USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1910-1915 > Part 29
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131,000
1,441 00
1,479 50
180
1 98
1 98
Stow, Nathan B., heirs of, Concord Sweet, Benjamin D., Boston .....
3,500
38 50
38 50
Thompson, Ernest A., Cambridge
4,700
51 70
51 70
Thompson, Maria L., heirs of, Wob.
100
1 10
1 10
Thorndike S. Lothrop, heirs of, Wes.
2,000
22 00
22 00
Viles, Charles L., Est. Waltham .
600
6 60
6 60
Walker, Laura E., Milwaukee, Wis.
150
1 65
1 65
.
. .
. .
110
Thomas Dana Estate, Boston ... Stewart, Samuel, Waltham .
·
Warren, William R., N. Y.
4,300
47 30 17 60
30,000
330 00
377 30
Western Union Tel. Co., N. Y. .
1,600
17 60
Weston, Town of ..
850
9 35
9 35
Wheeler, Frank, Concord
2,000
22 00
22 00
Wheeler, Henry A., Weston.
100
1 10
1 10
Wheeler, H. N., heirs of, Cambridge
400
4 40
4 40
Wheelright, And. C., heirs of, Coh.
12,000
132 00
132 00
White, Ellen, Waltham
1,000
11 00
11 00
White, John, Auburndale
100
1 10
1 10
White, Robert H., Lexington
·
325
3 58
3 58
111
112
WATER COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
The Water Commissioners herewith present their Annual Report :-
The work of the year has been of a routine nature, no new work having been done.
The repairs on the pipe system and at the Pumping Station have been made under the direction of the Superintendent. The Commissioners have endeavored to keep the expenses at a minimum during the year, and some work as the survey and plans of the last extensions have been allowed to go over into next year. There are no outstanding bills.
The receipts for the past year have been about $400 less than last year, owing to the fact that the railroad took about $600 less water.
The records of the Venturii Meter at the Pumping Station show that about 5,000,000 gallons less water was pumped than last year, in spite of the fact that more water was wasted this year than ever before.
There were so many complaints about rusty water that during the months of March, April and May, at the suggestion of the State Board of Health, the Super- intendent spent several days during each month going from place to place blowing off the water at hydrants and blow-offs, which accounts for the large consumption during those months, but it is interesting to note that these months, with the exception of July, were the only ones during the year when the consumption was equal to the corresponding months of 1912. 1
Last year we called attention to the matter of instal- ling an electric pump, but as no, Article was inserted in the Warrant, nothing was done about it.
113
We wish again to urge upon the Town the advisability of such a pump and strongly recommend that provision be made for procuring the money for it. The necessity of having a pump of this type was brought forcibly to the attention of the Commissioners, when some much needed repairs at the pumping station were being made last Summer, and the water in the reservoir became very low.
As reported by the Town Treasurer last year in the Profit and Loss Account of the Water Works under Liabilities, there has been paid into the Water Works' Treasury from direct taxation :- The Special Sinking Fund of, $2,311 47
And Town Loan, 2,476 04
Making a Total of, $4,787 51
Mention is made of this amount in order that it may be on record, so that in the future, if the Town so desires, and the financial condition of the Water Works so admit, the money may be returned to the Town Treasury. The validity of the bond issue, voted at the last Annual Town Meeting, was questioned by many of our citizens, and on a petition of ten tax payers, the matter was taken before Mr. Justice Bailey of the Supreme Court, who granted an injunction against the issue and the case was carried to the full bench of the Supreme Court by the Committee on Claims and has been argued, but no de- cision has been rendered at the writing of this report. We believe the Town cannot afford to impair its credit by issuing any bonds about which there is the least suspicion.
We wish again to call the attention of the Town to the uncollected water rates amounting to $956.57, or about 7% of the full year's rates, and while the Commissioners have had the power to force payment or shut off the water, it seemed best, owing to the stringency of the time, to allow more leeway this year. We believe, however, it
114
is unfair to the majority of the water takers that the delinquents should have the use of this money instead of paying their bills when due.
Meters
There has been considerable agitation among some of our citizens as to the advisibility of the Town adopting. the meter system for its water works, and it has been hinted that the present Water Board is responsible for the present high water rates. It should be remembered that the enlargement of the water system has taken place under the Fixture Rate and would not have been made under a meter system, as under such a system each extension would have borne its own total expense.
Under the present system the guarantee is simply for a certain per cent of the cost, for five years.
Foreseeing the present conditions, in 1911, at the Annual Meeting, the Chairman of the Water Board warned the Town that if the policy of extensions and bond issues were continued, the time was not far distant when the works would cease to be self-supporting.
The water system in a Town like Lincoln should be treated in a broad, general way as taxes, for the good of all of its citizens and we are glad this Town has so regarded it in many of the extensions, when only a small guarantee but little more than the interest on cost of construction has been required.
In one instance, the extension from Wheeler's lane to the State Highway, no guarantee was required, while it cost over $6,300, and has never been a source of much revenue, nevertheless we think the Town pursued the right policy, because by so doing the whole of the north part of the Town is supplied with water.
We heard of but two reasons why meters should be installed.
115
First, the individual making the claim would pay less for water used and
Second, that it would be more equitable.
In answer to the first reason, we have to say that the water works have not been receiving more money than was needed to run the works.
If everybody who wants meters is to pay less than they have been paying, who is to make up the deficit?
We have yet to hear of any one who advocates meter rates, who expects to pay more for water than he has been paying. It is always someone else who uses more. No one should be deceived by the argument that under the meter system one simply pays for what he uses and the cost is determined by dividing the total cost of running the works by the number of gallons of water pumped. Such is not the case. We are told by a competent engineeer that this Town would do well under a complete meter system, if we sold one half of the water pumped.
One of the towns near Boston, having a complete meter system and no reservoir, the water being taken directly in the main from the Metropolitan System, sold only 663% of the water bought.
With the small population supplied, about 1,000, and the long lines of pipes (about 25} miles ) there must of necessity be a large waste of water to keep the pipes clear. Under the meter system, for a time, the waste would be greater, owing to the restricted use.
In answer to the second reason, "that it would be more equitable."
In 1905, the Town had a Comptroller of the Water Works and he employed Mr. Leonard Metcalf of Concord as an expert engineer.
Mr. Metcalf was furnished with every detail that could be obtained in regard to the works, and his report to the Water Board was that the Town could not instal a
116
complete meter system and pay its bills unless the minimum rate should be fixed at $23.00.
What would this mean to the Town?
That [the one who now pays $10.00 would be obliged to pay $23.00.
Who would profit by the change?
Not the Town as a municipality, for it would cost more to run the works under the meter system. Not the one who now pays $10.00, for he would pay $23.00. Not the one who now pays $23.00 for his rate would remain the same. The persons benefited would be those who now pay large rates and those who use water only a part of the year, and these amount to 5% of all the number of services. As the larger part of the expenses of the works consisting of Sinking Fund, Interest and Bonds continues during the whole of the year (in 1912 these amounted to 7/11 of the total expenditures ) it seems right that those who use the water only in the Summer, when the cost is the greatest, should pay their proportion of these expenses. The inequalities which exist under the present system are in favor of the small takers.
We believe the present water rates should be reduced as soon as possible and believe it can be done in this way. At the present time the Town pays $15.00 each for hydrant service; the average of the State is about $25.00. If the additional $10.00 per hydrant were assessed it would yield $1,220 more for the works.
The personal property holder and the non-resident tax payers are indirectly benefited by the water works, and we see no reason why they should not contribute something to its support.
In addition to this amount, the last of the series of $1,000 bonds due each year will be paid, Dec. 1, 1914. The expenses, therefore, for 1915 will be reduced to that extent.
We believe substantial reductions can be made in the
117
present rates in 1915, and this will prove to be more satisfactory to the Town in the long run than any meter system. Appended are the usual statistics.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. CHAPIN, JOSEPH S. HART, WILLIAM H. SHERMAN, Water Commissioners.
118
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1914.
Lincoln Water Works, Lincoln, Middlesex County, Mass.
General Statistics
Population by census of 1910, 1,175.
Date of construction, 1874. By whom owned, Town. Source of supply, Sandy Pond.
Mode of supply, Pumping.
Pumping Statistics
Laidlaw-Dunn-Gordon, Cross compound Fly Wheel Pump, 12" and 202" x 55" x 12".
Description of fuel used.
Kind, hard and soft coal.
Brand of coal, Lackawanna, New River.
Average price of hard coal per gross ton, delivered, $7.50. Average price of soft coal, per gross ton, delivered, $5.91. Percentage of ash.
Wood, price per cord, $5.50.
Coal consumed for the year in pumping,
Pounds of wood consumed, equivalent amount of coal, Total equivalent coal consumed for the year, 388,340 lbs. Total pumpage for the year, 75,817,500 gallons.
Average static head against which pumps work 148.5 ft. Average dynamic head against which pumps work 160 ft.
119
Number of gallons pumped per pound of equivalent coal, 195.2
Duty.
Cost of Pumping, figured on pumping station expenses, viz., $2,927.34.
Per million gallons pumped, $38.59. 1
Per million gallons raised one foot (dynamic ), 24.1 cents.
Statistics of Consumption of Water
Estimated total population at date, 1,175.
Estimated population on lines of pipe, 1,145. Estimated population supplied, 1,145. Total water pumped for the year, 75,817,340 gallons. Passed through meters, 22,675,509 gallons. Percentage of consumption metered 29.9 + Average daily consumption, 207,700 gallons.
*Gallons per day to each inhabitant, 145. + *Gallons per day to each consumer, 148.9. *Gallons per day to each tap, 536. +
*The metered water sold to R. R. Co. is deducted from the total consumption in making these averages.
120
Statistics Relating to Distribution System
Mains.
1. Kind of pipe, cast iron and cement lined.
2. Sizes, from 4" to 12".
3. Extended ft.
during year. 18. Extended 145 ft.
4. Discontinued 00 ft.
during year.
6. Cost of repairs per mile,
7. Number of leaks per mile, .49.
8. Length of pipes less than 4 inches diam., 900 feet.
9. Number of hydrants added during year, 0.
10. Number of hydrants (public and private ) now in use, 122.
11. Number of stop gates added during year, 0.
12. Number of stop gates now in use, 133.
13. Number of stop gates smaller than 4 inch, 4.
14. Number of blow-offs, 29.
15. Range of pressure on mains 40 lbs. to 102 lbs.
Services.
16. Kind of pipe, galv. iron and cement lined.
17. Sizes, {" to 4"."
19. Discontinued 00 feet.
20. Total now in use, miles.
5. Total now in use, 26,411 miles. 21. Number of service taps added during year, 10.
22. Number now in use, 318.
23. Average length of service, 12 feet.
24. Average cost of serv- ice for the year, $15.00.
25. Number of meters added, 0.
26. Number now in use, 43.
121
Engineer's Report
Duration Number of Days
Gallons Pounds Rain Pumping Pumped
Pumped
Fuel Fall
Hrs. M.
Feb.,
1913
5,552,981
35,808 1.50
130
50
21
March,
66
5,510,960
28,402
3.75
135
10
19
May,
66
6,536,265
28,888
3.85
144
35
20
June,
66
7,106,906
31,595 1.13
157
30
21
July,
66
10,448,523
43,830
1.93
232
10
24
Aug.,
66
7,815,431
34,286
3.52
182
00
25
Sept.,
6,699,709
32,909
3.02
158
50
23
Oct.,
66
5,590,578
29,789 6.70
133
00
19
Nov.,
66
5,103,072
27,929
.81
129
35
18
Dec.,
66
4,464,118
27,567
4.14
123
35
17
Jan.,
1914
5,996,130
36,227
1.46
152
00
23
76,469,333 388,340 37.92
1819
35 251
Daily,
209,505
gallons
Largest Day, July 9,
1,057,512
gallons
1
5,644,660
31,110
6.11
140
20
21
April,
122
RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR
Domestic,
$6,926 45
Hydrants,
1,830 00
Public Buildings, 85 45
Highway Department, 22 00
Cemetery Commissioner, 2 years,
20 00
Total Domestic Rate,
$8,883 90
Meters
Boston & Maine R. R. Company, $1,409 15
Water Troughs,
413 46
Centre School,
102 62
Other Meter Rates,
1,394 38
Total Meter Rates,
3,319 61
Interest,
12 72
Sundries,
15 27
Total Receipts,
$12,231 50
Payments
Expense,
$148 68
Fuel,
1,579 14
Salaries,
1,681 50
Interest,
3,215 00
Repairs and Renewals :--
Account Reservoir,
57 60
Service Pipes,
125 59
Pipe System,
326 74
Pump Station,
615 71
Construction :-
293 30
Account Service Pipes, Bonds,
2,000 00
Sinking Fund,
2,173 37
Total, $12,216 63
Balance on hand, Feb. 1,"1914, Uncollected,
14 87
956 57
123
WATER
Payments
Jas. T. Laird, Services as Superintendent and Engineer, $1,039 00
Jas. T. Laird, Labor of Horse, 86 00
Frank Cunningham, Services as Fireman,
204 00
Frank Cunningham, Labor on Water Extensions, 150 07
Waltham Coal Co., Coal,
274 24
M. L. Snelling, Coal,
1,223 67
M. L. Snelling, Teaming Coal,
63 90
Boston & Maine R. R., Freight,
3 03
National Express Co., Express,
14 78
C. S. Wheeler, Treasurer, Coupons, Due March 1st,
877 50
C. S. Wheeler, Treasurer, Coupons, Due June 1st, 642 50
First National Bank, Coupons, Due June 1st, 000 00
First National Bank, Coupons, Due Sept, 1st, 877 50
First National Bank, Coupons, Due, May 1st, 87 50
First National Bank Coupons, Due Nov. 1st,
87 50
First National Bank, Payments of Coupons, Due May 1st, 642 50
First National Bank, two $500 Bonds, Due Sept. 1st, 1,000 00
Edison Electric Light Co., Service of Light, 11 15
John F. Farrar & Son, 1 Cord of Pine Wood, 6 00
Benjamin W. Pike, Set of Harness, 13 00
124
M. H. Doherty, Horse Hire, 14 25
Geo. E. Crosby Co., Printing, 7 75
W. C. Pierce, Rent of Land, 5 00
Frank F. Place Co., Repairing Clock,
6 00
William Johnson, Services,
26 00
Commissioners of Sinking Fund, Sinking Fund, 2,173 37
Jas. T. Calkins, Digging and Filling Trench, 2 00
Roger Sherman, Moving Ashes, 87 70
Waltham Coal Co., Pipe,
30 00
Cemetery Commissioners, Wood,
11 63
Andrew J. Dougherty, Reading Meters,
54 00
M. H. Doherty, Delivering Freight, 7 38
W. H. Sherman, Services as Commissioner,
78 00
Jos. S. Hart, M. D., Services as Commis- sioner, 75 00
Geo. L. Chapin, Services as Commissioner and Collector, 250 00
R. D. Donaldson, Cash paid Boston Steam Pump Co., 16 85
C. S. Wheeler, Cash paid for Postage,
2 84
Chapman Valve Co., Supplies,
24 38
Eagle Oil and Supply Co., Supplies,
122 88
National Meter Co., Supplies,
59 28
H. S. Cousins & Co., Supplies, 7 48
Walworth Mfg. Co., Supplies,
61 39
Union Water Meter Co., Supplies,
26 66
Builders Iron Foundry, Supplies,
11 00
Laidlaw-Dunn-Gordon Co., Supplies,
48 29
David & Farnum Mfg. Co., Supplies,
7 46
J. B. Hunter & Co., Supplies,
90
Hodge Boiler Works, Supplies,
21 80
Jas. L. Chapin & Son, Supplies,
11 48
Allen Bros., Supplies,
1 25
Broad Gauge Iron Works, Supplies,
3 20
Chadwick Boston Lead Co., Supplies,
4 72
125
Wilson Lumber Co., Supplies,
3 34
Edson Mfg. Co., Supplies, 23 30
Boston St. P. & Rp. Co., Supplies, 95 99
Deane Steam Pump Co., Supplies,
4 83
Blake & Knowles St. P. Co., Supplies,
42
Garlock Packing Co., Supplies,
4 83
Revere Rubber, Supplies,
28 97
I. N. McRae, Labor and Supplies,
93 00
New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co., Labor,
53 60
Geo. E. Winslow, Labor,
4 00
H. Mueller Mfg. Co., Labor,
2 10
John F. Farrar & Son, Labor,
206 55
Damon & Glenn, Labor,
8 60
Dan McAskill, Labor,
7 45
Kidder Bros., Digging Trench,
2 00
Hartford Insurance Co., Insurance,
65 00
Library Bureau, Stationary,
7 75
Wilkin Press, Stationary,
3 75
Andrew Peterson, Plants,
6 88
Estate of Thorndike, Over Payment on Guarantee, 18 49
Roderick B. Laird, Making Out Water Bills,
12 00
C. S. Wheeler, Treas., Payment of $1,000 Bond, Series 1894,
1,000 00
Total, $12,216 63
126
Month
Total gallons
Average gallon per day.
1913.
pumped.
January .
5,235,000
168,900
February
5,490,000
196,100
March
5,690,000
183,500
April .
5,539,000
184,600
May
6,540,500
211,000
June
7,149,000
238,300
July
10,450,500
337,100
August
7,873,000
254,000
September
6,713,500
223,800
October
5,582,000
180,100
November
5,037,000
167,900
December
4,518,000
145,700
75,817,500
207,700
PROFIT AND LOSS.
Year ending Feb. 1, 1914.
Dr.
Cr.
$148 68
By water,
$13,160 08
To Expense, Fuel,
1,433 74
Salaries,
1,681 50
Interest,
3,202 28
Repairs and Renewals,
1,125 64
Net gain for year,
5,568 24
$13,160 08
$13,160 08
127
ASSETS.
LIABILITIES
Construction,
$181,637 18
Bonds outstanding,
$83,000 00
Water Bills Uncollected,
956 57
Fuel on Hand,
310 40
Surplus,
Sinking Fund,
21,300 00
$204,204 15
Town of Lincoln for Loan of 1912,
4,787 51 116,416 64
$204,204 15
128
WATER WORKS DEPARTMENT
WATER RECEIPTS.
Domestic, Meters, Uncollected,
$8,883 90
3,319 61 956 57
$13,160 08
OUTSTANDING WATER BONDS.
Issue of 1894, due 1914,
$1,000 00
Issue of 1897, due 1917,
10,000 00
Issue of 1900, due 1930,
23,000 00
Issue of 1902, due 1932,
9,000 00
Issue of 1903, due 1933,
5,000 00
Issue of 1904, due 1934,
5,000 00
Issue of 1906, due 1936,
14,000 00
Issue of 1907, due 1937,
4,000 00
Issue of 1907, due one each year,
7,000 00
Issue of 1911,
66
5,000 00
$83,000 00
129
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The work of removing the less desirable trees, other than those on lots of private ownership, has been con- tinued. It is hoped that the consent of owners may be granted that further removals, which in the judgment of your Commissioners would be an improvement to the general appearance of the grounds, may be made.
As a certain amount of grading and additional trees and shrubbery will be desirable in connection with the general care of the grounds an appropriation equal to that of last year is respectfully requested.
JULIUS .E. EVELETH, GEORGE L. CHAPIN, JOSEPH S. HART,
Cemetery Commissioners.
130
THE TOWN TREASURER IN ACCOUNT WITH THE LINCOLN CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Received Fitchburg R. R. Co., dividends $10 00
66 American Sugar Refining Co., dividends 280
66 Water Works for wood . 11 6
Total
$49 63
Deposited in the Middlesex Institution for Savings 49 63
The following is a list of the Securities of the Lincoln Cemetery Com- missioners :-
Four Shares American Sugar Refining Co., preferred stock.
Three Shares Union Pacific R. R. Co., preferred stock.
Two Shares Fitchburg R. R. Co., preferred stock.
Also the following funds for the care of lots in cemetery, all of which are deposited in the Middlesex Institution for Savings :-
Orilla J. Flint Fund, $300.00, interest accrued $24 72
Samuel Hartwell Fund, $300.00, interest accrued 24 72
John H. Pierce Fund, $500.00, interest accrued. 35 90
Maria L. Thompson Fund, $500.00, interest accrued
41 20
Annie A. Ray Fund, $300.00, interest accrued .
24 72 Also
General Funds deposited in the Middlesex Institution for Savings amounting to
417 41
(Signed ) CHARLES S. WHEELER,
E. & O. E.
Town Treasurer.
131
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT.
The Tree Warden submits to the Town his report for the year 1913.
The work of this department this year has been mostly against the brown tail and gypsy moths and elm leaf beetle and has been carried on as it was the previous year, cutting off brown tail nests and creosoting gypsy moth nests on the trees on the highways and on private prop- ertywhere owners wished to pay for the labor. Tanglefoot bands were also put on trees along the roadsides, in the badly infested places.
Spraying was started a week earlier than usual this year, therefore enabling us to give more time to our elm trees and helping us greatly toward holding the elm leaf beetle in check; beginning the third week in May and continuing to the last week in June. During this time all the trees on the highways and about 200 acres of wood- land were sprayed with very good results.
On account of the large flight of brown tail moths through the town this year and the large number of oak trees which we have on our roadsides, I found it necessary to spray 11 days in August so as to kill the small brown tail caterpillars which are hatched out and feeding at this time, before they had a chance to make their nests for the winter. This spraying was a success and is a much easier way where it can be done than climbing the trees and cutting off the nests.
During July, August, September and part of October the dead wood was removed from trees on most of the highways, and the brush cut and burned on the roadsides.
The total expenditure of this department this year was
132
$4,437.81. Of this amount $2,096.12 has been returned to the Town Treasurer from private work, leaving a net cost of $2,341.59 to the Town, including the payment which was made to the State Forester's office for the new sprayer.
For the coming year I recommend that $2,500.00 be appropriated for this work, $2.000,00 for brown tail and gypsy moths and $500.00 for tree and elm leaf beetles.
JOHN J. KELLIHER,
Tree Warden.
133
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS
The Committee on Claims make the following report:
The case of George L. Chapin and Others v. The Town of Lincoln and Charles S. Wheeler, which was entered in the Supreme Court on the 13th of May, 1913, and which presents the question whether the Town has the right to issue bonds for the purpose of restoring to the treasury money expended for water purposes, was heard before a single justice who directed that an injunction should issue restraining the Town from issuing bonds as proposed. The case was reported to the Supreme Court and was argued before that Court on the 27th of January in the present year, and no decision has yet been announced.
The case of Town of Lincoln v. George L. Chapin and the First Parish, resulted in a decree determining the boundary between Mr. Chapin and the Town and also fixing the line between the Town and the Parish. By this decree a portion of the present schoolhouse building stands upon land which does not belong to the Town. Exceptions to the decree have been filed but under the vote of the Town passed at the last meeting, they have not been pressed, pending negotiations between the Parish and the Town for a settlement of the boundary between them.
These negotiations have progressed for some time with the result that the Parish proposes that an agreement and mutual release, as stated in the letter of Mr. Hodges appended to this report, be executed by the Parish and the Town.
The effect of this would be to make the so-called
134
"Bedford Road" the boundary between the land of the Town and land of the Parish, except that so much of the land on the west side of the road as is given to the Town by the decree already mentioned would be excepted from the holding of the Parish.
The agreement further provides that the land assigned to the Parish shall be used by it only for parochial pur- poses and the land assigned to the Town shall be used by it only for municipal purposes, and the only effect would be to leave the use of the land by the inhabitants of the Town much as it is used today. The right of way from the road to the schoolhouse is also secured.
The title of the Parish and the Town to the land in question is very difficult to ascertain, and it is very doubtful whether any court would establish a line with confidence. The division proposed leaves the land sub- . stantially as it is and only terminates the dispute by giving each of the contending parties title to a portion of the land. The land itself can be of very little pe- cuniary value, and your Committee are of opinion that it makes very little practical difference whether the title to the land is in the Parish or the Town.
We think however that there should be released to the Town so much of the land on which the present school building stands, as is by the decree assigned to other parties. Such a release would give no one anything of much value but would relieve the Town from the neces- sity perhaps of taking away such large portions of the present building as would make the residue practically worthless. While the building is used as a school, the right of the Town to maintain it as it is, would hardly be questioned, but the building may be useful for other purposes and the cutting off of what stands on the land of others would be an expensive and destructive operation.
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