USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 6
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Sinks . 84
Water Closets
105
72
Refrigerators
1
Lavatories
98
Urinals
3
Wash Trays
9
Showers
3
Slop Hoppers
1
Sitz Bath
1
Septic Tanks
13
Sewers
27
Cesspools
75
Floor Drains
1
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. PEARSON, Inspector of Plumbing.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
Middleboro, Mass., December 31, 1939.
Board of Selectmen, Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I wish to submit my annual report as Inspector of Slaughter for 1939.
During the year there were two hogs inspected and passed for food consumption.
Each month a report was sent to the Department of Public Health.
Respectfully submitted,
B. N. CAMERON, D. V. M., Inspector of Slaughter.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the Thirty-First annual report and detailed statement of duties performed by the Police Department of the Town of Middleborough for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1939.
I would recommend that another regular officer be added to the Department for the good of the Department.
73
I would recommend that the gas shells and hand grenades be replaced as the ones that we have on hand are about eight years old.
I would recommend that the Game-Well system be put in working condition. Also some new police signal lights installed, one on Wareham street, one at the corner of South Main and Nickerson streets and one on North Main street, for the good of the Department.
Chief of Police Alden C. Sisson
Sergeant Charles H. Rogers
Alton R. Rogers
Clerk Chester H. Rice
Janitor John A. Washburn
Special Officers
Paul F. Anderson
Leroy Mawhinney
George A. Barney
James A. McDonald
Alfred M. Butler
Patrick McMahon
William O. Casey
Raymond Moffett
Arthur B. Caswell
Chester H. Rice
Chessman E. Coombs
Roy Pendleton
Francis H. Crowley
Alden C. Perry
Wallace E. Grant
Alton T. Smith
William E. Gardiner, Jr.
John J. Sullivan
Nelson R. Greer
Ralph Sampson
Robert E. Hewitt
William E. Scott
Thomas E. Hirst
Leon Townsend
Joseph Dutra
William Watson
Richmond Matthews
John A. Washburn
OFFENCES
Males
Females
Total
Assault and battery
4
1
5
Breaking and entering in night-time
8
0
8
Capias
19
0
19
Contempt of Court
4
0
4
Drunkenness
68
2
70
Disturbing the peace
1
0
1
Insane
4
2
6
Larceny
18
0
18
Lodgers
60
0
60
Motor Vehicles Violations
78
1
79
Non-support
7
0
7
Operating under the influence
17
0
17
Sale of liquor to minors Adultery
1
0
1
Rape
1
0
1
Selling cigarettes to minors
1
0
1
Violation of weekly wage law
3
0
3
1
0
1
Patrolmen
Thomas L. Pittsley
William C. Elliott
74
REPORT OF ACCIDENTS INVESTIGATED BY THE MIDDLEBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Results
Number killed
2
Passenger cars
107
Trucks 9
4
Horse drawn vehicles 0
0
Pedestrians Injured
Adults
Children
9
Straight going 51
Intersections 11
Curves
7
Reckless driving
4
Speed
66
Failing to keep to right 11
8
Accidents by Month
January
7
February
3
March
5
Clear 59
Cloudy
7
May
7
Rain and snow
3
June
11
Fog and mist
3
July 14
5
Condition of Roads
Dry 64
5
November
2
Snow 0
5
Foreign
46
Out-of-State
5
STATISTICAL REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Arrest for out of town officers
5
Amount of fines imposed in Middleboro Court
$1585
Buildings found open
123
Cases investigated
500
Disturbances quelled without arrest
5
Defective street lights reported
65
Males
265
Females
5
Minors
16
Non-residents
180
Local residents
106
Nuisances
5
Summons served
125
Street obstructions removed
3
Sales of second hand automobiles reported
2377
Value of stolen property recovered and restored
$2500
Warning tags on autos
150
0
District
Business section
1
Residential 38
Country 37
Weather Condition
August
September
7
October
5
Wet
December
3
Ice
Drivers
Vehicles Involved
Property damage
92
Bicycles
Bus
7
Hazard
Causes
Drunken Driving
4
Hills
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
April 5
82
Number injured
Number of arrests during the year
286
75
CONCLUSION
The patrol car has covered 24,563 miles during the past year. All of the local factories are covered each night, and during the summer months, on traffic on Routes 28 and 44.
The Ambulance has covered 178 miles in the past year, having 28 calls. Eighteen calls to accidents and ten other calls.
We have had a big reduction in accidents during the past year, having only two fatals, and only 82 persons injured. In 1938 there were three fatals and 159 injured in accidents. This reduction is due to the careful driving done by operators of auto- mobiles and also by the officers enforcing the laws due to driving.
I wish to thank the Superintendent of Schools for the system he has installed in the schools for the education of the children in regard to traffic.
I wish to thank the operators of the local telephone 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 assist- ance and cooperation given me by the Honorable Board of Select- men, 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.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Board of Selectmen, Middleboro, Mass.,
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit to you my report as Inspector of Wires from March 17, 1939, to January 1, 1940.
Total number of inspections 348
Total miles traveled on inspections 1156
Minor cases of defective wiring 50 Flagrant cases of defective wiring (owners) 3
I wish to call to the attention of all doing electrical work or causing it to be done to see that it is reported within a reasonable length of time.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD W. MAXIM, Inspector of Wires.
76
REPORT OF WELFARE AGENT
Mr. Edward C. Peterson and The Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
January 16, 1940.
Welfare Department
On June 6, 1939, I took over the duties of Welfare Agent for the Town of Middleboro, at which time all fuel oil purchased for Welfare Recipients was placed on a contract basis. Food for the Town Infirmary was also purchased on a contract basis. On these two items we should save about $1,000.00 per year.
Welfare Recipients are put on a Budget furnished to us by the State Department of Public Welfare, and in this way each case receives the necessary allowance allotted by the State Budget. We have been able to cut considerable amounts from some cases in this way.
Aid to Dependent Children
All Aid to Dependent Children cases are under the super- vision of the Federal and State Departments. As of January 1, 1940, the percentage of Federal participation will be increased to 50%. However, in Aid to Dependent Children cases the State Department will continue to reimburse cities and towns for one- third of the total amount of aid approved. There are now twenty- one cases receiving Aid to Dependent Children, and there may be an increase in the number of cases during the year 1940.
Infirmary
During the past six months several improvements have been made at the Infirmary. Mr. Grant has supervised the building of a new henhouse and a new cemetery. A shed has been erected to store the Farm machinery. This has been all extra expense, and it has all been paid out of the 1939 appropriation. Mrs. Grant has supervised the work that has been done in the house; and each of them has done a very good job.
Maria L. H. Pierce Luxury Fund
This fund was turned over to me October 1, 1939, after Miss Laura B. Whittemore resigned. As Custodian of this fund, I hope I will be able to handle it as well as Miss Whittemore did. There are two daily papers and one Sunday paper, plus the Middle- boro Gazette, and all the inmates have a chance to read these papers. A Christmas party was held for the inmates on December 24th, and Mr. Thomas Hirst was Santa Claus. Each inmate re- ceived a gift together with candy.
We wish to thank all those who have donated books, maga- zines, and other articles to the home during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. MCKAY, Welfare Agent.
77
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honourable Board of Selectmen:
The number of Old Age Assistance cases in 1939 showed a de- crease in applications and an increase in cases closed, which in- dicates that we are reaching a point where the case load will re- main approximately steady (unless the age limit is changed). The average case load was 326 as compared to 320 in 1938. The aver- age age is about 74 years.
There is a widespread demand to increase the payments to a minimum of $40. per month, but this cannot be done in 1940 un- less there is a special session of the Legislature. Such action would materially increase the cost of Old Age Assistance, from the ef- fective date.
The benefits available under the Social Security Act, known as Old Age Insurance, begin January 1, 1940. They will not affect our present Old Age Cases, but as new cases arise the amount of aid rendered will be affected in some cases by the amount of in- surance the applicant receives. In 1940 this will be very small, but as time goes on, more and more will receive the insurance, there- by favorably affecting our relief rolls.
Miss Laura B. Whittemore, who has been our visitor, or in- vestigator, since- 1932, tendered her resignation to take effect October 1st. Her work was always satisfactory, and she gave un- sparingly of her time and energy to make things easier for those who were sick, or needed advice. She is greatly missed by all.
Mrs. Madeline Crossley was appointed in November as visitor. She is doing good work and gradually getting acquainted with the cases and the problems of each.
Beginning January 1, 1940 the State Department has issued new forms which must be used by all. They are supposed to make the work of the State Department simpler, but they greatly in- crease the work of each local department. Now the local Supervisor inust get all information required in every case before it will be approved by the State. The State investigator will not go to the individual homes in the future, but will get all his information in the local office. This will require more detailed information than formerly. Also more correspondence, affidavits and records. This additional work will take much more time than formerly. An ad- vantage will be closer contact with the State investigator, who will now come to Middleboro once or twice each week.
Following this report are comparisons and statistics for 1938 and 1939.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM G. BOYNTON, Supervisor.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT - OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
1938
1939
Administration
Salaries
$2,012.00
$2,005.54
Postage
174.62
195.95
Supplies
136.37
197.86
Transportation
149.41
2,472.40
124.92
$2,524.27
Cash payments
112,281.54
$119,439.20
To other Cities and Towns.
1,189.82
1,158.07
Paid State and Federal, their share
of reimbursements from individuals
943.16
114,414.52
83.85
120,681.12
Total
$116,886.92
123,205.39
Less receipts, State, Towns
39,940.21
46,109.35
Less Federal receipts used
56,631.76
96,571.97
56,562.62
102,671.97
Net cost for year
$20,314.95
20,533.42
78
RECEIPTS
RECEIVABLES
1938
1939 $180.22
Individuals :
36,991.43
44,306.19
State
$29,342.87
$30,875.76
1,646.78
1,622.94
Cities and Towns
604.83
928.31
$39,940.21
$46,109.35
$29,947.70
$31,804.07
FEDERAL ACCOUNT.
$3,120.73
$327.81
Balance from last year.
53,838.84
56,281.83
Received during year.
56,959.57
56,609.64
Total.
56,631.76
56,562.62
Used during year.
327.81
47.02
Balance for next year
$9,324.03
$8,908.64
1938
1939
1938
1939
Cases January 1st.
295
322
Living in other Towns
23
21
Added during year
78
63
Cases rejected
4
8
51
62
Visits and investigations
1425
1321
322
323
District Nurse
300
563
Closed during year December 31st.
126.74
Federal Emergency Relief.
1938
1939
$1,302.00
79
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
January 13, 1940,
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Middleboro, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit for your consideration and approval the report of the Weights and Measures Department for the year 1939.
We are housed at 13 Forest Street, where the State Standards are kept under lock and key at all times. The Town equipment or working equipment have at regular intervals been compared and adjusted to these Standards. It is by these Standards that the following list of devices sealed are adjusted.
The revenues turned into the Town Treasurer's office for the past year are as follows: Sealing fees, $211.37. Adjusting fees, $26.65. Number of miles traveled for this department were 5,056.
Licenses
Licenses issued from this department total 37 in number. Nature of licenses consist of the following: State, County, Tran- sient Vendor, Town and Veteran Licenses.
Summary for the Year 1939
Scales Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Platform, 5,001-10,000 lbs.
3
9
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
42
99
3
Counter under 100 lbs.
10
29
Beam, 100 lbs. or over
1
2
Beam, under 100 lbs.
2
7
Spring, 100 lbs. or over
3
20
Spring, under 100 lbs.
32
115
1 9
Computing under 100 lbs.
32
54
Personal weighing (slot)
12
1
Prescription
4
Jewelers'
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
130
484
4
Apothecary
5
85
Metric
70
1
Volumetric Measures
Liquid-1 Gal. and under
105
Liquid-over 1 Gal.
9
Oil Jars
26
Dry
4
Fuel Baskets
2
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Meters over 1 In. Inlet G. M. S. 6 14
Gasoline Pumps 7 119
13
Oil Measuring Pumps 19
21
80
Grease Meas. Pumps
8
9
Quant. Meas. on Pumps (ea.) 2
58
Linear Measures
Yard sticks
41
2
TRIAL WEIGHING AND MEASUREMENTS OF COMMOD- ITIES SOLD OR PUT UP FOR SALE Commodity No. Tested
Beans
105
43
62
Bread
114
50
28
37
Pastry
31
12
19
Butter
27
22
1
4
Coal (in paper bags)
2.2
22
Confectionery
44
36
2
6
Flour
29
27
2
Grain and Feed
7
6
1
Cream Cheese
15
9
3
3
Potatoes
24
4
20
Onions
33
10
16
7
INSPECTIONS
Licenses
114
Clinical Thermometers
81
Milk Jars
56
Oil Jars
94
MARKINGS OF FOOD PACKAGES
Inspected
1180
In appreciation of all those who cooperated with me during my first year as sealer, I wish to express my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH R. DUTRA, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE H. Arthur Standish, Town Director
Twenty-five years of Agricultural leadership has been pro- vided the towns of Plymouth County through the Extension Service, officially recognized as County Aid to Agriculture. During this period of time great agricultural achievements have been made through the initiative and leadership of agricultural associations, farmers' cooperatives, homemakers' groups, 4-H clubs and their many allied contributing sources.
This service, available to all, coordinates the efforts of the U. S. D. A., the Massachusetts State College, and local groups in the interest of rural people.
Correct Under
Over
81
Educational programs are largely determined by county committees, assuring the practicability of meetings, speakers, and subjects of interest to commodity, homemakers' and 4-H club groups.
During 1939 the Extension Service agents directed personally in Plymouth County 813 meetings with an attendance of 21,485 people; made personal contact with 12,237 people on individual problems; and reached 87,000 people through circular letters.
Information and assistance has been available to everyone in the subjects pertaining to Agriculture, Home Economics and the 4-H Club. These include for farmers the subjects of: Dairy poultry, fruits, vegetables, cranberries, forestry, general livestock, farm accounts, and many others. For Homemakers in 1939 emphasis has been placed on Money Management, Nutrition, Child Development, Home Furnishing and Recreation. Additional work has been done in Clothing, Food Preservation, Home Grounds Improvement. For 4-H activities, clubs in Poultry, Dairy, Garden, Conservation, Handicraft, Food, Canning, Clothing, Home Fur- nishing and others have been used by 1959 enrolled members in the county.
The people of Middleboro have been afforded this service in the best manner possible to meet the demands and interest of groups and individuals. The support of each town financially and morally is greatly appreciated by the Extension Service, and by the people who know its value as an influence in adult education.
REPORT OF THE PARK BOARD
Jan. 5, 1940.
Mr. Edward Peterson,
Town Manager.
Due to the re-call election, the Park Board for 1939 was not appointed until May 9th. The members held meetings during the season as occasion required and it is worthy of note to report a hundred per cent attendance at all meetings.
The general layout and perfect location makes our playground one of the best but the condition of the area as a whole at the time we took office was very poor and showed the lack of a definite long range planning program. For example :- the bandstand was badly in need of painting and repairs, and the tennis courts needed re- surfacing and remarking. Both of these conditions have existed for a number of years. We believe that enough money should be appropriated annually, to not only provide for normal playground maintenance but also for repairs and improvements as well.
In making their appropriation for the 1940 season, the voters should consider the fact, that $295.50 in fees were collected at the playground, during the past season and returned to the Town Treasurer.
As a Board, we recognized the need of a supervisor who could promote and direct athletic activities but the funds at our dis-
82
posal made this impossible, if we were to carry out our main pro- gram :- namely, to keep the entire playground in the best possible condition during its season of use.
To the Pierce Trustees, we extend our thanks for their assist- ance and co-operation. A report of payments made by the Pierce Trustees is as follows :-
Painting Bandstand $50.00
W. & T. Hellige Comparator. 36.10
Swimming Pool:
Payroll for 8 weeks. 416.00
Chemicals, Disinfectants and Supplies. 89.43
$591.53
To the officers and members of the Middleboro Varsity Club, officers and players of the Middleboro Soft Ball League and Mr. William Sheehy, Manager of the Middleboro Ramblers Baseball Team, as well as Mr. Henry Battis, Coach of the High School, we extend our best wishes for a very successful future. The spirit of co-operation and understanding given us by those mentioned above during the past season, proves that our efforts were not altogether in vain.
Respectfully submitted,
EDSON M. BEMIS, Chairman ROBERT C. LONG EDWARD W. KRAUS
ROBERT C. WEST W. H. HARVEY
REGISTRARS' REPORT For Year Ending December 31st, 1939
Seven meetings were held for the registration of new voters, a total of 224 names were added to the list. Additional meetings were held for the preparation of voting lists and for compilation of street lists.
After adding the new registration and deducting for removals, the present registration is as follows :-
Male
Female
Total
Precinct 1
174
137
311
Precinct
1961
1753
3714
Precinct 3
276
222
498
2411
2112
4523
The contract for printing the Street Lists was awarded to the Memorial Press in Plymouth, Mass. There were 750 copies pub- lished instead of 500 as in previous years. Although the Police Department did the greater part of securing the necessary statistics for the Street Lists, the Registrars were responsible for the proof reading and publishing of same.
Very truly yours, WALDO S. THOMAS, Clerk, Board of Registrars.
83
ANNUAL REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
To the Selectmen and the Town of Middleboro:
The Planning Board is gratified to note a mounting public interest in at least half of its long-term recommendations reviewed in the 1937 Town Report. The meetings of the Board have been better attended than for many years, and a reasonable appropriation this year should insure a most active Board. The Federation meetings have been attended, with much interest to the Board. We especially commend the Capital Budget study of the Winchester Planning Board, and offer our services for such a study here. In fact, we have already assembled much of the basic data.
The Town has at last taken definite action toward the estab- lishment of a Parking Space somewhat similar to that which we have so long advocated. Comparison with our 1931 report reveals distinct differences, however. Where we advocated a space built by vote of the Town but paid for by the merchants (and gave legal basis), under the present plan the Town pays all costs; the merchants or owners not only pay none, but receive rental for their land on this space which is exclusively for their benefit.
In the matter of zoning, the Selectmen have at last realized that zoning might add to their powers and at the same time relieve them of embarrassing responsibilities with regard to filling station and other licenses. The Planning Board welcomes the opportunity to offer further services to the Town in developing a suitable zoning by-law. The one which the Town saw fit to reject in 1933 was one of low first cost, but left much to be desired as a permanent arrangement. We trust that at this time the Town will see fit to spend enough to do the job right.
The Planning Board feels that it should again call attention to its many recommendations with regard to the Water Depart- ment. The present move toward relining the standpipe causes us to especially urge that permanent facilities be provided at the Pumping Plant for operating a fire engine (or more than one) in parallel with the high service pumps, pumping from the filtered- water storage (or, in emergency, chlorinated raw water) into the distribution system.
While it would be most desirable that the townspeople be constantly reminded of the past suggestions of the Planning Board, we hesitate to burden the Town Report with an annual summary. We refer those interested to the Planning Board report in the 1937 Town Report.
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL A. TRUFANT ENID S. CROZIER WILLIAM D. CHURCH ABNER H. SMITH WILLIAM C. BARDEN Planning Board.
84
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE WILL OF THOMAS S. PEIRCE
January 9, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Middleborough, Mass.,
Gentlemen:
We beg to present to you herewith the Annual Report of the Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1939.
The present condition of the two funds held by us as Trus- tees is shown by this report together with statements itemizing the Receipts and Disbursements of the two funds for the period indicated.
Fund Held in Trust for Use and Benefit of Town of Middleborough
Stocks-Inventory Value
$191,894.84
Bonds-Inventory Value
13,878.75
Mortgages and Notes
142,937.41
Real Estate
129,552.99
Real Estate under Foreclosure
43,068.32
Cabinet at Library
100.00
Office Equipment
155.50
Savings Bank Deposits
Worcester
$1,000.00
Wareham
2,000.00
Quincy
1,000.00
4,000.00
Cash-First National Bank of Boston
1,271.91
$526,859.72
Income Account RECEIPTS
Rentals
$9,546.45
Dividends
4,783.26
Interest
8,368.61
Sundries
324.74
$23,023.06
DISBURSEMENTS
Salaries Trustees and Clerk
$2,679.84
Janitor
1,420.00
Insurance
618.11
Repairs-Labor and Material
2,037.13
Light and Heat
1,024.04
Water
262.45
Sundries
369.43
8,411.00
Net Income for the Year
$14,612.06
Balance on Hand January 1, 1939
5,660.44
$20,272.50
85
Paid for the Use and Benefit of the Town
Court House Notes and Interest
$4,087.87
Peirce Street-Water Mains
1,015.00
Bates School Manual Training
318.60
High School Commercial Dept.
595.15
Jackson Street Drainage
49.43
Thompson Street
1,964.35
Playground
Supplies and Attendants, etc
499.68
Band Stand
50.00
8,580.08
Balance on Hand, January 1, 1940
$11,692.42
Fund Held in Trust for the Middleborough Public Library
Bonds-Inventory Value
$26,865.00 11,557.04
Savings Bank Deposits
Brockton
$2,000.00
East Bridgewater
2,000.00
Middleborough
4,329.82
New Bedford
1,000.00
Wareham
1,666.00
10,995.82
$49,417.86
Total Income for the Year
Dividends
$ 635.90
Interest
1,317.92
$1,953.82
Total Payments
Paid Probate filing fee and citation $11.00
Treasurer of Public
Library
1,942.82
$1,953.82
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR D. BENSON, FREDERICK S. WESTON, FLETCHER CLARK, JR. Trustees under the Will of Thomas S. Peirce.
Stocks-Inventory Value
86
REPORT OF THE ASSESSORS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Middleborough, Massachusetts :
The annual report of the Board of Assessors for the year ending December 31, 1939, is respectfully submitted herewith ..
Recapitulation
Appropriations
$462,550.93
Deficits in Overlay
1936
776.41
1937
765.50
State Assessments for 1939
State Tax
25,920.00
1938 Underestimate
12,960.00
Auditing Municipal Accounts
71.76
Hospital and Home Care for Civil War Veterans
420.00
State Parks and Reservations
490.20
1938 Underestimate
29.87
County Assessments for 1939
County Tax
15,260.43
1938 Underestimate
32.49
Tuberculosis Hospital
4,412.04
Overlay
5,913.11
Total
$529,602.74 $529,602.74
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
$31,641.39
Corporation Taxes
6,021.78
Reimbursement, State Owned Lands
114.88
Motor Vehicle Excise
17,056.12
Licenses
7,916.00
Fines
162.25
Grants and Gifts
5,191.37
County Dog Licenses
1,502.28
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