USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1931-1935 > Part 5
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Under Article 43, voted, unanimously, to raise and appropriate the sum of $75.00 for the purchase of land from Helen B. Cushing et al, at Hall's Corner.
Under Article 44, voted, unanimously, to return to the treasury the unexpended amounts as follows: Dux- bury Beach Committee, $500; Fire Department, New Equipment, $20; Purchase of Sand Spreader, $5.69; Total, $525.69.
Under Article 45, voted, to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 to complete the building of Keene Street to Union Street.
Under Article 46, voted, to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000.00 to resurface with gravel and tarvia, Temple Street from the Junction of River Street and
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Myrtle Street to the Pembroke Line at Keene's Store.
Under Article 47, the Town voted, not to rescind the vote whereby they voted to employ town physicians.
At 3.30 P. M. voted to adjourn.
GEORGE H. STEARNS,
Town Clerk.
In accordance with the vote taken under Article 19, the Moderator appointed the following as a Committee of Five, for the purpose of formulating plans for a World War Memorial :
Ernest H. Bailey, Charles Bittinger, Franklin Brett, Walter G. Prince,
Ernest Wadsworth.
GEORGE H. STEARNS, Town Clerk.
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ELECTION OF OFFICERS, MARCH 14, 1931
The polls were opened at 7 o'clock A. M.
The following additional Tellers were appointed by the Selectmen and were sworn by the Town Clerk: George B. Cushing and Earl W. Chandler.
At 1 o'clock P. M. it was voted to keep the polls open until 2.15 P. M. and at 2.15 P. M., when the polls were closed, the ballot-box indicated 513, that number of names were checked on the lists and 513 ballots were taken from the ballot-box. The names of 198 female and 315 male voters were checked.
Following is a result of balloting for Town Officers:
For Selectmen for one year :
E. Burton Freeman 71 Votes
Alfred E. Green
223 Votes
Sidney C. Soule 395 Votes
Emil O. W. Swanson
71 Votes
Harry F. Swift
288 Votes
Alpheus H. Walker
157 Votes
Frank H. Williams
148 Votes
Scattering
3 Votes
Blanks 183
And Alfred E. Green, Sidney C. Soule and Harry F. Swift were declared elected by the Moderator.
For Assessor for three years :
E. Burton Freeman 43 Votes
Alfred E. Green
157 Votes
Emil O. W. Swanson 33 Votes
Alpheus H. Walker
108 Votes
Frank H. Williams 81 Votes
Blanks 91
And Alfred E. Green was declared elected by the Moderator.
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For Members of Board of Public Welfare for one year:
E. Burton Freeman 79 Votes
Alfred E. Green
221 Votes
Sidney C. Soule 382 Votes
Harry F. Swift
282 Votes
Alpheus H. Walker
165 Votes
Frank H. Williams
145 Votes
Scattering
3 Votes
Blanks 262
And Alfred E. Green, Sidney C. Soule and Harry F. Swift were declared elected by the Moderator.
For Town Clerk for one year:
George H. Stearns Blanks 86
427 Votes
And George H. Stearns was declared elected by the Moderator.
For Town Treasurer for one year :
George H. Stearns
Blanks
451 Votes 62
And George H. Stearns was declared elected by the Moderator.
For Collector of Taxes for one year :
Edwin M. Noyes Scattering Blanks
406 Votes
3 Votes 94
And Edwin M. Noyes was declared elected by the Moderator.
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For Constables for one year :
Andrew J. Delano
344 Votes
George H. Doane
168 Votes
William J. Murphy
329 Votes
James T. O'Neil
416 Votes
Scattering
Blanks
2 Votes 280
And Andrew J. Delano, William J. Murphy and James T. O'Neil were declared elected by the Moderator.
For School Committee for three years :
Agnes S. Ellison
400 Votes
Scattering 1 Vote
Blanks 112
And Agnes S. Ellison was declared elected by the Moderator.
For School Committee for one year:
George M. Mayers
363 Votes
Scattering 2 Votes
Blanks 148
And George M. Mayers was declared elected by the Moderator.
For Board of Health for three years:
Carl J. Santheson, Jr.
393 Votes
Scattering 1 Vote
Blanks 119
And Carl J. Santheson, Jr. was declared elected by the Moderator.
For Cemetery Trustee for five years :
Thomas W. Herrick 424 Votes
Blanks 89
And Thomas W. Herrick was declared elected by the Moderator.
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For Tree Warden for one year :
John D. Morrison
Blanks
402 Votes 111
And John D. Morrison was declared elected by the Moderator.
For Member of Planning Board for five years :
Franklin Brett Blanks 142
371 Votes
And Franklin Brett was declared elected by the Moderator.
Voted to adjourn.
GEORGE H. STEARNS,
Town Clerk.
George H. Stearns, Town Clerk and Treasurer was sworn by the Moderator.
The following Town Officials were duly sworn by the Town Clerk :
Sidney C. Soule, Alfred E. Green, Harry F. Swift, Selectmen and Members of the Board of Public Welfare.
Alfred E. Green, Assessor for three years.
Edwin M. Noyes, Collector of Taxes for one year. Mary E. Green, Town Accountant for three years. John D. Morrison, Tree Warden for one year.
Andrew J. Delano, William James Murphy and James T. O'Neil, Constables for one year.
Carl J. Santheson, Jr., Member of the Board of Health for three years.
GEORGE H. STEARNS,
Town Clerk.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 29, 1931
At 7.30 P. M. the Meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk and the warrant was read
On Motion of Mr. Harry F. Swift it was unani- mously voted that the Town Clerk deposit one ballot for Mr. Leroy N. MacKenney as Moderator and Mr. MacKenney then took the Chair.
Under Article 2, it was voted, unanimously, to ac- cept a section of road as laid out by the Selectmen over land of Lydia Keene. Beginning at a bound on Keene Street at the junction of Keene and Temple Streets and running westerly about 540 feet to a point on the southerly side of Myrtle Street.
Under Article 3, it was voted, unanimously, to transfer $1,100.00 from the Overlay Reserve Fund to the Town Landing Account.
Voted to adjourn.
GEORGE H. STEARNS, Town Clerk.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 21, 1931
The Meeting was called to order at 7.30 P. M. and the warrant was read.
On motion of Mr. Swift it was voted, unanimously, that the Town Clerk deposit one ballot for Mr. Henry P. Moulton for Moderator. This was done and Mr. Moul- ton took the Chair.
Under Article 2, voted, unanimously, to accept that portion of Church Street as laid out by the Selectmen December 10, 1931.
Under Article 3, voted, unanimously, to appropri- ate the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) from the Excess and Deficiency Account for Highway work, and that the pay for laborers be $3.00 per day for eight hours labor and $7.00 per day for trucks. 119 voted in favor and 27 in opposition.
Under Article 4, voted, unanimously, to transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Account the sum of $467.75 to the Public Welfare Department for unpaid bill of 1930.
Under Article 5, voted, to instruct the School Com- mittee to grant the use of the Duxbury High School Auditorium to the Duxbury Young Men's Club and the Duxbury Young Women's Club for the purpose of play- ing basket ball. 198 voted in favor and 3 in opposition.
Voted, to accept the following Resolution offered by Mr. Charles S. Clark :
That the Moderator be authorized to appoint a Committee of Five to investigate and report at the An- nual Town Meeting in March next, what action, if any, it will be appropriate for the Town to take with refer-
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ence to observing the three hundredth anniversary of the year in which residents of "Duxburie Growing to some competente number they sued to be dismissed and become a body of themselves."
Adjourned at 9.30.
GEORGE H. STEARNS,
Town Clerk.
STATEMENT OF DOG LICENSES ISSUED
Whole number of dogs licensed
212
Males
171
Females
41
Kennel license
1
Paid County Treasurer
$529.40
Fees paid Town Clerk
42.60
GEORGE H. STEARNS,
Town Clerk.
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REPORT OF TREASURER
Debit
Balance January 2, 1931
$7,237.86
Received :
Taxes
$196,816.60
Highways
2,388.30
Interest
4,895.88
Municipal Indebtedness
170,000.00
Refunds
166.30
Trust Funds
1,150.00
Public Welfare
652.30
Protection of Persons and Prop-
erty
140.70
Licenses and Permits
224.00
Fines
244.75
General Government
283.10
Cemeteries
1,083.00
Soldiers Benefits
203.00
Schools
319.97
Unclassified
1.00
$378,568.90
$385,806.76
Credit
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants $376,124.98
Balance, December 31, 1931
9,681.78
$385,806.76 GEORGE H. STEARNS, Treasurer.
Duxbury, December 31, 1931.
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REPORT OF ASSESSORS
Value of buildings assessed
$5,039,817.00
Value of land assessed
1,796,014.00
Total value of real estate
6,835,831.00
Value of personal estate 351,652.00
Total valuation 7,187,483.00
Increase in real estate from last year 40,120.00
Increase in personal estate from last year
14,345.00
Rate of taxation on $1,000.00
$25.40
Number of houses assessed
1277
Number of horses assessed
45
Number of cows assessed
120
Number of sheep assessed
7
Number of neat cattle other than cows assessed
27
Number of swine assessed
5
Number of fowl assessed 9,047
Number of persons assessed on property
1,641
Number of polls assessed
644
Number of ersons assessed on poll tax only 349
State tax
$6,375.00
State highway tax
1,313.00
County tax
14,073.27
State audit tax
469.74
State parks and reservations tax
67.01
Tax on personal estate
8,932.45
Tax on real estate
173,631.17
Tax on polls 1,288.00
Number of acres of land assessed 14159
Assessed valuation on 1,189 automobiles
$362,075.00
Excise tax rate $29.25 per $1,000.00
8,428.76
Special tax for old age assistance 652.00
SIDNEY C. SOULE,
ALFRED E. GREEN, HARRY F. SWIFT,
Assessors of Duxbury
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BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The law called the Old Age Assistance Law was passed to take effect July 1st, 1931.
It required a board of members to carry out the law in each city and town.
In order to save the town from any added expense the Department of Public Welfare took over the work feeling that knowing the condition of the people by wel- fare work much better than a new board would.
There are 16 now receiving aid. The expense for the six months ending Dec. 31, 1931 was approximately $2,000.00. There are new applications coming from time to time. It will probably require an appropriation of $5,000.00 for 1932.
Respectfully yours,
SIDNEY C. SOULE, ALFRED E. GREEN, HARRY F. SWIFT,
Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Duxbury, December 31, 1931. To the Citizens of Duxbury :
In making our report for the past year we wish to call your attention to the financial report as printed in the Town Report which shows an unexpended balance $1,089.04. This balance was on hand and would have been used had the bills from outside cities and towns been received. This amount will be returned to the Treasury and an appropriation asked for under head- ing of unpaid bills of 1931.
There are four inmates at the Infirmary at the pres- ent time. On account of ill health of Mr. and Mrs. Chase the Superintendent and Matron it was necessary to make a new appointment. Mr. Elmer E. Maddocks and wife received the appointment and took charge May 1st.
There have been several rooms throughly cleaned and painted. Also a septic tank installed as the drain- age was very poor and did not properly handle the sew- erage.
The condition of business has caused the applica- tions of many laborers for work or assistance from the department. Unless conditions change at an early date it will be necessary to increase the appropriation for this department.
Respectfully submitted,
SIDNEY C. SOULE, ALFRED E. GREEN, HARRY F. SWIFT,
Board of Public Welfare.
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REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To The Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
During the period from March 16, 1931, to Janu- ary 1, 1932, there has been a man on duty at all times. During June, July, August, and September an additional man was kept on duty, and subject to call at any time. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, extra men were used at points where traffic required.
A summary of the work done from March 16, to January 1 follows :-
Calls answered and complaints investigated 256
Children reported lost and returned to parents 7
Motor Vehicle accidents investigated 17
Accidents at beach (near drowning) 7
Fires reported by Officers to Fire Department
6
Motor violations recorded but no court action taken 213
Summons served for outside Police 21
Arrests 19
These arrests were for the following charges :
Drunkenness 4
Illegal sale of liquor 2
Keeping and exposing for sale 1
Promoting lottery 1
Non support 1
Operating motor vehicle under influence of liquor 2
Motor violations 4
Assault and battery 1
Misappropriation of motor vehicle 2
Vagrancy 1
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES T. O'NEIL, Chief.
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REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury,
Greetings :
This Department has had a very busy year-twenty- nine calls to house fires, six calls to Gurnet Bridge, three boat fires and four automobile fires. The damage has been slight except in two instances. The Lanty house was doomed before the department was notified and one boat that had just been refilled with gasolene was a hopeless case. A hydrant has been placed by the Water Commissioners near the Yacht Club giving better pro- tection to the boat yard and neighborhood. New hose has been purchased by this department and everything possible done to make it an efficient department.
We have been called to a number of emergencies as a man is always on duty at headquarters ready to respond instantly to any call of any sort anywhere.
As we had four near cases of drowning last year and realizing the necessity of an inhalator for the town I broached the subject to one of our summer residents and he immediately authorized me to purchase it and send him the bill which I did, and it is now duly in- stalled in No. Two House with an extra oxygen tank ready for any emergency. The men of the department have been trained to give first aid to any cases to which they are called.
Do not hesitate to call on them for help at any time as they are always available, day or night.
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This year the Department suffered the loss of one of its staunchest supporters in the person of John H. Glover. He formed and was Captain of No. Two Com- pany twenty-five years ago. He was loved and respected by all classes and I can only say this, he was four square in every respect and we shall miss him greatly in our work. Our new man at the engine house has proved himself to be efficient and a tireless worker for the bene- fit of the Department.
We have had splendid support, physical, moral and financial from the town for which we heartily thank you and hope for a continuance of the same.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MERRY, Fire Chief.
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REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury,
Greetings :
This Department had a rather busy year-sixty- four calls for brush, grass and rubbish fires with an area burned over not exceeding thirteen acres. I feel justi- fied in being very proud of this department. The men have responded very promptly and worked very efficiently as always. I am not recommending any new equipment in this department this year as I think the soda and acid equipment are the best for our needs. Other towns are putting in Booster tanks and small pumps but by the past records of our department I don't feel justified in recommending any changes. The apparatus is all in first class condition. It has been overhauled and painted.
Respectfully yours,
H. E. MERRY, Forest Warden.
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REPORT OF DUMP DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury,
Greetings :
Things have gone along very nicely at this place in the last year. A new fence has been erected and set over in some places five feet on the fill, widening and straight- ening the road. I have plowed a good wide fire line at the rear of the dump so as to eliminate any danger of fires spreading in that direction. The users of the Dump have co-operated with the man in charge very satisfac- torily and when I view dumps in other towns I feel very proud of the results obtained in Duxbury.
Respectfully yours,
H. E. MERRY.
REPORT OF MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen :
Since the last report work has been carried out about the same as last year.
In the Fall and Spring, Egg Clusters were treated. About the 15th of May spraying started and this was carried on until about the second week in July. There was very little stripping through the town, one place on the northerly end of Union Street.
At the present time we are creosoting Egg Clus- ters.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN D. MORRISON, Moth Supt.
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REPORT OF STREET DEPARTMENT
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
The work of this department has been completed and I think the roads in general are in satisfactory con- dition, considering those in the west part of the town which were put to hard usage during the building of new Route 3.
Under the new construction we have built Keene and Myrtle Streets, Stetson and Bryant Avenues, the new layout of Columbus Avenue with the resurfacing of the entire avenue. Marshall Street and the approach to the Town Hall, were also resurfaced.
The new road at Duxbury Beach which we built and has had so much traffic during the summer has stood up well, and is in good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. O'NEIL, Superintendent of Streets
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REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
Owing to lack of funds not much work was done in this department.
In my last report I spoke about the Fall Web Worm and recommended that a sum of money amounting to at least $1,000 be appropriated for the use of this depart- ment, and I still believe our trees should be cared for. There is lots of trimming to be done all over town.
About $300 was spent by this department, through the kindness of the Honorable Board of Selectmen, cut- ting Fall Web Worms.
I still recommend this department should have $1,000 to work with. We are liable to be troubled with other pests. The Elm Leaf Beetle hit some of our Elm trees along Bay Road this summer.
The Gypsy Moth appropriation cannot be used for only Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth work.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. MORRISON,
Tree Warden.
REPORT OF TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Not much has been done on our Town Forest this year.
Your Committee would like to see something started on this lot, but as no funds were appropriated nothing much could be done. We would like to have some cleaning up and some trees planted on this lot.
Your Committee would like to ask for $500.00 to set out some trees and make some improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE.
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TRAIN FIELD PLAYGROUND
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
During the past year a good bit of work has been done on the grounds. Grading and seeding on the bank- ing near the bleachers as well as filling and leveling holes and rough spots in the outfield of the ball field was thought necessary. New bases and home plate for the diamond were purchased and the base lines filled and leveled.
The benches were repaired, some new planks being used and all renailed. It would be a great improvement if something in the nature of permanent stands or seats could be provided, something which would be in keeping in appearance with the background furnished by the School Building.
The new Tennis court was built and equipped, nets were used as backstops, with the idea in mind that another year would see an additional court built and later a screen of a lasting nature enclosing both courts.
The whole field was mowed twice during the sum- mer and the infield every week throughout the season. The tennis court was rolled as often as seemed necessary.
For the year 1932, I would not recommend any special projects on the field but would suggest that the usual appropriation of three hundred dollars, be made.
Respectfully submitted,
EARL W. CHANDLER.
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REPORT OF MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE FOR G. A .R.
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
The Memorial Day Committee submit the following report :
Myles Standish Camp No. 115, S. U. V. C. W., Dux- bury Post No. 223 A. L., the local Troop of Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts, co-operated in decorating all known Soldiers' and Sailors' graves, and Soldiers' monuments with flags, potted plants, and flowers.
Exercises were conducted in the Unitarian Church, in the several cemeteries, and at Blue Fish River.
The co-operation of the school children in this work is to be commended. This committee extends to them and to all who assisted in any way, their hearty thanks.
Dinner was served to those taking part in the ser- vices by the S. of V. Auxiliary, the Womens Relief Corps, and the A. L. Auxiliary.
There were 245 graves decorated, including :
23 Soldiers of the Revolution.
3 Soldiers of the War or 1812.
212 Soldiers of the Civil War.
7 Soldiers of the World War.
In addition the Womens Relief Corps decorated the Graves of 4 Army Nurses.
Appropriation $400.00
Balance, 1930
12.26
Total
$412.26
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Expended :
Speaker
$10.00
Music
173.00
Flowers (potted plants)
81.25
Flags
45.00
Auto and bus hire
15.00
Printing
14.50
Janitor at Church
5.00
Expense of Dinner
42.92
Total
$386.67
Unexpended Balance
25.59
$412.26
Respectfully submitted,
EARL W. CHANDLER,
Chairman,
PARKER B. CHANDLER,
CHARLES C. McNAUGHT, EDEN S. GLOVER,
OSCAR B. RYDER,
HOWARD BUTLER.
:
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Your Planning Board makes the following report for the year of 1931.
We have held six meetings throughout the year just past, at which various matters of importance concern- ing the Town were discussed, in some cases followed by recommendations to the Selectmen, among them being the desirability of securing the property recently occu- pied by the late Mr. H. H. Stranger on Washington St. near the Bridge. The Board feels that if the Town con- trolled that property it could be kept open, and if not developed into a small park, could be simply grassed over and thus allow an attractive view of the water and marshes, and prevent unsightly use of the premises by business occupation. An attractive landing place for the boats could be made, if desired, at this point, as it abuts the River.
The plan made by our Chairman, Mr. Brett, and approved by the Planning Board, for the improvement of the grounds about the Tarklin School, has been used by the School Committee recently, since the completion of the new State Highway.
Owing to the universal business conditions prevail- ing at present, the Planning Board deems it advisable to assist in helping to lighten the burden of taxation for the Town, and, therefore, will not ask for its cus- tomary appropriation for the annual Clean-Up Week of
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the Town. This work has been well done for the past few years, and if individuals will take an interest, and help each other out in disposing of waste material, it should not be much of a hardship for any of us, and will preserve the well-kept and thrifty appearance of our Town.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANKLIN BRETT, Chairman, B. F. GOODRICH, CHAS. BITTINGER, JOSEPHINE H. SHAW. AGNES S. ELLISON, Sec'y.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Selectmen and voters of Duxbury :
The year 1931 has been a busy year, also in some respects expensive, and as the expenditures are set down in the annual Report we will mention a few of the many items wherein the Town has been benefited.
One case is the placing in a State Institution of one who will have to remain there for years, and the expense is to be borne by the State, a saving to Duxbury of ap- proximately fifteen dollars a week. Another is the keep- ing of four cases of venereal disease outside Duxbury at no expense, a saving of from eight to ten dollars per week for each person. We have secured subsidy on three cases of tuberculosis amounting to three hundred and thirty dollars, with negative sputum from two. We have had three cases of tuberculosis, one died, one was sent to a western state, and one is in the Sanitarium at South Hanson. There are others that may be obliged to go and remain there under observation for one or two months. Most of the tubercular patients have to be furnished with clothing, etc., before they can be entered. There is over one hundred dollars due from the State Board of Welfare.
There have been more venereal cases from Janu- ary 1931 to January 1932, than at any time in the past twenty years. On venereal cases we get no information from physician or from the State as to whom the afflicted person is, only a serial number, and saying whether it is a case of syphilis or gonorrhoea. These cases have to be located in some way or other, and then they must
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receive treatment at a clinic or from a private physician until they are discharged.
There was an epidemic of mumps from the middle of February to the middle of June. During the fall months there was an outbreak of scabies and impetigo con- tagiosus.
There have been the usual number of nuisances, and dairies and milk have been examined and inspected with two instances where the milk was found to be below standard, which was corrected at once. The State has not as yet finished with the tubercular testing of cattle, due as they say to a lack of funds. The nuisance caused by the large number of fish being deposited on the shore of Duxbury Beach made it necessary to employ someone with a truck to remove and bury them.
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