USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1928 > Part 4
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gas, oil, repairs
$132.10
Cases in Court
48
Auto violators reported to Police Headquarters
76
Fines taken in the Court
$1,060.00
Summons served
31
Obstructions on highway removed
5
Assisted motorist
11
Accidents reported
21
Arrest
22
Disturbance quelled without arrest
4
Mileage
4773
CONCLUSION
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for the assistance that the operators of motor vehicles have given me in the past year.
At this time it gives me great pleasure in the manner in which the officers of the department conducted themselves and the courtesy they showed the public in getting traffic through the congested streets that we had during the past . summer. The assistance of the teachers in the Middlebor- ough Schools in the education of the children in regard to traffic, which education has reduced our accidents in the past year. I wish to thank the operators of the local tele- phone exchange for the good service given the department, which has been a great assistance in our work. I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for the assistance and co-operation given me by the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Fourth District Court, the people of the Town of Middle- borough, and the Officers of the Department who have helped to make the administration of this department a success.
Respectfully submitted, ALDEN C. SISSON, Chief of Police
70
WATER DEPARTMENT
There is little new in the activities in this department to report this year.
The main gates, hydrants and curb boxes have all been inspected and all the necessary repairs made, in order that they may function properly when needed. No new main gates have been added to the system this year. We have, however, added one new hydrant on the end of the main on Washburn St. and moved the hydrant on School St. exten- sion to the end of the pipe.
Eight services have been added to the system.
The coke in the reisler of the filter plant was renewed in December, after being in use nearly four years. The object of the coke treatment of the water is to take out the iron and magnese which is in solution in the water before it passes through the sand filters. As the water passes through the coke the iron adheres to the coke in the form of a red mud, and in course of time the voids in the coke itself are filled, as well as the voids existing between the several pieces of coke, so that eventually it becomes one solid mass, and no water can pass through. Then it becomes necessary to remove the coke, as well as the accumulation of red mud, and re- place it with fresh coke. As there are ninety tons of coke, it is quite an expensive job. The total cost of renewing the coke this year was $1,488.32.
The seepage of the stand pipe is apparently increasing, but not enough to cause any alarm, or enough to weaken the structure. Studies are still being made of methods of re- pairing it, but no method as yet has come to light which is within our means. We hope, however, in the near future to be in a position to make definite recommendations.
A study has been made of cleaning mains. As openings have been made in our main pipes, an examination has been made, and we find in every instance that they are very dirty. There is a deposit in the bottom of all of them similar to the material that accumulates in the reisler, and in addition
71
there are large numbers of rust warts. This condition de- creases the diameter of the pipe, and increases the friction loss tremendously so that in case of fire, when the full capa- city of the system is needed, there is a large reduction in the volume of water. These dirty mains add to the daily pump- ing expense because of the increased function head which the pumps are obliged to work against.
I hope that a way can be found this year to clean a few thousand feet of our main lines.
Respectfully submitted, H. J. GOODALE,
Town Manager and Superintendent
72
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1928.
Population by census of 1925,-9,136. Date of con- struction-1885. By whom owned-Town of Middleboro. Source of supply-well south of village near Nemasket River. Mode of supply-pumped direct overflow to stand- pipe.
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Builders of Pumping Machinery, two Goulds Electrical- ly Driven Centrifugal main units; 1 Gould driven by Moore Steam Turbine, and 1 DeLaval complete tur- bine and pump, auxiliary units.
2. Description of fuel used :
(a) Electric Power for Main Units
(b) Bituminous coal for auxiliary units
(c) Price per K. W. H .- average $.0227
(d) Average price of coal per Net ton, de- livered $6.70
K. W. H. consumed for the year
(a) Main Pump 141,640
(b) Filter Pump 26,770
3. Coal consumed for the year, heat and power, lbs 57105
4. Total pumpage for the year, passed through meter, gal. 97,735,000*
5. Average Static head against which pumps work, in feet 295
6. Average dynamic head against which pump work, in feet 300
7. Number of gallons pumped per K. W. H. Main pump only 675.5
8. Duty equals gallons pumped (4) x 8.34 lbs.) x 100 x dynamic head (6) divided by total K. W. H. Consumed 168,897,365
73
9. Cost of pumping figured on Pumping Station expenses $9,399.10
10. Per million gallons pumped
96.16
11. Per million gallons raised one foot dynamic 0.32
* Of total amount 2,121,000 gallons were pumped by steam. ** This cost includes resanding and maintenance of filters and no coal.
STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION OF WATER
1. Total population 1925 Census 9,136
2. Estimated population on lines of pipe 5,740
3. Estimated population supplied 5,650
4. Total Consumption for the year
97,735,000
5. Passed through meters, gallons 72,315,700
6. Percentage of consumption metered 78.1
7. Average daily consumption 267,035
8. Gallons per day to each inhabitant 29
9. Gallons per day to each consumer 47
10. Gallons per day to each tap
207
11. Cost of supplying water per million gallons figured on total maintenance. $183.28
Total cost of supplying water, per million gallons figured on total maintenance plus interest on bonds and bonds 216.00
12.
STATISTIC RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Mains
1. Kind of pipe-case iron, wrought iron
2. Sizes-1 inch to 16 inches
3. Extended during year, feet
none
21.30
4. Total now in use, miles
5. Length of pipe less 4 in. in diameter 166
74
6. Number of hydrants in use 155
7. Number of stop gates smaller than 4 in.
1
8. Number of blow offs
10
9. Range of pressure on mains 84-120
Services
10. £ Kind of pipe-wrought iron, cement lined, cast iron
11. Sizes-1/2 inch to 6 inches
752.3
13. Total now in use, miles
14.42 8
14. Number of service taps added
1
15. Number of service taps discontinued
1289
16. Number now in use
58.8
17. Average length of service
3
19. Number of meters now in use
98
21. Percent of receipts from metered water 99
22. Number of motors 0
TOTAL LENGTH OF MAIN PIPE
61 in. 12 in. 10 in. 8 in. 6 in. 4 in. 2 in. 112 in. 1 in. Total
400 8,084.9 9,362.0 7,403.5 71,743.2 14,615.2 832.7 40.9 4.6 112,487.0
Total length of miles
155
Number of gates added, none, total
243
Number of blow offs
10
Service connections made, 8, total 1289
Number of services now taking water
1251
Feet of service pipe put in during the year 752
32,953
Feet of service pipe within street lines
0
Motors in use
3
Meters set during the year
Meters now in use
1217
18. Number of meters added
1217
20. Percent of services metered
21.30
Number of hydrants added, one, total
-
12 Extended, feet
75
Meters 5/8 in.
34 in.
1/2 in.
1 in.
11/2 in. 2 in. 3 in.
American 345
1
3
Trident 237
1
1
1
Lambert 197
1
Hersey '139 2
3
2
1
2
Worthington 168
Nash
38
3
1
Keystone 26
1
Empire
5
2
3
Union
2
Crown
1
King
3
Neptune
1
Federal
25
2
1186 8
4
13
2
2
2
Total 1217
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS-DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH WATER ANALYSIS
Appearance
Residue on Evaporation
Ammonia Albuminoid
Nitrogen as
Date oft Collecion
Turbidity
Sediment
Color
Total
Free
Total
Chlorine
Nitrates
Nitrites
Hardness
Iron
Mn.
1927
Sept. 7
S1.
Cons. iron
. 23
7.60
.0168
. 0076
.62
. 0400
. 0003
2.7
.320
. 300*
201236
Nov. 3
Dist.
Cons. iron
fil. . 40
7.40
. 0152
. 0046
. 61
. 0430
. 0001
2.7
. 530
. 080
199864
Sept. 7
None
. 02
6.30
. 0018
. 0022
. 64
. 0460
. 0013
2.5
. 011
.043 **
201237
3
V. SI.
None
15
6.80
. 0002
. 0018
. 59
.0450
. 0002
2.6
.027
.000 **
202462
Jan. 11
SI.
Cons. iron
25
7.50
. 0132
. 0042
. 65
. 0540
.0002
3.1
. 370
.200*
203572
Mar. 6
S1.
Cons. iron
fil. . 05
6.70
. 0086
. 0018
. 68
. 0450
. 0003
2.7
.340
. 110*
202463
Jan. 11
S1.
Iron
.38
7.80
. 0112
. 0044
. 66
. 0450
0003
2.7
. 170
. 100 **
203573
Mar.
6
S1.
Cons. iron
fil. . 10
7.20
0080
. 0022
. 67
. 0350
. 0002
2.6
. 240
.084 **
204617
May
8
S1.
Cons. iron
fil. . 02
6.00
. 0082
. 0046
. 59
.0330
.0000
2.5
. 300
.080*
204618
May
8
Slight
Iron
fil. . 11
6.50
. 0096
. 0038
. 60
. 0430
. 0001
2.2
. 190
. 060 **
206054
11-12
S1.
V. SI. .20
8.70
0020
.0054
. 59
. 0420
.0000
2.1
055
. 050*
207766
6-7
Dist.
Cons. iron
.52
7.00
.0120
. 0044
. 56
. 0330
.0000
2.3
. 540
.080*
209241
8-9
Dist.
Cons. iron
fil. . 50
7.00
. 0116
0084
. 64
. 0300
. 0000
2.2
. 480
. 104*
206055
11-12
Slight
fil. . 30
7.00
. 0082
. 0052
. 59
. 0320
.0000
2.1
. 150
. 100 **
207767
6-7
Sı.
Cons. iron
.40
7.60
.0152
. 0036
. 58
. 0360
.0000
2.1
.300
. 060 **
209242
8-9
S1.
S1. iron
fil. . 40
7.40
.0088
. 0042
.65
.0350
0000
2.6
. 230
. 090 **
206056
11-12
Very Sl.
. 10
6.10
.0004
0034
. 56
0340
0000
2.1
.023
. 000 ***
207768
6-7
V. SI.
None
.08
6.20
0000
0020
. 56
0320
0000
2.1
033
.000 ***
209243
8-9
V. SI.
None
.24
9.60
. 0006
0016
. 63
. 0350
. 0000
2.2
.053
.000 ***
* Inlet to Filter
** Outlet of Filter
** Tap-Filtered Water-Final.
76
July
Sept.
Nov
July
Sept.
Nov.
July
Sept.
Nov.
No.
199863
Nov. 1928
PUMPING STATION RECORD, 1928
Main Pumps Time Pumping Electric Steam
Average Daily
Coal used Pounds
Daily Average
K. W. H. used Filter Pump
Daily Average
January
132-48
8-45
4-34
7,971,000
257,129
11,378
379
4,400
4,594
223-10
7-12
2,104
68
February
124-5
8-10
4-33
7,493,000
258,379
10,661
381
2,800
4,452
209-40
7-14
1,971
68
March
138-50
9-15
4-46
8,373,000
270,097
11,925
384
4,000
4,775
237-30
7-40
2,227
72
April
138-23
7-
4-51
8,289,000
276,300
11,892
410
2,218
3,438
233-30
7-47
2,154
72
May
137-25
4-26
7,925,000
255,645
11,856
382
1,604
230-50
7-27
2,112
68
June
141-25
4-43
8,188,000
270,600
12,050
402
241-40
8-3
2,189
73
July
144-38
8-30
4-56
8,607,000
277,645
12,385
413
3,400
260-38
8-24
2,358
79
August
154-40
9-25
5-18
9,201,000
296,806
13,213
440
2,800
289-5
9-19
2,560
83
September
140-31
6-35
4-54
8,288,000
276,266
11,980
413
3,330
600
271-5
9-2
2,383
79
October
130-12
9-20
4-30
8,067,000
260,226
11,392
379
7,000
905
266-35
8-36
2,268
73
November
128-46
4-17
7,392,000
246,400
11,043
368
2,175
231-35
7-42
1.932
4
December
138-20
4-28
7,941.000
256,163
11,865
383
4,644
326-0
10-32
2,512
81
Totals
1,650-3
67
97,735000
141,640
29,918
27,187 3,021-58
26,770
73
Daily Averages
4 hr. 41 min.
267,036
396
Greatest number of gallons pumped in one day, 817,000, April 20, 1928. Least number of gallons pumped in one day, 184,000, Nov. 18, 1928. Of the total pumpage 2,121,000 gallons were pumped by steam pump.
RALPH SAMPSON,
Engineer
77
Month
Hours
Minutes
Hours
Hours
Minutes
Gallons Pumped
Daily
Average
K. W. H. used
Main Pump
Daily
Average
Power
Station
Heater
Hours
Minutes
Hours
Minutes
Minutes
Filter Supply Time Pumping Electric
78
RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE RECORD, 1928.
Temperature, Degrees
Precipitation Inches
Month
Highest
Lowest
Mean ·
Rain and
Melted Snow
Snow
51/2
February
March
68
1
35.3
2.76
71/2
April
76
18
43.7
4.07 Trace
May
75
32
53.4
1.40
June
83
40
62.7
4.53
July
90
45
71.
4.11
August
94
45
71.6
1.71
September
81
29
59.2
4.34
·October
86
17
52.7
2.69
November
70
9
40.7
1.45
18
December
53
7
34.
3.41
3
37.32
2278
Totals
-Below
RALPH SAMPSON,
Observer.
-1
29.8
2.89
January
52
53
-7
26.7
3.96
634
79
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK
Record of the Annual Town Meeting and its Adjournments January 16th, 1928
Article 1 :- To choose all necessary town officers, the fol- lowing officers to be voted on one ballot, viz: a Moderator for one year, a Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes for one year, one Selectman for three years, two members of the School Board for three years, five members of the Plan- ning Board, one for one year, one for two years, one for three years, one for four years, and one for five years.
Meeting was called to order at 11 o'clock A. M. by Mod- erator Fletcher Clark Jr.
The warrant was read by the Town Clerk.
Voted: that the Polls be now opened and remain open until 8 o'clock P. M. at which time they shall be closed.
The following Election Officers were sworn in-Luke F. Kelley, Henry B. Schlueter, Ralph W. Maddigan, Fletcher Clark Jr., Edwin M. Ryder, Mary B. Cromwell, Alice B. Pratt, John L. Perry and Henry B. Sears.
The polls were closed at 8 o'clock P. M. and the result of the voting was as follows :----
Moderator
Fletcher Clark Jr.
1278
Alvin C. Howes
1
Blanks
361
1640
Selectmen
Ernest L. Maxim
582
Frederic H. Noble
1052
Blanks
6
1640
80
Town Treasurer & Collector William W. Brackett Frank Reed David R. Walker
1334
1
1
Edward J. Reynolds
1
1
301
-
1640
School Committee
1186
Priscilla S. Alger Kendrick H. Washburn
1242
Mrs Wendall Holloway Blanks
851
3280
Planning Board
Theodore H. Stegmaier
1006 1 yr.
Henry W. Sears, Jr.
984 2 yr.
John B. Savage
1036 3 yr.
Howard C. Holden
1054 4 yr.
George E. Doane
1095 5 yr.
Emma E. Holloway
2 1 yr.
Emma E. Holloway
24 2 yr.
Blanks
2999
8400
Total votes 1640, Men 1068, Women 572.
Mr. Lewis F. Harding read the following resolution which was voted to adopt.
Moved: that whereas it is apparent that the general attendance of the public at this annual town meeting and its various adjournments, for the year 1928, causes an un- lawful and dangerous congestion at the place of meeting, and whereas such congestion has a tendency to hinder the
1
James Morrissey Bertha C. Cushing Blanks
1
81
deliberations of those who are qualified to vote at said meet- ings and in some instances has caused the exclusion of those who are qualified to vote. Now therefore it is hereby re- solved in open town meeting, that all persons be, and hereby are, excluded from the Town Hall during the deliberations of said town meeting and its several adjournments, except- ing such persons who are qualified to vote at said meeting.
Article 2 :- To raise such sums of money by tax or other- wise, as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the town for the current year, appropriate the same and to act anything in relation to the assessment and collection of taxes for the year.
Voted: Appropriations to the amount of $421,462.15 less 1927 unexpended balances of $4,636.56 and less the es- timated receipts for the year 1928.
Voted: that a committee of five consisting of Alexander Heath, Frank S. Thomas, David R. Walker, Mrs. Lelah Hathaway and Mrs. Emma E. Holloway be appointed to investigate all matters pertaining the Public Welfare De- partment, particularly the condition about the Town Farm, and report at the adjournment of this meeting.
Upon the refusal of Mrs. Holloway to serve on this com- mittee, an amendment was passed authorizing the remaining four members to appoint the fifth member.
Voted: that the matter of transportation of pupils be re- ferred back to the school committee with the request that they advertise for sealed proposals for performing this ser- vice for the term of three years, said proposals to be made only on blank forms to be furnished by said committee and to include both the service on any single route and also for the entire town. Said proposals to cover cost of Public Liability Insurance or not, according to the discretion of said committee. The committee to report the results and their recommendations at an adjournment of this meeting.
Article 3 :- To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, or a majority thereof, to borrow during the municipal year beginning January 1st 1928 in
82
anticipation of the revenue of said year such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, but not exceeding the total tax levy of the preceeding finan- cial year, as provided in Section 3, Chapter 719 General Acts 1913 and amendments thereto, giving the notes of the town therefor, payable within one year from the date thereof, all debts incurred under authority of this vote to be paid from the revenue of the present municipal year.
Voted: that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, or a majority thereof, be authorized to borrow during the municipal year beginning January 1st, 1928 in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, but not exceeding the total tax levy of the preceeding finan- cial year, as provided in Section 3, Chapter 719 General Acts 1913 and amendments thereto, giving the notes of the town therefor, payable within one year from the date thereof all debts incurred under authority of this vote to be paid from the revenue of the present municipal year.
Article 4 :- To hear the report of any committees or officers of the town; to appoint any committee, and act thereon.
Mr. A. G. Newkirk gave a report on the New High School, a brief outline, going over the preliminaries, the ap- pointing of committee and a financial statement.
It was voted that the report of Committee be accepted and that the Committee be discharged.
Mr. Lorenzo Wood gave a report of progress for the School Committee on investigating the transportation pro- blem. He stated that in fairness to the drivers no change would probably be made for remainder of this school year but that due consideration would be given the question for another year.
Mrs. Lelah Hathaway announced that the fifth member appointed on committee to investigate the Public Welfare Department was Mrs. Minnie Jones. Mrs. Hathaway gave a report of progresss and asked for further time for the com-
83
mittee until an adjournment of this meeting on Monday evening, March 12th at 7.30 P. M.
Mrs. Lelah Hathaway as chairman of committee to in- vestigate Public Welfare department read the following report-
Middleboro, Mass., March 12, 1928.
Mr. Moderator :-
The committee appointed to investigate all matters per- taining to the department of Public Welfare, particularly the condition about the Town Farm and report at an ad- journment of the meeting of Feb. 15th begs to report that they have held eight meetings. They organized at the first . meeting. They have made several visits of inspection to the Town Farm, have interviewed numerous individuals, and have met twice with members of the Board of Public Welfare. We take this opportunity to thank every one in- terviewed in their official capacity for their willingness to answer questions and to be of any assistance possible.
We beg to report, that in our opinion, the Town Farm as an institution is too large for the number of people that we have to maintain there. As a consequence, the overhead is enormous, and the place is being run at a steady loss. As a remedy, we would suggest that many people now being helped individually be cared for there, where the care is steady and assured. With regard to the right of the Board of Public Welfare to care for them in this manner, we quote you General Laws, Chapter 117, section 2.
The overseers of the poor, hereafter in this chapter called the overseers, shall have the care and oversight of all such poor and indigent persons as long as they remain at the charge of their respective towns, and shall see that they are suitably relieved, supported and employed, either in the workhouse or almshouse, or in such other manner as the town directs, or otherwise at the discretion of the overseers.
84
We find some leaks at the Town Farm and some ills that can be remedied. We would therefore suggest that the Supt. and Matron be required to keep a set of farmer's and housekeeper's books, that strict account be kept of all sup- plies coming into the house and onto the farm, and also of all produce of any sort sold from the farm; that there be only one purchasing agent-we would suggest a member of the board of public welfare-that all bills receivable be re- ceived by the town treasurer and placed to the credit of this department, and that all bills-both payable and receivable, including electric lights, fuel, and laundry shall be checked by the Supt.of the Town Farm before being paid or presented.
We also suggest and rather insist that no distinction shall be made in the matter of meals between our own in- mates, borders from other towns, and private boarders. The creating of distinctions in the matter of meals serves to raise a false and annoying barrier of caste.
We do not believe in buying our supplies from out-of- town merchants and so we suggest that all supplies whenever possible, shall be bought from our local dealers; provided that the local dealers are willing to meet the prices of outside competitors. We give it as our opinion that under no cir- cumstances should the purchasing agent audit his own ac- ounts.
We also suggest that the farmer raise vegetables enough such as potatoes, onions, turnips, carrots, etc., to help our own indigents, if misfortune overtakes them in the hard winter months. We also recommend that no Supt. or Matron be allowed to leave and no Supt. or Matron be allowed to assume control of the farm until a full and com- plete inventory of the entire house and farm be taken and that the Supt. and Matron in charge be held responsible for all articles on the inventory.
We believe that the town farm could raise more hens to great advantage and recommend that this be done.
85
We find the house in good condition and the inmates well satisfied. We feel, however, that an effort should be made to lessen the amount of help in the house. We commend the inmates personally to the Matron's care.
We are somewhat in doubt as to whether the collecting of swill and the raising of pigs is going to be a paying pro- position.
We would suggest that the members of the Board of Public Welfare visit the institution oftener than they have done in the past upon both announced and unannounced occasions.
We, therefore, suggest that if at the end of the current year, the town farm is not at least self-supporting it shall be closed and our dependents boarded elsewhere.
With regard to outside aid, we recommend that cash aid be abolished entirely with the exception of Mother's Aid. We would suggest that no order for stated sums be given to applicants, but that rather they should be given orders for certain specific articles-groceries, shoes, coal, etc., and that the purchasing agent be instructed to make arrangements with local merchants for cash rates-preferably with a dis- count-for these orders. We also believe that no able- bodied person should be given help outright, but that they should be given work by which they can pay for the help ex- tended. We, therefore, suggest that they be sent to the Town Farm to cut or saw wood or do other manual labor and also that the Town Manager be instructed to supply manual labor for worthy people who may apply for help to the Dept. of Public Welfare.
We have no wish to impose unnecessary hardships upon unfortunate members of our community, but we believe that necessary work will help those who are temporarily em- barrassed without destroying their feeling of independence and well-being and will help to conserve the town's funds.
We recall to your minds the recent utterance of a state official which is "Every citizen must understand that there is a limit to the expenditure of public funds."
86
If the foregoing suggestions are followed we believe that this department can be run at a very material decrease in the amount of the appropriation requested.
Respectfully submitted,
LELAH M. HATHAWAY, Chairman MINNIE A. JONES ALEXANDER HEATH DAVID R. WALKER FRANK S. THOMAS
It was voted that this report be accepted.
Frank S. Thomas gave report of progress for committee investigating the "One Day in Three" proposition for the Firemen. He asked for further time, until the adjournment March 12th, to consider the question.
Mr. Franks S. Thomas as chairman of committee to con- sider and report on the so-called "One day in three system," read the following report-
Mr. Moderator:
The committee to consider and report on the so called "One Day in Three" system met and organized. A meeting was arranged with the Chief of the Fire Dept., The Board of Engineers, The Permanent Men, and member of the com- mittee. Your committee begs to report that the matter of the day off is a question entirely within the jurisdiction of the Chief of the Fire Dept. and may be granted or withheld upon his decision. Failing to receive his approval the town may, if it so desires, pass a by-law granting the "One Day in Three." Your committee feels however that their juris- diction ends in the announcement that at present the matter is entirely within the personal control of the Chief of the Fire Dept.
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