USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1881-1890 > Part 17
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AARON CLAFLIN STEAM FIRE ENGINE Co., No. 2 .- Foreman, J. H. Morse; First Assistant Foreman, A. J. Watkins; Clerk and Treasurer, W. A. Fairbanks: Engineman, N. B. Fairbanks; Driver. C. O. Woodbury; Hosemen, Chas. H. Cook, Walter A. Otis, Larkin H. Hayden, William O. Hayden, Nahum Gaskill, Josephi Lawton, C. H. Smith, G. H. Thompson, A. H. Smith, J. E. Brayn.
Disbanded by the Board of Engineers May 1, 1886.
AARON CLAFLIN STEAM FIRE ENGINE, in reserve .- Engineman, N. B. Fairbanks; Stoker, W. A. Fairbanks.
WIDE AWAKE HOSE Co., No. 1 .- Foreman, Wm. J. Stimpson; First Assistant Foreman, Jolin Hennessey; Second Assistant Foreman, H. I. Benny; Clerk, A. D. White; Steward, L. E. Dolliff; Hosemen, D. L. Stimp- son, Henry Willard, J. L. Lilly, C. L. Witherell, E. Burnside Bates, R. P. Hadley, C. A. Parker, Walter Steele, J. H. Bates, S. W. Blimt.
WASHIINGTON HOSE CO., No. 2 .- Foreman and Treasurer, L. E. Bel- knap; First Assistant Foreman, J. T. Berrill; Second Assistant Foreman, Thos. F. Martin; Clerk, William J. Pyne; Steward, F. J. Rockwood; Hose- men, P. J. Connor, Emmons Fletcher, Bart. Harrington. Edward Dalton, John Glenfield, T. E. Condon, John J. Ring, M. C. Hussey, T. P. Cronan, D. F. Ring.
HOPEDALE HOSE Co., No. 3 .- Foreman, Thos. J. Coyne; First Assist- ant Foreman, Robert Ross; Second Assistant Foreman, F. L. Andrews; Clerk, Samuel Pilling: Treasurer, E. L. Chichester: Steward, G. S. Arnold; Hosemen, G. E. Frink, E. L. Adams, J. P. Smith, T. F. Barrows, Thad. E. Stevens. E. M. Capen.
Transferred to the town of Hopedale April 7, 1286.
WILLIAM C. GILLMAN HOSE Co., No. 4 .- Foreman, J. C. O'Neil; First Assistant Foreman, M. Higgins; Second Assistant Foreman, D. O'Connor; Clerk, C. A. Cheney; Treasurer, M. J. Buckley; Steward, M. Casey; Hose- men, George Julian, Fred Joslyn, P. Coyne, A. L. Smith, Owen Gormley, M. Murphy, M. Hanagan, Jolin Keelon, Fred Basford.
EXCELSIOR HOOK AND LADDER CO., No. 1 .- Organized March 10, 1886. Foreman, W. S. Clark; Assistant Foreman, Herbert Brown; Clerk, Calvin Parker; Treasurer, Nat. Y. Higgins; Steward, Charles Chapin; Ladder- men, Oscar Eldredge, Geo. H. Harlow, Albert Whitcomb, Robert Hussey, Wallace Marden, William Ide, Elbert Bradish, Geo. Fletcher, Archie McPhee, G. W. Lane.
Disbanded May 21, 1886, by the Board of Engineers.
THE EXCELSIOR HOOK AND LADDER CO., No. 1, was formed and again organized May 21, 1886, by the Board of Engineers, with twenty new and capable men. Foreman, Thos. J. Connor; Assistant Foreman, James Lally, jr. ; Clerk, Geo. Tully; Treasurer, John J. Manning; Steward, M. J. Burke; Laddermen, John Kelley, P. F. Callery, E. J. Roach, William Coffey, John L. Keefe, John Connor, George Manning, Jas. J. Smith, Jas. Baxter, Frank Foley, Peter Cawley, Jas. Corbett, Frank McDermott, M. H. Sullivan, Jeremiah Clancy.
20)
FIRES AND ALARMS.
There were eight bell alarms of fire during the year ending Jan. 1, 1887, and two still alarms. Two buildings were totally destroyed, and one par- tially destroyed by fire without an alarm being given. Below we give a statement of the same as nearly as could be obtained :-
Total amount of insurance on buildings damaged by fire, $1,400 00 975 00
contents,
Total amount of insurance paid on buildings, $589 05
contents, 478 50 66
Total amount paid on buildings and contents, $1,067 55
Feb. 3, 10 P. M. Incendiary fire destroyed the old Jones place, so called, situated on a by-road leading off Congress street opposite J. W. Harris' residence. No insurance. The house was unoccupied. Loss $50.
Feb. 26, 6.45 P. M. Chimney in house on Ann street. No damage. At the same time another chimney was discovered on fire in house owned and occupied by Michael Lang, situated on Bacon slip, opposite Fruit street. No damage.
Feb. 19, 2 A. M. The old soap factory, owned and occupied by the heirs of John Marron, Mendon road, totally destroyed. Supposed incendiary. Insurance $800. Loss total.
April 14, 2.35 A. M. Barn and contents destroyed, corner West and Prospect streets, owned by Five Cent Savings Bank, Worcester, Mass. Occupied by Benjamin Clancy. Total loss. Insurance, $600 on building, $400 on contents. Damage $1000. Incendiary.
April 18, 2.05 P. M. Forest fire on Bear Hill. Incendiary.
April 25, 7.20 P. M. Forest fire on Bear Hill. Incendiary.
April 27, 3 A. M. Engine house at North Purchase burned. 12 chairs, 2 tables and the old Hopedale extinguisher, together with the furniture of the North Purchase Sabbath school, including books, organ, fuel, etc., total- ly destroyed. No insurance. Loss $1000. Incendiary.
May 16, 12.30 P. M. Fire discovered in a closet in a chamber over M. P. Callanan's store, Main street. Department arrived promptly and put out fire without the use of water. Cause unknown. Damage $32.50. No in- surance.
Nov. 4. Barn and contents in North Milford owned by Thos. O'Brien, partially destroyed. Insurance on barn, $200; on contents, $425. Insur- ance paid, $178.50. Incendiary.
Dec. 23. Barn in North Milford owned by Bridget, Moore, totally de- stroyed. Loss $150. Insurance on contents, $50. Incendiary.
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY.
Property in charge of each company and the present condition of the same :-
Milford Steam Fire Engine No. 1, built by the Cole Brothers, Pawtucket, R. I., is in perfect condition, and is equipped with 1 set double harnesses, 1 pair lead bars, 1 whip, 1 pair blankets, 1000 ft. hose in good condition, 100 ft. hose in poor condition, 11 army coats, 2 rubber coats, 6 pairs spall- ners, 6 spanner belts, 6 drag ropes, 1 Siamese, 2 hydrant couplings, 1 hose bonnet, 1 wheel jack, 1 feather duster, poor, 1 black walnut table, 4 office chairs, 1 bedstead, 1 mattress, 2 pairs blankets, 2 comforters, 1 spread, 4 sheets, 4 pillows, 2 pillow-cases, 1 looking-glass, 1 chair, 1 carpet, 1 bureau, 2 nozzles.
Aaron Claflin Steam Fire Engine No. 2, built by the Amoskeag Co., Manchester. N. H., is in good condition and is in charge of N. B. Fair- banks, equipped with 1 set double harnesses, 1 Siamese, 2 hydrant wrench-
30
es, 1 crowbar, 1 axe, 2 hose jackets, 1 bucket, 50 ft. rope, 5 drag ropes, 5 spanner belts, 12 spanners, 1000 ft. hose, very good, 2 nozzles.
Excelsior Hook & Ladder Truck, built by E. B. Preston & Co., Chica- go, Ill., is in excellent condition and equipped with 1 65-ft. Bangor ladder, 1 splice ladder, 45 ft., 1 wall ladder, 25 ft., 1 roof ladder, 25 ft., 1 roof lad- der, 19 ft., 1 wall ladder, 11 ft., 1 roof ladder, 12 ft., 5 forks, 3 rakes, 18. army coats, 2 pick-axes, 2 axes, 5 lanterns, 4 in poor condition, 2 extin- guishers in poor condition, 1 drag hook and pole, 3 fire blankets, 6 buckets, 2 iron bars, 1 wrench, 2 pike poles, 1000 ft. rope, 1 extra large rake, 65 ft. lawn hose, 2 stoves, 1 table, 1 oil can, 1 duster, 75 ft. old lawn hose, 2 gals. vitriol, 18 coat straps, 1 jack, 1 chamois, 1 broom, 1 box wheel grease, 1 sponge, 1 stove brush, 3 settees, 11 curtains and fixtures.
Wide Awake Hose Carriage No. 1, built by Abbott Downing Co., Con- cord, N. H., is in fine condition, and equipped with 600 ft. red lined and 500 ft. fire jacket hose, 1 axe, 1 iron bar, 2 lanterns, 1 blanket, 11 woolen coats, 3 rubber coats, 6 spanners, 1 Siamese coupling, 7 drag ropes, 2 lan- terns, 1 duster, 1 broom, 1 oil can, 1 hydrant wrench, 1 single harness, 1 sponge, 1 chamois, 2 nozzles.
Washington Hose Carriage No. 2, built by Abbott Downing Co., Concord, N. H., is in fine condition, and equipped with 1300 ft. of serviceable hose, 100 ft. of burst hose, 1 iron bar, 1 pick-axe, 4 lanterns, 2 pipes, 2 nozzles, 3. hydrant wrenches, 1 Siamese coupling, 10 drag ropes, 5 spanner belts, 11 spanners, 15 woolen coats, 2 oil cans, 1 oiler, 1 wheel-jack, 2 reel cranks, 1 cap, 1 monkey wrench, 1 horse blanket, 1 set single harness, 1 feather dus- ter, 1 chamois, 1 sponge, 1 stove and pipe for same, 1 settee.
William C. Gillman Hose Carriage No. 4, built by Abbott Downing Co., Concord, N. H., is in fine condition, and equipped withi 850 ft. of servicea- ble hose, 15 woolen coats, 3 drag ropes, 3 sets spanners, with belts, 2 lan- terns, 1 axe, 1 iron bar, 2 pipes (1 brass and 1 linen), 1 Siamese, 1 sponge, 1 pail, 1 carriage jack, 1 stove and pipe for same, 6 chairs, 2 nozzles.
One Hcok & Ladder Truck in reserve.
Property in the Engineers' room: 1 stove and pipe, 2 large office tables, 2 settees, 10 large office chairs, 6 rubber coats, S lanterns, 6 badges, 1 pipe and nozzle combined, 1 dozen candles.
There are four buildings owned and occupied by the Fire Department, located as follows: One on South Main street occupied by Steamers Nos. 1 and 2, in first class condition ; one at Memorial Square occupied by Hose Companies Nos. 1 and 2, in very bad condition; one corner Spruce and Main streets occupied by Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, in very poor condition, and needs immediate repairs; if not attended to at once, we will find the truck in the cellar, some future day. The company has at the present time to keep planks under the wheels to keep them from going through; one building located on Central street and occupied by Hose Co. No. 4, in first class condition.
There are sixteen reservoirs situated in the thickly settled parts of the town, and four hydrants located in the depot district, suitable for steamers only, there not being force enough from theni to throw a stream over any building. They have been very convenient in case of fire in this district, and have done good service and will continue so if properly cared for.
There are sixty-seven hydrants of the Milford Water Co. as located and accepted by the town.
33
REPORT OF THE
Trustees of Vernon Grove Cemetery, FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 12, 1887.
DR.
Feb. 8, 1886, To cash on hand,
$100 18
May 17,
"
of Safford B. Boone, Lot No. 802, 10 00
66 66
" Wm. S. Crosby, Lot. No. 343, 10 00
66
66
" O. J. Allen and W. P. Leland, Lot No. 801, 10 00
66
66
66
" D. C. Dewing, Lot No. 313, 8 00
66
66
66
" J. M. Wood, for wood sold,
1 50
June 4, 66
" D. H. & A. W. Walcott, lot 394,
10 00
" 19, 66 66
" W. F. Batchelder, child's grave,
2 00
66
66
" David Stimpson, lot No. 511,
8 00
Sept. 29 1 66
66
" Lewis Hayden, Town Clerk,
100 00
66
66
66
" W. H. Davis, lot No. 509, 8 00
Oct. 5 66
66
" J. S. Gray, for child's grave, 3 00
$270 68
CR.
By cash paid Martin Jenkins, labor,
$11 25
66
R. C. Hill,
66
5 00
66
H. C. Skinner, 66
10 00
Bushee & Johnston, 66
6 00
66
Henry Hancock, 66
166 50
By cash on hand,
71 93
$270 68
There have been 30 interments in Vernon Grove Cemetery the past year.
The trustees recommend that the sum of one hundred dollars be raised and appropriated for the current expenses of the ceme- tery, and the further sum of fifty dollars to make improvements on the pond.
The terms of the Committee expire as follows: Geo. L. May- nard and Henry J. Bailey, 1887 ; Leonard Fairbanks and Isaac N. Crosby, 1888; H. C. Skinner and John M. Wood, 1889.
HENRY C. SKINNER,
Secretary.
34
Report of the Board of Health.
TO THE SELECTMEN OF MILFORD.
GENTLEMEN :- The Board of Health have the honor to re- port that during the year 1886 and '87, the usual classes of nuisances in about the average number have been complained of, examined into, and, so far as practicable, abated. Many of the nuisances occurring in the town are susceptible only of tempor- ary removal, on account of our defective sewerage; and this fact is becoming more and more conspicuous as the use of the water of Milford Water Co. increases. Drains, which were adequate formerly to the removal of liquid detritus from different sections of the town, are now frequently overflowed and under the circum- stances produce temporary nuisances, it is true, but, in many cases, of an aggravated type for the time being. This matter of sewerage was considered at considerable length in last year's re- port of this Board, and we can only reiterate more strongly the facts and arguments there given. The past year has not been characterized by the appearance of any severe or dangerous epi- demic diseases in our midst, though fevers were probably more numerous than usual during the last summer and fall. An epi- demic of Intermittent Fever prevailed quite extensively, during most of the year, in the lower sections of the town, as has been the case in many of our neighboring towns. The cause of the advent of a disease, till lately unknown in this section, is as yet undetermined ; and it is therefore impossible at present to resist its advance. The belief that the coming year will see decided action taken by the town in the matter of sewerage, which belief passing events encourage, lessens the necessity of the Board going into a discussion of our sanitary condition, as it is to be hoped the matter will be thoroughly ventilated in the public meetings of our citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAS. MACKIN, JOHN M. EATON, LOWELL E. FALES,
Board of Health.
35
Trustees of the Town Library.
Term expires 1887 : CHAS. A. DEWEY, JOSEPH F. HICKEY. Term expires 1888 : NATH'L F. BLAKE, OWEN F. CROUGHWELL. Term expires 1889 : VALENTINE N. RYAN.
CHARLES A. DEWEY, Chairman. OWEN F. CROUGHWELL, Secretary. NATHANIEL F. BLAKE, Treasurer. MARTIN J. KELLEY, Librarian.
The last year has been a notable one for the Town Library, as the first year it has ever had an abiding place worthy of such a valuable institution. After having been located in very un- suitable quarters for so many years, it at length found a charming and permanent home in our noble Memorial Hall, a building which owes its existence to the generous public spirit of our fellow-citizens. We doubt not the patrons of the library sympa- thize most heartily with the trustees in grateful appreciation of this change for the better. The citizens of Milford may well take an honest pride in having such elegant quarters for their public library. Since the last annual report, the town has been divided by act of the legislature, an act by which we lost a considerable part of our population, and even more of our wealth. The appropriation of $500 made at the March meeting was sub- sequently cut down to $300, owing to the demand for retrench- ment of expenses, caused by the division of the town. The amount actually appropriated was so small, that it would have been impossible to purchase any books, had there not been an unusually large balance of $500 in the hands of the trustees, left over from the year preceding. We were obliged to incur con- siderable expense in providing suitable book-shelves and such settees for the waiting room as would be in keeping with the general environment of the library. We have also expended a large sum in buying new books, many of which, however, were bought to replace books which had outlived their usefulness as well as beauty, which were literally worn out in the public ser- vice. We have purchased a goodly number of substantial and valuable works and books of reference, which will be highly appreciated by those who have occasion to consult them. Our public library is now in an excellent condition, and is a credit to
36
the town, and we believe our fellow-citizens desire that it should remain such.
But one thing is much needed at the present time, and that is a supplementary catalogue. Six years have elapsed since the catalogue was issued, and since that time many volumes have been added to our list, and a supplement is necessary to make our later treasures available,-to inform the reading public as to the later volumes stored on our shelves. We trust such a sup- plement will be issued the coming year, but the issue will cer- tainly cost something.
The town division early in the year caused a vacancy on the board, which has not yet been filled, but doubtless will be at the coming election.
There is now in the treasury only the small balance of about $30, and there must be a larger appropriation than that of last year, if a supplementary catalogue is to be issued, or if any new books are to be bought; and so the trustees strongly and unani- mously recommend that an appropriation of $600 be made in behalf of the Town Library for the ensuing year.
C. A. DEWEY, Chairman.
· 37
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Nath'l F. Blake, Treasurer. In account with Milford Town Library.
Feb. 12th, 1887.
DR.
$519 93
Received
W. B. Clark & Carruth, error,
41 07
Town appropriation,
300 00
66
One-half Dog tax 1886,
318 89
66
Geo. G. Parker cancelled Insurance policies,
34 50
12 00
66
M. J. Kelley, catalogues,
4 50
$1268 87
CR.
Paid
M. J. Kelley, Librarian,
$300 00
66
66 66 Card catalogue,
12 00
66
66 66 66 Covering books,
10 62
66
Gardner & Co., settees,
125 40
66
W. H. Hooker, Bookcases,
70 00
66
T. E. Morse, Finishing cases, Books,
541 20
66
Milford Gas Light Co., gas,
17 41
66
E. C. Claflin, covering paper,
7 66
66 Removal expenses,
33 15
66 Record books and supplies,
8 35
66 Freight and express,
12 88
66 Postage,
61
Balance Cash on hand,
31 14
$1268 87
F. M. Marcy, binding books,
91 00
7 45
Hixon Bros., stove, M. J. Kelley, fines,
37 98
Balance from last year's account,
38
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
To THE TRUSTEES OF TOWN LIBRARY.
GENTLEMEN :- The twenty-eighth annual report is as follows :- The library was opened in Memorial Hall on March 8, 1886, since which time 1305 cards have been issued. The circulation for the year ending February 5, 1887, was 25,009 volumes. The catalogue at the present time coutains 7205 volumes, of which 197 have been added the past year. They have been placed in the different classes, as follows: History, 33; Biogra- phy, 20; Travels, 15; Science, 15; Miscellaneous, 15; Religion, 2 Fiction, 30; Juvenile, 12; Public Documents, 55.
Forty-three volumes were obtained from the U. S. government through the courtesy of our Congressmen ; twelve were received from the Massachusetts legislature, the other volumes were pur- chased. Two hundred and forty-six books have been recently purchased which are not as yet catalogued. A large number of books and pamphlets were sent to the bindery in the early part of the year. They returned rebound and are now in circulation. The work of the library in detail will be seen in the accompany- ing schedule. The schedule does not contain 278 books which were taken by teachers for use in school work. A large number of valuable books on education have recently been purchased.
The books taken by patrons have been mostly those added since the printed catalogue was published, and having but one written catalogue from which to obtain numbers, they are put to some inconvenience in selecting. I should think it would be ad- visable to publish in some form a printed list of these books. If this is done it may enable patrons to discover many books which they would be pleased to read had they known of their being in the library. The system of drawing cards has been dispensed with; under the new arrangement the books are received and delivered without disorder and more rapidly.
A large number of catalogues are unsold, perhaps if the price was reduced, the revenue from that source would be greater than it is. The number of patrons is increasing rapidly and with the facilities now possessed by the library, there ought to be a much larger circulation the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTIN J. KELLEY, Librarian.
SUMMARY.
MONTHS.
ABC DE
F
GHIJ
K
Total.
Days open.
Daily average.
Cata- logues.
Fines.
March,
1886,
46
75
3
68
17
782
91
2
19
623
1726
19
9016
$1 00
$ 19
April,
35
61
4
93
28
1084
111
6.
30
633
2085
25
8310
1 50
2 60
May,
66
79
82
2
125
18
1089
133
4
13
817
2362
25
941%
3 28
June,
54
66
8
105
17
932
103
2
7
700
1994
26
7618
1 00
4 27
July,
53
71
7
99
35
979|
114
4
20
784
1
2167
26
1 00
3 22
August,
42
58
2
104
26
917
91
3
10
651
1
1905
73.7.
3 25
September, “
55
75
8
122
27
1042
117
4
20
806
2276
26
87층층
3 08
61
63
5
100
30
1487
122
2
18
902
2790
25 11115
50
4 08
November, «
58
79
3
123
32
1254
133
5
36
816
2539
25|10114
3 46
December, “
61
74
1
111
27
1132|
132
4
34
678
2254
26
50
3 52
January, 1887,
50
69
103
45
1182|
133
8
36|
700
2
2332
25
83,7
6 08
February, "
14
18|
2
25 10
318
27
2
3
16)
579
5
115%
82
Totals, .
608 788 49 1178 312 12198 1307 46 246 8270
4 25009
279|
894791
5 50
37 85
Largest daily circulation, October 9, 307. Smallest daily circulation, December 7, 29. No. of cards issued, 1305.
68
86號
.. . . .
·
. .
.
. .
.
.
.
26
26
26
.
October,
66
·
.
.
25
. .
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
OF THE
TOWN OF MILFORD,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1886-7.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1887.
School Committee 1886-'87.
CHARLES MACKIN,
Term expires 1887.
66
66
1887.
LOWELL E. FALES,
GEORGE G. PARKER,
66
66
1888.
GEORGE E. STACY,
66
66
1888.
JOSEPH F. HICKEY,
CHARLES E. WHITNEY,
66
1889.
ORGANIZATION.
GEORGE G. PARKER, Chairman,
LOWELL E. FALES, Secretary.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. WILLARD T. LEONARD.
SUB-COMMITTEES.
Rules and Regulations.
LOWELL E. FALES, CHARLES MACKIN, THE SUPERINTENDENT.
Teachers and Examinations. JOSEPH F. HICKEY, GEORGE E. STACY, THE SUPERINTENDENT.
Repairs.
CHARLES MACKIN, CHARLES E. WHITNEY, THE SUPERINTENDENT.
Text-Books and Supplies. LOWELL E. FALES, GEORGE G. PARKER, THE SUPERINTENDENT.
Fuel. CHARLES E. WHITNEY, JOSEPH F. HICKEY.
1889.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1887.
The School Committee respectfully submit their annual report for the year ending Feb. 14, 1887.
The appropriation for schools at the annual meeting in March, 1886, was $23,300. This was made before it was settled that the town was to be divided. The act of the Legislature, incorporat- ing the town of Hopedale, was not approved till April 7, 1886. At a subsequent town meeting the appropriation for schools was reduced to $20,000. This seemed a large reduction, as it could not be said that the annual cost of the education of all school- children within the limits of the new town would amount to $3,300 under a united administration. But the Committee made every reasonable endeavor to keep down to the limit of appro- priation as finally settled, and, in our final summing up at the close of the year, we find we have only exceeded it by $100.93. To do this, it was found necessary to confine the privileges of the High School strictly to those who were legally entitled to admission, and thus make a saving in the cost of teaching. Last year the total cost of the High School was $6,058.58, or $39.60 per pupil, while in the Grammar schools the cost was only about $17 per pupil. This year the cost of the High School will be about $4,652.
While our school accommodations afford sufficient room for pupils now attending, if the various houses were conveniently located, and well suited to the purposes for which they are at present needed, yet the committee believe many advantages would be derived from the erection of a new and commodious school- house, on the town's land west of Memorial Hall. Objection has been repeatedly made to the further use of the Old Town House for school purposes. The town, at one time, appropriated $500 for the improvement of this house, but later, rescinded the vote.
4
It is now fifteen years since a new schoolhouse has been built within the present limits of the town, and if the old brick one at the Town House is abandoned, a new one somewhere, will become a necessity. A building on the site named could also be made to supply the much needed accommodations for the evening school, where it could be made a popular and attractive, as well as useful part of our system of public education. Further experience un- der the law requiring towns to furnish text-books for all pupils, has confirmed the belief that it is the better method. As a gen- eral thing the books have been well preserved, and have suffered but little wilful damage in the hands of the pupils. Henceforth it will be the purpose of the committee, as it is their duty, to see that the regulation in regard to the abuse of school-books is strictly enforced, viz :-
"Books loaned to pupils by the town must not be marked upon with pencil or ink, and must be kept clean. If a pupil loses a book or so injures it that it is no longer fit for use, he shall pay for the same; or if he defaces any book or wilfully destroys any school supplies furnished him, he may, at the discretion of the superintendent, be dropped from his class until such in- jury has been made good by him."
In view of the fact that, during the past year, every expense not absolutely required, has been avoided, it will be necessary to ask an increase of the appropriation, not only to meet the naturally and ordinarily increasing cost of schools in a growing town, but also to cover items of repair and improvement, in houses, furni- ture, and heating apparatus, without reference to the possible need of additional teachers, or to any advance in the pay of those now in service, or to a more generous outlay for evening schools. The Committee, therefore, recommend an appropriation of $21,- 000 for all school purposes.
GEO. G. PARKER, GEO. E. STACY, CHARLES MACKIN, LOWELL E. FALES, CHAS. E. WHITNEY, JOSEPH F. HICKEY,
Committee.
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