USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1898 > Part 8
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DEFICIENCY IN THE ACCOUNTS OF LATE COLLECTOR.
The shortage in the accounts of the late collector has been found to be $6,643.68 ; this sum is probably as nearly cor- rect as can ever be determined. The commissioners through C. C. Mellen, Esq., their counsel in the matter were en- abled to effect a settlement with the Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, whereby the town received the sum of $4,000. The board congratulates the town upon the fact that this amount has been paid without litigation or objec- tion on the part of the Bond Company notwithstanding re- peated statements had been made publicly and privately that the bonds were worthless.
SINKING FUNDS.
During the year the Commissioners have purchased seven Braintree Water Bonds of the issue of 1891, as an invest-
.
194
ment for the Sinking Funds. We believe it to be good policy to purchase our own bonds whenever they can be obtained.
COLLECTOR.
We do not feel like closing our report without commend- ing the present efficient Collector, Mr. Monk, for his untir- ing efforts in getting the accounts in proper condition ; for his careful business methods in making collections, and his courteous treatment of customers. We feel that his con- tinuation as Collector will be a benefit to this department and of financial advantage to the town.
For detailed statements of the practical operation of the department we refer you to the Superintendent's report herewith presented, as are also the reports of the Treasurer and Collector, giving in detail the financial condition of the department, and of the Sinking Funds.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES T. STEVENS, T. HAVEN DEARING, JOHN KELLEY,
Board of Water Commissioners of Braintree. .
1
0
REPORT OF COLLECTIONS
FROM JANUANY 1, TO JUNE 30, 1898.
JOHN V. SCOLLARD, COLLECTOR.
The Collector is charged with
collections made on account
of water rates, pipes, etc.
$7,413 64
The Collector is credited as follows :- 1
By cash paid Treasurer $778 96
Paid Treasurer, by the Fidelity and Deposit Company, of Maryland, surety on bonds 4,000 00
4,778 96
Due from the estate of John V. Scollard
$2,634 68
The amount reported uncol- lected Dec. 31, 1897 was as follows :-
For water rates
$4,356 84
For pipes, etc.
1,017 56
5,374 40
The amount remaining uncol- . lected, June 30, 1898.
For water rates
$4,852 66
For pipes, etc.
794 49
5,647 15
Of this amount represented as uncollected, June 30, 1898, there is about $250, which the people to whom it is charged claim they have paid, but cannot produce any receipt for the same. The Commissioners have not yet determined what
196
disposition to make of these cases and the full amount is car- ried forward as uncollected.
REPORT OF H. A. MONK, COLLECTOR OF WATER RATES FROM JULY 1, 1898, TO DEC. 31, 1898.
The collector is charged as follows :-
Water rates $9,221 93
Pipes, etc.
607 07
Uncollected water rates due
July 1
4,852 66
Uncollected, pipes, etc., due 794 49
July 1
$15,476 15
The collector is credited as follows :-
Water rates uncollected 2,680 83
Pipes, etc., uncollected 648 17 ·
Abatements 427 08
Amount collected and paid
Treasurer
11,720 07
$15,476.15 Examined the water register and all books including cash, meter and service accounts for the six months from July 1, 1898, to December 31, 1898, inclusive, Henry A. Monk, Collector, water rates, piping, etc., and find practically cor- rect. Receipts of the Treasurer, P. D. Holbrook, and Benj. F. Dyer, pro tem for cash paid on said accounts $11,720.07 (eleven thousand seven hundred and twenty dollars and seven cents. )
P. D. H. $11,061 71
B. F. D. 658 36
$11,720 07 DANIEL POTTER, Auditor. BRAINTREE, February 6, 1899.
FINANCIAL.
MAINTENANCE:
Pay of men as per pay rolls $371 82
Security Safe Deposit Co., box
rent 26 66
W. E. Maybury, cash for freight
and telephone, pay roll ·
2 00
C. H. Hobart, telephone mes-
sages ·
2 54
Perry's Express .
·
6 50
R. W. Ness, paint .
.
6 00
Edward Shay, labor
58 16
T. J. Cain, supplies
56 92
Thomas South, Jr., labor
20 88
Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies
30 95
Eagle Oil Co., supplies
5 15
H. B. Whitman, labor
4 40
Fore River Engine Co., labor
5 59
Ambler & Hobart, supplies
43 33
H. H. Thayer, labor
39 97
C. O. Miller, repairs
.
6 70
Daniel Potter, accountant ·
72 00
H. A. Monk, collecting water
rates
.
234 40
H. A. Monk, expenses ·
.
6 70
Brown's Express
.
15 75
.
198
H. M. White, supplies $17 27
D. H. B. Thayer, expressing 50 79
C. G. Anderson, labor 37 00
J. T. Stevens, expenses
6 00
Richard Belyea, labor
1 45
Coffin Valve Co., supplies
77 00
H. W. Mansfield, supplies
11 40
N. Y. & Boston Despatch Ex- press Co. 1 15
$1,218 48
SERVICE.
Pay of men as per pay rolls 486 61₺
Chadwick Lead Works, supplies 130 12
.Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies 86 88
B. H. Woodsum Co., supplies . 22 01
F. A. Bates, labor . ·
·
69 60
D. Estes & Sealey, supplies ·
32 80
Chapman Valve Co., supplies .
25 53
W. F. Sanborn & Co., supplies
3 99
Fore River Engine Co., labor .
4 17
O. M. Rogers, labor
3 60
Thomas Hoey, supplies 42 98
Sumner Goodwin Co., supplies
12 00
Geo. Woodman Co.
27 70
One service box
47
948 46₺
PUMPING STATION.
Pay of men as per pay roll $1,218 853 Eagle Oil & Supply Co., sup-
supplies 156 28
199
J. B. Rhines & Co. . $2 25
B. H. Woodsum Co., supplies 1 45
N. Y. & Boston Dispatch Ex. Co. ·
2 64
Crosby Steam Valve Co., sup- plies . .
2 25
Nightingale & Childs, sup-
plies . ·
14 73
A. O. Clark, manager, elec- tric light .
34 26
Dexter Bros., supplies ·
5 35
A. W. Chesterton & Co., sup- plies . 29 15 J
C. A. Claflin, supplies 1 65
J. F. Sheppard & Sons, coal 1,145 43
A. W. Harris Oil Co., sup- plies
13 75
American Steam Guage Co., supplies · W. F. Sanborn & Co., sup- plies ·
1 50
Fore River Engine Co., sup- plies ·
20 62
W. A. Torrey, supplies ·
2 00
Geo. F. Blake & Co., sup-
plies .
11 35
Peter Ness, painting
33 17
Coffin Valve Co., supplies
·
6 90
E. Hodge & Co., supplies
16 00
Waldo Brothers, supplies
2 00
Thomas Hoey, supplies
·
7 61
Charles A. Claflin, supplies
4 84
O. M. Rogers, supplies .
.
3 92
John Streiferd, supplies . ·
4 66
.
.
$2,747 48}
4 87
200
MAIN PIPE EXTENSIONS.
Pay of men as per pay rolls $160 06
Eagle Oil Co., supplies 15 60
Chadwick Lead Works, supplies 26 68
Coffin Valve Co., supplies
112 00
Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies .
661 21
Citizens Gas Light Co., supplies
1 80
Builders Iron Foundry, supplies 10 00
Elmer Vinton, carting ·
2 00
$989 35
SERVICE CONSTRUCTION.
Pay of men as per pay roll $9 15₺
Eagle Oil Co., supplies 35 40
Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies
63 26
Thomas Hoey, supplies
·
37 80
Sumner & Goodwin Co., sup-
plies .
13 88
Chapman Valve Co., supplies . 7 90
Geo. Woodman Co., supplies . 27 50
M. Meuler Co., supplies . ·
14 10
F. A. Bates, labor and supplies
60 05
$269 047
HYDRANT AND GATE REPAIRS.
Pay of men as per pay rolls
$185 08
Coffin Valve Co., supplies
132 13
$317 21
SERVICE REPAIRS.
Pay of men as per pay rolls
$46 463
$46 46₺
201
TOOLS, ETC.
Cash paid as per pay roll .
$0 45
Edson Mfg. Co.
29 75
Walworth Mfg. Co.
25 07
J. B. Poore
4 80
Pinel Brothers
6 60
Crosby Steam Gauge Co. .
7 38
W. H. Cobb
10 65
Fore River Engine Co.
40
Boston Lead Mfg. Co.
.
5 15
$90 25
DRIVEN WELLS.
Pay of men as per pay rolls $29 27
Geo. M. Porter, supplies . 2 35 .
Dean Steam Pump Co. 68 85
Albert P. Worthen, counsel for
New York Hydraulic Con- struction Co. in settlement of all claims
1,250 00
C. C. Mellen, counsel fee ·
225 00
$1,575 47
OFFICE ACCOUNT.
A. H. Mason, printing, etc.
$16 29
Thomas Groom & Co., books
4 35
Pratt & Pratt, printing .
11 25
W. A. Torrey, postage .
16 85
Samuel Ward Co., water regis- ter
14 00
Weymouth & Braintree Publish-
ing Co., printing 14 50
202
Geo. W. Prescott & Son, print- ing 4 50
William McCormick, books 4 25
W. E. Maybury, cash paid for desk and chair 30 00
$115 99
SUPERINTENDENT'S SALARY AND EXPENSES.
William E. Maybury, salary $1,125 00
William E. Maybury, expenses 7 95
$1,132 95
ORDERS OVERDRAWN.
William E. Maybury on pay
rolls . 48
48
GENERAL SUMMARY.
Maintenance
$1,218 48
Service
948 462
Pumping station
2,747 48₺
Main pipe extensions
989 35
Service construction
269 043
Hydrant and gate repairs
317 21
Service repairs
46 46₺
Tools, etc. ·
90 25
Driven wells
1,575 47
Office
115 99
Superintendent, salary and ex-
penses
.
1,132 95
Orders overdrawn
·
48
$9,451 64
TREASURER'S REPORT.
P. D. HOLBROOK, TREASURER OF WATER DEPARTMENT.
Dr. Cr.
To balance in treasury Jan. 1, 1898. . $4,932 94
Cash received for water rates and piping :-
$265 13
178 00
Collector
28 50
779 96
Henry A. Monk, Collector
11,061 71
Cash received of town for hy- drant service 4,150 00
Amount overpaid, pay roll June 29,1898 9 40
Interest on deposit, State Na- tional Bank, Boston 8 23
Cash paid on 124 orders drawn by Water Commissioners $8,377 94
Cash, paid interest on Water Loan bonds . 8,440 00
Balance in treasury, December 12, 1898
4,124 30
$20,942 24
$20,942 24
John V. Scollard, --- 308 33
204
Adjusted the accounts of P. D. Holbrook, Treasurer of Water Department, from January 1, 1898 to December 12, 1898 inclusive, and the balance, including deposit in State National Bank, Boston, with cash on hand $4,124.30, (forty- one hundred twenty-four and 23% dollars), transferred to Benj. F. Dyer, Treasurer, pro tem.
1898.
Dec. 30. State National Bank, balance check. $4,096 80 . 1899.
Jan'v. 9. Cash 27 50
$4,124 30
DANIEL POTTER,
Auditor.
-
BRAINTREE, January 9, 1899.
BENJ. F. DYER, TREASURER, WATER COMMIS- SIONERS IN ACCOUNT WITH TOWN OF BRAINTREE.
DECEMBER 28 TO 31 INCLUSIVE, 1898.
Dr
To cash received of State Nati- onal Bank from account of P.
D. Holbrook, Treasurer $4,096 80
To cash received of estate of P. D. Holbrook, Treasurer 27 50
Surety bond of John V. Scollard 4,000 00
Henry A. Monk, Collector 658 36
$8,782 66
205
Cr.
By cash paid, thirty-three orders drawn, by Water Commissioners $1,083 10
Deposit in National Exchange Bank to pay coupons due Jan'. 1, 1899 .
2,000 00
Balance
5,699 56
$8,782 66
Approved. Balance of ($5,699.56) five thousand, six hundred ninety-nine and 56
100 dollars on deposit in State National Bank, Boston.
DANIEL POTTER, Auditor.
BRAINTREE, Jan. 23, 1899.
SINKING FUNDS.
WATER LOAN OF 1887.
P. D. HOLBROOK, TREASURER WATER LOAN SINKING FUND.
For the payment of bonds issued July, 1887, payable July 1, 1917.
Dr. Cr.
December 31, 1897 : To amount
of sinking fund $24,454 04
Canton, Ohio, interest on two bonds 74 32
Fitchburg Railroad, inter- est on four bonds . ·
160 00
Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn Railroad, interest on two bonds 90 00
Town of Braintree, interest on eleven municipal light- ing bonds, $10,500 420 00
Braintree water loan of 1891, interest on three bonds 60 00 · Town of Braintree, appro- priation 2,000 00 · Henry L. Dearing, interest on mortgage note . 78 75
Braintree Savings Bank, in- terest on deposit .
23 71
207
Credit.
Amount to credit of sinking fund invested as follows :-
Four Fitchburg Railroad bonds of ($1,000) one thousand dol- lars each, Nos. A 4 131 to A 4 134 inclusive, dated Janu- ary, 1890, 30 years at 4 per cent.
$3,877 11
Ten Braintree municipal light- ing bonds of ($1,000) one thousand dollars each, dated April 5, 1893, due April 5, 1917, at 4 per cent. 10,000 00
One Braintree municipal light- ing bond, same as above issue 500 00 One Canton, Ohio, bond, No. 1429, due 1911, 5 per cent., cost 1,110 84
Two Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn Railroad bonds, dated July 15, 1897, 30 years, Nos. 157 and 158,4} per cent., cost One Rumford Falls & Rangley Lake R. R. bond, dated Oct. 1, 1897, 40 years, No. 146, 5 per cent, cost 1,219 86
2,175 00
Three Braintree Water
Loan of 1891 bonds,
No. 4, 5 and 6, 4 per
cent. bonds and pre- mium $3,285 00 Accrued interest, cost 10 00
3,295 00
Loss of premium on Canton, Ohio, bond, No. 693, sold in 1898 41 50
208
Henry L. Dearing, mortgage note, Jan. 7, 1896, one year, 42 per cent.
$3,500 00
Balance Braintree Savings Bank, book No. 1781 594 82
Balance Randolph Savings Bank, book No. 9488 1,021 69
Due from Quincy Savings Bank, book No. 16,669
25 00
$27,360 82
$27,360 82
The securities of Water Loan Sinking Fund 1887, exam- ined, and the amount ($27,360.82) twenty-seven thousand · three hundred sixty and 82 100 dollars, invested as per schedule.
DANIEL POTTER,
BRAINTREE, January 10, 1899.
Auditor.
WATER LOAN OF 1891.
P. D. HOLBROOK, TREASURER, WATER LOAN SINKING FUND.
For the payment of bonds issued June 1, 1891, and pay- able June 1, 1921.
Dr.
To amount of Sinking Fund, Dec. 31, 1897 $20,289 08 Town of Braintree, interest on six municipal lighting bonds . ·
240 00 1
Canton, Ohio, interest on six bonds ·
150 00
209
To Revere Beach & Lynn
R.R., interest on three bonds $135 00
Braintree Water Loan, 1891, interest on three bonds . 60 00
Town of Braintree, appro- priation 3,000 00
Quincy Savings Bank, in- terest on deposit . 14 72
H. A. Jones, interest on . mortgage note 157 50
Cr.
Amount of credit, Sinking Fund invested as follows :-
Six Braintree municipal bonds dated April 5, 1893, due April 5, 1917, at 4 per cent., Six Canton, Ohio, bonds, num- bers 1429 to 1434, inclusive, due 1911, 5 per cent cost 6,665 00
$6,000 00
Three Boston Revere Beach & Lynn R.R. bonds, dated July 15, 1897, 30 years, numbers 159, 60 and 61, 4} per cent. cost 3,262 50
Three Braintree Water Loan of 1891 bonds, numbers 8, 9 and 10, at 4 per cent., bonds and premium $3,285 00
Accrued interest
.
10 11
3,295 11
Mortgage note, dated Oct. 4, 1895, for 5 years, at 4₺ per cent., of Horace A. and Mir- anda S. Jones 3,500 00 .
210
Dr. Cr.
Balance, Quincy Savings Bank,
book number 16,669 .
$1,323 69
$24,046 30
$24,046 30
Examined the securities of Water Loan Sinking Fund, 1891, and find the amount of ($24,046.30) twenty-four thousand forty six and 33% dollars invested as reported.
DANIEL POTTER, Auditor.
BRAINTREE, Jan. 10, 1899.
WATER LOAN OF 1896.
P. D. HOLBROOK, TREASURER WATER LOAN SINKING FUND.
For the payment of six thousand dollars ($6,000) of bonds issued Dec. 12, 1896, 30 years at 4 per cent. per annum.
Dr. Cr.
Amount to credit, December 31, 1897, of sinking fund de- posited in .South Weymouth Savings Bank, book No. 4327 $122 40
Town of Braintree appropria- tion
120 00
Cr.
Deposited in South Weymouth Savings Bank, book No. 4327
$242 40
$242 40 $242 40
The sinking fund for water loan of 1896, amount ($242 40) two hundred forty-two and 1
100 dollars deposited in South Weymouth Savings Bank book, No. 4327 as shown in above report.
DANIEL POTTER, Auditor.
BRAINTREE, January 10, 1899.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Honorable Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of Braintree :
GENTLEMEN :- The Superintendent of the Water Depart- ment respectfully submits his annual report for the year end- ing Dec 31, 1898.
Thirty-four new service pipes were laid during the year, kind of pipe, size and number of feet laid as follows :-
§ inch lead pipe . 799 feet 11 inches
¿ inch lead pipe . 69 feet 0 inches .
¿ inch galvanized iron pipe . .
633 feet 6 inches .
1} inch galvanized iron pipe . ·
8 feet 6 inches
2 inch galvanized iron pipe . 80 feet 10 inches
1,591 feet 9 inches
Total service pipe in system Dec. 31, 1898, 73,081 feet 3 inches=13.8+miles.
Total number of service connections 1083.
EXTENSION OF MAINS DURING 1898.
One-inch galvanized iron pipe in private way running west from Quincy avenue to dead end, 617 feet 6 inches. This pipe was put in at the expense of Mr. John Kelley and others.
One and one-fourth inch galvanized iron pipe in Quincy
212
avenue, running west from main to west line of avenue, to connect to the above 1-inch pipe, 51 feet 8 inch.
Two-inch galvanized iron pipe in Newport avenue, run- ning southwest from Franklin street to dead end, 141 feet 6-inch ; this pipe put in at the expense of Mr. C. A. Belcher.
Six-inch pipe in private way, east from Middle street, through the property of G. H. Arnold, to dead end, 443 feet.
Six-inch pipe in Hancock street, north from old line, op- posite service No. 970, to dead end, 96 feet 6 inch.
Six-inch pipe in Commercial street, north east from main, 12 feet to make connection on Shaw street main, which was laid during 1897 and not completed.
Six-inch pipe in Sheppard avenue, 36 feet, 6 inch north from old line to dead end.
HYDRANT BRANCHES.
Six-inch pipe in hydrant branches 10 feet.
BLOW-OFF PIPES.
Three-quarter inch blow-off pipe formerly at end of pipe line at service No. 970 transferred to end of pipe line at ser- vice No. 1067 in gutter on north line of Charles Gam- mon's lot.
EXTENSION OF MAINS DURING 1898, AS FOLLOWS :
1 inch main pipe .
617 feet 6 inches
14 inch main pipe .
-
·
51 feet 8 inches
2 inch main pipe .
141 fect 6 inches
6 inch main pipe . 588 feet 0 inches .
6 inch hydrant branches 10 feet 0 inches
Total
· 1,408 feet 8 inches
213
DISTRIBUTION MAINS IN OPERATION. DEC. 31, 1898.
12-inch
5,705 ft. 6 in.
10-inch
. .
10,407 ft. 10 in.
8-inch
·
10,467 ft.
6-inch
81,256 ft. 6 in.
4-inch
11,211 ft.
2-inch
4,444 ft. 11 in.
14-inch
287 ft. 7 in.
1-inch
1,159 ft. 3 in.
₹-inch
224 ft. 2 in.
Total
125,163 ft. 9 in.
=23.7 + miles.
NUMBER, LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF VALVES SET IN EXTENSION DURING 1898. W. E. MAYBURY, Supt.
VALVE ÑOS.
VALVE SIZE
STREET.
LOCATION, POSITION.
6
14
IN.
IN.
205
Private way.
On east line of Middle St., at pri- vate way through G. H. Ar- nold's land
1
206
Allen St.
In hydrant branch, 2 feet off from hydrant No. 173
1
207
Private way.
On west line of Quincy ave., 46 feet south of C. T. Crane's house
I
Total valves set, 1898
2
1
214
CONSTRUCTION.
TURN TO OPEN.
BELL OR SPIGOT.
MAKER.
Left. Left.
Bell. Thread+
Chapman Valve Company. Chapman Valve Company.
NUMBER, LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF HY-
DRANTS SET, EXTENSIONS OF 1898.
HYDRANT NOS.
-
STREETS.
LOCATION, POSITION.
NO. NOZZLE.
1 STEAMER.
CONNECTION.
173
Allen st.
846 feet east of Shaw st.
1
5 feet.
174
Sheppard av.
441 feet 6 inches north of Allen st.
1
5 feet.
Total hydrants set, 1898
.
2
CONSTRUCTION.
TURN TO OPEN.
BELL, PLAIN OR BOLTED.
FROST CASE.
MAKER.
Left.
Bolted.
No.
Coffin Valve Co. (Imp.)
Total number of valves in operation Dec. 31, 1898 : 207. Total number of hydrants in operation Dec. 31, 1898 : 174.
2 HOSE.
LENGTH OF
215
HYDRANT LOCATIONS CHANGED.
Hydrant No. 87, formerly opposite Allen street on Quincy avenue, moved 185 feet north of original location.
Hydrant No. 120, formerly on Stetson street, moved 66 feet west from original location.
Hydrant No. 12, formerly on Washington street at the the corner of Mt. Vernon avenue, transferred to Mt. Vernon avenue near the corner of Washington street.
LOCATION OF BLOW-OFF CHANGED.
Gate No. 197, transferred to end of pipe line at service No. 1,067.
PUMPING RECORD FROM JANUARY 1, 1898, TO JANUARY 1, 1899.
Gallons Pumped.
Hours Pumping.
Gallons Daily Average.
Pounds of Coal Used.
Gallons Pumped per 100 Lbs. Coal
January .
11,292,946
410 h.
15 m.
364,288
50,113
22,534
February
10,199,026
276 h.
45 m.
364,251
43,941
23,210
March
·
.
11,993,503
298 h.
05 m.
386,887
51,044
23,496
April
·
.
.
10,498,426
275 h.
40 m.
349,947
52,196
20,115
May
10,183,775
287 h.
10 m.
328,509
59,071
17,239
June
11,122,755
293 h.
40 m.
370,758
52,498
21,187
July
13,791,943
475 h.
50 m.
444,901
52,292
26,374
August .
12,860,359
356 h.
10 m
414,850
48,499
26,516
September
13,129,499
507 h.
25 m.
437,649
53,368
24,601
October .
12,457,811
466 h.
50 m.
401,865
55,967
22,259
November
·
·
11,034,258
286 h.
15 m.
367,808
46,880
23,536
December
.
.
.
: 12,001,993
306 h.
35 m.
387,161
50,939
23,561
Total .
.
.
140,566,294
4,240 h.
40 m.
616,808
Daily average .
.
·
385,113
11 h.
37 m.
1,689
.
·
.
.
·
.
.
·
.
Largest days' pumping was March 8, 645,711 gallons. Smallest days' pumping was January 11, 159,407 gallons,
216
217
PUMPING STATION.
The floor of the pumping station is in a very poor condi- tion. I would recommend that it be renewed as soon as possible. The chimney also needs attention in the line of repairs.
PUMPS.
The pumps are all in good condition with the exception of the boiler feed pump, which has become worn in the water end, it will necessitate a new sleeve or lining of same.
I would recommend the purchasing of an inspirator that we may have an auxillary feed to the boilers.
At present we have but one method of supplying the boil- ers with water while under steam.
GATES.
There were a few gates which had to be dug up and re- paired as the packing had become decayed.
HYDRANTS.
There have been considerable many changes in the loca- tion of hydrants brought about by the opening of new streets also by the changing of original- street lines.
Much repairing has been done 'as the hydrant valves have become imperfect, the seats torn, etc.
The Whittier hydrant in front of the Middle street school house has been taken out and replaced by a Coffin Valve Company's improved hydrant.
BOILERS.
The boilers are in a good general condition ; the piping, gauges and fittings of same are all in first class condition.
LEAKS ON MAINS.
There has been very little trouble with main pipe leaks the past season only two small joint leaks on the entire system,
218
with the exception of the service main on Dearing avenue, this pipe has given the department some trouble.
I would recommend taking out the small pipe on Dearing avenue and replacing it by a 2-inch galvanized iron pipe as the one now in use is liable to burst at any time.
SERVICE LEAKS.
There were a number of service leaks the past season. In digging up the old services we find many of them eaten very badly ; also we find them filled with rust. In many cases the poorer ones have been renewed and lead pipe has been used in its stead.
The stand pipe is in a good general condition. The Super- intendent is still of the opinion that it ought to be covered in on top. At the same time a coat of paint inside and out would add to its protection.
DRIVEN WELLS.
The department having settled with the Hydraulic Con- struction Company, of New York, have used the wells to some extent, finding that the use of them is quite an advan- tage to the water supply.
The Superintendent would recommend the purchasing of another pump of proper capacity, to be connected direct to the well system, this pump to be placed on a level with the intake pipe from the wells, thus reducing the lift on the suc- tion of this pump about five feet, this will enable us to get much more water than we can get under the present method of pump connections to wells.
The capacity of the pumps now in use are so much in ex- cess of the capacity of the wells that they cannot be run on an economical basis. It is impossible to run the pump on the wells and on the gallery at the same time to a satisfactory speed.
219
By the improvement suggested above, the pump on the wells would be independent from the one on the gallery.
The pump working on the wells, in connection with the pump on the gallery, would enable us to keep the water sup- ply at a more even height than it can be kept under the pres- ent circumstances. By so doing it will afford us the oppor- tunity to run the large pump at a greater speed for more continuous hours. This I believe will reduce the cost of pumping somewhat, as it will do away with a part of the night work.
IMPROVEMENTS.
I would reccommend grading up over and around the driven wells as there is but little covering on themit is neces- . sary to have them properly protected from frost.
It is the intention of the department to remove the surplus pipe and fittings which are at present in front of the station to a place near the horse shed. Also to clear up and beautify the grounds around the artificial pond.
ELECTRIC WATER GAUGE.
The Superintendent respectfully asks that some steps might be taken in the purchasing of a telemeter or water gauge. At present the department have no method of recording the height of water in the stand pipe. If this attachment was made to the stand pipe it would assist the engineer in handling his pumps ; also the department would have a record of the height of water in the stand pipe for each and every hour which could be placed on file and would settle many discussions.
EXTENSIONS AND IMROVEMENTS OF PIPE LINES.
The Superintendent would respectfully recommend the ex- tension of the ten-inch main from the corner of Summer
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street, south through Washington street to a point on Pearl street, intercepting the six-inch main at a point running south through Hancock street, east through Pearl street and west through Washington street.
This would give a better circulation and a larger quantity of water in case of a fire in the thickly settled part of the south village.
I would recommend placing a four-way hydrant on this ten-inch pipe in front of the Holbrook block. My reason for making this reccommendation to extend the ten-inch pipe is this : There is nothing south of Summer street in the south part of the town larger than a six-inch main. In order to get a proper fire protection and the best results from your water supply the above pipe mentioned should be extended.
Respectfully submitted,
W. E. MAYBURY, Superintendent.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE,
MASS.
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