Town annual report of Ipswich 1930, Part 5

Author: Ipswich (Mass.:Town)
Publication date: 1930
Publisher: Lynn News Press / J. F. Kimball
Number of Pages: 334


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1930 > Part 5


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


born on June 1, 1930, he becomes three months old on September 1, 1930 and should be licensed on that date for the period Sept. 1, 1930 to April 1, 1931 (when it becomes necessary to relicense him for the year April 1, 1931 to April 1, 1932).


Respectfully submitted,


EDWARD S. COGSWELL,


Town Clerk.


REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen :


I have the honor to submit to you the report of the duties performed by the Police Department of Ipswich for the year ending December 31, 1930 :


Total number of arrests :


January


9


February


9


March


28


April


22


May


25


June


18


July


20


August


34


September


23


October


25


November


23


December


28


Total


265


Recapitulation ;


Crimes against Persons


10


Crimes against Public Order


255


Classification of Crimes :


Assault


8


Bastardy


1


Disturbance of Peace


6


Drunkenness


67


Liquor Nuisance


2


Fugitive from Justice


1


Illegal sale of liquor


0


Liquor manufacturing


9


Liquor Keeping


7


IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


143


Larceny


6


Lewdness


2


Non-support


3


Vagrancy


21


Violation Fish and Game Laws


29


Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws


23


Rape and delinquents


9


Operating under the influence of liquor


10


Violation of Town By-laws


0


Violation of Labor laws


0


Violation of rules of the road


5


Held for Grand Jury


Attempt to bribe officers


Violation Transient Vender laws


0


Gaming on Lord's Day


0


Malicious mischief


0


Being present where gaming implements were found


18


Gambling


6


Keeping gambling machines


0


Manslaughter


1


Disposition of Cases :


Appealed


23


Committed to House of Correction


13


Committed to State Farm


0


Defaulted


1


Discharged


13


Dismissed


9


Filed


32


Fined


104


Suspended


15


Probation


18


Filed on Restitution


0


Not Guilty


5


Released


15


Pending


16


Miscellaneous :


Assistance rendered to Persons in distress


10


Buildings found opened and secured


36


Committed to State Hospital


4


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


Complaints investigated by Police


1000


Lost children restored to Parents


3


Number dogs killed 30


Number horses killed


2


Number cows killed


2


Number autos transfered


240


Number warrants served for outside Police 2


Number summons served for outside Police


75


Number of hours Police Duty for Private Parties 1800


Number of Children before Juvenile Court


10


Estimated value of stolen property restored


to owners $3,100


Number ambulance calls assisted by Police 42


Number of stolen autos recovered 6


Inventory of Police Department :


Police Badges


12


Special Police Badges


8


Clubs


9


Flash Lights


10


Ford Touring Car


1


Hand Cuffs


9


Keys


35


Lungmotor


1


Pistols


5


Riot Gun


1


Search light


1


Twisters


6


Whistles


12


Gas Club


1.


Gas Pen


1


I wish to take the opportunity at this time to thank all Town officials who have assisted this Department in the performance of its duties. I would also like to bring to the attention of the public that we have had wonderful cooperation from the State Constabulary who have been ready to assist us at all times.


Respectfully submitted,


EDWARD BLAUVELT,


Chief of Police of Ipswich.


REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS


To the Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen :


The following is the report of the Engineers of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1930.


Number of Men in Department


34


Number of Bell Alarms


52


Number of Still Alarms


82


Number of False Alarms


3


Number of Feet of 21/2 inch hose laid


27950


Number of Gallons of Chemical used


980


Number of Miles covered by apparatus


412.4


Number of Hours pumping


20


Number of Times Booster Tank used


25


Number of Feet of ladder used


1160


Estimated Value of Property Threatened by fire


$94,400.00


Assessed Valuation of Property Threatened


by fire $54,400.00


Estimated Value of Contents Threatened by fire


$35,100.00


Loss of Contents by fire


$17,313.14


Loss of Property by fire


$36,566.15


Insurance on property threatened by fire


$66,150.00


Insurance on contents threatened by fire


$20,600.00


Insurance paid on property


32,149.29


Insurance paid on contents


$11,713.14


DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT


40 gallon chemical tank on wheels at Little Neck 1


Sanford Auto Hook and Ladder 1


White Auto Triple Combination pump 1


White Auto Combination chemical and hose 1


G. M. C. auto hose and chemical 1


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


Fire alarm boxes


23


Imaginary boxes


2


Feet of chemical hose 600


Number of feet. of good 21/2 inch hose


3800


Number of feet of inferior hose


300


Value of equipment in Fire Dept. owned by Town


$45,000.00


The Engineers recommend the appointment of two more permanent men this year. This would enable us to keep the apparatus covered 24 hours a day and also give the men the same working day as other departments. A great many towns and cities are working under a two platoon system which enables them to have each piece of apparatus covered at all times. The New England Insurance Exchange recommends that we do this.


We also recommend the purchase of 500 feet of hose this year, which is needed badly.


We recommend that the sum of $500.00 be appro- priated to be used on the fire alarm, as there are boxes that will have to be changed from the old poles to the new ones that the telephone company changed this year. The wires will also have to be tightened, and new boxes installed. We have one fire alarm box, No. 25, to replace on Hammatt Street, as this box is broken and is of the old type which cannot be repaired, and also a box to be placed on Fruit Street, corner of Rocky Hill Road.


The new Gamewell Diaphone compressed air fire alarm signal, which the town purchased this year, has been working fine, has been of great benefit to the de- partment, and has proven satisfactory in every way. The new Sanford Hook and Ladder that the town purchased this year has added greatly to the efficiency of the de- partment.


We wish to take this opportunity to thank the Se- lectmen and all others who made it possible for us to get our new piece of apparatus.


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE W. BROWN, CLARENCE J. DUPRAY, SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY, Board of Engineers.


REPORT ON FIRE ALARM SYSTEM


Mr. George W. Brown,


Chief Fire Dept.,


Ipswich, Mass.,


Dear Sir :


I wish to report on the condition of the Fire Alarm System as follows :


STATION EQUIPMENT


Power batteries and generator in good shape.


Compressor equipment and air whistle installed this year very satisfactory.


Recommend that the old Electric Siren be disposed of in some way.


OUTSIDE LINES


For the reason that many poles have been replaced by either the Telephone Co. or the Electric Light Dept. during the past year a number of the outside Alarm boxes have had to be changed to new poles and in some cases the Fire Alarm wires transferred. At the present time Box 19 on High St. is on a temporary pole and will have to be transferred to the permanent pole and the wires from the railroad up to that pole transferred. The same is true at Box 56 on Lafayette road and the wires should be pulled tight from the corner of Topsfield road up to that box.


The outside case on Box 25 on Hammatt street is broken and it has been impossible to get a replacement for this box as it was one of the first installed and is not manufactured now.


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


There is between 7 and 8 miles of outside Fire Alarm wire on poles, in most cases installed in 1915. Although the wire itself does not deteriorate very much, the wood- en pins and arms do, and each year more and more have to be replaced. The limbs of the trees cause a great deal of trouble to the system as in most cases the Fire Alarm wires are on the top of the poles and as the trees grow or become weighted with leaves or snow they come in contact with the wires and as the Fire Alarm is a closed system any ground of consequence makes the system in- operative. The only relief is to cut off the limbs or re- place the wire.


I believe that a sum of money not to exceed $500.00 should be spent this year to make the necessary repairs outlined above.


There has also been some agitation for the past few years to establish a Fire Alarm Box at the head of Min- eral street on High street and one on Fruit street at the junction near Rocky Hill road. I feel however that this is a matter for yourself and the Board of Engineers to pass judgment and to make recommendations.


Yours truly, CHARLES A. MALLARD,


Supt. Fire Alarm System.


FOREST WARDEN'S REPORT


Board of Selectmen,


Gentlemen :


The following is the report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1930:


Number of grass and brush fires 43


Expenditures


Fighting fires


$112.00


Posting notices


5.00


Supplies


75.94


$192.94


Appropriation


$100.00


Transfer from Reserve Fund


100.00


$200.00


Expenditures


192.94


Unexpended balance


$ 7.06


I recommend that $300.00 be appropriated for the prevention of forest fires this year. This is a bit higher than our appropriations have been in the past, but dur- ing the year a law was passed to the effect that during periods of drought the State Forester may order a patrol of the roads adjacent to forest lands. Below is a portion of the State Forester's letter.


"This patrol should be used largely along the high- way adjacent to your forest lands and various places in your town where the public may congregate for camping or picnic parties. It is not the State Forester's desire to order a patrol unless conditons warrant it and then it may apply only to Saturdays, Sundays and holidays dur-


150


IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


ing the spring and fall fire season. We desire the coop- eration of the various towns throughout the state and feel confident that a small amount of money expended for such a patrol will not only save your taxable forest lands but will also be the means of reducing fire fighting ex- penses very materially."


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE W. BROWN,


Forest Warden.


REPORT OF THE 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. These diseases vary from year to year. In 1929 there were but 58 cases reported. In 1930 the number was 308. Measles were epidemic to the extent of 245 as compared with 9 the previous year. Be- low is a list of the diseases reported in 1930.


Anterio Polyomyelitis


4


Chicken Pox


16


Diphtheria


12


Dog Bite


4


Measles


245


Mumps


1


Scarlet Fever


8


Typhoid Fever


2


Pulmonary Tuberculosis


2


Gonnorrhoea


1 1


Syphilis


Whooping Cough


11


Encephelargica


1


Total


308


All in all it was a busy year for the Department. While there was no infantile paralysis clinic held as in the past two years, several cases had to be sent to the clinic at Boston periodically, and the Board paid that ex- pense, which was less than maintaining a clinic for an- other year would have been.


The largest expense was for the care and treatment of tuberculosis, mostly in the various sanitoria. As sev- eral of these cases have been discharged it is hoped that the expense will be less the coming year.


Acting on the advice of the Superintendent of Schools the Board took up the matter of Immunization against Diphtheria. In this work we were assisted by Dr. Archibald, the State District Health Officer. 121 were immunized, as compared with 131 in 1926. It is to be


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


hoped that a larger number will avail themselves of this privilege this coming year. It is not compulsory, but con- sent of the parents is necessary.


Another matter which the Board took up and carried through was for carriers among the pupils of the Shats- well School. Tests were made of all the pupils and we were assisted in the work by the State District Health of- ficer, Dr. Archibald. The returns from these tests showed 3 positive cases. From a study of the history of these cases all were shown to be recent ones. One had had no physician, all were immediately followed up, and at the present writing all are now positive.


We wish to thank the trustees of the Memorial Building for its use for the holding of these clinics; also we desire to express our appreciation of the spirit of co- operation on the part of Dr. Archibald, and to thank him for his valuable assistance.


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE E. MacARTHUR, M. D. THOMAS G. GAULD, FRANK L. COLLINS, M. D.


Board of Health.


Ipswich, February 2, 1931.


DIVISION OF CHILD HYGIENE AND TUBERCULOSIS REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR


This Division has been carrying on for fifteen years and is still going strong. Its duties and activities have in- creased. We have to report on the work with Tubercu- losis as follows :


Jan. 1st, 1930, Open cases New cases


46


2


Total 48


Moved away 2


4


By death Recovered


6


Discharged 12


Still under care, Dec. 31st, 1930 36


These cases are all under the follow-up care of the Nurse. One important phase of the work of the Division which is carried on by the Nurse and Physician is that of the daily Clinics for the School Children. This Division, and not the School Department, is responsible for this work. In the epidemics of contagious diseases which have occurred quite a large percentage called no physician. Be- cause of the statuatory authority given Boards of Health, the physician and nurse immediately followed up re- ports of these cases for purposes of diagnosis and di- rection, and were thereby in possession of information that as school physician and nurse they had not the au- thority to obtain. Experience has shown that there are times when a bit of coercion is necessary to obtain re- sults in public health work.


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE E. MacARTHUR, M. D.


Director.


Ipswich, February 2, 1931.


REPORT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR


To the Board of Health,


Gentlemen :


I beg to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1930 :


Number of contagious disease cards posted 261


Number of complaints received and investigated 74


Number of hogs slaughtered 19


Number of dead animals disposed of


15


Number of pasteurizing licenses issued


4


Number of cesspool and vault licenses issued


2


Number of garbage collector's licenses issued 1


Number of garbage collector's registrations 3


Number of tallow and soap grease licenses issued 3


Respectfully submitted,


EBEN B. MOULTON,


Sanitary Inspector.


MILK INSPECTOR'S REPORT


The milk situation for the past year remains about the same. The present method of milk inspection requires a constant check on all milk consumed in town whether it is produced here or not. We have at present three out- side dealers who are furnishing chain stores with milk making additional inspection necessary. All milk is checked up as to pasteurizing, fats and solids, bacteria and sediment. At the present time milk and cream re- quire much more inspection than in the past and the con- sumers demand that it shall be made. It is an established fact that no article of food is so susceptible to disease as milk and the money spent for safeguarding this product is well spent.


Number of Producer's permits issued 32


Number of Dealer's licenses issued 43


Number of Ice Cream licenses issued 34


Number of Oleomargerine licenses issued 7


Respectfully submitted,


EBEN B. MOULTON,


Milk Inspector.


REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH SUPPRESSION


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen :


I herewith submit my annual report as Superinten- dent of Moth Suppression.


The work in this department varies but little from year to year. The Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths have now been established so long and thoroughly in the East that the work has become practically standardized. This consists of two main phases; the Fall, Winter and early Spring work of creosoting the egg clusters of the Gypsy Moth and cutting the webs of the Brown-tail moth. The second phase is the annual summer spraying campaign. It might be interesting to note here some of the other in- sect pests which are also controlled by this spray and which would otherwise cause a large economic loss. Principally they are the Elm-leaf Beetle, Tent Caterpil- lar, Summer Canker Worm, Satin Moth and Oriental Moth.


The Moth situation in Ipswich this year is what might be termed normal, i. e. no marked increase or decrease although there is a slight decrease in both the Gypsy and Browntail Moths. Last year the Browntail Moths were very thick in the Northwestern section of the town, but this season are scattered more generally over the entire town and have in some instances gotten into the higher trees thereby making extra climbing necessary.


The satin moth which feeds only on Willows and Poplars was the past summer generally scattered over the entire township where these food plants were avail- able.


Another pest which does not come directly under the jurisdiction of this department but which has usually been controlled by the customary spraying is the Elm- leaf Beetle. This pest made a very heavy and unex- pected descent on our Elms the past summer and thus calls for a heavy spray campaign the coming season.


15:


IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


The department is now in need of a new truck, the present one having done a valiant and efficient service of five years. Due to the almost impossible task of pro- curing horses to draw the large sprayer I am recommend- ing a ton and one half Dodge or International Harvester truck with a tractor attachment, by which the front wheels may be taken off the sprayer and the same drawn by the truck. I would also recommend a special body of low and wide construction for the better hauling of brush and for hauling the smaller sprayer. Although this type of truck and body has a greater first cost I believe the same is justified by the longer life of same and conditions under which it is required to work.


I am recommending a slight increase in the appropri- ation for this department over that of last year, but this is in the main to take care of additional private work which means that the money will be returned to the town.


Respectfully submitted,


FRANCIS C. WADE,


Supt. Moth Suppression.


REPORT OF TREE WARDEN


To the Citizens of Ipswich :


I herewith submit my annual report as Tree Warden :


The work of this department the past year has been along the customary lines. It consists mainly of removal of dead branches and such others as have become too low so as to interfere with over head wires, dwellings and traffic.


The past year the Tree Warden has done a large amount of work in conjunction with the Municipal Light department. I desire at this time to express my appre- ciation for their co-operation and especially that of Mr. Harris, the foreman. I have also done a considerable amount of work along the same lines for the Telephone Company, for which the company paid the men.


One public hearing was held on a petition for re- moval of a public shade tree. This matter was adjusted agreeably to petitioner. Three Sugar Maple trees on Maple avenue, which had been killed by gas were re- moved. The North Shore Gas Company reimbursed the town to the amount of double the cost of removal, how- ever this does not replace the trees. This money was paid directly into the town treasury and I would recommend that a like amount be added to the budget for the use of the shade trees this year. Three other trees of varying size were cut down in different parts of the town, as well as one large stump which had been standing for a num- ber of years. There are several large trees which should be removed this coming season as well as a large stump. To do this work a much larger sum of money will be re- quired than in past seasons.


In addition to tree removals there is also much rou- tine work which should be done that is taking out dead wood and cabling and bolting. The very severe drought which this section of the country has suffered the last two summers and also the very heavy infestation of the


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


Elm leaf Beetle has caused a large increase in the amount of dead wood.


The future of the Shade Trees in Ipswich should be of grave concern to all public spirited citizens and should cause a renewed interest in one of our greatest assets. Changing conditions seem to be all against the shade tree. The passing of the horse age with the old dirt roads and natural fertilization and watering to the modern hard surfaces and oiled road has wrought great havoc with the fine old trees through our Commonwealth. This should be of grave concern and careful thought and study for upon this depends what we leave in the matter of civic beauty for coming generations.


I would again call attention to one of the sections of the shade tree laws, Chapt. 87 :


Cutting of Public Shade Trees


Section 3. Except as provided by section five, pub- lic shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the tree war- den or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit in writing from said tree warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his dep- uty or other person without a public hearing at a suitable time and place, after notice thereof posted in two or more public places in the town and upon the tree at least seven days before such hearing, and after authority granted by the tree warden therefore.


In addition to the regular duties of the department the Tree Warden has the past season supervised the spending of the appropriation made at the last town meeting for work to be done on the Town Hill property and an appropriation of $650.00 for cutting brush along the roadsides as part of the unemployment program.


I have attended the annual and summer meetings of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens Association as well as other meetings of a similar nature and have received much help from the same.


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


I desire to express my appreciation to all those who have assisted in the work of the department and shown an interest in the work and hope that this interest may grow threefold.


Respectfully submitted,


FRANCIS C. WADE,


Tree Warden.


REPORT OF BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS


To the Citizens of Ipswich :


The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report :


In general the work the past season of this depart- ment has been along the same general lines as in other years. Maintaining as far as possible neat and attractive lawns on both the North and South Greens, at the Giles Firmin Garden and Elm Street Landing.


Turkey Shore Pasture so called, that is the river bank on either side of Green Street Bridge was scythe mowed once. At this location there is a splendid opportunity for development, especially on the areas adjacent to the side- walk. This could be done by leveling with additional loam and thus creating a strip of lawn.


The drought the past summer has had a somewhat disastrous effect on the grass on both Commons. The North Green suffered the most in this respect as the land is ledge and the soil very shallow. We believe that this condition can be helped this year by a fairly liberal ap- plication of fertilizer, which the grass has not had for several seasons.


There has been an increased tendency the past sum- mer on the part of the younger children to use the Mem- orial plot on the North Green as a playground, especially at night due to the nearness of several large lights. With the other large areas of the Common to play on, with a greater co-operation on the part of the parents we believe that this practice could be discontinued. It does not seem in keeping with the dignity of the plot and has been most harmful to the grass and banking's.


At the South Green as we have mentioned before a very bad condition exists, especially in the colder months due to the larger part of the Common being low- er than the adjacent State Road. This causes a large amount of water to stand there and freeze which is very


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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT


bad for the grass. Another season after the reconstruc- tion of the State Highway is completed with sufficient funds available perhaps this condition can be somewhate corrected.


Tulips were grown in the beds on both Commons last Spring and during the Summer flowering plants. Tu- lips were again planned last Fall for the coming Spring


We are recommending a slightly increased appro- priation this year for material and supplies, mainly a new hand mower, flag and fertilizer.


Resectfully submitted,


FRANCIS C. WADE, E. H. PICKARD, S. C. GORDON,


Park Commissioners.


REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURERS


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,


Gentlemen :


I have the honor to present to you the annual report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1930 :


Sealed Non-Sealed Condem'd


Platform scales over 5000 lbs.


3


......


Platform scales under 5000 lbs.


26


Counter scales over 100 lbs.


1


Counter scales under 100 lbs.


16


Spring scales over 100 lbs.


5


1


Spring scales under 100 lbs.


40


6


Computing scales over 100 lbs.


1


Computing scales under 100 lbs.


44


3


Personal weighing scales


8


2


Prescription scales


3


Avoirdupois weights


160


Apothecary weights


28


2


Metric weights


27


Liquid measures


31


Dry measures


6


Gasoline pumps


75


5


5


Kerosene pumps


16


Quantity measures on pumps


391


Linear measures


11


....


Sealing fees and adjusting charges collected and paid to Town Treasurer, $96.02.




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