USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1911-1915 > Part 30
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It is desirable that the railroad officials be asked to extend their excellent fire lines through some dangerous stretches not yet protected.
FREDERICK B. KNAPP, Chairman, ERNEST H. BAILEY, JOSHUA B. WESTON,
Committee.
REPORT OF ROAD SURVEYOR -
The most of the roads in town are in fair condition; Cove street and Abraham Hill road are very bad, and will need a lot expended on them. Only a small portion, the Standish Shore appropriation has been expended, on account of the water works but will be done in the early spring. There is a balance left to complete Alden street.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. SOULE, Road Surveyor.
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STATEMENT OF DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR OF 1914
INCOME
Town of Duxbury,
$1,454 80
Winsor Fund,
238 23
Hathaway Fund,
179 24
Duxbury Hall Fund,
236 50
Harding Fund,
55 28
713.25
Total,
$2,164 05
CHARGES
Town of Duxbury,
Salaries,
$730 95
Light & Power,
115 64
Telephone,
19 79
Insurance,
472 72
152, 45
Fuel,
54 95
Sundry expense,
24 96
Total,
$1,419 01
Purchase of Books, etc.,
Winsor Fund, (fuel $97.50),
$122 66
Hathaway Fund,
58 82
Duxbury Hall Fund,
124 32
Harding Fund,
18 35
$1,743 16
Balance cash on hand,
$420 89
Town of Duxbury,
$35 79
·Winsor Fund,
115 57
Hathaway Fund, ,
120 42
Duxbury Hall Fund,
112 18
Harding Fund,
36 93
$420 85
BYRON C. LEAVITT, Treasurer.
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REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
We have had very few fires this year ; no bad ones. What few have started have been under control very quickly. The fire- men have been very prompt and responded quickly. The Engi- neers will ask for fifteen hundred dollars to buy one thousand feet of hose, two hose wagons and some other things necessary, and to pay the running expenses. They also recommend having one of the engines in North Duxbury and one in Island Creek. The Engineers approve the report of the Island Creek com- mittee.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. SOULE, Chief of Fire Department.
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
The condition of woodland in Duxbury is bad in many places while others are about as common.
All woodland cleaning has been discontinued by order of the State Forester, a strip 100 feet long infested woodland is all that is to be done. This leaves it to the owner to do as he sees fit about his property. There are plenty of lots that will be stripped out this coming summer. Many owners of woodland are saving their pine by cutting out the hard wood, particularly the white oak. Thinning and spraying seems to be the best way of handling the moth problem on all shade and orchard trees and any property where the owners will do their share in helping save their woodlands.
I think that the next few years will make many converts to a simple system of forestry.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. FISH, Local Supt.
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TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
The condition of shade trees in town is much better than in former years, owing to spring rains. One hundred and fifty trees were set and most of them lived. They were watered twice which helped them greatly.
There is plenty of room to set more trees in town and one hundred trees do not go far. The sooner our streets are set to trees the sooner we have shade.
Spraying was done early for tent caterpillars with good suc- cess. Wood tent caterpillars were very plentiful last year in the oak woods and probably will be more plentiful this year.
Spraying was done on roadside trees for Elm beetles and other pests with good results.
Would recommend a continuance of spraying. Would also recommend that Duxbury enter the shade tree planting con- test. Scituate got the prize last year given by Mass. Forestry Association.
HENRY A. FISH,
Tree Warden.
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
This town had a Forest Fire Department consisting of eight wagons equipped with six extinguishers, six shovels, water cans, pails, etc. These are housed in places not always the best, but are the best we can get. The apparatus does not always get the best of care but as long as it is got to any fire that it is called to and is ready to use, I see no reason to complain. The main thing is to get there quick and I will say that this is done. Some of the wagons are narrow gauge and pull hard but they
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get there. In the early spring there were quite a lot of fires started, most of them small, five acres being the largest one. Most of these fires were started by smokers in all probability. When the town can afford a motor truck properly equipped, that would be worth more than all the rest of the apparatus.
During the year a wagon has been placed at Island Creek temporarily until the committee shall see fit to make a change or to make any other arrangement. There is need of one more- wagon in the Millbrook district. And I would recommend that this locality be provided for. Also that what wagons not. equipped with water cans be fitted out.
The new slash law which is in affect after January 1 will tend to make our forest fire hazard less.
I take this opportunity to thank my deputies for the interest they have shown in responding to fires and in the care of wagons.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. FISH.
CEMETERY TRUSTEES REPORT, 1914
The work for the year shows a material advance over one year ago. There has been a large amount of engineering and grading done bringing a number of lots available and most of them marked with permanent bounds. The fence at May- flower has been repaired and painted as has also that of Ash- dod and Dingley. The Tree Warden has given the trees careful attention at an expense of a hundred dollars or more, a portion of which was paid from Cemetery Appropriation. Several lots have been sold at an advanced price and we are asking your ap- proval by an article in the warrantyto make a minimum price and graded according to cost of preliminary work and location.
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A portion of balance carried over is held for the purchase of a section now owned by individuals but desirable for cemetery interests.
Most of the leaves of this year's growth have been raked and burned, making a marked improvement in looks of the ceme- tery as a whole. Some of the permanent improvements needed are a macadam avenue from Tremont street to Oak avenue, run- ning east and west through Mayflower. Also a water supply is much needed. We would ask a favorable consideration of a thousand dollars for the work of nineteen fifteen.
Respectfully, ELISHA PETERSON, Clerk for Trustees.
Duxbury Three
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TOWN MEETINGS.
At the Annual Town Meeting held on March 7, 1914:
At 5.55 a. m. the meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk and the warrant read.
Chose Henry P. Moulton, Jr., Moderator.
The Tellers, Charles C. McNaught, Eden S. Glover, Harry A. McNaught and Charles F. Devereux, were sworn by the Town Clerk.
The polls were opened at 6.10 a. m.
At 11 o'clock it was voted that the time for closing the polls be extended one hour. The polls were closed at 12 o'clock. 291 names were checked on each list, the register stood at 291, and 291 ballots were counted from the ballot box.
In the absence of the Town Clerk, Ernest H. Bailey was elected Town Clerk, pro tem.
The additional Tellers, John A. Chandler, Julius B. Chan- dler and Wendell Phillips, were appointed by the Moderator and sworn by the Chairman of the Selectmen.
The canvass of ballots showed the following results :
For Selectman for three years:
Arthur H. Bailey had 120 votes.
Theodore W. Glover had 160 votes.
And Theodore W. Glover was declared elected.
For Assessor for three years:
Henry B. Chandler had 159 votes.
Ernest Wadsworth had 136 votes.
Elisha Peterson had one vote.
And Henry B. Chandler was declared elected.
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For Overseer of the Poor for three years :
Arthur H. Bailey had 118 votes.
Theodore W. Glover had 160 votes.
And Theodore W. Glover was declared elected. For Town Clerk :
George H. Stearns had 253 votes. Elisha Peterson had one vote.
And George H. Stearns was declared elected. For Town Treasurer :
George H. Stearns had 246 votes.
Elisha Peterson had 1 vote.
And George H. Stearns was declared elected. For Collector of Taxes :
George H. Stearns had 239 votes. For Constables :
Joseph F. Bolton, Jr., had 212 votes.
Charles S. Pierce had 201 votes.
Warren C. Prince had 209 votes.
Paul Peterson had 1 vote. Frederick B. Knapp had 1 vote. Elisha Peterson had 1 vote.
Edgar W. Chandler had 1 vote. Harold F. Hanigan had 1 vote.
William W. Wadsworth had 1 vote.
And Joseph F. Bolton, Jr., Charles S. Pierce and Warren Prince were declared elected. For School Committee for three years : Andrew Hahn had 208 votes. Elisha Peterson had 1 vote. And Andrew Hahn was declared elected. For Board of Health for three years : Albert M. Goulding had 221 votes. David Goodspeed had 1 vote. Elisha Peterson had 1 vote. Roger Spalding had 1 vote. And Albert M. Goulding was declared elected.
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For Cemetery Trustee for five years :
Joshua B. Weston had 239 votes.
Paul Peterson had 1 vote.
And Joshua B. Weston was declared elected. For Tree Warden :
Henry A. Fish had 197 votes.
Elisha Peterson had 1 vote.
Herbert Packard had 1 vote.
And Henry A. Fish was declared elected.
For Surveyor of Highways :
William J. Burke had 65 votes.
Eden W. Soule had 183 votes.
And Eden W. Soule was declared elected. For Auditors :
Henry P. Moulton, Jr., had 210 votes.
Wendell Phillips had 206 votes.
Elisha Peterson had 1 vote.
Frederick B. Knapp had 1 vote.
And Henry P. Moulton, Jr., and Wendell Phillips were de- clared elected.
Voted, not to grant licenses for the sale of intoxicating li- quors : "Yes," 135; "No," 146.
Voted, that all necessary town officers not chosen by ballot be appointed by the Selectmen.
Voted, to accept the reports of the various town officers and committees, as printed in the Town Report.
Voted, to appropriate :
For Observance of Memorial Day, $175 00
For Schools,
12,000 00
For Library,
1,450 00
For Highways and Bridges,
4,500 00
For Gypsy Moths,
1,764 16
For Board of Health,
1,050 00
For Fire Protection,
500 00
For Forest Warden,
100 00
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For Poor, 2,500 00
For Assessors' Map,
500 00
For Soldiers and Sailors,
500 00
For Town Physician,
500 00
For Stone Roads,
2,500 00
For Municipal Loan and Interest,
1,890 00
For Removal of Snow, 200 00
For Appropriation Loan and Interest, 1,650 00
For State, County and State Highway Tax,
10,000 00
For Town Officers and Office, 5,000 00
Voted, that the salary of the Town Clerk in lieu of fees is to be $200 per year.
Voted, that the salary of the Town Treasurer in lieu of fees is to be $400 per year.
Voted, that the salary of the Tax Collector in lieu of fees is to be $400 per year.
Voted, that the salary of each Selectman shall be $200 per year.
Voted, that the salary of each Overseer of the Poor shall be $50 per year.
Voted, that the salary of each Assessor shall be $4.80 per day, for field and executive work.
Voted, to hire one Clerk for Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and Assessors, at a salary of $400 per year.
Voted, that the Selectmen meet at least one evening a month and one day a month and that the Town Office be kept open reasonable hours each week day.
Voted, that no action be taken in the matter of petitioning the Director of the Bureau of Statistics for an audit of its ac- counts, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 598 of the Acts of 1910 and amendments thereto.
Voted, that the Treasurer be authorized to borrow money in anticipation of revenue for the financial year beginning Jan- uary 1, 1915.
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Voted, to appropriate $1500 for the improvement of Alden street.
Voted, to put the road from "Hall's Corner" to Standish Shore in first-class condition and to appropriate $2500 for im- provement. (The names of streets under this article are Stand- ish to Marshall, to and including Columbus avenue.)
In answer to Article 12, which reads: "What action will the Town take relative to repairing the bridge on Marshall street (near the Standish Shore) ?" it was
Voted, that the Moderator appoint a Committee to report at an adjourned meeting to be held on Saturday, March 28, 1914. The following committee was appointed: Charles S. Clark, Thomas W. Herrick and Elisha Peterson.
Voted, that a sum not exceeding $3650 be appropriated for a steam roller and a building for housing same; that $1650 of this amount be raised by taxation this year, and the balance in bonds in two years,-$1000 each year; that the purchasing of said roller and the housing of same be left in hands of the Selectmen.
In answer to Article 14 which reads: "Will the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $400 for the improvement of the Town landing at Mattakeesett Court, with the understanding that the money shall not be spent, unless the State shall do the dredging to channel and basin as petitioned for ?" (By re- quest), it was
Voted, to appropriate the sum of $400, with the understand- ing that this sum shall not be spent unless the State shall do the dredging to channel and basin as petitioned for.
Voted, not to appropriate any sum for the construction of a bathhouse and bathing beach at the Town landing at Matta- keesett Court.
Voted, to appropriate the sum of $800 for the installation of electric lights on the following streets: St. George street from Tremont street to Washington street; thence on Washing- ton street to Depot street; thence on Depot street to South Duxbury Railroad Station.
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Voted, to place Bank and Corporation Taxes with the ap- propriation for State and County Taxes for payment of same.
Voted, that taxes shall be paid on or before October 10, 1914, and after that date interest shall be charged at the rate of six per cent per annum.
Voted, to authorize the Treasurer to borrow money to con- tinue the moth work from December 1, 1914, to March 1, 1915.
Voted, to adopt the by-laws relative to the clam industry as submitted by the Selectmen and others.
Voted, to adopt a close season between April 1 and October 1, in any year, on the digging for, or exportation of clams be- yond the limits of the Town.
Voted, to repeal all votes and resolves relative to the clam industry passed by the Town previous to January 1, 1914.
Voted, that the vote adopting "By-laws" shall not prevent the owner of a private clam patch granted by the Selectmen, from shipping clams out of Town.
Voted, that the Moderator appoint one citizen as a Com- mittee to confer with a like Committee from the towns of Plymouth, Kingston, Marshfield and Scituate, in connection with the clam industry. Arthur Prior was appointed, and his salary was to be $4.80 per day and expenses.
Voted, to rescind the vote of March 2, 1912, whereby it was voted that a reward of $50 be paid, with one-half the fine, to any person for information leading to the arrest and convict- ion of any person caught selling liquor in the Town.
Voted, that no action be taken in regard to the $1000 paid by Plymouth County on account of South Duxbury road.
Voted, that it was the sense of the meeting that the Select- men are requested to arrange, if possible, with the State authori- ties, to have the whole road from Pembroke line to Kingston line built at this time.
Voted, that a vote of thanks be extended to the Moderator and the usual sum be paid him for his services.
Voted, to adjourn to Saturday, March 28, 1914.
ERNEST H. BAILEY,
Clerk, pro tem.
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PROPOSED BY-LAWS PREPARED BY SELECTMEN
Clams
ARTICLE I.
Section 1. The Selectmen of Duxbury, under Chapter 195, "Acts of 1870," may grant a license for five years to plant, cul- tivate and dig clams as follows: To any legal resident of Dux- bury, not to exceed one acre of off shore barren flat to any one person.
Section 2. To any owner of water-front, one-third of that frontage not exceeding one hundred lineal feet, not, however, impairing the private rights of any person.
Section 3. Said grants are non-transferable and may be can- celled by the Selectmen at any time after due notice to the li- censee, in case, in the sole opinion of the Selectmen, the licensee is not fulfilling the conditions of the lease.
Section 4. The Selectmen may renew any license at any time within one year prior to the expiration of said lease.
Section 5. That any person not a legal resident of the Town of Duxbury shall not dig any more than his allowance as provided by Public Statute.
THEODORE W. GLOVER,
For the Committee on Clam By-Laws. ;
At a special Town Meeting held on March 28, 1914 :
Chose Henry P. Moulton, Jr., Moderator.
Voted, unanimously, to accept the report of the Committee appointed on March 7, 1914, to investigate the condition of the Marshall Street Bridge and the probable cost of putting
r
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it in condition, which was presented by the Committee and read in full by the Moderator.
Voted, unanimously, that the following recommendations of this Committee be adopted :
(1). That the Town appropriate the sum of $2000 for the repairs of Marshall Street Bridge.
(2). That the Selectmen, or other authority charged with the execution of the work, shall first employ a competent en- gineer ; that the engineer shall make a complete survey of the present bridge, its foundations and all conditions affecting its stability, and other conditions affecting the interests of the Town; that the engineer shall make recommendations as to the best method of repair, with the plans thereof and estimate of cost; that the engineer shall make recommendations as to the proper type of new bridge with plans thereof and estimate of cost.
(3). That upon receipt of said recommendations, plans and estimates, the Selectmen, or other authority charged with the execution of the work, shall determine the character, extent and cost of the work to be done, and if in their opinion a new bridge is required then this vote shall be null and void.
(4). Voted, that the Town appropriate the sum of $5000 for the purpose of constructing a new bridge on Marshall Street, of stone or concrete or of iron superstructure, and that the Treasurer be and hereby is authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, such bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with Section 14 of Chapter 719 of the Acts of 1913, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from its date 'or at such earlier period as the Treasurer and Selectmen in their judgment may decide upon. Said bonds or notes to bear in- terest at a rate not to exceed 5 per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually.
(5). That the Selectmen or other authority charged with the execution of the work, may after due notice, contract for
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the work, or they may execute the work by day labor under the supervision of a competent Engineer and Foreman and the advice of the Massachusetts Highway Commission and the permit of the Harbor and Land Commissioners of Massachu- setts.
Voted, that the suggestions of the Committee on repairs of Marshall Street Bridge as embodied in their report be placed in the hands of the Selectmen.
Voted, To reconsider Article 13 of the warrant for the An- nual Town Meeting held March 7, 1914, under which it was voted "That a sum not exceeding $3650 be appropriated for a steam roller and building for housing the same; that $1650 of this amount be raised by taxation this year, and the balance in bonds payable in two years, $1000 each year; that the pur- chasing of said roller and the housing of the same be left in the hands of the Selectmen."
Voted, unanimously, that for the purpose of raising money for use toward the purchase of a steam roller, the Town Treas- urer be and hereby is, authorized to issue bonds or notes of the Town to the amount of $2000 at a rate of interest not exceed- ing 5 per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually, principal payable $1000 per year for two years, said notes or bonds to be signed by the Treasurer and approved by a majority of the Selectmen, the first payment to fall due in 1915.
Voted, to indefinitely postpone action under Article 4, which referred to repairs of the road leading from Pembroke line to Kingston line, 38 voting in the affirmative and 35 in the nega- tive.
Voted, that the Board of Health of the Town be authorized to arrange with the Directors of Jordan Hospital to take care of contagious disease cases.
Voted, unanimously, to rescind the vote whereby the Town, on March 1, 1897, voted "That the Selectmen get books with stubs for the different departments and that all orders be drawn
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on the first and fifteenth of each month, at the Selectmen's office."
Voted, to reconsider the vote of March 7, 1914, whereby it was voted "To authorize the Treasurer to borrow money in anticipation of revenue for the financial year beginning Jan- uary 1, 1915."
Voted, unanimously, that the Town Treasurer, with the ap- proval of the Selectmen, be and is hereby authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1915, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year; any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Under a suspension of the rules it was voted, that, the citizens of Duxbury in Town Meeting assembled, having received the invitation contained in the letter of His Excellency, David I. Walsh, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, invit- ing the citizens of Duxbury to participate in a conference to consider "The Important Problems of City and Town Progress and a Discussion of the Ways and Means of Making Cities and Towns of Massachusetts Better Places in which to live and work, and growing and prosperous Communities of Greater Opportunity for every Individual who lives in them," to be held in Ford Hall, Boston, at 9.30 a. m. on Saturday, April 4, 1914, a Committee, consisting of Mr. F. B. Knapp, Dr. Samuel Dur- gin and Mr. Charles F. Shirley, is hereby appointed to represent the citizens of Duxbury in the aforesaid conference; and that the Clerk be instructed to acknowledge receipt of the invitation of His Excellency, with thanks, and advise him of this action.
Voted, To adjourn.
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At a special Town Meeting held on May 9, 1914:
Chose Alfred E. Green, Moderator.
On the motion of Rev. Lewis J. Thomas it was
Voted, that the same person shall not speak more than twice upon the same question, until all others have had an opportunity to speak.
Voted, unanimously, to accept the road as laid out by the Selectmen, beginning at a point near the easterly end of Mar- shall Street Bridge, so-called ; thence running in an easterly and southerly direction to a point where Columbus avenue was laid out by the Selectmen on February 13, 1907, and accepted by the Town on March 4, 1907.
Voted, that the Selectmen are hereby authorized to borrow the sum of $10,000 and to issue therefor bonds or notes of the Town, bearing interest at a rate not exceeding 4 1-2 per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually, and principal payable in five equal annual payments of $2000 each, said notes or bonds to be signed by the Treasurer and approved by a majority of the Selectmen. The proceeds of said loan to be used for rebuildng the road leading from Pembroke line to Kingston line, in con- nection with the Massachusetts Highway Commission, over High, Summer and South streets. 102 voted in the affirmative and 19 in the negative. More than two-thirds having voted in favor, the motion was carried and so declared by the Moderator.
Voted, unanimously, that the Selectmen are instructed not to make a contract for the Town to construct this road.
Voted, unanimously, to rescind the vote passed at the annual Town Meeting held on March 7, 1914, authorizing a Clerk to the Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor.
Voted, to indefinitely postpone action with reference to a Clerk to the Boards of Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor.
Voted, that the Selectmen are hereby authorized to borrow the sum of $5000 and to issue therefor bonds or notes of the Town, bearing interest at a rate not exceeding 4 1-2 per cent.
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per annum, payable semi-annually, and principal payable in five equal annual payments of $1000. Said notes or bonds to be signed by the Treasurer and approved by the majority of the Selectmen. The proceeds of said loan to be used to macadam Border Street from the end of the macadam road to the Kingston line, and put it in first-class condition.
Voted, not to make any appropriation for repairing Congress Street, from Union Street to Marshall Blakeman's Pit.
Voted, not to make any appropriation for the purchase of a fire wagon, extinguishers, etc., and to provide housing for same at Island Creek.
Voted, that the Moderator appoint a Committee of Three to look into the matter of fire protection at Island Creek and report at the next annual town meeting.
- The Moderator appointed on this Committee, Frederick B. Knapp, Joshua B. Weston and Ernest H. Bailey.
Under article asking for a transfer of the unexpended balance of the Town Dump Appropriation, of $25, to the Board of Health Account, to be used on repairs of road, etc., at the town dump, it was
Voted, that the money be used as originally appropriated.
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