Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1912-1913, Part 7

Author: Milford (Mass.)
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 490


USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1912-1913 > Part 7


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Sealed at my office, no fee charge :-


Sealed.


Condemned.


Scales,


84


24


Weights,


30


8


Dry Measures,


8


0


Liquid Measures,


51


4


Linear Measures,


20


2


Milk Jars,


60


20


Sealed on inspection of places. Fee charged :-


Sealed.


Condemned .


Scales,


216


12


Weights,


377


18


Dry Measures,


10


2


Liquid Measures,


66


3


Linear Measures,


8


2


Oil Pumps,


6


2


Slot Machines,


6


2


Amount received in fees


$80 40


Paid John E. Swift


$79 49


Paid for stamps


$ 91


The duties of the Sealer of Weights and Measures are be- coming more important and harder each year as the State


I54


Inspectors require more work and time put into the position to stop fraud and deceit and give greater protection to the purchasing public.


The new law on peddlers is a good law as the people will get full weight. This law is a hardship on the sealer as it takes a lot of time. Every peddler's wagon must be supplied with new scales. The dry measures are not allowed to be carried by the peddler.


Thanking the honorable board of selectmen, the town solicitor and the public for their assistance given me during my term as Sealer of Weights and Measures, I am,


Respectfully, DANIEL M. O'BRIEN. Sealer of Weights and Measures.


REPORT OF TOWN SOLICITOR.


Milford, Mass, February 18, 1913.


HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :-


I herewith submit my report as town solicitor for the year last past.


The case of Nason vs. Milford has been adjusted by com- promising the same so that the town has a right of way to the Vernon Grove cemetery, a little to the east of the one claimed, and for all practical purposes, just as good as the one claimed.


The case of the Town vs. the Pine Grove Cemetery is still in a nebulous state. The Supreme Court having decided in the Town's favor, effort, and a very persistent one, is being made to have the legislature, not only change the law, but to prevent, by legislative enactment, the town from getting the taxes declared to be legally assessed. I appeared at the hear- ing before the taxation committee, as did the assessors and other citizens of Milford, in protest of this law, and at this writing nothing has been reported.


In connection with this case, I would state, that I deemed it advisable to commence suit to force payment of these taxes, which case is pending.


At present there is but one accident case pending against the Town, and that is the case of Fred Cheney, who alleges that he fell into an excavation on Main street, and injured his leg. This case, while the town may be preliminary liable, it can recover from those who caused the excavation.


I again wish to thank the various town officers for their


156


patience and good will in the matters pertaining to the solici- tor's office.


Respectfully submitted, JOHN C. LYNCH, Solicitor.


AUDITOR'S REPORT.


I have examined the books of the different departments and find that the vouchers correspond with the orders drawn on and paid by the town treasurer.


I have also examined the accounts of the tax collectors and treasurer and find them to be correct.


Respectfully submitted, THOMAS F. MANNING, Auditor.


February 1, 1913.


٠


MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL GLEE CLUB, 1912-1913.


ANNUAL


SCHOL REPORT MILFORD MASSACHUSETTS


SCHOOL YEAR - 1911-'12.


FISCAL YEAR- 1912-'13.


WM.F. GODDARD.


SCHOOL CALENDAR.


WINTER TERM .- High school :- Began December 30, 1912. Closes Feb. 21, 1913. Vacation, one week. Other schools :- Began January 6, 1913. Close Feb. 21, 1913. Vacation, one week.


SPRING TERM .- All schools :- Begin March 3, 1913. Close April 25, 1913. Vacation, one week.


SUMMER TERM .- High school :- Begins May 5, 1913. Closes June 27, 1913. Vacation, nine weeks. Other schools :- Begin May 5, 1913. Close June 20, 1913. Vacation, ten weeks.


FALL TERM .- All schools :- Begin Sept. 2, 1913. Close December 19, 1913. Vacations :- High school one week. Other schools two weeks.


HOLIDAYS :- Lincoln's Birthday, February 12, exercises in the schools; Washington's Birthday, February 22, exercises in the schools, Friday afternoon, Febru- ary 21 ; Good Friday, March 21; Memorial Day, May 30, exercises in the schools Thursday, May 29; Labor Day; Columbus Day, exercises in the schools, Friday, October 10; Thanksgiving Day and the day following.


SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


GEORGE E. STACY


Term expires 1913


1913


J. V. GALLAGHER


66


1914


W. B. WHITING


"


1914


J. C. LYNCH J. E. SWIFT


66 1915


ORGANIZATION. GEORGE E. STACY, Chairman, A. O. CASWELL, Secretary. SUB-COMMITTEES. Rules and Regulations.


G. E. STACY


J. C. LYNCH


Repairs and Fuel.


G. E. STACY


J. V. GALLAGHER


Teachers and Salaries.


J. E. SWIFT W. B. WHITING


Books and Supplies.


G. M. BILLINGS J. C. LYNCHI


SUPERINTENDENT.


A. O. CASWELL.


The superintendent is a member of each sub-committee ex-officio.


COMMITTEE MEETINGS.


The regular meetings of the committee are held on the first Friday of each month at 8 P. M.


SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE.


Office at high school building. Office hours 4 to 5 P. M., daily when schools are in session, except Fridays ; 8 to 9 A. M., on Mondays and Thursdays.


1915


G. M. BILLINGS


4


SCHOOL SESSIONS.


High school-8 A. M. to 1 p. M. Grammar schools-9 A. M. to 12 M .; 1.30 to 3.30 p. MI. Primary schools-9 A. M. to 12 M .; 1.30 to 3 30 r. MI. Country schools-9 A. M. to 12 M. ; 1 to 3 p. M.


NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL. Adopted January 1, 1908. 22 repeated three times on the fire alarmn.


At 7.30 A. M .- No morning session for all schools, including the high school.


At 8.00 A. M. - No morning session below the high school.


At 8.30 A. M .- No morning session for grades below the fifth.


At 12.30 P. M .- No afternoon session for all grades.


Between 12.45 and 1.00 P. M .- No session for grades below the fifth.


At 6.30 P. M .- No session of the evening school.


When the no-school signal is sounded in the morning and not repeated in the afternoon, there will be an afternoon session.


-


REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.


Again it becomes necessary to make a report to the citi- zens of Milford of the condition of our schools. A constant endeavor is required to make them the best we can with the means and room furnished. The scripture injuction, "to in- crease and multiply," is so well heeded that more room must be provided for the pupils that are now entitled to an entrance to our schools.


The details of school work for the past year, and sugges- tions and imperative needs for the future are well set forth in the following report of the Superintendent, which has been adopted by the committee as the school report to the town for the present year.


We ask for a careful consideration of the matters present- ed, and trust that in the future, as in the past, Milford will re- spond with such liberality as has ever been evinced for the best welfare of those for whom it is our duty to provide the best means possible, that the youth may obtain that which will be of more value to them than much fine gold.


The path of glory and of fame,


A path that may be trod, By mortals here of ev'ry name, In serving all and God.


A reputation may be earned, If we will only try; Start out, the way will be discerned, If "onward" be the cry.


'We ask for the following necessary appropriations:


Teachers' salaries .


$38,650 00


Fuel


.


3,500 00


Supplies ·


.


4,000 00


Care


3,300 00


6


Supervision


$1,800 00


Incidentals


2,500 00


Medical inspection .


400 00


Repairs


1,500 00


Transportation ·


1,300 00


Carriage hire


475 00


Total


$57,425 00


GEORGE E. STACY, For the Committee.


SECRETARY'S REPORT.


RECEIPTS. FOR GENERAL SCHOOL PURPOSES.


Appropriation .


$50,000 00


Tuition, etc


1,227 76


$51,227 76


EXPENDITURES.


Teaching


$86,670 28


Supervision


1,950 00


Carriage hire


484 65


Transportation


1,247 45


Janitors


3,283 50


Fuel


3,277 51


Repairs


.


998 36


Supplies


1,180 70


Incidentals (including 8400 for medi-


cal inspection) .


2,134 17


Balance


1 14


.


$51,227 76


ITEMIZED ACCOUNTS.


FUEL. .


Mar. 13. Curtiss Coal Co.


$ 88 85


13. Macuen Coal Co. . 336 63


66 13 B. Vitalini 32 50 ·


Apr., 6. C. S. Mullane


170 90


6. Johnston Coal Co.


464 55


6. B. Vitalini


36 00


15. Curtiss Coal Co.


171 93


May


11. L. H. Barney


2:24 17


11. C. S. Mullane


50 57


66 11. Curtiss Coal Co.


.


23 76


8


June 8. Johnston Coal Co.


$ 97 10


8. Curtiss Coal Co.


23 79


8. B. Vitalini . 17 75


July 8. L. H. Barney


58 00


Sept. 10. Milford Coal Co.


166 75


Oct. 8. B. Vitalini


120 00


8. Curtiss Coal Co.


149 32


Nov. 5. B. Vitalini


19 00


11. Bos. Con. Gas Co. .


3 50


11. Curtiss Coal Co.


204 52


Dec. 9. L. II. Barney


189 08


9. Curtiss Coal Co.


38 75


9. Milford Coal Co.


93 55


9. C. S. Mullane


42 88


9. B. Vitalini


79 25


Jan.


8. Curtiss Coal Co.


3 50


8. B. Vitalini


61 25


8. Curtiss Coal Co.


38 75


8. C. S. Mullane


270 91


-


$3,277 51


REPAIRS.


Mar. 9. Weed Bros.


$ 2 59


9. Clark Ellis & Sons 14 91 .


9. Staples & Gould 8 00


Apr. 6. Weed Bros.


.


11 78


6. Pratt Bros., .


6 05


6. Rem. Typew. Co. .


1 25


6. W. C. Tewksbury


9 21


May


11. Weed Bros.


8 17


June 8. Wm. Johnston Teaming Co.


38 75


« 8. John Holmes


12 08


July 8. C. L. Barnard


2 75


Sept. 1. Weed Bros.


26 68


"


10. Clark Ellis & Sons ·


32 40


10. W. C. Tewksbury


·


13 00


10. Eldredge & Son .


43 94


.


·


9


Sept. 10. Milford Iron Foundry


$ 1 23


10. T. E. Morse Co.


36 00


Oct. 8. E. F. Porter 8 25


8. Staples & Gould


96 14


8. Weed Bros.


11 77


66


11. F. H. Marshall


24 35


11. Bickford Bros.


36 58


11. A. P. Clarridge


90 10


66


16. Robb Engineering Co.


78 25


Nov. 5. Remick Furn. Co.


49 05


5. Bickford Bros.


4 95


Dec.


9. Waters & Hynes .


7 36


9. Staples & Gould


40 41


9. Clark Ellis & Sons


31 74


65


9. Weed Bros.


3 31


9. P. L. Sarty


80 58


9. A. P. Clarridge 19 20


Jan. 8. H. H. Lent & Co.


43 55


8. Weed Bros.


4 17


8. Eldredge & Son


24 57


27. Staples & Gould .


36 46


27. Avery & Woodbury Co. 2 05


27. J. E. Higgiston


27 93


27. J. F. Damon


8 80


$998 36


SUPPLIES.


Mar.


9. D. Farquhar


$ 14 23


9. Ginn & Co.


9 05


9. Am. Book Co.


35 02


9. Johnson, Blagden & Mc- Turnan 4 42


66


9. E. E. Babb & Co. .


178 76


9. Silver, Burdett & Co. 6 04


Apr. 6. J. L. Hammett Co.


35 35


6. Ginn & Co. ·


6 38


6. E. E. Babb && Co. . .


40 77


6. D. C. Heath & Co. .


11 43


·


IO


Apr. 6. Am. Book Co. ·


$ 1 20


15. E. E. Babb & Co. .


11.18


May 4. E. E. Babb & Co. . .


13 05


4. J. L. Hammett Co. 41 30


4. Johnson, Bladgden & Mc- Turnan


16 25


11. E. E. Babb & Co. .


12 23


June


8. J. L. Hammett Co.


.


76 28


8. Frank J. Jameson


16 60


66 19. J. A. Rice & Co.


21 29


July 20. Allyn & Bacon ·


94 84


66 20. C. F. Wilkinson .


12 09


Sept. 10. Silver, Burdett & Co.


2 24


10. Royal Typew. Co.


160 00


66


10. James M. Sullivan


48 39


10. Rem. Typew. Co. .


32 00


Oct. 8. H. M. Rowe Co. .


28 97


8. Phonographic Inst. Co.


4 82


66


8. Rem. Typew. Co. .


16 00


66


8. Frost & Adams Co.


16 90


66


8. Milton Bradley Co.


4 20


Nov. 5. Funk & Wagnalls


52 50


5. Rem. Typew. Co. .


5 00


5. Hopkinson & Holden


12 20


5.


O. Clapp & Son


3 15


66


5. Royal Typew. Co.


6 00


66


5.


C. F. Hovey & Co.


8 41


Dec.


9. Cheney Bros.


.


13 40


Jan. 8. Milford Journal Co.


7 00


66


8. H. M. Rowe Co. .


50 40


8. Neostyle Co. .


7 50


66


27. Phonographic Inst. Co.


25 58


66


27. Mineral Tablet Ink Co.


1 25


·


.


8. E. E. Babb & Co. .


.


3 03


.


$1,180 70


.


3 20


8. A. N. Palmer Co. .


8. L. E. Knott App. Co.


10 80


I I


INCIDENTALS.


Mar. 9. W. C. Griffith


$ 2 35


9. Milford Gas Light Co.


11 10


9. G. M. Billings 65 25 ·


9. Milford Water Co. 45 84


66


9. Milford Electric Light &


6 24


9. Sherbourne-Coughlin Ex- press Co. 1 90


"


9 Cheney Bros.


15 51


April 6. W. C. Griffith


11 00


66


6. American Seating Co. .


1 65


6. Fiske Printing Co.


6 40


6. H. S. Chadbourne .


4 40


66


6. Clark Ellis & Sons 21 40


1 25


15. Milford Gas Light Co.


2 85


15. Milford Electric Light


·


Power Co.


3 20


66 15. Milford Water Co.


43 13


May


4. Neostyle Co.


5 90


4. Milford Gas Light Co.


1 95


4. Clark Ellis & Sons


5 26


4. J. W. Nichols


3 00


66


4. Cheney Bros.


14 25


66


11. Milford Water Co.


23 85


66 11. Milford Electric Light


Power Co.


5 60


June 8.


Wright & Potter Printing Co.


2 50


8. J. V. Burns


2 00


66


8. Milford Gas Light Co.


2 10


66


8. Milford Water Co.


24 92


8. Clark Ellis & Sons


46 45


8. Avery & Woodbury Co. 11 00


8. Cheney Bros.


10 46


66


8. G. M. Billings


11 00


66


Power Co.


.


6. Staples & Gould


4. A. & E Burton Co.


25 95


I 2


June 19. J. W. Foley


$50 00


19. George A. Sherbourne


2 63


July 8. Somerville Brush Co. 2 00


8. Bertha S. Draper .


10 25


8. Milford Water Co.


29 88


66


8. H. C. Doughty


32 80


8. D. M. O'Brien


4 00


8. G. M. Billings


19 50


20. A. & E. Burton Co.


21 50


66 20.


Formacone Co.


35 44


20. F. W. Woolworth Co.


1 50


20. G. M. Billings


15 25


20. A. O. Caswell


71 08


Sep. 10.


Sherbourne-Coughlin Ex-


press Co.


4 75


10. Thomas Thew


2 00


10. Library Bureau


.


.


6 00


10. Yawman & Erbe Co.


5 00


10. Globe Stamp Works


1 75


66 10. Milford Water Co.


10 67


66


10. G. M. Billings


6 50


10. D. E. Connor


12 00


10. Curtiss, Draper Co.


6 00


66 10. Peter Scartissie


5 00


Oct. 8. Dillon Bros.


25 00


8. O. K. Purifier Co. .


12 75


8. Curtiss, Draper Co.


16 50


8. Sherbourne-Coughlin press Co.


Ex-


2 25


8.


Davoren's Express . .


9 75


66


8. Clark Ellis & Sons


11 65


60


8. Avery & Woodbury Co.


1 50


8. G. A. Sherbourne .


9 83


66 8. G. M. Billings


27 50


11. W. B. Whiting


2 05


Nov.


5. J. M. French


200 00


5. George A. Sherbourne 7 79


5. Milford Gas Light Co. .


3 75


·


.


13


Nov. 5. Milford Electric Light &


Power Co. $ 6 00


5. G. M. Billings 28 50 .


66


11. Milford Water Co. . 93 05


Dec. 9. H. S. Chadbourne . 2 20


66


9. J. F. Barrett 98 75


1


.


9. A. B. Cenedella


50 00


66


9. Sherbourne- Coughlin Ex-


press Co. 7 80


66


9. II. L. Stearns Desk Co. ·


55 00


66


9. Milford Gas Light Co. 7 65


9. Milford Electric Light €


Power Co. . 34 80


66


9. J. V. Gallagher


200 00


"


9. G. M. Billings


29 00


Jan.


8. Scott Paper Co.


.


11 62


8. Milford Water Co.


54 22


8. Clark Ellis & Sons


6 05


8. E. F. Lilley


7 50


8. Sherbourne-Coughlin Ex-


press Co. .


1 25


66


8. H. E. Wheeler


1 00


66


8. Milford Electric Light Power Co.


22 40


66


27.


American Seating Co.


224 45


27. Milford Tree Warden's


department 32 00


66


27. J. Allen Rice Co.


9 40


27. A. O. Caswell


15 86


27. G. A. Sherbourne


10 19


$2,134 17


SPECIAL APPROPRIATION. PARK SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS.


Appropriation .


$2,500 00


Aug. 12. Bickford Bros. $ 360 00


Sept. 9. Bickford Bros. 500 00


9. Clark Ellis & Sons 1,200 00


.


14


Jan. 27. Clark Ellis & Sons $300 00


« 27. Bickford Bros. 140 00


$2,500 00


There are unpaid bills on the Park School Improvements as follows :-


Bickford Bros., balance due on con-


tract


$169 19


Clark Ellis & Sons, balance on con-


tract ·


.


243 50


Robert Allen Cook, services . 145 00 ·


$557 69


TABLE OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.


APPROPRIA- TION.


DRAWN.


BALANCE


DEFICIT.


Teachers' salaries,


$33,000 00


$36,670 28


$3,670 28


Supervision,


1,800 00


1,950 00


150 00


Carriage hire for teachers,


475 00


484 65


9 65


Transportation of pupils,


975 00


1.247 45


272 45


Janitors' salary,


2.800 00


3.283 50


493 50


Fuel,


3,500 00


3 277 51


$ 222 49


Repairs,


1.400 00


998 36


401 64


Supplies,


3,000 00


1,180 70


1,819 30


Incidentals,


2 650 00


1.734 17


915 83


Medical inspection,


400 00


400 00


Extra receipts,


1,227 76


1,226 62


Balance,


1 14


$51.227 76


$51.227 76 $4.585 88 $4.585 SS


At a meeting of the school board held Friday, January 24, the reports of the secretary and superintendent were read and accepted and will constitute a part of the report of the board to the citizens of Milford.


ALMORIN O. CASWELL,


Secretary


SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.


Number of public schools 48


Number of school buildings . 16


Number of teachers employed


61


In High school


9


In Grammar schools


14


In Primary schools ·


36


Special teachers


2


Number of children in town September 1, 1912, between 5 and


15 years of age, as reported by the census enumerator :-


Number of boys 1266


Number of girls 1263


Total number between 5 and 15 years 2529


Total number in September, 1911 2427


Increase 102


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.


Number enrolled between 5 and 7 . 298


66 7 and 14 . 1527


66 over 14 358


2178


Total enrolment


between 5 and 15 1961


Average membership in all the schools


1998.7


Per cent of attendance


Number of cases of tardiness in all the schools


1910


66 dismissal


751


corporal punishment .


43


66


truancy . .


25


Visits by superintendent


1157


66 committee .


53


others


.


1518


1921.


Average attendance .


96.1


SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.


TO THE HONORABLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF MILFORD :-


GENTLEMEN :-


It is my pleasant duty to submit my second report as your superintendent of schools-the thirty-sixth of such re- ports in the history of the town.


An inspection of the statistics just preceding this report is recommended. According to the school census the increase in the number of children between the ages of five and fifteen years of age is 102, a healthy growth. The total enrollment in the public schools for 1911-12 also increased over that for 1910-11 by 81. The average membership for the same period increased nearly 50. The high percentage of attendance has remained at a little over 96 per cent.


Our aim, as stated in my first report, is the training of true-hearted, high-principled, clear-thinking citizens, and toward the attainment of that aim we are making well defined and steady progress.


What was said in my report of a year ago about reading and its importance remains true. Reading is being, on the whole, well taught in the first grade. As teachers in the sec- ond and third grades become increasingly aware that the teaching of reading, as such, is not finished in the first grade, but that they, too, have a part in the formal teaching of this subject, the results in this subject will be still better. Work in reading with the Italian children in certain schools is nota- ably good, and has aroused the interest of visitors, and called forth some favorable comment from them.


Much interesting material for the lower grades has been put on our eligible list, and an admirable selection of literary reading has been put into the hands of some of the fifth, sixth,


----


O


Milford Public Schools-Drawing-High School and Grammar Grades.


17


seventh and eighth grades. It is hoped greatly to enlarge thie amount and variety of reading material for all grades by the beginning of another school year.


NEW BOOKS ADOPTED.


The following new books have been adopted :- The American Fifth Reader, the American Literary Reader,-The Macmillan Co .; Masterpieces of American Literature, Master- pieces of British Literature,-The Houghton, Mifflin Co .; Gor- dy's American Beginnings in Europe,-Scribner's; Woodburn & Moran's Elementary History and Government, Longmans, Green and Co., for the grades. The following have been adopt- ed for the High school :- Robinson's Commercial Geography, Rand, McNally & Co .; Huffcutt's Business Law, Ginn & Co ; Vos's Essentials of German, Henry Holt & Co .; Bennett's Latin Grammar, Allyn & Bacon, and the adoptions completed, of Tarr & McMurry's New Geography, Carpenter's Geo- graphical Readers, Metcalf & Rafter's Language Books, and the Gulick Health Books.


CHANGE TO EIGHT GRADES.


The change from nine grades to eight is completed, to the relief of all concerned. A few readjustments will need to be made at the end of the present school-year, after which the regrading may fairly be said to be accomplished. As re- marked a year ago. this change made imperative a complete reorganization of the course of study. This has been done, and tentative outlines were placed in the hands of teachers near the beginning of the present year. The aim in the new course has been : To divide the total grade requirement fair- ly between the eight years ; to give to each subject of study its proper degree of attention and emphasis, and, by furnishing the teachers a time schedule, make it easy for them to or- ganize their work to the best advantage.


CHANGES IN TEACHERS.


At the beginning of the school-year Mr. Christopher A. Fitzgerald, A. B. (Harv.), and Miss Margaret Keefe Sullivan A. B. (Smith) were added to the teaching force of the High


18


school, the former as sub-master and teacher of mathematics and science, the latter as teacher of English and history. Miss Sullivan was forced to retire after a few weeks' service, on account of ill health. Her place was filled by the election of Miss Alice G. Whittemore, A. B. (Wellesley).


Miss Irene C. Hogan, (Framingham Normal school) and Miss Amy Kelly, (Westfield Normal school) were added to the list of grade teachers.


GIFTS.


Again we are indebted to Mrs. Carolyn M. Hittinger of Mil- ford, for a splendid craftsman bookcase in fumed quartered oak, given to the Park school.


To the Misses Thayer of West street, we are indebted for a dozen volumes of the "Atlantic Monthly," for the High school library.


REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS.


PARK SCHOOL.


During the summer vacation the suggested improvements were made in the basement of the Park school. These in- clude cement floors, boys' and girls' conveniences with sep- arate entrances from within the building and without, wash sinks and bubbling drinking fountains on each side, and an auxiliary steam heater capable of heating the basement and the rooms up stairs. Bickford Bros. had the general contract, and Clark Ellis & Sons the heating and plumbing contract, these firms being the lowest bidders.


A fairly well lighted room was secured in the southwest corner of the basement, to be used for a play room or for Sloyd classes later on.


Twenty five new pressed-steel-and- wood seats were added to the equipment at the Chapin street school. Some new tab- let arm chairs were added to the high school equipment and a new desk and safe to the Superintendent's office. A new bubbling fountain was installed at the Spruce street school. Town water was introduced at the North Purchase buildings, including bubbling drinking fountains. The safety of the


19


children was considered outside the building as well as in, and the trees on the High and Claflin grounds were trimmed and put in a safe condition.


RAPID ADDITION.


Special attention was given to rapid addition in the middle and upper grades during the time covered by this report, and good results secured.


FIRE DRILLS.


More attention is being given to fire drills the present winter than heretofore, the aim being confidence and precision in marching rather than a time record-sure footedness rather than speed. In this connection attention is called to the absence of windows at the half landings of the stairs from the first to the second floor at the Claflin. Windows should be installed here as soon as may be.


LIGHTING OF SCHOOL ROOMS.


Too careful attention cannot be paid to the lighting of school rooms. The new shades at the Claflin school were run up from the bottom, so that direct cross-lights might be kept from the children's eyes. Later the shades at the Plains Primary school were re-hung in the same way, and last summer the worn shades at the Oliver street school were re- placed with new ones, and all were made to run from the bottom.


OVERCROWDING.


The crowded conditions threatening at the High school, to which reference was made a year ago were not realized, as the attendance has not only not increased but actually fallen off about seven percent. This fact, the addition of two teachers to the faculty, and the improvement in the course of study have made possible a better grade of work at the High school.


In the grades, the increase was fully realized and while it might have been taken care of by the two extra teachers, these teachers had to work as assistants, in rooms with other teach- ers, thereby lessening their effectiveness. A reference to the


20


tables will show several teachers working with 50 pupils, more or less, and while the work has not fallen off as much as might have been expected, it has fallen off in some cases, through no fault of the teachers.


There is little likelihood of any lower percentage of in- crease in the grades in the years to come .. There were 394 births in town during the year 1907, so that if we are to reduce the overload in certain grades, provide for the nor- mal rate of increase, and discard the older, unsanitary build - ings, a new school building is needed.


A NEW SCHOOL NEEDED.


In the writer's opinion, no time should be lost in taking the first step in the construction programu recommended a year ago.


The situation calls for a 12-room building, of brick or stone, with fire-proof stairways, centrally located, near the car lines, so planned as to be capable of expansion by sulsc- quent addition at a minimum cost. Such a building should have a heating plant of the highest class, capable of expansion as the building expands. It should include commodious hall and stair- ways, ample exits, one side lighting, toilets on each floor, basement rooms for manual training, principal's room, teachers' room and ultimately an assembly-hall. Finally it should, if located away from the Park, have a commodious play ground.


CERTIFICATION OF MINORS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN FACTORIES.


The writer would again call the attention of all parties in interest to the legal requirements upon minors desiring to work in shops and factories :


No minor, literate or illiterate, may be employed in any shop or mercantile establishment under 14 years of age.


No illiterate minor may be so employed under 16.


Literate minors over 14 and under 16 mast have : (1st)


An employment ticket (blue card) signed by the prospec- tive employer, who must state the nature of the proposed work,




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