USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1938 > Part 5
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Maxim 500 gallon pump with 200 gallon water tank purchased March 29, 1934.
Engine No. 4
Maximn 750 gallon centrifugal pump purchased March 29, 1934. Ladder No. 1
Maxim city service ladder truck purchased October 11, 1915.
Organization
The personnel of the department as of December 31, 1938, is as follows:
1 Permanent Chief
1 Permanent Deputy Chief
5 Call Captains
8 Permanent Drivers
40 Call Men
10 Substitute Call Men A total of 60 members.
57
Operation of the Department
The running card of the Department has been revised so that there is always one piece of apparatus at the station to protect the villages at North, South, and East Middleboro and The Rock.
Two pumping engines are now sent to cover building fires in these districts instead of one as formerly.
ALARMS
Box 10
Squad 51
Still 52
Warden 27
Total 140
MILEAGE AND EQUIPMENT USED
Mileage
Feet 21/2" hose
Feet 11%" hose 800
Feet 34" hose 15,650
675.4
3,050
Soda and acid-Tanks
Pyrene 5
PROPERTY LOSS
Buildings
Assessed Val.
Insurance
Damage $3,205.06
Ins. Paid
Net Loss $650.00
Contents
Estimated Val.
Insurance
Damage
Ins. Paid
Net Loss
$13,814.00
$14,200.00
$1,752.40
$778.40
$975.00
INSPECTIONS
Property (fire hazards)
1686
Hazards found
36
Corrected
24
Unsatisfactory
12
Permits
Oil storage (range) 139
Oil storage (fuel)
22
Gasoline
7
Dynamite
8
Fireworks
3
All apparatus is in good working condition.
The tires on Engine No. 2 are ten years old and must be replaced this year as they are unsafe for further use.
New rear wheels, new brake drums, and a complete set of new tires were placed on Engine No. 1 in 1938.
Considering its age this piece is in very good condition.
Ladder No. 1 has been repainted and a pair of tires from Engine No. 1 were put on the rear wheels to replace a pair that were eleven years old.
Engine No. 2 has been varnished, the outside wood and metal work on the first station has been painted, and the wall on the southwest wing has been given two coats of waterproofing compound
This work was all done by the permanent men at a considerable saving to the town.
39
$38.930.00
$59,050.00
$2,555.06
58
Combination No. 1 and Combination No. 2 were sold as junk.
The roof of the fire station still leaks and an appropriation of $775.00 has been asked for in the 1939 budget to correct this condition.
Recommendations
That the fire alarm circuits be extended to provide protection to the districts served by the recent water extensions.
That all school buildings be connected through inside stations to the fire alarm system.
That a deck gun be placed on Engine No. 4 and that flashing lights be placed on all apparatus. Owing to congested traffic conditions these lights are necessary for safety at night.
The storm of September 21, 1938, brought out very forceably the fact that the town has no emergency lighting equipment of any kind.
Recommend that $500.00 be appropriated this year to purchase a port- able generator and two flood lights.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED M. RYDER, Chief, Fire Department.
FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The total number of fires for 1938 for which the forest fire alarm was sounded was 27.
Two of these were calls for assistance from the towns of Carver and Plymouth.
Fires and patrol
$334.98
Transportation (gasoline) 15.41
All other 14.51
$364.90
Would respectfully call your attention to the fact that this department has no equipment of its own and is entirely dependent on the co-operation of the Fire, Moth, and Highway departments for the apparatus and equip- ment used in extinguishing forest fires.
In 1939 a serious fire hazard will result from two causes:
1. The damage done in our forests by the storm of September 21, 1938, and the large quantities of slash that will remain after the marketable timber has been removed.
2. There was no demand for hay in 1938 and many large areas of standing grass were not mowed. Many of these are in close prox- imity to both buildings and woodland and constitute a very serious fire hazard.
59
RECOMMENDATIONS
That at least six pump cans be purchased for this department at once and that as soon as money can be made available a portable forest fire pump and at least 1500 feet of forest fire hose be purchased.
I wish to thank Supt. Forney of the Moth Department and Supt. An- derson of the Highway Department for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED M. RYDER,
Forest Warden.
REPORT OF THE MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I am pleased to report that the year 1938 saw some improvement in the condition of the gypsy moth infestation in the town of Middleboro.
A smaller area suffered complete stripping through the action of this pest than was true the previous year. The improvement was the result of the work performed by this department in determining the areas of greatest infestation and thoroughly creosoting the egg clusters. We are indeed grateful to the W. P. A. for their assistance in this work.
While we might normally expect a continuation of this improvement in 1939, the occurrence of the hurricane has complicated our problem. Many trees, branches, and limbs have blown to the ground carrying with them large numbers of egg clusters which will be very difficult to find. In addi- tion these egg clusters will receive better protection on the ground than they would have on the trees with the result that more complete incuba- tion may be expected.
While we do not plan any decrease in the use of creosote on available egg clusters, it is apparent that this method of attack will not be as success- ful as it was last year. We will therefore have to rely to a greater extent upon spraying with arsenate of lead for the necessary control of this serious pest.
The effectiveness of spraying depends largely upon the amount and condition of the spraying equipment as pointed out in last year's report. The spraying equipment of this department consists of two old 200-gallon tank sprayers, purchased in 1912 and one 400-gallon tank sprayer purchased in 1937.
I have previously recommended that these old sprayers be replaced with new equipment in the interest of efficiency. I must necessarily renew this recommendation.
It must be borne in mind that unless the infestation from gypsy moth is kept under control it will spread to a point where much permanent dam- age will be done and a large appropriation required.
I am pleased to report that we have at present no problem caused by the Japanese beetle which is causing much trouble in many places not far distant.
I can assure you that the work has been enjoyable and that I am proud of the opportunity of serving the people of Middleboro as the superintendent of the Moth Department.
60
In closing let me extend my thanks to the Town Manager, Town Offi- cials, and all those who through their co-operation have helped me in the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS H. FORNEY.
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
Since assuming the office of Tree Warden in 1938, I have made a care- ful survey of the conditions of our shade trees throughout the town. I found that many of them were in need of repair and surgery. This is particu- larly true of some of our large elms and maples.
Needless to say the recent hurricane has changed conditions so that now we are not simply confronted with a problem of maintenance but a problem of serious emergency.
Ordinary observation will show that there are many large trees which have been so seriously injured by the stresses and strains of the hurricane that the possibility of falling branches and limbs constitute a menace to the public safety. The full effects of this damage would be clearly shown in the event of a severe snow storm which would burden these injured trees with a large weight of snow.
Further damage can also be anticipated when we have another severe wind storm.
In order to meet the existing emergency and provide for adequate safety to life and property, a tremendous amount of work must be done and con- siderable money expended. The nature of the work is such that much of it must be performed by men who are skilled and trained in tree surgery. For this reason I am recommending that the sum of $500.00 be appropriated in order to take care of the most necessary part of the work.
I want to acknowledge with thanks the assistance received by this de- partment from the Town Manager, Town Officials, and the W. P. A., and I look forward to their assistance and co-operation for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS II. FORNEY.
REPORT OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Middleboro. Mass. January 9, 1939
To Mr. Edward Peterson, Health Officer
and Middleboro Board of Health
Gentlemen:
Taken as a whole, the year 1938 has been a very satisfactory one from a Public Health point of view.
We had 128 deaths. exclusive of stillbirths, giving us an adjusted death rate of 14.4. figuring on the population of the 1935 census.
Infant Mortality was low, there being only 6 deaths under 10 years of age for the year 1938.
61
The brilliant results obtained against Diphtheria by immunization are shown by a low incidence throughout the Commonwealth; not one case hav- ing occurred in Middleboro, during the past year. The same can also be said of Typhoid. Scarlet Fever was about 50 percent less prevalent this year than during 1937 and not a single death was caused by this disease in Mid- dleboro.
The parents of school children have co-operated with this Department to prevent the spread of Infectious Diseases and to them for their effort, I express the thanks of the Health Department.
All complaints that have come to this Department during the past ycar have been investigated and in every instance, where possible, have been remedied.
On inspection tours of stores, markets, restaurants and road stands, etc., suggestions and corrections have been complied with and I have been re- ceived courteously. All criticisms have been made with no partiality shown to any individual or group, always with the thought in mind that would result in the best interest in regard to the general public.
Dump
The custodian of the dump has put much time and effort into his work and the results are most praiseworthy. A great deal of filling-in and build- ing-up work has been done during the past year and Mr. Pittsley has made every effort to keep the vicinity of the dump in a clean condition. I might call attention to one fact however; that is to truckmen driving to the dump, and that is to ask them to be more careful of the location at the dump that they use to unload. Some truckmen in the past have not driven far enough into the dump and the result has been on many occasions rather unsightly. Also let me call attention to a certain few who have been abusing the privileges of the dump. by throwing decaying foodstuffs and dead animals among their rubbish. If we all consider the fact that men are obliged to work at the dump and having due regard for their welfare and the health of others, this practice should and would not continue.
Rubbish and Garbage
The regular collections took place in these two branches of the Depart- ment with the exception of the month of December. At this time it became necessary to curtail rubbish collections for one week. This could not be avoided at the time and in the future it would be safe to say, at this time. that this will not occur during 1939.
The men engaged in this work have rendered commendable service dur- ing the past year and are deserving of a word of praise. To help them to continue this efficient service, place all rubbish for collection in strong but not heavy containers. In regard to garbage, use an approved type of con- tainer and do not throw bags or boxes in with the garbage to be collected. If this is done repeatedly it means wasted time and effort on the collectors' part in picking these objects from the collection.
Tubercular Clinic
The work of the clinic is now under the direction of Dr. Bradford H. Pierce, of the Plymouth County Hospital at South Hanson.
A clinic was held at the Hemorial High School on November 14. 1938. and 41 students werc X-Rayed, there being one absentee. The results of this examination showed 25 negative plates and 16 were referred for physi- cal examination.
62
On December 12, 1938, the physical examination took place with the 16 students from Middleboro and 1 student transferred from the Town of Carver. Of this number one was absent, six were discharged and ten were continued on the clinic follow-up. There being two new cases added, the total number for the 1939 follow-up clinic will be 14 cases.
School Children X-Rayed 41
Absentee 1
Total School Children Physical Exams 17
Discharge from Clinic 6
Continued on Clinic Follow-up 10
Absentee
1
Plymouth County Hospital
During the year 1938, there have been six patients receiving treatment at the Plymouth County Hospital. One of these is in the out-patient de- partment; two have been discharged and three are still at the Hospital receiving treatment.
The Bailey Summer Health Camp also is under the direction of Dr. Pierce and this year past, covered a period of 8 weeks duration-from June 27th, to August 16th.
Three children were sent to the Camp from Middleboro during the past Summer of 1938. The cost per child being $60.00. At the camp, the child is treated as an individual and mind as well as body come under the scrutiny of doctor, nurse and counselor.
The children attending the camp are selected from the following group:
1. Children positive to tuberculin and with X-Ray evidence of childhood type of T.B.
2. Children with or without known exposure to T.B. suspected of childhood type.
3. Children exposed to T.B. and who may or may not have reacted to tuberculin.
4. Reactors who have definite malnutrition.
5. Children who are definitely undernourished and underweight.
The money spent on these children pays off in rich dividends of health and happiness for the future that is before them.
Two patients were taken to the Plymouth County Hospital at South Hanson for examination, and two were also taken to the Lakeville State Sanatorium for physical and X-Ray examination.
Summary of Tubercular Cases
Adults Tubercular Cases
Type of Cases:
Pulmonary 47
Hilum
7
Bone
3
Cervical Adenitis
1
Kerato-Uvitis
1
Pulmonary Nephritis
1
Total 60
63
Of this Number:
Number of deaths 0
Moved out of Town 1
Examined and X-Rayed 8
New Cases
4
Patients at Sanatorium
3
Diphtheria Clinic
The Diphtheria Clinic was held on March 25, April 1 and April 8, 1938. The response this year was not only surprising but encouraging due to the number of persons who availed themselves of the opportunity to be immu- nized. Toxoid serum was used and for the first treatment there were 149 patients; the second treatment there were 146 and on the third treatment 143 patients. It is this kind of response to Diphtheria immunization that has brought the Diphtheria incidence down-during a 14 year period from 103 cases per 100,000 population from 1923-1927 to 49 cases during 1928- 1932 to 6 cases per 100,000 population during the period from 1933-1937.
These figures are compiled from Towns and Cities of 10,000-25,000 population of which there are 45 in the Commonwealth and are based on the 1930 census.
It is hoped that the 1939 Diphtheria Clinic will be as successful as that of 1938.
Dental Clinic
With the building of the new Union Street School, a new Health Unit for dental treatment was provided. No finer unit exists in the entire State than will be found in Middleboro. If you have not as yet availed yourself the opportunity of seeing it, why not do so at the earliest possible moment. It will be well worth your while and maybe you will be surprised to learn the facilities that are afforded the children of Middleboro in this respect.
The old Motor Unit was sold to the Jewish Memorial Hospital of Boston, and was replaced by a new Ritter Unit.
The Dental Clinic runs from October Ist to June Ist, every Wednesday morning from 9-12 A.M. First and second grade pupils whose parents ยท are not financially able to have them treated by a family dentist are included in this group. Besides these however, emergency cases are treated (extractions only) but none are filled above the second grade. The Summer Camp chil- dren, the re-tardy class and Welfare Department children also are included in this clinic.
The number of children found to have defects and corrected during the year 1938 were 196.
The number of Dental Certificates issued were 78.
The total number examined during the year 1938 were 292.
Contagious Diseases
Only three cases of contagious diseases had to be hospitalized during the year 1938. Two of these were sent to The Haynes Memorial Hospital in Brighton, and one was sent to The Massachusetts Memorial Hospital. Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, for specialist observation and treatment.
64
The Summary of Contagious Diseases for the Year 1938
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
Chicken Pox
5
0
0
1
0
0000
0000
0 00000 0
1
0
0
1
3
Measles
0
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
5
Mumps
6
9
7
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
25
Whooping Cough
4
1
6
8
6
2
0
0
1
1
0
1
5
Bacillary Dysentery
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
Acute Encephalitis
0
0
0
0 1
0 0
0 1
0 1
0 0
0 1
1
1
9
Gonorrhea
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
4
Total
122
Plumbing Inspection
To the Inspector of Plumbing Mr. John Pearson, I extend my thanks for his splendid co-operation. I have been guided and helped materially by his knowledge and training, when complaints have come to me, the na- ture of which required his sound judgment. Public Health to a very great extent, depends on plumbing and in my opinion the duties of this office, must of necessity be exacting. The Inspector has carried out these duties with inpartiality and has co-operated in the Department to make Middle- boro a safer and healthier Town in which to live. For full particulars, I refer you to the Report of the Inspector of Plumbing.
Milk
Another branch of the Health Department upon which a great responsi- bility rests, is that which comes under the supervision of the Milk In- spector. Dr. Bertram Cameron is another Inspector under the Department of Health of Middleboro, who deals fairly and impartially with all. Dur- ing the past ycar he has worked in conjunction with the State Department in his inspections and I refer you to his report. for details. He has co- operated with this Department in every sense of the word, whenever pos- sible; although most of this work, as has been said is in conjunction with the various State Departments.
Burials
There were 136 Burial Permits issued during the year 1938. Three of them were for removals. The following comprise the permits issued. The adjusted death rate of 14.4 does not include Stillborns.
Stillborn
3
Under 1 year
6
From 1 1 10 years
0
From 10 to 20 years
2
From 20 to 30 years
0
From 30 to 40 years
3
6
12
Dog Bite
2
0
0
2
2
German Measles
0
0
1
0
1
0
3
Septic Throat
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lobar Pneumonia
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Scarlet Fever
1
1
0
0 10
2
0
1
0 0
2 2
1 0
0
29
Pulmonary T. B.
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0 0
1
Syphilis
0
0
3
0 0000 0
10
0
0
0
7
0
1
0
0
0 1
0
18
65
From 40 to
50 years
6
From 50 to
60 years
18
From 60 to
70 years
28
From 70 to 80 years
30
From 80 to 90 years
32
From 90 to 100 years
5
Removals
3
SUMMARY-HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December Total
Bakeries Inspected
2
3
2
0
2
2
1
1
2
15
Cesspools Inspected
3
6
1
1
4
2
2
0
3
27
Cesspool Nuisance Abated
3
5
1
1
3
2
2
4
0
3 24
Cesspools Cleaned
9 13 26 21 16 11 13
5
4
4 129
Cesspools Built
3
2
4
2
1
7 1 8
5
8
92
Dead Animals Reported
2
0
0
3
5
2
0
1
1 0
0
13
Dead Animals Removed
2
0
0
3
3
2
1
3 1
1
I 10
Insp. Ice Cream Plants
0
2
2
2
1
0
1
1
0 11
Insp. Markets-Stores
26 11 19 23 29 17 23 11 14 25 198
Insp. Restaurants, etc.
21 20 18 21 20 21 18 12 20 20 191
Miscellaneous Complaints
6
2
5
1
4
3
0
2
2
28
Privy Complaints Investigated
0
1
2
4
4
3
2
3
1 24
Soda Fountains Inspected
4
5
3
4
6
6
6
4
5
5 48
Visiting Schools
12
6
7
0
0
0
7 9 10 12 63
Vaults Cleaned
6
4
5
4
1
3
0
3 26
Water Examinations
1
0
1
2
1
11 5 1 39 24
Licenses Granted
0
2
0
5
Wood Alcohol
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0 0
1 0
0 0
0
2
Undertakers
00030
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
8
2
1
I believe at some future date, as soon as possible, the garbage truck should be changed and a modern type body should be used on whatever type of chassis is bought. The present unit for the collection of garbage is not satisfactory during the summer months and on days when it rains. A canvas cover is used on these days; during the warm months, it is not as sanitary as it should be. On rainy days the water makes puddles on the canvas causing it to settle in the garbage. This cover would not have to be used on the new type of garbage truck, because it is entirely closed in; it is odor proof and is much more desirable from a sanitation stand- point.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN M. CALLAN, Agent,
Middleboro Board of Health.
4 0
5 1
3 0 1
9 0 0
6 0 1
4 0
2 3 1 1 0 20
0 1
33
Bottling Beverages
0
0
0
0 2
0
0
Ice Cream Mfg.
0 0 0
1
1
1
1
1
0 1 1 2
0 11
Garbage Complaints
3
2
1
0
4
5
0 4 3 26
Insp. Bottling Plants
18 11 18 14 23
Contagious Placards
16 11 14 10 20
6
0
1
4 0
0 3 10 120
0 13
Contagious Diseases
...
2
Yards Inspected
Pasteurizing Milk
0
0
1
0 3
3 4
0 5
1
66
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1938.
Board of Selectmen
Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit my annual report as Inspector of Animals for 1938.
I have completed the animal inspection of all neat cattle, swine, sheep, and goats in the town of Middleboro, with the following results.
Premises inspected 205
Total number of herds 192
Total number of cattle 1313
Total number of swine 201
Total number of sheep
20
Total number of goats 23
The cattle inspected were divided as follows-
Pure bred cows 112
Pure bred young stock 43
Pure bred bulls 17
Grade cows 908
Grade young stock
180
Grade bulls 31
Steers and oxen 22
There were three untested herds found, numbering 25 head of cattle.
There is still one reactor animal kept in the town by permission of the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
There have been 12 permits received from the Division to ship cattle into town from out of state. Two of these were returned not used and on the remaining ten permits, 79 cattle were shipped in to the town.
During the months of August and September, an epidemic of equine encephalomyelitis affecting horses and mules appeared in the town. The number of horses contracting the disease and died were ten, which were re- ported to the Division of Livestock Disease Control. All other horses that were exposed to the disease, the owners were warned and advised to vac- cinate against the disease.
There were no animals reacting to the tuberculin test made by the Division.
No dogs were quarantined.
One cow was quarantined, suspected of having tuberculosis, but died before the State inspected it.
Respectfully submitted,
B. N. CAMERON, D.V.M.
Inspector of Animals.
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1938
Board of Health Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit my annual report as Inspector of Milk for 1938.
I wish to thank the various divisions of the Department of Agriculture for their assistance in making the analysis of milk samples and all such sam- ples were found to be above the required standard. By having the State do these, it was a saving for the town.
Producers were all found to have a certificate of registration issued by the Division of Dairy. All milk dealers were found to have in their posses- sion a license issued by the Milk Control Board.
Persons engaged in the production, processing, and the sale of milk and milk products did their utmost to give the people of Middleboro a superior quality of milk and milk products.
This department has issued the following licenses for the year.
Oleomargarine licenses 11
Milk licenses (dealer) 22
Milk licenses (store) 58
License fees obtained from the above were turned into the Town Treas- urer. Amounts received from each of the above are as follows.
Oleomargarine licenses $5.50
Milk licenses (dealer) 11.00
29.00
Milk licenses (store)
Total $45.50
Apparatus --
1 sample case
24 milk sample tubes
30 milk sample thieves
Recommendations ---
During the year, a revised set of milk laws was presented to the board of health that met with their approval and was published as required by law. After a hearing granted to the outside dealers, the board repealed and rescinded all laws governing milk.
Therefore, I recommend that the board of health provide and approve laws governing the production and the sale of milk and milk products for the protection of the public health of Middleboro.
I recommend that the board of health provide an office as required by Chapter 94, Section 35, G. L., where such records of this department may be kept.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all persons that have aided and assisted in this work to bring a better supply of milk to the people of Middleboro.
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