USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1911-1915 > Part 41
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The board feel that many times they are called upon to aid certain people during the winter months which would not have been necessary had these persons considered in the warm weather while earning fair wages of the long winter coming. However, the Overseers are called upon during the winter months to fur- nish aid which cannot be otherwise obtained. We have several families residing in other cities and towns that call upon our town for aid.
Revised Laws, Chapter 81, Section 31, Provides that every city and town shall be liable for any expense necessarily incurred for the relief of a pauper therein by any person who is not liable by law for his or their support, after notice and request made to one or more of the Overseers thereof, and until provision is made by them.
The town has been called upon within the past two years to provide for needy persons that have not resided in Duxbury for from ten to thirty years.
Your board feel that after the Act of 1911 which becomes effective August 13, 1916 we will not be confronted with so many cases.
Section 7, Chapter 610, Acts of 1911, Provides that any per -- son living in a city or town for five consecutive years from the
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passage of this act without receiving aid shall thereby gain a settlement. The law in effect previous to the above mentioned, provided, for residing in a town five consecutive years and pay- ing taxes three years during that time would gain a settlement.
The expense connected with the poor account has been larger the past year than in any previous years owing to several reasons. The board is criticised at times for the large expenditures.
We would appreciate advice or suggestions from anyone that sees an opportunity to relieve the burden of expense, and we feel free and open at all times to discuss matters relating to the same.
Respectfully submitted, SIDNEY C. SOULE, THEODORE W. GLOVER, HARRY B. BRADLEY,
Overseers of the Poor.
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BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH January 1, 1915, to January 1, 1916
The department received at the Annual Town Meeting, held on March 6, 1915, an appropriation of $500 instead of $1,150, as shown by the department as being needed. There were out- standing bills of 1914 which were not presented for payment until after January 1, 1915 to the amount of $85.15, and from January 1 to March 1 bills were paid to the amount of $72.04, a total of $157.79, to be deducted from the $500, leaving a bal- ance of $342.21 to pay the salaries of the Inspector of slaugh- tered Animals, $150, Physician to the Department, not less than $35, Secretary, $25; leaving for the collection of garbage, dairy inspection, printing of score cards, dealers' and producers' per- mits, milk rules, one hundred communicable disease postal cards, telephone tolls and postage, Department meetings, communi- cable diseases at home and in other towns, abatement of nuis- ances, etc., the sum of $132.21.
Then came the decision of the Bureau of Statistics that $150 of our appropriation must be applied for the salary of the Ani- mal Inspector, which would leave us in debt $17.79 on March 1, 1915, and from that date until the middle of June we appealed to the State Department of Health, the District Health Office, the Attorney General and Town Counsel for a decision that would cause the Bureau of Statistics to reverse their decision and cause the Town to reimburse us to that amount, which "because of our rightful contention" we finally secured at a cost to this Board of approximately $35.00.
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On Saturday, August 28, at a special town meeting, the De- partment was granted an appropriation of $350 more, which enabled us to take care of our Town cases, to look after the out- side cases and to determine the place of settlement of those claiming Duxbury as such, and while the law declares (Acts of 1902-213, Sect. 1, as amended by 1907-386-1 and by 1909-380) that such settlements shall be determined by the Overseers of the Poor, in each case this Department, "due to said Overseers of the Poor being unable to attend to it," have been obliged to look the matter up and determine the same at our own expense, which is no small item, as many times it will necessitate going to three or four towns before one can close the case. But in every case this Department has had "with one exception which is now being determined, but with the evidence secured it is safe to say the result will be the same," Duxbury has been released from all obligations, thereby saving the Town this year alone a 'matter of $300, which fully warrants a thorough investigation of all claims presented.
The result of all investigations should become a matter of records for future reference, and this leads to the question, why cannot the Health Department have a room, or part of a room, 'in the building occupied by the town offices, where the Depart- ment can hold their meetings without being obliged to adjourn before a certain hour in order to allow another department to hold their meeting in the same room ; where the Secretary could write his reports of meetings and attend to the general clerical work of the Department, and where the public could come and get in close touch with the Board? It seems to this Depart- ment that all departments should have rooms in the same build- ing, and this Department has certainly outgrown what space could possibly be given in any private house without great in- convenience to the housewife and family.
Owing to our financial condition it was May before we could arrange to comply with the law of 1914, Chap. 744, pertaining to the production and sale of milk, so that out of 117 places
Duxbury four
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visited there were about 95 permits issued, as at that time in the year everything was in the producers' favor., But taking the conditions as found, unless there have been radical changes made, there will be less milk sold in 1916, but taking it all in all the changes suggested were favorably received and agreed to, and if not made there is no one but themselves to blame because of their permits being revoked.
The printing of milk rules, score cards and permits, record book, stamps, pad, etc., cost us $43.19; the inspection of cows and dairies cost, including team hire, $115.47. Included in the bill for printing was the cost of 100 postal cards and the print- ing thereon a list of reportable diseases to be reported to this Department and to the State Department of Health.
The town dump was an eyesore to the public and a menace to health, and the Rural Society kindly donated $25 for the burn- ing and clearing of the same, and this Department hereby ren- der their thanks to that Society for their timely aid. It seems to this Department that the Town should appropriate annually the sum of $25 for the burning and care of this dumping ground, and should the cost exceed the appropriation this Department will pay the excess.
There have been but 21 cases of communicable diseases report- ed during the year; 22 with the case diagnosed as anterior pali- omyelitis but never proven as such up to date; chicken pox, 10; measles, 4; mumps, 2; diphtheria, 2; cerebro-spinal meningitis, 1; ophthalmia neuratarum, 1; and pulmonary tuberculosis, 1; with two deaths each of meningitis and tuberculosis.
The case of tuberculosis we were obliged to care for at home because, "even if the patient had desired," we could not get him admitted to either of the sanatoria because of all being overcrowded and there being a long waiting list beside. Owing to the far advanced stage of the disease when reported it was deemed advisable by both the District Health Officer and this Department, after going to Lakeville, to provide everything needed and to keep the danger of spreading at a minimum and
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await the end. This Department spent, including nurse, team hire, supplies and time, $129.33, which is to be refunded the Town from the estate. This case was all the more pitiful be- cause of the patient being entirely alone and with back to the wall fighting until the very last.
The diphtheria cases were brought into town. Also the case of meningitis, according to the history given.
There have been 10 complaints of nuisances that were a men- ance to health, 4 of which necessitated one or more consultations with the State Department, but there was a final abatement of all, at a cost of $32.89.
There have been three complaints of water from wells and one of ice, all of which excepting the ice were condemned, at a cost to us of $18.50.
It should be mentioned that the case diagnosed as anterior paliomyelitis cost us for investigation, trying to get it admitted to some hospital after notification to remove the same from the Massachusetts General Hospital, expense of team hire and fur- ther evidence in order to release us from responsibility, $40.
There have been seven consultations with the State Depart- ment, four with the State Board of Charity and eight at Fall River with the District Health Officer, costing $70.
The collecting of garbage cost us $46 and the balance of the collector's salary, collecting dues, team hire, etc., was obtained by an appeal to the householders to employ the garbage collector at so much per week, which they did, and we thank them, one and all. The disposal of garbage at Duxbury Beach cost but $3, which was for team hire and time.
The Inspection of Slaughtered Animals is conducted as usual and it may be decided that we shall change the method of com- pensation from a yearly salary to a rate per animal, which would give the Inspector just what he earned. If he did two days' work in one he would be paid for it, and vice versa.
The printing has been done by a firm in Boston at a saving of nearly $18, which is quite a saving, and while we would be
.
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glad to get our printing done near home we do not see our way clear to get it done here at the premium asked.
We have two cases of arrested tuberculosis that are living else- where that we have to look out for and aid to a slight extent, in order to keep them from a relapse and from a re-commitment to a sanitarium, and thus far the results are gratifying as there has been in the past year a decided physical gain.
We have on different occasions taken the State Officials to luncheon at the Colonial Inn at a cost of $4.50.
The general health of all throughout the Town has been, "as far as communicable diseases are concerned." above the average, and our aim is to so instruct the people in regard to health work as a preventive of disease that, through and by the co-operation of the people "both large and small" with this department, the percentage will be greater and greater.
The remainder of work and expense is of so varied a charac- ter and small amounts that we do not feel justified in enumerat- ing. because of time and space. so we conclude by thanking each and all for any aid rendered us by either thought or deed.
A. M. GOULDING, Chairman, C. W. EATON, Secretary, J. B. CHANDLER.
Health Department of Duxbury.
REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES. 1915.
'The usual work has been done. including raking the leaves in December. This not only improves the general appearance but helps the grass on banks of lots and destroys large numbers of insects and moths.
Much attention is given to an effort to save the trees. A large
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squad of gypsy moth scouts have gone carefully over all trees and stone work twice during the year.
At the Annual Meeting in March it was voted to apply the un- expended balance of 1914 to the introduction of Town water into Mayflower cemetery. Acting on this vote about seven hundred feet of two-inch galvanized pipe laid below frost with two water stations and other faucets for hose had proved a great coven- ience. The Trustees hope an appropriation sufficient to con- tinue the line to the new part will be made where really it is most needed.
The plan and key that has been in use for more than twenty- five years had become so worn and some changes had to be made that the Trustees thought it advisable to have a new survey and map and it is now completed by F. B. Knapp & Co. This, to- gether with a modern system of recording, now installed, proves a great convenience and help. It is proposed to record and plot, so far as possible, all graves for the last fifteen years, and the clerk will gladly co-operate with any owner that wishes to make a complete record of interments now in any lot in Mayflower or Ashdod.
We welcome suggestions and ask your aid and material help by voting an appropriation of one thousand dollars for nineteen sixteen.
Respectfully submitted,
ELISHA PETERSON,
Clerk for Trustees.
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REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
There have been over twenty grass and forest fires the past year, most of them small in area, doing small damage. Three have been quite serious, making it necessary to cut the lot off. The most of these fires were caused by serious carelessness and it is difficult to find out just who was to blame. The cost of the extinguishing and watching of these fires has been quite heavy, but if people respond to these fires they should be paid for what they do, even then they get very little for what time they lose. At least 400 fire permits have been issued this last year for which there is no pay and much work. I have tried to have the wagons well equipped and ready to go at all times and I will say that "they got there." A list of apparatus has been made up and given to the Selectmen which shows what the Town has and where it is located and the condition it is in.
Property owners are again called on to see that the slash and brush are removed at least forty feet back from the highways. The State Forest Fire Warden insists that this law be enforced.
Respectfully submitted,
H. A. FISH, Forest Fire Warden.
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REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
The work in this department has been in the care of trees now set. No new trees were set this year. Roadside spraying was done all over Town for tent caterpillars. Later all trees were spaded around and watered. Bad curves and corners have been cut out so as to make a clear view of the road in all places about Town. Trees set in former years have begun to get start- ed and are growing well.
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. I would recommend a good amount be expended this year to plant trees on Border and Harrison and several other streets, for the sooner this is done the sooner we have our streets shad- ed. One hundred trees do not go far and a hundred dollars will not buy many trees.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY A. FISH, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH WORK.
At the time this report is made a large part of the orchard and shade trees have been gone over and are showing only a small infestation, but about any place has its share. I am satisfied that the large amount of spraying that has been done accounts for the good condition of the orchards. If poor work is done this year it will show up next year.
The roadsides were cared for this year and came out well. Some few places could not be got at in season as the work was interfered with when it had not ought to have been.
To take care of this town with one small sprayer can not be done and I would recommend that $250.00 be raised to purchase two other sprayers. The State will pay the balance of the cost. These sprayers will do the same work as the one we have and only cost $250.00 each, the State putting them out with hose and tools. I strongly recommend that the Town raise this and to buy two of these sprayers as we shall need them.
Respectfully submitted,
H. A. FISH, Superintendent.
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REPORT OF ROAD SURVEYOR.
The most of the roads in Town are in fair condition. Abraham Hill road, West street and Josselyn avenue will have to have a considerable amount of money expended on them.
The water trenches are getting settled now so that we will be able to get some of the streets in better shape.
I recommend that the appropriation for stone roads repairs be included in the highway appropriation as it is most impos- sible to keep them separate.
Respectfully submitted,
E. W. SOULE.
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEER
We have had very few fires in town this year. We have two new fire companies formed, one in Island Creek and one in North Duxbury. These new companies are taking hold with good energy.
We have bought 2,000 feet of hose and two hose wagons, so we feel that the town is very well protected against fire.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. SOULE,
Chief of Fire Department.
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STATEMENT OF DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR OF 1915 Income
Town of Duxbury,
$1,035 79
Winsor Fund,
330 15
Hathaway Fund,
223 82
Duxbury Hall Fund,
232 18
Harding Fund, Total,
76 93
$1,898 87 .
Charges
Town Fund
Winsor Fund
Hathaway
Fund
D. Hall
Fund
Harding Fund
Salaries,
$594.64 $96.80
$63.01
Light & Power, 39.07
27.48
101.24
Telephone, 15.71 7.10
Insurance, 5.00
Fuel, '
121.40
60.00
Sundry Expense, 94.34
2.477
5.11
Purchase of books,
Magazine Sub-
scriptions, etc. 164.85
55.00
220.42 49.80 56.28
1,035.01 248.85
220.42 219.16 56.28
Total,
$1,779 72
Balance cash on hand,
$119 15
Town of Duxbury,
$0 78
Winsor Fund,
81 30
Hathaway Fund,
3 40
Duxbury Hall Fund,
13 02
Harding Fund,
20 65
$119 15
DESK ACCOUNT
Income,
$46 49
Expended,
$46 27
Cash on hand,
22
$46 49
BYRON C. LEAVITT, Treasurer.
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TOWN MEETINGS
At the Annual Town Meeting held on March 6, 1915 :- Chose H. P. Moulton, Jr., Moderator.
The following Ballot Clerks, appointed by the Selectmen, were sworn by the Town Clerk: Alton H. Hartford, Charles C. McNaught, Harry A. McNaught and Herbert Packard.
The polls were opened at 6.10 a. m.
At 11 o'clock it was voted that the polls be kept open until 11.30 a. m.
At 11.35 polls were closed and it was voted that an intermis- sion of fifteen minutes be taken.
At 11.50 the Moderator again called the meeting to order and it proceeded as follows :-
The Moderator appointed Charles A. Devereux, Eden A. Holmes and Benjamin Alden, Tellers, and they were sworn by the Town Clerk.
Voted, that no movement to adjourn or postpone be made without an opportunity for some short debate.
Voted, that all necessary officers not chosen by ballot be ap- pointed by the Selectmen.
Voted, to hear the reports of the various Town officers and committees and act thereon.
Voted, that the Selectmen and Board of Health be requested to appoint Herman H. Delano, Jr., Inspector of slaughtered and of live animals.
Voted, that a Committee of Five be chosen to consider the matter of Town management, to report at a later Town Meet- ing.
Voted, that this Town management committee be appointed by the Moderator.
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The Moderator announced that he would make these appoint- ments on a later date.
Voted, to accept the reports of the various Town officers and committees.
1 Voted, to appropriate : $12,000 00
For Support of Schools,
For Free Library,
1,000 00
For Cemeteries (with the recommendation that the
Cemetery Trustees see that the ways be not used by trucks and heavy teams), 1,000 00
For Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths, 1,000 00
For Appropriation Loan and Interest, 1,590 00
For Municipal Loan and Interest, 1,830 00
For Marshall Street Bridge Loan and Interest, 1,225 00
For High Street Macadam Road Loan and Interest, 2,450 00 For Border Street Macadam Road Loan and Interest, 1,225 00 For Steam Boiler Loan, 1,000 00
For State, County and Highway Tax, 8,000 00
For Town Office and Officers,
4,000 00
For Forest Warden (from which is to be paid the deficiency of 1914), 500 00
For Tree Warden, 300 00
For Fire Protection, (The supplies under this appro- priation to be bought by written proposals, which are to be approved by the Selectmen), 2,100 00
For Board of Health, 500 00
For Indigent Soldiers and Sailors, 500 00
For Snow and Ice, 200 00
For Highway Fences, (Under this appropriation it was voted that all plans and costs be submitted to the Selectmen for their approval, before the work is done), 1,000 00
For Support of Poor (including $500 for Town Physician), 4,500 00 250 00
For Town Landings,
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For Observance of Memorial Day,
200 00
For Assessors' Map, 500 00 Voted, that consideration of appropriation for highways and bridges and repairs of stone roads be deferred until after Articles 36 to 43, inclusive, have been considered.
Voted, that the Selectmen be authorized to petition the Director of the Bureau of Statistics to cause such an audit to be made of the Town accounts as will be necessary to install an accounting system in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 598 of the Acts of 1910, as amended.
Voted, unanimously, that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue for the financial year, beginning January 1, 1916, and to issue a note or notes there- for, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote, to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Voted, to authorize the Town Treasurer to hire money to continue the moth work from December 1, 1915, to March 1, 1916.
Voted, that taxes shall be paid on or before October 10, 1915, and after that date interest shall be charged at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum until paid.
Voted, that the Town authorize the placing of the Bank and Corporation Taxes with the appropriations for State and County Taxes for payment of the same.
Voted, to appropriate $200 for the better fire protection of Island Creek, as recommended by the Committee.
Voted, that the Board of Fire Engineers be authorized to co-operate with individuals for better fire protection, as out- lined by the Committee on Island Creek Fire Protection, or "otherwise."
Voted, to authorize the Selectmen to employ a Clerk for the Boards of Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and Assessors, and appropriate $400 for this purpose; said Clerk shall not be an elected official of the Town.
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Voted, that the Selectmen meet every Monday evening and on the first day of every month.
Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to notify the people, by posting notices in all public places about Town, of the dates on which the Selectmen and Treasurer will be in session for the purpose of approving bills and paying orders; that no bills will be paid without proper orders; that the Selectmen be re- quested to place at some central point in all villages of the Town a supply of Town bill-heads, and that all persons present their claims upon such forms.
Voted, unanimously, that the Selectmen be authorized to borrow the sum of $6,666.66 and to issue, therefor, bonds or notes of the Town, bearing interest at a rate not exceeding 5 per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually, and principal payable in five equal annual payments, 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 building the road over the balance of Summer and South Streets to Kingston line, in connection with the Massachusetts Highway Commis- . sion, as laid out by the Commission in 1914.
Providing the State Highway Commission agree to complete the same and accept it as a State highway.
If the cost of same be less than $20,000 the Town's propor- tionate part shall be refunded.
Voted, that the salary of the Seelctmen shall be $200 per vear.
Voted, that the salary of the Assessors shall be $3 per day.
Voted, that Articles 19, 20 and 21 be consolidated, and that the salary of the Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector be the same as last year in lieu of all fees.
Voted,, to abandon the present method of electing their Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, and hereafter annually elect three Selectmen and three Overseers of the Poor for the term of one year.
Voted, that the name of Border Street be changed to Bay Road.
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Voted, to include the existing electric street lights three on Cove Street, one on Cedar Street and three on Standish Street, in the Town Street Lighting System, from April 1, next : and,
Voted, to appropriate $473.33 for this purpose.
Voted, to appropriate $200 for ten street lights on Surplus and South Station Streets, from Washington Street to South Duxbury Station.
The result of balloting for Town Officers is as follows :
For Selectman for three years :
Wendell Phillips,
166 votes
Sidney C. Soule, 194 votes
Blanks, 2
And Sidney C. Soule was declared elected.
For Assessor for three years :
Wendell Phillips,
159 votes
Sidney C. Soule,
180 votes
Blanks, 28
And Sidney C. Soule was declared elected.
For Overseer of the Poor for three years :
Wendell Phillips,
156 votes
Sidney C. Soule,
186 votes
Blanks, 25
And Sidney C. Soule was declared elected.
For Town Clerk :
George H. Stearns,
293 votes
Paul C. Peterson,
1 vote
E. B. Freeman,
2 votes
William McNeil,
2 votes
H. H. Bills, 1 vote
Blanks, 68
And George H. Stearns was declared elected.
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For Town Treasurer :
George H. Stearns, E. B. Freeman, William McNeil,
281 votes
4 votes
3 votes
Blanks, 79
And George H. Stearns was declared elected.
For Collector of Taxes :
George H. Stearns,
289 votes
Paul C. Peterson,
1 vote
E. B. Freeman,
1 vote
William McNeil,
2 votes
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