forty cents per day and one half of the tuition.
While this of course would save the Town of Merri- mac several thousands of dollars a year, the Committee are not unanimous to recommend this at the present time. The cost would appear to be however about $50 per High School pupil per year, instead of $100 per year.
Signed
F. E. SWEETSIR, M. D. IRVING M. MANNING HARRY A. PEASE
School Committee.
.
91
TOWN REPORT
REPORT ON PLAYGROUND AND SCHOOL HOUSE SITE
'Your committee met and organized with Fred E. Sweetsir, chairman, Harry Pease, secretary.
We have considered every available sight for a school house and a playground in the town and given this mat- ter much time and consideration individually and collect- ively.
We have unanimously agreed to recommend, that the town should purchase the Rand field as first choice. be- cause of its central location, its acreage and its level ground for a ball field, in the rear of the James Reynolds place, where there would be no grading expense and as it is well drained. These fourteen acres or more can be bought for $3,500.00.
The Blotner field is for sale and can also be pur- chased, but it would cost much more to grade and is not so good a location.
Some distance below this is the Sawyer field which could be levelled up, at a decided cost for grading.
These three locations, to our minds, are the only ones to be considered.
Two of the committee, John K. Sargent and Andrew Nicol have both worked every foot of this land over a period of years.
The most desirable sight for a modern school build- ing in Town is the James Reynolds homestead, with the two orchards, one on each side of the house. The land is high and dry with room to set a building back from the
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TOWN REPORT
street. Mr. Reynolds does not want to sell this at the present time however.
Mr. Reynolds, at one time, thought he would sell the place, but reconsidered. In September he thought he would sell 200 feet frontage on the Main street side of the house for $800.00 but later changed his mind. .
We believe that it would be for the best interest of the town to vote an appropriation of $4,200.00 for the Committee to use with full powers to buy a suitable play- ground and school house site.
In that event a trade could be made and something accomplished in this important matter.
We feel that if the land is purchased, when the time comes that the Town is in a financial condition to erect a school building, it will be wise to own a site that has been carefully and prudently selected after mature delib- eration and foresight, instead of acting from necessity on the spur of the moment.
Respectfully submitted,
F. E. SWEETSIR, M. D. H. R. PEASE IRVING M. MANNING JOHN K. SARGENT EVERETT L. JEWELL. ANDREW O. NICOL
93
TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and the Citizens of Merrimac:
Herewith I submit a report for the year 1929. It contains data as to graduation and attendance, and dis- cussions under the following heads: (1) School and Town Costs, (2) School Reimbursements, (3) What Happened to the School Dollar appropriated by the Town of Mer- rimac in 1929, (4) School Calendar, (5) Superintend- ency Union No. 59, (6) Achievement Tests, (7) Health, (8) Physical Training, (9) Music, (10) Art, (11) Teachers, (12) Twenty-Payment Plan, (13) High School, (14) Junior High School, (15) Centre School, (16) Transportation, (17) Merrimacport School, (18) Parent Day, (19) Report Cards, and (20) Patrons.
SCHOOL AND TOWN COSTS
According to the report of the State Department published towards the end of 1929, and covering the year 1928, the total tax rate in Merrimac stood the high- est of that of all the 112 towns in her class. In the same year Merrimac stood 98th among these 112 towns in the amount she spent out of local taxation for her schools, that is, 97 of these towns spent more per pupil and only 14 spent less.
Such a discrepancy as this calls for some further analy- sis as to how the money was distributed. This analysis was made through figures from the office of Commission- er Henry F. Long of the Department of Corporations and Taxation. The figures are different in some respects from those in the 1928 town report, for certain redistri- butions were made at his office. They reveal the follow-
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TOWN REPORT
ing: that 27.28% of the current charges against revenue in Merrimac in 1928 went to Public Service Enterprises, while the average for all cities and towns of the state for the preceding year was 5.93%. In Merrimac, therefore, Public Service Enterprises drew 4.81 times their share in any one year. To be specific, the figure was $32,382.80, while $7,037.71 was the normal amount according to the state's average to draw in that one year. On the other hand $28,488.37 were drawn for the schools, while $33,859.34 was the normal amount for schools.
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