USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1924 > Part 4
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
· lectmen that there is some money left in the appropriation which can be expended in rectifying any material errors of the contract.
Soldiers' Relief: It has been necessary during the past year to distribute a large amount of money in soldiers' relief and this item is due to increase from year to year. This is an item of expenditure over which the Selectmen have little con- trol except to see that only deserving cases are taken care of.
Police Department : The citizens of this town are to be congratulated upon having an efficient and thoroughly fair and impartial police force. It has been a pleasure to the Se- lectmen to have very favorable comments made by leaders of the Bar of Essex County in reference to our force. The con- sensus of opinion is that the police in their dealings with the public in general, and with those who have been unfortunate enough to have been brought into Court have endeavored at all times to have truth and justice prevail. The Chief of Po- lice whom we appointed two years ago has always made it his policy to enforce all laws, but at the same time to take into consideration the frailties of human nature and where a word to the wise would be sufficient to deter any further transgres- sions, has adopted this policy rather than cause a person to have a criminal record in the case of minor misdemeanors. We believe that we have a right to feel proud when we realize that in the last two years it has been at no time necessary for a police officer in this town to use force of any kind or descrip- tion in making an arrest. Of course it is expected that a police force will receive some condemnation. Some of this naturally comes from an element who would oppose law enforcement anyway, and some comes from well-meaning good citizens who do not realize the actual conditions. The amount of money asked for last year for this department was $8,000. This was
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
slightly exceeded but like all appropriations made in March, it is impossible to anticipate the needs of a department for a year.
ROBERT T. BAMFORD, THOMAS G. GAULD.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Ipswich,
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to you the report of the duties performed by the Police Department for the year ending De- cember 31st, 1924.
Total number of arrests
314
Arrests per month :
January
24
February
19
March
16
April
19
May
24
June
16
July
43 .
August
47
September
24
October
15
November
38
.
December
29
- 314
Classification of Crimes :
Assault
20
Attempt to bribe a police officer
2
Carrying a dangerous weapon
2
Conspiracy
1
-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Cruelty to animals
1 16
Disturbing the Peace
Drunkenness
126
Escaped insane
1
Keeping un-licensed dog
4
Liquor, Nuisance
7
Liquor, Keeping
8
Larceny
6
Neglect of minor children
1
Non-support
7
Peddling, un-licensed
1
Stubborn child
1
Tres pass
2
Vagrancy
13
Violation of the Game law
6
Violation of the Fish law
1
Violation of the Pure Food law
3
Violation of the Town By-laws
11
Violation of Probation
5
Violation of the vehicle law
1
Violation of the Rules of the Road
5
Violation of the Motor vehicle law, (operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor) 13
Violation of the Motor vehicle laws 38
Violation of the Custom laws (Federal) 9
Violation of the Liquor laws (Federal)
3
314
Crimes against the person
20
Crimes against property
8
Crimes against Public Order, etc. 286
- 314
-
Disposition of Cases :
Appealed 8 7
Continued
95
Committed to the Hou e of Correction
16
Defaulted 6
Discharged 30
·
8
Filed
85
Fined
138
Forfeited
3
Held for the Federal Court
12
Held for State Hospital
1
Miscellaneous Business :
Assistance rendered to persons in distress 19
Building found open and secured 49
Committed to the State Hospital 6
Complaints investigated as Field Driver
3
Complaints investigated Police Duty 501
Lost children restored to parents
2
Number of dogs killed 33
Number of Autos transferred 179
Number of warrants served for other police 4.
Number of summons served for other police 26
Number of hours police duty for private parties 766 Number of children before Juvenile Court 16
Committed to the State Industrial School for Boys 1
Committed to the Lyman School for Boys 2
Percentage of foreign born arrested .51
Percentage of males arrested .97
Percentage of females arrested .03
Inventory of the Police Department :
Ford Touring Car
1
Searchlight 1
Lungmotor
1
Number of pistols
2
314
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Dismissed
96
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Number of Handcuffs 6
Number of Twisters
6
Number of Badges
13
Number of Keys
30
Number of Clubs
9
Number of Whistles
15
Number of Flashlights
8
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, Justice and Special Justices of the Third District . Court, Town Counsel, Operators at the local Telephone Ex- change and all Public spirited citizens who have assisted this department in the performance of its duties.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN G. MANSFIELD,
Chief of Police.
ENGINEERS' REPORT
To the Selectmen of Ipswich :
Gentlemen :
Following is the report of the Board of Engineerss of the Fire Department ending Dec. 31, 1924.
34
Number of Box Alarms
17
Number of Still Alarms
61
Out of Town calls
3
Total number of alarms
81
Number of feet of hose laid 5,700
Number of small chemical charges used
88
Number of chemical tanks used
30
Number of miles covered 237.8
Property threatened by fire
$136,800.00
Insurance on same
$177,950.00
Insurance paid
$25,135.66
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
Hook and Ladder
1
Auto combination
1
Auto Triple Combination
1
Hose Reels 3
Fire Alarm Boxes
21
Number of feet of hose
5,500
In submitting our report this year we desire to call your attention to two important matters which we believe should be considered.
-
Number of men in the Department
98
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
First, the condition of the chemical or Hose 2, which has been in service for 13 years. The time has come when we be- lieve some change should be made in this machine, and we would recommend the Town buy a new chassis suitable for the Fire Department use and place the present equipment on the same, which we believe can be done by the men in the depart- ment.
Second, the matter referred to in last year's report of plac- ing more permanent men in the department. Our experience teaches us with a man away from the station, on his day off, and another home to his meals, much time is lost in answering the alarms. If the citizens want service, proper kit and men must be provided to warrant the same. We would recommend at least one more man be added to our permanent force.
Our attention has been called a number of times to what could be done should a fire start at Little Neck. This matter has been talked over a number of times by the Board of En- gineers and we can see no way under the present conditions where we could be of much service should a fire start at that resort. The Neck as you know has grown very rapidly and is thickly populated especially during the summer months. The Town is also receiving a fair amount from the taxable prop- erty. This matter has been taken up with the Feoffees and cottage owners and suggestions made in regard to their protec- tion. We would recommend the Town place a Chemical tank on wheels at the Neck with the provision that the Feoffees provide a suitable place to house the same. We would also recommend that each cottage owner provide their cottages with hand extinguishers.
ARTHUR H. WALTON, EDWIN M. POOLE, EDWARD H. SMITH,
Engineers of Fire Dept.
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Superin- tendent of Moth suppression.
It was with a great deal of satisfaction that I was able to report a year ago that the infestation of Gypsy and Browntail was at a very low point. The same is true this season, condi- tions being practically the same as last year. The Gypsy moth is still prevalent throughout the township, but no heavy in- festations have been discovered to date. Defoliation by either this insect or the Browntail moth was practically unnoticeable the past spring and summer.
The Browntail moth (winter webs) show a slight increase over last year. This is found to be especially true where no spraying was done, showing the value of this method of con- trol.
The Satin moth, a visitor of only three years residence in our midst, was very plentiful the past summer. This insect which so far only feeds on willow and poplar trees, did a large quantity of eating wherever these trees are found and a number of inquiries regarding the same and requests for, spraying were received. Persons owning such trees and find- ing them eaten the coming summer should have them sprayed early, as this is the only possible method of controlling this pest.
Both the Tent caterpillar and the Elm-leaf Beetle did con- siderable less damage the past year than previously, due in a large part to constant spraying in the past.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The work in this department has been carried on in the usual lines, creosoting the egg clusters of the gypsy moth ; cutting the winter webs of the browntail moth during the fall and winter months. Also by spraying during the period of feeding. The spraying was much more easily handled this last season due to the changes made on the large power sprayer. A large amount of this work was also done on private proper- ty, in orchards, woodlands, etc.
Due to the increasing demand for this spraying by prop- erty owners I would recommend that this department be further equipped by the purchase of a small power sprayer which might be transported on the Ford truck.
The superintendent has attended the past year both the winter and summer meetings of the moth superintendents of the commonwealth as well as other meetings of a like na- ture at which both useful and practical instruction was re- ceived. I have also posted in public places the various pos- ters, etc., sent from the bureau of Entomology for that purpose.
I would recommend that the present year the work in this department be carried on with the same intensity, for whereas the Federal bureau announces that the moth situa- tion in New England is much improved, eradication is still a vision of the future.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS C. WADE, Local Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present to you the report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1924:
Non- Con- Sealed demned
Platform scales over 5,000 lbs.
Platform scales under 5,000 lbs.
57
3
Counter scales over 100 lbs.
3
Counter scales under 100 lbs.
29
1 1
Beam scales under 100 lbs.
4
1
Spring scales over 100 lbs.
6
Spring scales under 100 lbs.
33
6
Computing scales over 100 lbs.
1
Computing scales under 100 lbs.
39
3
Personal weighing scales
4
Prescription scales
3
Avoirdupois weights
344
Apothecary weights
49
Metric and Troy weights
29
Liquid measures
105
Dry measures
4
Gasoline measuring pumps
39
1 6
Quantity stops on pumps
Yard measures
22
Sealed 8
102
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Sealing fees and adjusting charges collected and paid to Town Treasurer, $101.21.
Respectfully submitted,
WM. A. STONE, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Equipment Department Weights and Measures Office Standards
1 test balance, capacity 1 dram to 50 lbs.
1 set nickel plated avoirdupois weights, 1 dram to 50 lbs.
1 set apothecary weights in velvet lined box with pincettes, 1-10 grain to 2 drams.
1 set metric weights in velvet lined box with pincettes, 1 milli- gram to 50 grams.
1 brass standard yard measure.
1 set metal dry measures, 1 qt. to 1-2 bu.
1 set metal liquid measures, 1 gill to 1 gal.
Working Equipment
1 portable balance with capacity of 10 lbs. on each pan.
1 portable balance, capacity 1-4 milligram to 50 grams.
1 set nickel plated weights in mahogany box, 1-16 oz. to 4 lbs.
5, 10 and 25 lb. weights, one each.
1 standard yard measure.
1 set dry measures (wood) 1 qt. to 1-2 bu.
1 set nickel plated brass liquid measures, 1-2 pt. to 1 gal.
4 automatic measuring cans with gauge showing variation of each cubic inch.
1 5 gallon measuring can.
1 portable drill.
1 sealing block.
1 set apothecary weights, 1-10 grain to 2 drams.
1 set metric weights, 10 milligrams to 50 grams.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
1 sealing clamp with removable die.
1 hand seal press.
1 metal funnel with strainer.
1 pocket level.
1 pocket magnifier.
1 oak tripod stand for testing large beam scales. Steel dies, punches, Stillson wrenches, pliers. Aluminum, lead and paper seals, kit bag.
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Tree Ward- en. The work of this department varies very little from year to year. It mainly consists of removal of dead branches and such others as are in a dangerous condition or interfere with private property, over head wires etc. in a detrimental manner. Work has been carried along in this line the past season and as in other years some was also done in the line of preservation and safety, i. e., by bolting and guying such trees as have or show a tendency to split. A large amount of this sort of work should be done the coming season as well as the usual trim- ming. Large trees of the town are worth saving regardless of any amount of care they require. Only such trees were entire- ly removed as were absolutely dead or no longer in a safe con- dition. Three Sugar Maples were cut down on Central Street which had been killed by illuminating gas. The gas company paid the cost of removal but this in no way pays for the loss of the trees. A maple was also cut down on Topsfield Rd. which was partly dead and in a dangerous state.
The same policy of yearly planting has been continued as in past seasons. This department planted last spring Sugar Maples along the various streets which comprise Agawam Heights. The same variety of tree were also planted to fill vacant spaces as follows, East St., two; Summer St., four (1 died) ; Green St., two; County St., one. Through the interest of the Woman's Club, who purchased the same, eight trees were planted on the southerly side of the approach to High St. bridge. This is a move in the right direction and it should be very encouraging if other bodies or individuals did like-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
wise. Several requests have been received for trees to be planted in front of residences this year.
It is most encouraging to note that only four trees have died to date which have been planted the past three seasons. I would earnestly recommend that this policy of planting be continued on practically the same scale. TREES ARE GOOD CITIZENS.
I would again call attention to the SHADE TREE LAWS which were printed in the report of 1924. Especially to the cne which defines a TOWN TREE as this is a question often asked the TREE WARDEN.
The question of reforestation and TOWN FORESTS is one that the individuals as well as the citizens as a body should interest themselves in. This department sincerely rec- ommends the careful study of this important subject.
I would recommend an appropriation for this depart- ment of $1,000 for the current year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS C. WADE,
Tree Warden.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report :
The work this past season has been along much the same lines as in former years, namely, maintaining smooth lawns on the several plots which compose the North Green, from Market St. to and about the First Church, likewise on the South Green. Unfortunately we could not do as much work as was necessary to keep these in first class condition due to the lack of funds.
A large quantity of fertilizer was applied to both Com- mons. This together with the manure obtained from the Town stable should have a beneficial effect on the grass this year.
Flowering plants were grown during the summer in three beds on each of the Commons. Tulips have been planted this fall in these beds and we hope for as fine a bloom as last spring.
The past season, winter as well as summer, a great in- crease in the tendency to park and drive across the grass plots, especially in the vicinity of the respective churches, has been noticed. This not only makes our work harder but disfigures the lawns. As the public pays for the upkeep of the plots we respectfully request that they co-operate with us in this matter.
We believe that a survey should be made this spring of the South Common and ball field in order that a comprehen- sive plan of grading may be drawn up for another year. These respective plots seem to be gradually sinking each year, probably due to originally being a swamp.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS C. WADE, SAMUEL C. GORDON, E. H. PICKARD, Park Commissioners.
107
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF CLAM COMMISSIONERS
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
The following is the report of the clam and fish commis- sioners for the year ending December 31, 1924 :
All the flats in Plum Island River are well seeded for an- other year. The flats on the south-side of the Ipswich River from Gould's Creek to Treadwell's Island have been thinned out, so that there will be better clams there next year.
To give the people some idea of the amount of clams that are taken from the flats, we have tried to get the approxi- mate number of barrels and gallons shipped this year, which is as below :
Barrels
5,000
Gallons 7,120
Number of permits issued 70
HENRY CHURCHILL,
FARLEY LORD,
GEORGE W. BROWN,
Clam Commissioners.
10
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF SIX ON INCREASED SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
At the annual Town Meeting last March a special com- mittee of six was appointed to investigate and report some plan for additional school accommodation. As a result of in- vestigation your committee has had several meetings and they are unanimous in the opinion that the solution is to use the prop- erty on Green Street, owned by the Town, for additional room for the schools. They have gone into the problem ex- tensively with well-known architects and the architects have gone over the building and presented plans which are on ex- hibition, showing what can be done with the larger building, and this committee think it is the proper solution of the school problem.
In looking over the plans you will see that the building can be made to accommodate the pupils for some time to come. The plans show twelve class-rooms, assembly hall and gymnasium. If these plans are accepted it will mean a first- class high school. If it was built new it would cost $275,000. By altering the jail building it can be done for $175,000, and as good as a new building, making a saving of $100,000. It will be made ready to walk into and take up the school work. We, therefore, put it up to the citizens to do the rest.
This committee is a unit for converting the Green Street property into a high and a junior high school and using some of the rooms in the central group of schools for grade pupils.
Respectfully submitted, W. J. RILEY, Chairman MAUDE E. HAYWARD, Sec. DR. GEO. E. MacARTHUR ARTHUR J. BRENNAN CHARLES L. LOVELL C. EMERY BRAGDON
ASSESSORS' DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
In making this, the annual report of the Board of As- sessors, the board has deemed it desirable to submit for your consideration certain figures relative to the work of this par- ticular board for the past three years in order that you may realize the extent to which the expense of running the town has increased, and also that you may realize more fully the fact that your assessors have been obliged to provide for the rais- ing, during those three years, of the largest amounts ever raised here by direct taxation of real and personal property.
In order to bring this out more forcibly, you will find that the amount raised in 1921 on real and personal property was $180,410.72. In 1922, this amount had increased to a total of $210,993.45, or an increase in one year of $30,582.73. This would have meant a tax rate in 1922 of nearly $34.00, based on the valuations of the preceding year, instead of the rate of $29.50 as made by the assessors.
Again, in 1923, another increase took place, with a total amount to be raised in 1923 of $214,110.34, the largest amount in the history of the town, and an increase of $33,699.62 over that of 1921. Based upon the valuation of 1921, this would have meant a rate in 1923 of over $34.00, instead of $29.50 as made by the board.
In 1924, through economies that were practiced at the town meeting and several other causes, the amount to be raised in 1924 showed a decrease from that of 1923, the amount of 1924 having been $200,793.41, or $20,382.69 more than in 1921. After a period of several years of ascending rates, the assessors this past year, for the first time since 1919, were able
110
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
to announce a reduction in the rate. Based on the valuation figures of 1921, the rate for 1924 would have been over $32.00 instead of the rate of $27.50, as made by the assessors. Hav- ing these figures in mind, it may be of interest to mention several facts relative to valutions.
The total amount of assessed valuation in 1921 was $6,304,815.00. In 1924 the total was $7,345,195.00, an increase of $1,040,380.00. The question might be raised as to how this additional amount was secured.
In 1922, the assessors, feeling that certain valuations were low, and out of proportion to other valuations, made a num- ber of readjustments, together with a careful canvass through- out the town, including the larger estates here, and all of the so-called "down river" property. Figures are available at the office of the assessors that will show that in 1922 the total assessed valuations of ten individuals in Ipswich were in- creased a total of $286,450.00. In other words, in 1922, ten in- dividuals paid approximately 28 per cent of the total in- crease in taxes for that year. In making these increases, the assessors dealt fairly with the property owners, and did not proceed on the theory, alone, that because these ten persons were able to pay a tax that they should be taxed in an exces- sive manner. It is rather significant, in this connection, that in cases where applications for abatements were made, and were refused by the assessors, no appeals were taken from the de- cision of the assessors, either to the county commissioners, or the superior court. Another factor that helped to bring about this increase in valuation was a more systematic manner of checking up on motor vehicles that were subject to taxation here.
in connection with the assessment of motor vehicles, and its importance as a source of revenue, a new system was adopted in 1922, with a larger degree of co-operation between local assessors and the state. Prior to 1922 it was a difficult
111
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
matter to obtain a correct list of all registered motor vehicles. These lists had to be obtained from private agencies, at ex- pense to the town. The lists are now furnished by the state, and are complete lists.
In order to show the rapid development of this class of taxable property, the board would call your attention to the fact that in 1923 a total of 458 motor vehicles were assessed in Ipswich. Last year this number had increased to 647, or an increase of 189 in one year. The number of 1925 will undoubt- edly exceed that of 1924, and will establish a new high record here. In order to assess taxes on this class of property in a more equitable and satisfactory manner, the board has adopted a new system of checking up, and also a new "follow up" sys- tem that has been found to work in a satisfactory manner.
After having disposed of the assessments on the larger properties, and having canvassed carefully to uncover any untaxed property, the remainder of the increases were made generally throughout the town, in small amounts, in order that the burden be made not too heavy for those least able to bear it, and also that the increased burden might be borne by all classes of people in the town. Having accomplished this work in 1922, and having succeeded in keeping the tax rate below $30.00, the assessors have not made any material increases in 1923 or 1924, as there is no desire on the part of any member of the board to create any condition of inflated valuations, such as has resulted in some other places.
In 1922, in the matter of poll tax payers, the work of canvassing was done very thoroughly, and a special effort was made to list every available poll tax payer in the town. Much of this work was done among the alien classes, and a new method was employed. In 1921 the total number of as- sessed poll tax payers was 1537. In 1922 this number was in- creased to 1825, or an increase of 288. At $2.00 each, which was the portion of the town in the tax, this meant a gain of
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
$576.00 in favor of the town. In 1923 the number of poll tax payers was 1807, and in the year just closed it was 1824. It will be seen from these figures that for the past three years the assessors have kept this number above 1800 each year.
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