USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1918 > Part 4
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Arrangements were made to transport books to the South and East Villages.
The Board voted to join the Women's Educational Bureau's photographie circulation department.
Miss Frances Clark and the Librarian were put in charge of the A. L. A. War Library propaganda.
The Library is more and more used by the pupils in the public schools, especially by those in the High School.
The Public Library is an integral part of public education. Schools and libraries have a common purpose and should be closely allied in their common work. Every encouragement is given teachers and scholars to feel at home in the Adams Libra- ry, and every facility and inducement is offered to assist them in making the Library useful. Teachers are allowed to take such books as they wish to use in their work, regardless of number, and pupils are taught how to use the Library.
The following advice is recommended to our patrons :
The bad influence of morally vicious books is recognized. Too few people realize the harmfulness of the mediocre-reading habit. It takes brains as well as hearts and consciences to make strong character. Many children's minds are being reduced to pulp by debauches of reading weak books. We must be careful
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about the kind of books on the war which we give to children. Do not let them read low-class battlefield-thrillers tossed off by the juvenile story writer to put money into his pocket. Only a writer of serious and honest purpose should be allowed to speak to our children through stories of the war-or on any other subjects.
Teach the children to use books as they would use friends. Too many people act as though they thought that because a library book is public property it may be carelessly used or even abused, and children follow their example. Early habits are not easily altered, and children who are careless with books are apt to grow up with slovenly manners and serious defects of character.
The Library is interested in preserving old school books, of which it has quite a number, 100 years old or more, and additions are occasionally made to the collection. As far as is known the Library has the most complete set of Chelmsford Town Reports in existence. The Town Officers do not preserve them. If you have any old Reports give them to the Library to complete. our set. Back years of the Chelmsford Directory should be placed in the Library's keeping, as they become valuable for reference.
During the past year the circulation has been 16,130; about 72 per cent. of this has been fiction.
Number of books in the Library 10,922 volumes New books added, including bound magazines. . 158
66 Purchased to replace worn books 33
20 Gifts
There are eighty new card holders. The reading room is well patronized, and there is an increased use of reference books.
About 250 books have been sent to the bindery.
Many unbound books and pamphlets on the war have been classified.
A large amount of material, in shape of leaflets, has been received from the Food Administration. " This has been put in circulation as soon as received.
Also posters, calling attention to various war activities, have been placed in the reading room.
Names of donors of books: C. George Armstrong, N. E. Genealogical Society, Mr. and Mrs. G. McNeir, William Clinton, Rev. Wilson Waters. Rev. Mr. Robinson has given the Library a revolving bookcase.
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Mrs. Adams, widow of the donor of the Library, has pre- sented us with about a hundred beautiful specimens of stuffed birds mounted, many of them rare, which were collected by Mr. Adams; also a fine wild cat shot by him. These are to be dis- played in the Library as soon as a proper case can be made for them. Mrs. Adams has also given a large lawn vase to be placed on the grounds of the Library.
The Joseph Warren Fund now amounts to $1.114.46. The Adams Emerson Fund now amounts to $152.97. The Serlina G. Richardson Fund now amounts to $224.62. $100.00 has been drawn from the Joseph Warren Fund.
EDWIN R. CLARK, ALBERT II. DAVIS, OTIS P. WHEELER, FRANCES CLARK. A. HEADY PARK. WILSON WATERS.
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REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE ADAMS LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand
$ 13.18
From the Town
1,200.00
From the Town for furnace
200.00
From Adams Emerson Fund
100.00
Old Iron
4.00
Old Paper
15.50
$1,532.68
EXPENDITURES.
Furnace
$
466.46
Books
209.84
Librarian
300.00
Coal
108.00
Gas
91.54
Periodicals
90.20
Binding
73.91
Case for Birds
55.00
Care of Grounds
44.93
Printing
18.95
Transporting Books to East Chelmsford.
17.00
Transporting Books to South Chelmsford
13.00
Water
12.56
Lawn Mower
10.25
Gas Heater
10.00
Miscellaneous
1.95
Teaming
2.50
Postage
1.29
Balance
5.30
$1,532.68
The amount received from fines and sale of cards is used by the Librarian to pay for incidentals at the desk or repairing department. This year the amount is about $25.00.
WILSON WATERS,
Treasurer.
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North Chelmsford Library Corporation.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES.
At the regular annual meeting of the North Chelmsford Library Corporation held at the Library rooms, Wednesday evening, January 8, 1919, a report was made by the Trustees of the corporation, including the facts as stated below, and said report was ordered approved and recorded.
The Librarian's report as examined by the Trustees devel- oped the fact that the library had been in session but 141 times. principally due to the order from the Chairman of the Board of Health ordering the institution closed on account of the epidemic of influenza so prevalent during the early fall, and further to the fact that a number of the legal holidays occurred on either Wednesday or Saturday.
Notwithstanding that fully 11 regular openings of the libra- ry were omitted, the yearly circulation of books very nearly reached that for the previous year, we having recorded a circula- tion of 15,890, as compared with 16,290, making a small addition to the general average.
This general increase is no doubt partly, if not wholly ac- counted for by the steadily increasing number of new subscrib- ers, which at this present time, as listed, is 724, representing an addition of 52 new names. This probably would be somewhat reduced by the elimination of names of persons, who may have, for various reasons, moved from our section of the town, but such decrease would not be material, as our lists have been re vised within a few years, and we have a number of cases where one card number is used by several members of the same family.
175 books were sent to the bindery during the year, and have been returned to the library, and they are now again practically ready for further circulation.
We also purchased new books to the extent of 188, and of this number, 107 were purchased from funds covered by the town appropriation, and 81 from money derived from the
66
Edwards Fund. The addition of this number of new volumes places the total of books in the possession of the Library Corpo- ration at 7,621.
Respectfully submitted. HENRY T. RIPLEY, H. ELLEN SARGENT, SARAH E. SHELDON.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand, January 1, 1918 $ 88.79
Town appropriation
800.00
Receipts from fines, etc.
1.50
$ 890.29
EXPENDITURES.
Librarian and Janitor
$ 300.00
Electric Fan
20.00
Heater
7.50
Electric Light
23.99
Books
278.88
Fuel
75.20
Insurance
39.26
Bindery
34.41
Printing
14.02
Transporting Books to West Chelmsford.
9.60
Supplies
13.34
Repairs
13.50
Bindery Boxes
10.15
Cleaning Building and Yard
15.20
Miscellaneous
7.66
862.71
Balance on hand, Dec. 31, 1918
27.58
$ 890.29
STEWART MACKAY,
Treasurer.
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Report of Board of Health.
REPORT OF CHAIRMAN.
Chelmsford did not escape the terrible epidemic of influenza and pneumonia which prevailed throughout the country during the last half of the year of 1918.
There were approximately 950 cases reported in this town from September 1st to December 31st and of this number there were 25 deaths from pneumonia and one from influenza.
The Health Department received the hearty co-operation of all the churches of the Town and the Board of Education in getting the epidemic under control. At this writing there are many cases in Town, but of a milder type.
Land has been purchased near Third Street, off Warren Avenue, to be used for a public dump and suitable signs will be erected at an early date directing people who will have occasion to use the same. There is now no excuse for using the roadside as a dumping station or trespassing upon private property for the same purpose.
JUSTIN L. MOORE,
Chairman, Board of Health.
REPORT OF AGENT FOR PRECINCTS 1 AND 4.
Board of Health,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I have to report the following cases of infectious diseases for 1918 :
Lobar Pneumonia 6
Tuberculosis 1.
Liberty Measles 40 Measles 157
Whooping Cough 6
Influenza 652
For Liberty Measles, Measles and Influenza, these figures represent only a part of the actual cases.
Respectfully,
ARTHUR G. SCOBORIA, M. D.
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REPORT OF AGENT FOR PRECINCTS 2 AND 3.
Gentlemen :
As agent of the Board of Health for Precincts 2 and 3, I have the following report for the year 1918 :
Chicken pox, 1; diphtheria, 2; scarlet fever, 13; lobar pneu- monia, 22 ; measles, 3; influenza, 198.
I presume that one-half of the cases of lobar pneumonia and influenza have not been reported to the Board of Health.
Yours respectfully,
FRED E. VARNEY, M. D.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING.
Gentlemen of the Board of Health :
From January 1, 1918, until the date of my resignation, the middle of August, I inspected at the various slaughter houses, in town and at all other places where inspection was required, the following number of animals. Inspected : 78 cattle, 259 calves, 437 hogs. Condemned: 7 cattle, 9 calves, 2 hogs. Also con- demned about 400 pounds of meat in small quantities for various reasons. Regular reports have been rendered to the state authorities.
In closing this my fifteenth annual report, I desire to ex. press my appreciation of the confidence and support rendered me by the Board of Health during my term of office.
ARNOLD C. PERHAM, Inspector.
January 1, 1919.
Board of Health,
Gentlemen :
Herein find report of the "Inspector of Slaughtering," August 21 to December 31, 1918, inclusive.
The following number of animals have been slaughtered by licensed butchers, also owners upon their own premises, and in- spected by me : 107 cattle, 150 veal, 633 hogs, 3 sheep. Of these the following number and amount were condemned: 4 veal, 3 hogs, and approximately 425 lbs. of meat for various reasons.
All inspections have been reported to the state authorities as required.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM S. HALL,
Inspector.
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REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT.
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit the following report: In conjunction with the State Forester's men, I have made a careful examina- tion of the trees along our highways, and am able to report a decrease of at least 25 per cent. in the gypsy moth infestation. The white oaks seem to be the only trees upon which creosoting will be necessary this winter. Spraying in the spring was quite successful because of favorable weather conditions, and it was particularly noticeable that roadside thinning greatly reduced the cost of this work.
Now that the shade trees are in such condition, as to require little attention, I have taken up the work of moth extermination in the woodlands, and with the co-operation of the owners, I be- lieve a successful campaign may be carried out there. To any interested party I will be glad to explain our method, and show how the work may be done, with profit to the owner.
One thing I want to particularly call attention to, is the seriousness of chestnut blight. It is estimated that nearly 90 per cent. of the trees in eastern Massachusetts are infected, and unless something is done the entire growth of chestnut trees will be wiped out. Unfortunately, there seems to be no remedy but the axe, as a tree once attacked never recovers. The infected trees should be cut down as soon as attacked and thereby the healthy trees may be saved. Trees so cut, may be used for any purpose, as there is not quarantine at present.
I am glad to report that I have found no brown-tail moth nests this season.
San Jose scale is well under control, on fruit trees, but some of the shrubbery along the roads is still infested, which empha- sizes the value of brush cutting and burning.
Creosote may be obtained free, as usual.
WALTER SHEPARD,
Superintendent of Moth Extermination.
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REPORT OF TREE WARDEN.
During the year of 1918 there has not been so much work accomplished as in former years owing to the scarcity of labor. My work in this department has been confined chiefly to the re- moving of broken limbs which was caused by wind and other causes. There has been one permit issued for the cutting of a tree in North Chelmsford.
I would like to call your attention at this time to the Elm Leaf Beetle which has again put in its appearance in town. If anyone notices any little yellow insects about the foot of your elm trees in July, it might be well to notify your tree warden.
WALTER H. MERRILL, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
I have tested and sealed over 1,400 weights, scales and measures in the year ending November 1, 1918. I have new ap- paratus costing $24.00; cost of doing work, $88.35; total ex- pense, $112.35 ; total fees, $56.89.
Two scales condemned. Two non-sealed (to be repaired). Caused one to be repaired, sealed later.
Respectfully,
C. A. AIKEN, Sealer.
71
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS.
Chelmsford, Mass., January 14, 1919.
The Cemetery Commissioners submit the following report : The Forefathers and Pine Ridge Cemeteries have, as in previous years, been under the supervision of J. Roland Parkhurst. The lots and paths in Forefathers Cemetery have been kept in fairly good condition considering the scarcity of labor. The two large spruce trees over the Warren tomb have been removed and when the spot where they stood has been graded and sodded it will greatly improve the appearance in that section. Several hand- some granite tablets have been put up in the 1871 section. Two more lots have been placed in care of the Town, making 41 lots now under perpetual care.
In Pine Ridge Cemetery there is much work to be done. We hope to get to work there as soon as the ground opens in the spring. Three new lots have been sold and there are now three lots under perpetual care.
Mr. Whidden still has charge of West Cemetery. Two new lots have been made where the old tomb stood, making the last available place in the old part, so that the new cemetery will have to be opened.
After Mr. Sargent's resignation in Hart Pond Cemetery, very little work was done, until late in the season, as it was im- possible to secure help. Later on Wesley Lyons was chosen superintendent. We hope this coming year to have more work done, and the cemetery put in good shape again.
The Riverside Cemetery, in care of J. T. Wotton, has re- ceived its usual care. Some new lots have been graded and put into shape.
CHARLES F. SCRIBNER, Chairman, JAMES S. BYAM, BAYARD C. DEAN,
Cemetery Commissioners.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE.
Cash on hand, Feb. 1, 1918
$4,757.21
Paid F. H. Molloy, balance in full
$3,000.00
Paid Emond's bill .
70.00
Paid Hinckley's balance of contract
421.83
Paid Richardson's bill
19.02
Paid Lowell Electric Light Co. bill.
8.85
$3,519.70
3,519.70
Balance on hand, Feb. 1, 1919
$1,237.51
Respectfully submitted, JAMES P. DUNIGAN, HERBERT E. ELLIS, FREDERICK A. SNOW, Committee.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS FOR THE YEAR 1918.
As in the last few years, we have used the money appropri - ated for park purposes, in the care of the parks and small plots of ground already established.
The appropriation is not sufficient to warrant any new work, but it is our opinion that something should be done in the East Village and we sincerely hope that the appropriation may be increased for that purpose.
Respectfully submitted, FRED L. FLETCHER, ARTHUR M. WARREN, PATRICK S. WARD.
73
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN.
GENTLEMEN OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
During the year 1918 the Forest Warden and Deputy Forest Wardens have extinguished seventy-six forest and grass fires, the majority of which were reported by the State Forest Fire Observer on Robins Hill. Thirty of these fires were caused by railroad locomotive sparks and the others by careless smoking, boys, hunters, careless brush burning, etc. Five chimney fires and one auto fire were extinguished by the Deputy Wardens and valuable assistance was rendered at three building fires.
Several extensive forest fires occurred last spring, due largly to the heavy growth of grass the previous year and the prevailing high winds.
On May 8th, several large fires broke out in various parts of the town, one of which, the largest in town for several years, destroyed considerable cord wood and standing timber. This fire had to be guarded for three days until rain came.
The expense of maintaining this department during 1918, including all supplies and repairs, extinguishing forest and grass fires, as well as the expense incurred at chimney, auto and ยท house fires, was $688.54, a sum somewhat larger than the average of recent years. The sum of $106.68 has been paid or is due the town by parties responsible for fires, thus leaving the net expense $581.86. The property of the Town in charge of the Forest Warden is the same as last year, except for the loss of one fire extinguisher and box of extra charges, which were consumed in a building fire.
About 400 permits to set fires in the open air were issued between March 1 and December 1, 1918.
The new forest fire observatory erected on Robins Hill dur- ing the past summer is the highest and best of any within the Commonwealth. It is 70 feet high, 40 feet higher than the old tower which it replaces. It is 27 feet by 27 feet at the base and the four uprights are securely fastened to cement piers. The total weight of the structure is estimated at 12 tons and the loca- tion is on a 50 by 50 foot plot of land owned by the state at the summit of the hill with a right of way thereto.
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Most of the towns in northern Middlesex benefitted by the tower contributed to the cost of erection. Chelmsford bore the
ROBINS HILL OBSERVATORY
largest share, $300, and the balance was paid by the state. The glass enclosed observation room on the new tower is ten by ten
75
feet, and is in charge of Observer C. E. Blood, who will welcome all visitors who care to climb the winding stairs during the com- ing season. Because of conditions pertaining to the war, visitors were not allowed to visit the tower last season. The raising of money for lookout purposes on Robins Hill is not without prece- dent, for the Town raised and appropriated money to build a lookout house there in 1673, to discover and warn the people of approaching danger, probably from Indians. This new land mark on Robins Hill which replaces the older ones such as the lone pine tree, summit house, etc., is shown in the accompanying illustration.
Don't forget that the permit law is effective after March 1st and the slash law is in force at all times.
ARNOLD C. PERHAM, Forest Warden.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
Selectmen of Chelmsford :
To Your IIonorable Board, Greetings :
The Fire Engineers wish to submit the following report : The Town has been very lucky in regard to fires the past year. The Center department had but three calls as a department but there were quite a number of chimney fires. We would like to call the attention of automobile owners as to housing their autos in barns, used as stables, or where hay is stored.
ARTHUR W. HOUSE,
Chairman Fire Engineers.
AGGREGATE OF APPROPRIATIONS, RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
ACCOUNTS
Appropriations and Receipts
Expenditures
Surplus
Deficit
Superintendent
$ 1,800.00
$ 1,800.00
Teaching
25,721.00
24,507. 45
$1,213.55
Janitors
4,340.00
4,393.13
$ 53.13
Transportation
5,579.00
997.71
New Equipment
650.00
300.38
349.62
Books and Supplies
2,000.00
2,443.76
443.76
Health .
250.00
300.00
50.00
Miscellaneous .
800.00
1,595.21
795.21
Upkeep
2,000.00
1,424.10
575.90
Fuel
6,081.00
4,968.71
1,112.29
Garage
1,800.00
2,207.90
407.90
Adder Machine
300.00
218.25
81.75
Clerical Work .
125.00
125.00
1917 Receipts .
840.92
840.92
Highways
4,500.00
4,246.52.
253.48
Support of Poor
6,500.00
5,887. 15
612.85
Moth Work
1,832.45
3,531.54
378.26
Receipts
1,320.83
Street Lighting
7,360.00
6,961.04
398.96
Indigent Soldiers and Sailors
400.00
325.00
75.00
Industrial School, Lowell Receipts
544.38
953.75
590.63
Repairs of Public Buildings .
750.00
358.80
391.20
Officers and Committees
6,000.00
6,357.75
357.75
Miscellaneous
3,200.00
3,176.02
23.98
Treasurer's Bond
220.00
220.00
Care and Imp. of Cemeteries
800.00
910.69
Memorial Day
125.00
124.92
.08
Insurance Fund
500.00
500.00
Adams Library
1,200.00
1,200.00
N. C. Library .
800.00
800.00
Tree Warden
100.00
20.40
79.60
Village Clock Repairs
35.00
35.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
100.00
120.16
Meat Inspection
500.00
500.00
Cattle Inspection .
100.00
100.00
Public Parks
400.00
397.84
Land Damages on Boston Road
1,000.00
1,000.00
Observatory, Robins Hill
300.00
300.00
N. C. Fire District
375.00
375.00
Chelmsford Fire District
750.00
750.00
South Village Flag
25.00
22.30
2.70
Road Binder
1,000.00
639.90
360.10
Public Dump
100.00
75.00
25.00
Sidewalk Damage, N. C ..
250.00
250.00
State Aid Receipts
910.00
912.00
2.00
Loans and Interest
10,161.18
10,161.18
Military Aid
8.00
8.00
Village Clock
30.00
30.00
$105,483.76
$101,072.56 4,411.20
$8,027.77
$3,616.57 4,411.20
$105.483.76
$105,483.76
$8,027.77
$8,027.77
Appropriations Receipts
$ 91,698.45
13,785.31
$105,483.76
Expenditures
$101,072.56
Surplus12.
4,411.20
$105,483.76
D. FRANK SMALL, A. HEADY PARK, JUSTIN L. MOORE, Selectmen.
20.16
Net Surplus
1,000.00
77
LIST OF JURORS.
Allen, Cortes M. Farmer
Armstrong, C. George Manufacturer
Anderson, Anthony B. Stone Cutter
Aiken, Curtis A. Janitor
Bliss, Pliny C. Farmer
Bartlett, Charles E. Merchant
Buttery, Joseph T.
Overseer
Billson, George
Stone Cutter
Dutton, Arthur E.
Farmer
Day, George W.
Retired
Daniels, Fred Overseer
Davis, Albert H.
Farmer
Emerson, Henry H. Postmaster
Elliott, George S. Merchant
George, David B. Carpenter
Harrington, John E.
Insurance
Ingham, David I.
Mail Carrier
Jasper, Joseph C. Bank Clerk
Johnson, Olin M. Salesman
Finnick, Charles
Farmer
Knight, Isaac H.
Plumber
Lapham, Wilber E. Farmer
Long, James Clerk
McNulty, George A. Farmer
McQuade, James B. Mechanic
Marinel, Walter N. Mechanic
McDonald, Joseph Farmer
Marshall, Josiah E. Salesman
Park, Fred W. Farmer
Quigley, William J. Molder
Quinn, John P. Merchant
Ripley, George H. Mechanic
Russell, Fred A. Farmer
Reed, Arthur E.
Mechanic
Searle, Charles J. Musician
Swett, George W. Woolsorter
78
Smith, Erwin E. Merchant
Scoboria, John P. Farmer
Shedd, William H. Farmer
Stetson, George Mechanic
Sheehan, William J. Farmer
Scribner, Charles F.
Merchant
Sullivan, John Farmer
Snow, Fred A. Bookkeeper
Tucker, William C. Farmer
Vinal, John W. Elevator Man
Wright, George M. Real Estate
Whipple, S. Foster Advertising Agent
Welch, Michael J. Woolsorter
Wright, George B. B. Nurseryman
Warren, Arthur M. Farmer
Yeomans, Edward S. Overseer
79
Warrant for Annual Town Meeting AT TOWN HALL, CHELMSFORD CENTER, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1919.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Middlesex, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Chelmsford, in said County : Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth aforesaid you are hereby required to notify the legal voters of said Chelmsford to meet in the Town Hall at Chelmsford Center, on Monday, the third day of February, current, being the first Monday of said month, at eight o'clock in the forenoon.
The polls will be opened at 8.15 A. M. and closed at 1.15 P. M., and they are then and there to act upon the following Articles, viz :
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
ARTICLE 2. To bring in their votes for one Assessor, one School Committee, two Trustees of the Adams Library, one Cem- etery Commissioner, one Park Commissioner, one Select- man, one Overseer of the Poor, one Sinking Fund Commis- sioner, all for three years; Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, three Auditors, one Constable, one Tree Warden, all for one year. Also to vote on the following question : "Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liq- uors in this Town ?" All on one ballot.
ARTICLE 3. To choose all other Town officers necessary to be chosen by hand vote, or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 4. To hear reports of Town officers and committees, or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 5. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be required to defray Town charges for the current year.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to act as its agent in any suit or suits which may arise during the current year; also in such other matters which may arise requiring in their judgment the action of such agent, and to employ counsel therefor.
80
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treas- urer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year.
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