USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1934 > Part 5
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The nearest to this are two or three municipalities in the State which have had special acts passed by the Legislature permitting them to hold referenda by secret ballot on matters which have previously been voted upon. It would therefore report unfavorable on this proposition in behalf of the committee and ask that the committee be discharged from further consideration thereof.
Respectfully, KENDRICK H. WASHBURN, Chairman.
It was voted that report be accepted and that the com- mittee be discharged.
The following report was read by Mr. T. N. Wood :- With reference to the committee which was appointed to study the town charter and consider revision and changes thereto, I would report that this committee has had several meetings and have been over the town charter in detail, but due to the lateness in organization and the unusual large amount of work a task of this sort entails we would respectfully request further time in which to complete our study and in which to make a written report of the changes which we propose to recom- mend. These changes should be reported upon in detail and your committee has not had sufficient time in which to complete this volume of work. The committee there- fore requests further time with the understanding that it shall report at some regular or special town meeting.
Respectfully, KENDRICK H. WASHBURN, Chairman.
Voted: to accept the report of the committee.
Voted; that a committee of two consisting of the Town Clerk and Judge B. J. Allan be appointed by the Moderator to prepare resolutions of sympathy for Selectman Alexander
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Heath because of his recent painful accident. Said resolu- tions to be sent to family and published in local paper.
The following report was read at the adjourned meeting by B. J. Allan :---
In accordance with the vote passed by the Voters of the town, we do hereby extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of your suffering caused by your recent painful accident.
NOW BE IT RESOLVED; that this statement of sym- pathy be published in the local paper and a copy of same to be sent to the family.
Signed, B. J. ALLAN WALDO S. THOMAS
Voted; to accept report of the committee.
Geo. A. Philbrook read the following report :-- After investigation of apparatus and equipment, we report as follows: We find that the Knox combination chemical and hose car was purchased October 14, 1912 and is therefore 22 years old. From 1912 until 1920 this piece of apparatus did the major part of the work of the Department, as it answered all squad and still alarms in addition to the box alarms during these eight years. We find that the claims of the Chief of the Department in the annual reports submitted the Selectmen for the preceding four years, in which specific attention was called to the unsafe condition of the Knox wagon, was well founded, and such unsafe conditions do now exist. We find that in its present condition it is unsafe to operate on the highways both in regard to men required to ride on it as well as the public, also because of the age of this piece it is impossible to procure repair parts, this com- mittee recommend that the town purchase a 500 gallon
1
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pumper to replace the Knox combination chemical and hose wagon. Since the warrant was issued for this meet- ing, an emergency condition was found to exist, vital both to the town and in relation to the New England Insurance Exchange, therefore recommend that an ad- ditional piece of apparatus be purchased by the town to replace the Hose 2 wagon, purchased May 12, 1914 and now being 20 years old, entirely out of commission and in such condition that it is beyond repair only at an unwarranted expense. In the opinion of the Town Coun- sel, the first piece of apparatus can be taken care of under article 25 and as warrant does not cover two pieces, recommend that a special town meeting be called to act upon replacement of Hose 2 wagon.
Signed,
GEO. A. PHILBROOK RALPH W. MADDIGAN DANIEL H. HOLMES LUKE F. KELLEY JAMES H. BURKHEAD
Voted; to accept report of committee.
Article 5: To see if the town will appropriate money for band concerts the coming season, and act thereon.
No action under this article.
Article 6: To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to repair and move the band stand from its present location to a new location on the Play-ground, and act thereon.
Voted: that the Moderator appoint a committee of three to look into the matter contained in this article and report at adjourned meeting as to the advisability of either replacing the present band stand or building a new band stand.
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The committee so appointed was-D. D. Sullivan, Frederick S. Weston and Myron L. Hinckley.
The following report was read by D. D. Sullivan at the adjourned meeting :-
To the voters of the town. of Middleboro: The under- signed, your committee, appointed at the last town meet- ing duly assembled and organized and after consideration of the subject of the bandstand submit herewith our report and recommendation as follows: That the band stand now located on the Town House lot so-called be moved to the Playground site, and there provided with a new concrete foundation and base 312 feet from the ground, similar to the present base in height to be of solid concrete, that the floor of reinforced concrete be pitched to drain, that concrete steps be provided and in place of the present wood railing between the columns a simple iron rail with iron posts anchored to the concrete floor be provided. The said rail also to extend down the step. That the present columns be placed on concrete pedestals increasing the height of the columns one foot from floor to ceiling. We are informed and believe that all work, including moving, painting, renovating etc. will not exceed $700.00.
Respectfully submitted,
D. D. SULLIVAN FREDERICK S. WESTON MYRON L. HINCKLEY
Voted; to accept report of the committee and that the town appropriate a sum not to exceed $700.00 to move band stand from its present location to the Playground. Said sum to be expended and the work carried out by the same committee.
Article 7: To see if the town will appropriate money
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to be expended by Post No. 8 G. A. R. on Memorial Day, and act thereon.
Voted; the sum of $200.00 under appropriations.
Article 8: To see if the town will appropriate the sum of two hundred and fifty ($250.) dollars, to be expended by Simeon L. Nickersons Post No. 64 American Legion, for their celebration of Armistice Day, November 11th. 1934, and act thereon.
Voted: that the town of Middleboro appropriate the sum of two hundred and fifty ($250.) dollars, to be expended by Simeon L. Nickerson Post No. 64, American Legion, for their celebration of Armistice Day, November 11th. 1934.
Article 9: To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of two hundred ($200.) dollars to be used to pro- vide quarters for the John Glass Jr. Post No. 2188, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and act thereon.
Voted; to appropriate the sum of two hundred ($200.) dollars to provide quarters for the John Glass Jr. Post No. 2188 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Article 10: To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money not exceeding five hundred ($500.) dollars, to be paid to St. Luke's Hospital, established in said town, for the establishment and maintenance of a free bed in the hospital for the care and treatment of persons certified by the Selectmen of said town to be residents of the town and unable to pay for such care and treatment, and act thereon.
Voted; the sum of $500.00 under appropriations.
Article 11: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture, a sum not exceeding three hundred ($300.00 dollars, and choose a town director for one (1) year, as provided in Sections 41 and 45 of Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws, and act thereon.
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Voted; that the town of Middleboro appropriate the sum of three hundred ($300). dollars for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture and that H. Arthur Standish be appointed Director for one year.
Article 12: To see if the town will vote to continue the Christmas Street Lighting, appropriate money for the same, and act thereon.
Voted; to appropriate the sum of three hundred and fifty ($350.) dollars for purpose of Christmas Street Lighting.
Article 13: To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money not to exceed four hundred ($400.) dollars, for Dental Clinic for the School Children, and act thereon.
Voted; to appropriate the sum of four hundred ($400.) dollars for Dental Clinic for the School Children.
Article 14: To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of five hundred ($500.) dollars, for the employment of the District Nurse, same to be spent by the Board of Health under the direction of the Selectmen, and act thereon.
Voted: the sum of $500.00 under appropriations.
Article 15: To see if the town will vote to extend the Gas Main to the property of Perley F. Ballou, East Grove Street, appropriate money for the same, and act thereon. (By request)
Voted; that the town of Middleboro appropriate the sum of twenty-five hundred ($2500.) dollars, to extend the gas main from the house of William E. Finn on Fairview St., through Fairview St., along East Grove St. to the house of Perley F. Ballou on East Grove St. (Amendment carried :- that this be paid from surplus of Gas & Electric Dept.
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Article 16: To see if the town will vote to extend the water main to the property of Perley F. Ballou, East Grove St., appropriate money for the same, to be raised by loan or otherwise, and act thereon. (By request).
Voted; that the town of Middleboro appropriate the sum of twelve hundred ($1200.) dollars to extend the water main from Fairview Street along East Grove St. to the house of Perley F. Ballou on East Grove St.
Article 17: To see if the town will vote to extend the water mains along East Main street to the Green Section, appropriate money for the same, to be raised by loan or otherwise, and act anything further thereon. (By request).
Voted: that the Selectmen as Water Commissioners be authorized to extend the water mains along East Main, Plymouth St. and Plympton St. to the Green Section and for this purpose that the town appropriate the sum of eight- een thousand ($18,000.) dollars of which the sum of three thousand six hundred ($3600.) dollars shall be included in the tax levy of the current year, and the remainder shall be raised by the issue of bonds or notes of the town, and the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen be and here- by is authorized and empowered to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, in the sum not to exceed eighteen thous- and ($18,000.) dollars, payable in accordance with the provisions of Section eight of Chapter forty-four of the General Laws in such manner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than five years from the date of the first bond or note or at such earlier date as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen shall determine. The vote was Yes 218 No 71.
Article 18: To see if the town will engage in certain public works projects included in any comprehensive pro- gram of public works under section 202 of title 11 of the National Industrial Recovery Act, to wit: the work of con-
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structing, improving or repairing a sewerage system and disposal plant for the town, and also for the purpose of con- structing and improving and repairing its Water Works System, subject to the Approval by the Board and by the Governor, and also subject to the proper Federal authorities obligating the Federal Government to make a grant there for the Federal money under section 203 of the National Industrial Recovery Act.
Voted; that a committee of five be appointed by the Moderator to investigate question of the town entering into certain program under the National Industrial Recovery Act.
Committee so appointed :- Sylvanus Brett, Dr. D. H. Holmes, Elliott Harlow, Russell A. Trufant and Ernest L. Maxim.
Article 19: And for the purpose of carrying out such said projects to see if the town will vote to borrow from the United States of America such sums as may be fixed by the Board as is provided in Chapter 366, Section 2 of Revised Laws and issue bonds, notes or other forms of written ac- knowledgment of debt for such terms and carry such rates of interest as may be fixed by the Board as is provided in said Chapter 366.
No action taken under this article.
Article 20 :- To see whether or not the inhabitants of the town of Middleboro will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 405 of the Acts of 1928 as amended. being en- titled an act to Permit Certain Sports and Games on the Lord's Day, and act thereon. Agreeable to the petition of William J. Cunningham, etal.
Voted; that the town of Middleboro accept the provi- sions of Chapter 406 of the Act of 1928 as amended, being an act to Permit Certain Sports and Games on the Lord's Day.
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Article 21; To see if the town will vote to extend the water main in the Warrentown section, appropriate money for the same to be raised by loan or otherwise, and act there- on. Agreeable to the petition of Anders Martenson.
Voted: that the town of Middleboro authorize the further extension of a water main on Plymouth and Summer Streets in that part of Middleboro known as Warrentown for a distance not to exceed three quarters of a mile; and that the town appropriate to defray the cost and expense of materials and expense of extending and building the same, the sum of $4,239.96. of which sum $1,300.00 shall be included in the tax levy of the current year and the remainder shall be raised by the issue of bonds or notes of the town and that the Treas- urer with the approval of the Selectmen, be empowered and authorized to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor in the sum not to exceed $2,939.96, payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws in such manner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than three years from the date of the first bond or note or at such earlier date as the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, shall determine. This appro- priation however shall be conditional upon the procuring of the sum of $4,500.00 from the Civil Works Adminis- tration or the allocation of that amount from the Public Welfare Department of the town for the purpose of paying the cost and expenses of labor for the extending and build- ing of said water main. The vote was-Yes 101 No 6.
Article 22: To see if the town will vote to accept a portion of Lane Street from LeBaron Ave. southerly, as laid out by the Selectmen, appropriate money for the same, and act thereon. Agreeable to the petition of George H. Perkins, et al.
Voted; that the matter under consideration in this article be referred back to the Selectmen for their investigation and report at adjourned meeting.
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Article 23: To see if the town will vote to provide new Police Quarters, either by constructing new quarters or otherwise, appropriate money for the same to be raised by loan or otherwise, and act thereon.
Voted that a committee of five be appointed by the Mod- erator to investigate the needs of housing of the Middleboro Police Department and to report at a future meeting.
Committee appointed is :- Chief Alden C. Sisson, An- thony C. Coombs, Wilfred J. Cromwell, Howard C. Holden and Frederick S. Weston.
Article 24: To see if the town will vote to purchase and equip an ambulance for the Police Department at a cost not to exceed one thousand ($1000.) dollars, appropriate money for the same, and act thereon.
Voted; to appropriate the sum of one thousand ($1000.) dollars for the purchase and equipping an ambulance for the Police Department.
Article 25: To see if the town will vote to replace the Knox hose wagon, purchased in 1912, with another piece of fire apparatus, appropriate money for the same to be raised by loan or otherwise, and act thereon.
Voted; that a committee of five be appointed by the Moderator to investigate the present condition of apparatus and equipment of the Fire Department and report at an adjournment of this meeting, together with such recom- mendations as they deem advisable.
Committee so appointed is: George A. Philbrook, Luke F. Kelley, James H. Burkhead, Daniel H. Holmes and Ralph W. Maddigan.
Voted: that the town of Middleboro purchase a 500 gallon pumping engine of the centrifugal type and extra equipment needed, and that the town appropriate for the purchase of
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the same the sum of $7,750.00 of which sum $2,000. shall be included in the tax levy of the current year, and the re- mainder shall be raised by issue of bonds or notes of the town, and that the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen be empowered and authorized to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor in the sum not to exceed $5,750.00 payable in accordance with the provision of Section 8 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws in such manner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than three years from the date of the first bond or note or at such earlier date as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, shall determine, and that any additional monies that in consequence of this transaction may accrue because of dis- counts, allowances or otherwise, is hereby appropriated and voted to the use of the Fire Department for the purchase of additional equipment other than the aforesaid additional equipment for which the $7,750.00 is appropriated. The vote was-Yes 163 No 0.
Article 26: To see if the town will petition Legislature to see if it will rescind its action of some eleven years ago when it voted to grant the town of Middleboro the privilege of adopting a town manager form of government, so called, and act thereon. Agreeable to the petition of Bert J. Allan, etal.
Voted; not to petition legislature to see if it will rescind its action of some eleven years ago when it voted to grant the town of Middleboro the privilege of adopting the town manager form of government.
Article 27: To see if the town will vote to appropriate all sums of money in excess of $300.00 (Three hundred dol- lars) for any purpose what-so-ever by the use of the Aus- tralian Ballot, and act thereon. Agreeable to the petition of Bert J. Allan, etal.
Report made under article 3 on this article. No action taken.
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Article 28: To see if the town will vote to appropriate five hundred ($500.) dollars to be used for the purpose of making an Insurance Survey and act thereon.
Voted; to indefinitely postpone action under this article.
Record of Special Town Meeting March 5, 1934
Article 1; To hear the report of any committees or officers of the town, to appoint any committee, and act thereon.
Voted: that the Moderator appoint a committee to de- vise some means to maintain for the town the rural post- offices located at the Rock, North and South Middleboro, which are now scheduled to be closed March 31st. Com- mittee appointed is: Thomas E. Hirst, Judge B. J. Allan, Bertha E. Thomas, Stephen F. O'Hara and Levi O. Atwood.
Article 2: To see if the town will vote to replace hose wagon No. 2 purchased in 1914, with another piece of fire apparatus and necessary equipment, appropriate money for the same to be raised by loan or otherwise, and act thereon.
Voted: that the town of Middleboro purchase a 500 gallon pumping engine of the rotary type, and extra equip- ment needed, and that the town appropriate for the purchase of same the sum of $5250.00 of which sum $2,000.00 shall be included in the tax levy for the current year and the re- mainder shall be raised by issue of bonds or notes of the town, and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be empowered and authorized to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, in the sum not to exceed $3,250.00, payable in accordance with the provision of Section 8 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws in such manner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than three years from the date of the first bond or note, or at such earlier date as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen,
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shall determine, and that any additional monies that in consequence of this transaction may accrue because of discounts, allowances or otherwise, is hereby appropriated and voted to the use of the Fire Department for the pur- chase of additional equipment. Vote was Yes 131. No 0.
Record of Party Primary April 24, 1934
Polls were declared open at 12 o'clock noon by Warden Luke F. Kelley and were closed at 6 o'clock P. M.
The following Election Officers were sworn in :- Luke F. Kelley, Stephen F. O'Hara, John F. Perry, Frank S. Thomas, Luke F. Callan, August St. Amand, Mary S. Crom- well and Ralph W. Maddigan.
The result of the vote was :--
Republican
Democrat
State Committee
State Committee
Daniel L. Kelleher Jr. 4
Frank A. Manning 10
Blanks
2
-
-
31
16
Delegate to State Con.
Adnah H. Harlow
26
Alexander Heath 1 Blanks 4
Blanks
7
31
16
Town Committee
Town Committee
Stanley F. Alger 28
William P. Scanlon 9
L. Francis Callan 29
John T. Connor 10
Adnah H. Harlow 28
Sarah A. Connor 10
Minnie A. Jones
30
Charles J. Waters 10
1
Fred D. Rowe 25
Blanks
6
Delegate to State Con. Albert M. Heath 9
99
Nathaniel D. Ryder 30
Peter J. Murphy 10
George W. Stetson
28
Ellen J. Gaudette 11
Clyde S. Thomas 28
George B. Purdon 9
Forest E. Thomas
29
Regina Gaudette
10
Christina Clough
28
Albert M. Heath 11
Blanks
21
John J. Mahoney
8
Michael M. Barrett
10
Stephen F. O'Hara
12
Edward F. Hennessy 9
Daniel W. Maloney
8
Emile L. Picard
7
Blanks 96
279 240
Total vote 47, Men 32 Women 15.
31 Republicans,
16 Democrats.
Record of Special Town Meeting June 25th, 1934
Meeting called to order at 7:30 P. M. by Moderator Clark.
Warrant was read by the Clerk.
Article 1: To see if the town will vote to amend the vote passed under Article 2 of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting held on March 5, 1934 so as to read as follows -: That the town of Middleborough purchase a five hundred (500) gallon pumping engine of the rotary type and extra equipment needed, and that the town appropriate for the purchase of same the sum of five thousand two hundred fifty ($5,250) dollars, of which sum, two thousand two hun- dred fifty ($2,250.) dollars shall be included in the tax levy of the current year and the remainder shall be raised by the issue of bonds or notes of the town, and that the Treas- urer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be empowered and authorized to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor,
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in a sum not to exceed three thousand ($3,000.) dollars, payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, in such manner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than three years from the date of the first bond or note, or at such earlier date as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, shall determine, and act thereon.
Voted: that the town of Middleborough purchase a five hundred (500) gallon pumping engine of the rotary type and extra equipment needed, and that the town appropriate for the purchase of same the sum of five thousand two hun- dred fifty ($5,250) dollars, of which sum two thousand two hundred fifty ($2,250.) dollars shall be included in the tax levy of the current year and the remainder shall be raised by the issue of bonds or notes of the town, and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be empowered and authorized to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, in a sum not to exceed three thousand ($3,000.) dollars payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, in such manner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than three (3) years from the date of the first bond or note or at such earlier date as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, shall determine. Vote was Yes 110 No 0.
Article 2: To see if the town will vote to amend the vote passed under article 25 of the warrant for the annual town meeting held on January 15, 1934 and adjourned to February 19, 1934, so as to read as follows:
That the town of Middleborough purchase a five hun- dred (500) gallon pumping engine of the centrifugal type and extra equipment needed and that the town appro- priate for the purchase of the same the sum of seven thou- sand seven hundred fifty ($7,750.) dollars, of which sum two thousand ($2,000.) dollars shall be included in the tax levy of the current year and the remainder shall be raised by
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the issue of bonds or notes of the town and the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be empowered and authorized to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor in a sum not to exceed five thousand seven hundred fifty ($5,750.) dollars payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of chapter 44 of the General Laws in such man- ner that the whole loan shall be paid off in not more than three (3) years from the date of the first bond or note or at such earlier date as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, shall determine, and act thereon.
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