USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1925 > Part 4
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10. The Police Department during the past year has endeavored at all times to enforce the laws impartially and without undue notoriety. The public at large has always supported law enforcement. The present force is made up of honest and conscientious officers. Our greatest cause of worry in law enforcement is certain laws which are very difficult to enforce, due to the fact that constitutional guarantees against unlawful searches and seizures must be respected if a free government is to survive. The police force is constituted for the purpose of protecting the public, not for the purpose of persecuting them. In police work it is absolutely necessary that the personnel do not divulge information regarding cases in hand.
Appended hereto we submit a brief table which we hope that the voters will peruse carefully.
Cases Prosecuted by the Police
1920
227
1921
388*
1922
485*
1923
304
1924
1
314
1925
368
Search Warrants Issued
1920
2
1921
8
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
95
1922
14
1923
11
1924
13
1925
19
Search Warrants Returned, Nothing Found
1920
0
1921
1
1922
4
1923
2
1924
3
1925
6
Liquor Complaints Prosecuted
1920
3
1921
30
1922
24
1923
11
1924
23
1925
42
Liquor Convictions
1920
3
1921
16
1922
14
1923
10
1924
15
1925
33
Percentage Convictions to Complaints
1
1920
100%
1921
55%
1922
56%
1923
90%
1924
65%
1925
79%
96
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Complaints for Drunkenness
1920
63
1921
118
1922
152
1923
111
1924
115
1925
116
Footnote *. One hundred and thirty-four complaints in 1921 for violation of motor vehicle laws, and one hundred and sixty-seven in 1922 for same cause.
It is not necessarily the number of convictions which make a police force efficient. The most accurate barometer of efficiency in police work is the number of appeals taken. No figures have been given in the above table on appeals. When defendants accept a conviction in the District Court, it may be taken for granted that the evidence has been over- whelmingly against them. During the past year there were no appeals in prosecution of liquor cases. Each step was taken carefully and the evidence properly obtained and properly set forth.
ROBERT T. BAMFORD, SYDNEY H. PERLEY, THOMAS G. GAULD,
Selectmen.
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 December 31, 1925.
Total number of arrests
311
Arrests per month :
January
25
February
18
March
42
April
15
May
31
June
27
July
44
August
34
September
21
October
19
November
14
December
21
311
Classification of Crimes :
Assault Cruelty to animals
10
5
98
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Carrying a dangerous weapon
1
Disturbing the Peace
5
Dog nuisance
1
Drunkenness
137
Escaped insane
1
Fugitive from Justice
1
Liquor, keeping
18
Liquor, nuisance
7
Liquor, selling
15
Liquor, manufacturing
1
Liquor, transportation
2
Larceny
7
Lewd cohabitation
2
Malicious mischief
2
Non-support
4
Neglect of minor children
1
Run-away
1
Stubborn child
2
Trespass
1
Vagrancy
15
Violation of U. S. Custom Laws
2
Violation of Court Order
5
Violation of Fish and Game Laws
6
Violation of Motor Vehicle law (operating under the influence of liquor
22
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
29
Violation of Liquor Laws (Federal)
1
Violation of Transient vender law
1
Violation of Town By-Laws (profanity)
2
Violation of Rules of Road
4
311
Recapitulation :
Crimes against person
14
Crimes against property 10
Crimes against Public Order, etc. 287
311
99
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Disposition of Cases :
Appealed
2
Continued
6
Committed to House of Correction
13
Defaulted
5
Discharged
33
Dismissed
10
Filed
69
Fined
163
Forfeited
3
Held for Federal Court
4
Returned to Danvers State Hospital
1
Suspended
2
311
Miscellaneous Business :
Assistance rendered to persons in distress 3
Buildings found open and secured 19
Committed to State Hospital 3
Complaints investigated as Field driver 18
Complaints investigated Policy duty
589
Number of Dogs killed
39
Number of Autos transferred 204
Number of warrants served for other police 9
Number of sommons served for other police 31
Number hours police duty for private parties 702 Number of children before Juvenile Court 8
Committed to the Lyman School for Boys 1
Percentage of foreign born arrested .59
Percentage of males arrested .99
Inventory of the Police Department :
Badges, police 21
Badges, special police
3
Clubs 9
Flash lights 8
100
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Ford Touring car with equipment
1
Hand cuffs
9
Keys
35
Lung motor
1
Pistols
2
Riot gun
1
Search light
1
Shields, hat
13
Shields, vest
3
Traffic belts
2
Twisters
6
Whistles
13
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Town Officials and 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 Engineers of the Fire Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1925.
Number of men in the Department
35
Number of box alarms
22
Number of still alarms 69
Total number of alarms
91
Out of town calls
1
Number of feet of hose laid
10700
Number of chemical tanks used
28
Number of small extinguishers used
57
Number of miles covered
206
Assessed value of property threatened
$46450.00
Insurance on same
$67950.00
Loss of property
$17548.00
Insurance paid
$17660.00
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
Motor Hook and Ladder Truck
1
Auto Combination, Chemical and Hose
1
Auto Triple Combination Pumper
1
Hose Reels
2
Fire Alarm Boxes
22
Number of feet of hose
5500
102
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We wish to report in accordance with the vote passed last year a new truck has been purchased to replace the old Hose 2 machine.
ARTHUR H. WALTON, EDWIN M. POOLE, EDWARD H. SMITH,
Engineers of Fire Department.
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superinten- dent. Work the past season has been carried along on the same general lines as in the past years and which have been adopted and recommended by the State Department i. e. creosoting and spraying.
The number of egg clusters of the gypsy moth found the past season was less than for several years, but unfortunately the present winter shows an increase of about fifty percent over the previous year. The brown-tail moth is still with us in spite of intense work of eradication. It however, is not numerous in any one location except on the seashore districts. The largest quantity of eggs of both the gypsy and brown-tail moths are found in localities where no spraying is done, thus showing this an effective method of control.
The Satin Moth which has been with us the past three seasons showed a tremendous increase last summer and caused considerable defoliation on both poplars and willows. As the only practical method of controlling this insect is spraying it is important that the department be notified early of lo- calities where the foliage is being eaten. Both the tent-cater- pillar and elm leaf beetle showed no increase the past season but are, however, still with us in appreciable quantities.
On the whole the moth situation is better with the excep- tion of last year than at any time since these pests had appar- ently gotten beyond control. However, a little pessimism should be mixed with our optimism on the subject for if too
104
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
great a let up is made in the work at once weather and other climatic conditions may undo much of the tremendous good already done.
While this department anticipates no large increase in labor this year, it is, however, necessary to request a somewhat larger appropriation. This is due to the fact that a larger quantity of supplies, mostly spray materials, is needed as there is no surplus left from previous years. Also some new equip- ment is needed to replace that which has worn out.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE,
Local Superintendent.
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Tree Warden.
The work of this Department is much the same from year to year. It consists mainly of the removal of dead limbs, those that are in a dangerous condition and such as interfere with private property as dwellings, etc. Work was done along the above lines the past season and also some bolting and guying to prevent further splitting where a tendency to do same has become apparent. A considerable quantity of brush cutting was also done on the more suburban roads. This work serves a three fold purpose i. e. reducing such growths as wild cherry which are of no value except as food plants to insect pests, eliminates blind corners and curves and also assists snow re- moval as well as preventing drifting.
Two trees were cut down this past summer. One, a maple, on North Main Street which was killed by the waste water from an ice cream chest being thrown into the gutter. The other, an elm, on High Street, which while not dead, was judged dangerous to public safety.
The same policy of yearly planting was continued last spring as in the past three years. Sugar Maples were planted on Pleasant, Brown and Washington Streets. It is most en- couraging to note that the loss of trees planted the past four years has been comparatively small. I recommend that this policy of yearly planting be continued. The department ex- pects to receive this spring one hundred one year old elm tree seedlings as well as a quantity of Norway Maple seed.
106
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
These will be grown and at some future time will be used for street planting. The policy of growing its own trees for street planting might well be adopted by the town as many others have already done. By using a small plot of town land this could be done at a very small cost yearly.
I would recommend an appropriation of $1,000.00 for this department for the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE,
Tree Warden.
1
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report :
The work of this past season has been along the same lines as in former years, namely, maintaining smooth lawns on the several plots which comprise the North Green, from Market Street to and about the First Church, likewise on the South Green.
Flowering plants were grown during the summer in the three beds on each of the Commons. Tulips have been planted in these beds again this fall and we hope for as fine a bloom as in past springs.
There still seems to be a tendency to drive across and to park cars on the different grass plots adjoining the First Church. We respectfully request that the public assist us in keeping the lawns in good condition by refraining from this practice.
By a vote of the citizens at the last annual town meeting the Giles Firmin Garden on County Road was accepted as a gift and placed under the care of the Park Commissioners. The past summer we have continued there the work which for so many years was carried on by private funds.
For the current year the commissioners have not contem- plated any new work, but hope with sufficient funds to carry on the work as in past years.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE, SAMUEL C. GORDON, ERNEST H. PICKARD, Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF ASSESSORS' DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
In making this, the annual report of the Board of Asses- sors, the members of the board desire to point out several matters concerning the assessment of your taxes, together with two suggestions that the board feels would, if put into effect, be steps in the right direction, and would be of assistance in performing the work of the board, and would also result in a profit for the town.
At various times in the past, more or less has been heard concerning the merits of the so called Cambridge system of assessing parcels of land, which is a system that has been in- stalled in numerous other places, and one that seems to work out equitably to the taxpayers and beneficially to the com- munity from a financial standpoint.
Under this particular system maps would be prepared showing each parcel of land within the more thickly settled sections of the town, and also showing the area of each parcel. When this system is employed, a flat valuation rate is arrived at, by the assessors, based on a square foot land value for the particular neighborhood or street where the land is located. This valuation is then applied to the entire parcel, with the result that the different parcels are assessed at the same rate per square foot, and the owner pays on his whole parcel.
In order to discuss this proposition intelligently, it would be necessary to determine first, whether the more central part of Ipswich is large enough to warrant the installation of this
109
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
system. If it was determined that the district was large enough, an investigation would have to be made in order to ascertain the cost of installing it. The members of the board feel that this investigation might be made by a joint com- mittee consisting of the board of assessors and the Finance committee.
The members of your board feel that in these days when motor vehicles are increasing rapidly in numbers, and more development of our shore properties is taking place each year, that a by-law should be adopted by the town, making it neces- sary, if a person is to erect a building exceeding $25.00 in value, that a permit be obtained, perhaps from the assessors, if the town should so decide, and this permit would include a statement as the the location of the proposed building, its use, and its probable cost. It would not be necessary, in the opin- ion of the board, to charge any fee for issuing this permit, and the permit would not be in the nature of any building rules or regulations. The permit itself would give the asses- sors a good check on new buildings that are erected each year, and would reduce the liability of any new buildings being overlooked by the assessors. Your board feels that this would work out very effectively especially in the case of private garages and outlying properties, and in order to bring the matter before the town the warrant for the annual town meet- ing this year will contain an article bearing on the subject.
For the year 1925, just closed, your board was faced with the problem of meeting an increased valuation that had been placed on the town by the state authorities. For a number of years past, some communities in the commonwealth undoubted- ly kept their valuations down in order to avoid paying their proportionate part of the state tax. In 1922 a statute was enacted giving to the tax commissioner authority, every third year thereafter, to make a reapportionment of valuation among the cities and towns of the state for the purpose of providing a basis for the annual assessment of the state tax. In 1925 the tax commissioner apportioned the valuation of Ipswich
110
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
at $7,912,952.00, which was $567,757.00 greater than the assessed valuation of the town in 1924. This placed your board in a position where valuations had to be brought up to the figure apportioned by the state. In order to bring about this result, and to use each taxpayer fairly, a level increase was made throughout the town, which, with the addition of new property, brought the 1925 total valuation up to $7,874,- 601.00, an increase of $529,406.00 for 1925. By doing this, the town was placed in a position where the increased valuation would bring in the additional money needed to pay the in- creased state tax of the town. Because of this increase in valuation, the town receives a larger amount back from the state in the distribution of the state income tax, as long as the amount of income tax distributed is larger than the total amount of the state tax, so it will be seen that there is some gain to the local taxpayers because of this latter phase of the question.
At the present time one of the greatest of the national issues, and one that is encountered in practically every state and community is that of increased public expenditures re- sulting in increased taxes. Ipswich is no exception to the rule. It is pointed out each year that the town meeting makes the local tax rate when the town meeting makes the annual appro- priation. Undoubtedly these expenditures are necessary, but your board feels that this is a subject that every tax payer and voter should bear in mind when voting upon the appro- priations. The following table shows the amount raised on real and personal property and polls in Ipswich for the past five years, which is the period following the war, and also the period following the drastic liquidation of 1920. The figures are as follows-
111
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Amount Raised on Real and Personal Property and Polls
1921
$187,975 72
1922
220,257 73
1923
223,194 12
1924
205,559 87
1925
216,807 13
From these figures it will be seen that the total amount raised here in this manner in the past five years has been well over a million dollars, and that the average for each of the five years has been close to $211,000.00. It will also be seen that the amount for 1925 was considerably in excess of the average for the five years.
One factor that tends to prevent a decline in the local tax rate is the fact that while municipal expenditures show in- creases there is not enough new building, or the creation of new business, to offset, in taxable property, the increased ex- penditures by the town. From a practical standpoint, your board realizes the value of obtaining as much new taxable property each year as it is possible to obtain. Along this line, anything that is done to facilitate the further development of the local seashore properties, the acceptance of new streets under proper conditions, or any other cooperation on the part of the town that can be properly extended has a direct ten- dency to bring about more beneficial results.
As has been stated in previous reports, the increased num- ber of motor vehicles each year brings with it increased prob- lems to be solved by local assessors. In the case of Ipswich, the sending out of returns to the owners, in order that the board may deal directly with the actual owner, has been found to work to good advantage, and the owners have dealt very fairly with the assessors in stating the valuation of their motor vehicles. For the year 1926 the board is considering an ex- tension of this system, as it operates more equitably to all than
112
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
does a system where valuations are given to the assessors by persons not the actual owners.
The members of the board desire to express their apprecia- tion to the general public, other local officials, and all other parties who have cooperated with the board during the past year in the solution of the many questions that arise in the performance of its duties.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD C. BROOKS, Chairman, RICHARD R. GLASIER, GEORGE FALL,
Assessors of Ipswich.
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 1925.
Non- Con- Sealed demned
Platform Scales over 5,000 lbs.
Platform Scales under 5,000 lbs.
53
1 2
Counter Scales over 100 lbs.
1
Counter Scales under 100 lbs
29
Spring Scales over 100 lbs.
8
Spring Scales under 100 lbs.
30
4
Beam Scales over 100 lbs.
1
Computing Scales over 100 lbs.
1
Computing Scales under 100 lbs.
45
2
Personal weighing scales
4
Prescription scales
3
Avoirdupois Weights
307
:
Apothecary Weights
31
Metric Weights
13
Liquid Measures
86
4
Dry Measures
7
Gasoline Pumps
47
3
1
Kerosene Pumps
23
Sealed 7
114
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Quantity Stops (on pumps) 266
Molasses Measuring Devices
2
Yard Measures 20
Sealing fees and Adjusting charges collected and paid to Town Treasurer $104 11
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. STONE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
BOARD OF HEALTH
In 1924 298 cases of diseases dangerous to the Public Health were reported. In 1925 the number was 215.
One encouraging feature of the situation relates to diph- theria. In 1922 there were 29 cases; in 1923 20; in 1924 10; and in 1925 5. In 1923 the Shick Test was employed in a number of instances, and those found to be succeptable were minimized. The progressive dropping off in 1924-5, is to say the least highly suggestive. The Board again offers to have the work done for the school children as it has the past two years. It is not compulsary, and is without cost to the partic- ipants, the state and local health departments standing the expense. This is one angle of preventive medicine which both Federal and State Health Authorities are featuring, and has come to stay; and it behooves any progressive community to fall in line. It is the community's duty towards its children.
Following is the list of diseases dangerous to the Public Health reported during 1925:
Anteier Polio-Myetilis
1
Diphtheria
5
German Measles
2
Lobar Pneumonia
7
Measles
152
Scarlet Fever
27
Tuberculosis (Pulmonary)
4
(Glandules)
1
Syphilis
1
116
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Typhoid Flu Whooping Cough
1
14
Total 215
There was quite a large increase in the expenses of this de- partment on account of what had to be done for tuberculosis. A number of cases out of town having an Ipswich settlement were sent to hospitals and sanitoriums by the communities where they occurred and Ipswich had to pay the bills, which it had no part in contracting. As a partial offset, the town was reimbursed to the extent of $563.75 from the Common- wealth and other places, where the situation was the reverse of the one above referred to. While this reimbursement came to the town it did not come back to the health department ; so it was necessary to have transferred to the department from its overlay reserve, $950. to meet the department's expenses.
Special attention has been given to the division of Milk Inspection and it is the intention of the Board to carry this important work further, and ultimately eliminate any pos- sibility of infection of this necessary food product.
Attention is called to the special reports of the division of Child Hygiene and tuberculosis, Milk Inspection, Inspec- tion of Slaughtering and Sanitary Inspection.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. MacARTHUR, M. D. J. DELLINGER BARNEY, M. D. WALTER E. HENDERSON
Board of Health.
Ipswich, February 1, 1926
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
117
DIVISION OF CHILD HYGIENE AND TUBERCULOSIS REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR
The follow-up work in child hygiene has been carried on since 1916. This applies to children under two years of age. An average of more than 350 cases a year have received this follow-up care.
Mortality Table
Births
Deaths
1916
138
27
1917
155
24
1918
194
24
1919
195
21
1920
204
19
1921
219
16
1922
211
17
1923
179
9
1924
207
18
1925
191
14
The death rate among infants has diminished materially during that ten year period. Of the fourteen who are record- ed as having died in the first year in 1925, only two died of diseases. The other twelve died at the time of, or preceeding birth.
Another interesting fact. There were fourteen deaths re- corded between the ages of 2 and 21, a period of twenty years, an interesting situation and worthy of close and careful study.
Thirty-five case of Tuberculosis are now under observa- tion and care. This does not include those in sanitoriums. All this follow-up work is carried on by the department nurse.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. E. MacARTHUR, M. D.
Ipswich, February 1, 1926
118
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE SANITARY INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health of Ipswich,
Gentlemen :
I beg to submit herewith the following report of the Sani- tary Inspector for the year 1925 :
Sanitary conditions in a town like Ipswich are hard to control. If we had a sewerage system it would be much easier and a great deal more satisfactory. It has been re- cently stated by an engineer of the State Department of Health that if water was taken from the Ipswich River for metropolitan purposes it would necessitate the installation of a sewerage system by the Town of Ipswich. So we may be forced to do this in the near future if the Legislature should vote favorably on this matter. I sincerely hope that such a proposition will not be forced on our town at this time as it would incur a great hardship owing to the fact that our net bonded debt has been increased nearly $100,000. the past year. Owing to the increasing yearly demands for sewerage disposal this proposition becomes harder to solve and how to meet it is a great question.
The garbage proposition is increasing every year. The number of places collected from the last year was 336 an in- crease of 25% over the previous year. . If the people who de- pend on the Town for removal of their garbage would be more careful and not put in glass, bottles, cans and other refuse that should be burned, it would greatly facilitate matters. The fact that a new schoolhouse is being erected for the lower grades will relieve the unsanitary conditions of a number of the old schoolhouses.
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