USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1929 > Part 5
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It seems necessary to request an increased appropri- ation this year to cover additional supplies and plants.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. WADE, Chairman, ERNEST H. PICKARD, SAMUEL C. GORDON,
Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present to you the annual re- port of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1929 :
Sealed ... Non-Sealed ... Condem'd
Platform scales over 5000 lbs.
6
.. ...
Platform scales under 5000 lbs.
34
1
Counter scales under 100 lbs.
14
Computing scales over 100 lbs.
2
Computing scales under 100 lbs.
38
4
Spring scales over 100 lbs.
4
2
Spring scales under 100 lbs.
34
2
Personal weighing scales
6
Prescription scales
3
....
Avoirdupois weights
204
Apothecary weights
32
Liquid measures
39
Gasoline pumps
75
6
2
Kerosene pumps
18
Quantity stops on all pumps
417
Yard measures
12
..
Amount of sealing fees collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer, $99.08.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. STONE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
The Public Statutes require that all diseases danger- ous to The Public Health shall be reported to the Local Board of Health. In 1926 there were 146 such cases reported ; in 1927, 126, and in 1928, 60 cases. In 1929, 58 cases, showing that in the past two years there has been a reduction of more than 50 percent as compared with the preceding two years.
The question naturally arises, why is this so? Did it just happen ? No! There are several reasons, the chief one being that more time and more intensive work in the domain of what may be called Preventive Medicine has been employed to try and bring about this result.
The list of diseases reported is as follows :
Anterior Polyomyelitis
1
Chicken Pox,
1
Diphtheria
1
Dog Bite
5
Epidemic cerebro-spinal Meningitis
1
Gonnorrhae
2
Influenza
25
Measles
4
Mumps
1
Scarlet Fever
10
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
5
Typhoid Fever
1
Whooping Cough
1
Total
58
1929 was a busy year for the Department. Stricter sanitary supervision has been carried on, and there was an unrest in the Public Mind because of sanitary condi- tions that led to pollution of the clam flats in certain sec- tions, and as the result of a survey made by the State De- partment of Health certain of these flats were closed. The town voted to have a survey made for a system of sewerage, and an appropriation of $2500 was voted for said survey. The survey was made but the annual Town
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Meeting voted to place it on file for future reference. The Engineer's report was never published.
The largest item of expense for the year was for the care of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, which amounted to $2,094.90. There are at present in Sanitoria 6 cases, and the probability is that the expense for 1930 will be greater than it was for 1929. The report of the Direc- tor of the Divison of Child Hygeine and Tuberculosis will deal with the matter in more detail.
The Superintendent of Schools in his Report refers to the matter of having the school children immunized against Diphtheria. A most excellent suggestion; and in that connection will state that in 1924 the Board work- ing in conjunction with the State Department of Health started in to do that work. It is not compulsory, and the consent of the parents is necessary before the work can be done. Only about 130 had the necessary tests and the immunization. In 1925 and 1926 the Board again advertised to have the work done. There were about a dozen cases immunized in 1925 and none in 1926,. or in the last three years. This statement is made in answer to criticisms of the Board for its negligence.
The Board is ready at all times to cooperate with the State Department of Health in matters of this kind and has always done so.
One worth-while piece of work carried on by the Department during the years of 1928 and 1929 was the follow-up clinic for Infantile Paralysis. We were for- tunate in having the facilities of the Cable Hospital, and the cooperation of its management in this work, which was performed by representatives of the Harvard Infan- tile Paralysis Commission. The expense for the two years was $950 for which the Town of Ipswich made a special appropriation last year. Patients from adjacent towns were admitted to these clinics. The Board desires to express its appreciation to the Cable Hospital authorities for the large part the institution played in the success of these clinics.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. MacARTHUR, M. D., FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D., THOMAS G. GAULD,
Board of Health.
Ipswich, February 1st, 1930.
DIVISION OF CHILD HYGEINE AND TUBERCULOSIS REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR
This Division, started in 1916, has carried on for 14 years. The division nurse carries on her follow-up work among more than 300 children, and a large number of expectant mothers, and in addition to that, in the neigh- borhood of 40 cases of Tuberculosis annually.
There are at present 6 cases in Sanitoria. There were 10 new cases reported in 1929, and there are now 46 open cases under the supervision of the Department Nurse. Included in that list are 13 cases of children ex- amined by the State department of Health, and mostly classified as suspects. The State is carrying on a ten year plan of annual examinations. It will be interesting to see what ten years of supervision and advice will do for these children.
There were no deaths among children between the ages of 5 and 20, in 1929. That covers the school age period. On the whole there has been a perceptable im- provement in the health of the school children during the past five years.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. MacARTHUR, M. D.
Ipswich, Feb. 1, 1930.
Director.
REPORT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health,
Ipswich, Mass.,
Gentlemen :
I beg to submit the following report of the Sanitary Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1929 :
During the past year we have been very fortunate in regard to committing quarantine cases to the Conta- gious Hospital at Salem. In fact we have not been obliged to send a single case thereby saving a large ex- penditure over past years.
On the other hand Tuberculosis cases have in- creased very much over last year. Although the usual preventative measures are being carried out in the schools there seems to be a large increase in the number of these cases. The Health Dpartment has to care for these cases and consequently this means an additional expense.
Number of contagious disease cards posted 15
Number of complaints received and investigated 68
Number of hogs slaughtered 61
Number of calves slaughtered
1
Number of dead animals disposed of 20
Number of pasteurizing licenses issued 4
Number of cesspool and vault licenses issued 1
Number of garbage collection licenses issued 1
Number of tallow and soap grease licenses issued 2
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN B. MOULTON,
Sanitary Inspector.
MILK INSPECTOR'S REPORT
The milk situation for the past year remains about the same with the exception of one additional pasteur- izing plant making a total of four. The present method of milk inspection of this town compares very favorably with any town of its size. A constant check for sediment, bacteria, fats and solids is kept at the office of the Milk Inspector and any consumer may see the record if he cares to pay a visit to his office. In these days of so much criticism of milk supply it is important that these tests be made.
Number of producers' permits issued 25
Number of dealers' permits issued 47
Number of ice cream licenses issued 44
Number of oleomargerine licenses issued 6
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN B. MOULTON,
Milk nspector.
REPORT OF THE CLAM COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
The following is the report of the Clam Commission- ers for the year ending December 31, 1929 :
We find that the clamming at the present time is very poor this condition having been brought about by the closing of the whole of the Ipswich River by the State Board of Health. This is a great disadvantage to the clammers as this river was the clam supply through the winter months.
By a vote of the town meeting we were given an ap- propriation of $1000 for seeding and protection of the clam flats and an additional sum of $200 for the purpose of testing the clams in the Ipswich River.
On June 15th we took 81% barrels of seed clams from Crane's Beach in Essex River and put them in Fox Creek, both southern and western branches. This seed was from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length.
On June 18th we took 8 barrels of seed clams from Crane's Beach, Essex River, and put them in Stacy's Creek to Rogers Island River. This seed being 1/4 to 3/4 inches in length. This is the most seed that has ever been put in the flats in any one year.
We find that the clams seeded in above Eagle Hill last are large clams and haven't shown any signs of seed- ing in from them naturally. It will be early in the spring before we can tell just how the seed has taken that we have put in as it was very small and wouldn't be very large just at present. We recommend that the same thing be done next year.
We have had very little trouble with clammers dig- ging on areas closed by the Selectmen.
During the year there have been 119 permits issued which means that the town has received $595 from the clammers for permits.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We used some of the money to have tests taken from the Ipswich River to the amount of $142.15 plus the $200 appropriated for this purpose.
We wish to thank the Selectmen and other town of- ficers for their co-operation with us during the year.
Respectfully submitted, FARLEY C. LORD, HENRY A. CHURCHILL, CHARLES E. POOR,
Clam Commissioners.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the High- way Department for the year 1929. Along with the gen- eral work of maintenance 52,813 gallons of oil and tar- via have been applied to the streets covering approxi- mately 19 miles.
Autocar Truck worked 2,189 hours, covering 6,068 miles. Ford Truck worked 1,272 hours, covering 4,420 miles.
Autocar Truck used 1,543 gallons of gas.
Autocar Truck used 183 quarts of oil.
Ford Truck used 537 gallons of gas.
Ford Truck used 45 quarts of oil. .
INVENTORY
1 pair stable blankets $ 10.00
1 two horse cart
50.00
1 two horse sled 25.00
1 two horse sweeper
250.00
4 road machines 350.00
2 road plows 50.00
11 gravel screens 55.00
2 two horse shovels 25.00
4 road drags 50.00
1 two horse stone roller 25.00
1 gasoline roller and scraper
5,000.00
2 dump trucks 3,400.00
1 Fordson crawler tread and Sargent plow 1,200.00
1 Fordson tractor. 450.00
2 Fordson snow plows and wheels 400.00
2 Blade snow plows 500.00
1 V-shape snow plow 375.00
1 Tractor sidewalk plow
375.00 350.00
1 mixer
1 forge and anvil 35.00
1 gravel loader
400.00
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
1 tractor scoop shovel
45.00
1 watering cart
50.00
1 oil wagon
200.00
1 tar kettle
35.00
1 Ford truck
25.00
8 snow plows Snow fences
100.00
600.00
All other tools
1,100.00
$15,530.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS E. WOOD,
Supt. of Streets.
PUBLIC WELFARE REPORT
To the Citizens of Ipswich :
The work and expense of the Public Welfare De- partment during the past year has come largely from three classes, viz: The desertion cases, the widows and orphans, and the out-of-works. The proportionate amount of expense in each case has been in the order of their mention.
The cases of desertion, with the large expense en- tailed, are particularly vexatious. There must be some- thing lacking in our law or its administration, when a married man can fill his wife's arms with children, then desert and hide himself away in some part of this Coun- try or Canada, leaving the wife to manage the household and the town to pay the bills. It costs a pretty penny to find the deserter and bring him back. True, he can be jailed if he won't support his family ; but he can gain his freedom by promising to do so, and afterwards run again to remoter regions. The legislature should put more teeth in the desertion law, or else sharpen those already there.
The unemployment problem as yet remains unsolved. There is very little opportunity for our former mill oper- atives to drift away into other industrial centers in New England, because the wheels of industry are turning but slowly everywhere else. Unless the local mill opens its doors to the unemployed, the prospects are that we shall wrestle with the unemployment problem for a considera- ble length of time. The textile industry, like migratory birds, has flown South; and the shoe business, taking Greely's advice to the young man, has gone West. The South and West gain what New England loses, keeping the balance in the Country as a whole, but not helping us to any extent.
There are several things, however, that have helped us, and for these we are thankful. In this connection, the work of the S. P. C. C. through its agents, Miss Du- laney of Beverly and Miss Pettingell of Amesbury, to- gether with its local representative, Mrs. Vera Ross,
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
should have honorable mention. Their friendly visits and helpful counsel to needy families, and their gener- ous distribution of food and clothing of which the town has known but little, has helped to reduce expenses in numerous instances. This winter, contributions of sec- ond-hand clothing in remarkably good condition from kind-hearted citizens, in response to Chairman Poole's urgent request in the Salem News, have been greatly ap- preciated. Work in the Welfare Wood Yard has helped not a little to compensate the town for aid extended to the needy. The special work on the highways under the direction of Superintendent Wood ordered by the Se- lectmen has been a contributing factor to the lessening of expenses in this department.
As a departure from the usual course, the Board has requested a report from the Agent and another from the Superintendent of the Infirmary. Their reports now fol- low.
AGENT'S REPORT
Board of Public Welfare,
Gentlemen :
In the performance of my duties as Agent, having entered upon the same in May, 1929, I have carefully reviewed the list of regular dependents with the purpose to recommend whatever adjustments might appear to be necessary in order to properly care for the town's wards and to safeguard the public treasury.
Your department of the town government is particu- larly subject to mutation. Changes in conditions are constantly taking place, old problems being solved and new ones arising to claim attention. The only circum- stance that appears to remain stationary is embodied in the words of that Great Friend of the unfortunate who said, "The poor ye have with you always."
In my review of the list of regular dependents, I have found none receiving aid who did not appear to be entitled to the same, and none who in my judgment were
144
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
receiving too much. However, changing conditions re- quired, in a number of instances, change of method on the part of the Board. The recommendations which were made were adopted and are proving of value. No two cases are exactly alike. Each has its individual as- pect and must be given individual attention. Methods of administration must be varied to suit the differing needs. For instance : In one case, all cash may be safe- ly given. In another, it must be all orders for supplies. In still another, part cash and part in orders will answer.
Among the cases of regular dependents, I found seven women with a total of twenty-four small children who had been deserted by the husband and father. Com- plaint in each instance had been made to the Court, but neither the Police nor your Board had been able to lo- cate the deserters. I found nine widows with a total of sixteen small children. In addition, there was one woman with seven children, husband in Danvers Asylum; one with five children, husband in Middleton Sanatorium; one with four children, husband in Tewksbury, incurable ; one with four children, husband in Cable Hospital and going to Massachusetts General for two major opera- tions. Added· to these were a number of miscellaneous cases including three illegitimate children, one wholly and two partially supported by the town. During the summer and fall there was not an able-bodied man on the list, thanks largely to the North Shore Gas Company, which gave work during that period to considerable num. bers, some of whom most likely would otherwise have appealed for aid.
When the winter set in, men with families began to make application. At time of writing, no less than ten men, heads of families totaling thirty-eight children, have appealed for assistance. Whatever aid has been extended to these, has been partly compensated for by work in cutting trees or sawing wood. If an applicant was unwilling to cut wood for distribution among those poor like himself, he was denied aid. Only two men have spurned the axe or saw, but that was two too many.
The poor residing in other cities and towns but hav- ing a settlement in Ipswich and thus legally claiming Ipswich support include one in Boston, one in Haverhill, two in Rowley, three in Lynn, and four in Salem.
145
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
May I call the attention of the Board to the fact that certain of our townspeople labor under the impres- sion that the Cable Hospital is a free institution and that they consider it as such whenever they need its services. The impression is wholly incorrect. Treatment at the Hospital is not free. It must be paid for. If the patient does not pay, the town or city in which he has a legal settlement does so. If he has no settlement then the Com- monwealth pays. The Hospital must have its money in each and every case. It cannot carry on otherwise.
Now, if an Ipswich citizen is treated at the Hospital and for any reason does not pay the bill, the Superin- tendent notifies the Public Welfare, whereupon the Board orders the bill paid out of the annual appropria- tion of $1,500. The patient is then listed among the town charges exactly as if he had been granted an order for food, clothing, fuel, or rent. He is in the town's debt and must remain there until he reimburses the town treasury. Certainly no citizen with self-respect will suf- fer himself to be listed among the town charges if it is within his power to prevent. He will go the limit in the endeavor to pay the bill and preserve his pride.
Under the Statute, it is the duty of the town to pro- vide for the poor and indigent, and the town is not un- willing to perform this duty; but it is certain that the tax-payers are not willing to provide for those who are not really destitute, those who are able in some way to provide for themselves. Now, a person who lacks cash may have other resources, such as credit, property, rela- tives, friends, etc., to which or to whom he may look for assistance in time of need. Therefore, a citizen find- ing it necesasry to go to the Hospital for treatment, should consider as to how he is to pay his bill, should carefully look to his own resources first, and to the town only when all else has failed. And this applies with equal force to those who have medical attention at their own homes. Unless it be a case of emergency, no person who pleads poverty should be taken under the doctor's care or ad- mitted to the Hospital until the Board of Public Wel- fare has been notified and given time to investigate. The Board represents the town and is the proper authority to determine as to the patient's ability to pay.
Deliberate fraud has been sometimes attempted in
146
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the matter of medical attention and Hospital treatment. Here is a case in point: A man having an Ipswich set- tlement but actually residing and holding property in another town, goes to Salem Hospital for treatment. A large bill is presented to Ipswich to pay. Investigation shows that the man is assessed for $7,500 in real estate and $1,400 in personal property. The Board of Public Welfare acknowledges settlement, but denies responsi- bility and does not pay. Another case, but differing somewhat: A boy having an Ipswich settlement is ad- mitted to a Boston Hospital for an operation. Notice is sent to Ipswich, but Public Welfare refuses to pay be- cause it is found that both the boy and his mother have deposits in the Savings Bank. It sometimes happens that a prospective mother will make no provision for her care in confinement, nor interest herself as to the payment of the Hospital or Doctor's bill. The doctor, even, may not be called until delivery is close at hand. Although Public Welfare knows nothing about the case until after the child is born, the Board is advised that the town is obliged by law to pay the bill. This is ill-treatment for which the town has need of patience and forbearance.
I would recommend that this year the annual ap- propriation of $1,500 for the Hospital be turned over to the Public Welfare Department, to be used only for char- ity hospital cases having an Ipswich settlement, payment of such cases to be made monthly. The Hospital should not be expected, as in the past, to render service, say, in January or at any time in the early part of the year, and be compelled to wait until the following December for payment. It needs the money to work with, and should have it as soon as possible after the service has been rendered.
Another recommendation is, that the Hospital be paid monthly whenever possible for services rendered to chairty patients for which the Commonwealth or other
147
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
cities or towns are responsible, payment to be made from the regular appropriation for the Out Poor Department and reimbursement to be made to the treasury by the Commonwealth or such cities or towns. This and the foregoing recommendation, if adopted, will be the means of contributing to the working capital of the Hospital at a time when funds are most needed
Respectfully submitted ,
CHARLES G. HULL,
Agent.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
The Public Welfare Department,
Gentlemen :
It may be well to divide my report into two parts, first the Infirmary and second the Farm.
I believe it can be truthfully said that the house, both inside and out, is in a better state of repair than it has been for a long term of years. The granite under- pinning has been newly pointed up; all the windows puttied, sashes drawn, cases painted, and thirty new sashes put in; roof repaired and made water-tight; and new steps and platform, substantial in character, added to the front of the house. Inside, new floors in the corri- dors have been laid and worn treads on the men's stair- way have been replaced. Ceilings and walls have been thoroughly cleansed, whitened and painted, the whole interior presenting an appearance that elicits enthusias- tic commendation from all who visit the place.
In speaking of visitors, permit me to say that they are quite numerous at all seasons, coming not only from Ipswich but from neighboring cities and towns, one party of former residents motoring from New York City and spending the entire day with us. Rev. and Mrs. Nuzum, generally bringing others with them, have made a num- ber of pleasant visits during the year. The members of
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
the Woman's Relief Corps spent a day at the Infirmary; and on December 23, Rev. Carroll Perry, with about twenty . of his younger parishioners, called upon us in the evening, the Board of Public Welfare completing the party. Visitors, inmates, and the Superintendent's family gathered in the parlor and, surrounding the Christmas tree, tastefully trimmed and laden with gifts for the entire household, sang carols and listened to happy re- marks by the genial Rector. The visitors did not come empty-handed, for they brought gifts galore including fruit, candy, nuts, books, smokes, and ever so many good things, until the last vestige of unbelief in Santa Claus was swept from all minds. It was a happy occasion, one that will live long in the memories of all present. On Christmas Day, and on Thanksgiving Day as well, the inmates were treated to a real homestyle turkey dinner, the turkeys having been raised on the Farm.
The total registration was thirteen, of whom two have passed over the Border. There has been much sick- ness in the Home, the ailments being of such a nature as to necessitate a great deal of attendance on the part of the Superintendent as well as the Matron. This is not said, however, in a spirit of complaint, but merely to show that the outside work has been somewhat seriously inter- fered with through this cause.
May I not again suggest that it would be wisdom on the part of the town to put the electric lighting system in the house and barn? Convenience and safety would seem to necessitate this improvement.
Last year, as all farmers know to their sorrow, was not an average farming year. The season was so dry and hard that the land did not produce anything like the usual crops. It was even necessary during the continued drought to carry water from the well to the famishing stock in the pasture.
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