USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1940 > Part 4
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I recommend that an appropriation for snow removal be made which would be sufficient to care for average condi- tions, as determined by expenditures of former years, pro- vided the reserve fund shall be drawn upon for extraor- dinary snow removal expense.
New Highland St .- Mixed in place-2800 ft. Construction. Center St .- Base for mixed in place-10000 ft.
Wood St .- Base for mixed in place-750 ft. Bridge St .- Base for mixed in place-1700 ft. Railroad Bridges removed at
Middleboro Green-Base for mixed in place 200 ft. Everett St .- Base for mixed in place-500 ft.
East and Beach St .- Rough grading and preparation of right of way-1200 ft.
Thompson St. in conjunction with W.P.A. and -Black top resurfaced and sealed-
Chap. 90. 10860 ft. Oak and High St .- Concrete curbing-125 ft. School St .- Concrete sidewalk-135 ft.
During the year 6318 gals. of patching material were used, 2462 gals. of dust layer was applied to correct dust conditions, 25561 gals. of Tarvia were applied as surface treatment and 32,286 gals. of gasoline was pumped into Town owned equipment.
Water.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the appropriation made this year for a new high lift pump at the pumping station was used for the repair of the electric motor on the high lift pump. Next year the pump should be replaced in order that the complete unit should be in first class condition thus the question of efficient means of supplying water to the system could be eliminated in respect to this specific equipment.
I again recommend that the water rates be revised and the increased revenue be used for improvements and annual extensions.
Health.
The general health of the community has considerably improved as is shown by the decided decrease in the number of contagious diseases in the town which is due to the alert- ness of the physicians of the Town of Middleboro and the Health Agent.
48
Two children were sent from Middleboro to the Bailey Summer Camp and were greatly benefited by the treatment made available by this program.
The X-Ray and physical examination clinics instituted by the county for the arrestation of tuberculosis resulted in the examination of nineteen students of which eight were discharged and the remainder were assigned for follow-up examinations. By means of these clinics diseases may be checked by proper treatment before the disorder reaches advanced stages.
283 children were examined at the Health Department Dental Clinics of which 235 were found to have dental defects of which 210 were corrected at the clinic.
22 children were examined by the school physician at the pre-school clinic resulting in corrective measures being taken for the elimination of defects present.
Certificates were issued to 88 children who had received three treatments of Diphtheria Toxoid, which were admin- istered at the Health Department Diphtheria Clinic by the School Physician.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
Chicken-pox
2
10
11
24
8
9
0
0
0
1
11
3
79
Measles
21
2
1
2
12
0
0
0
0
1
5
1
45
Mumps
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
4
Scarlet Fever
0
3
15
27
7
2
1
0
1
0
0
3
59
Scarletina
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
13
Pneumonia
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
German Measles
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Typhoid Fever
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
1
Tuberculosis
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
Undulant Fever
0
0
0
0 0
1 0
0 0
0 0
Opthalmia
Neonatorum
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
Pneumococcus (Type 10)
Meningitis
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 1
0 0 0
1
0
1
Syphilis
1
0
1
1
0
2
2
Gonorrhea
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
Total
26
17 29
55
35
15
9 02
4 21
8 221
1
Dog Bite
0
0
0
1
5
1
4
0
0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0
0 1
0 0 0
1
Whooping Cough
0
0
0
1
1 0
0
9
1
0
0
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
Bakeries Inspected
2
4
5
2
6
8
6
4
1
0
3
0- 41
Cesspools Inspected
8
16
9
21
17
14
14
19
10
12
12
11-163
Cesspools Cleaned
2
4
5
2
6
8
6
4
1
0
3
0- 41
Cesspools Built Contagious Diseases
25
16
28
54
35
13
5
0
1
4
20
8-209
Contagious Placards
1
0
3
1
1
0
4
5
1
3
0
3- 22
Dead Animals Reported
1
0
3
1
2
0
4
4
1
3
0
2- 21
Dead Animals Removed
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
0-
5
Garbage Complaints
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0-
2
Inspection of Bottling Plants
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
1
1
0
0-
6
Inspection of Ice Cream Plants
17
12
9
26
14
12
9
17
23
19
8
12-178
Inspection of Stores
4
0
3
0
2
6
4
6
8
3
5
6- 47
Inspection of Restaurants
0
2
0
0
3
4
3
2
0
1
1- 17
Miscellaneous Complaints
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0-
3
Privy Complaints
4
2
1
2
2
4
4
4
2
1
3
0-
29
Soda Fountains Inspected
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
5
3
7- 18
Visiting Schools
0
0
2
3
2
2
0
4
0
0
0
I
13
Vaults Cleaned
0
0
0
2
1
0
3
1
2
0
0
10
Water Examinations
0
0
2
0
4
1
3
1
1
5
1
1-
19
Yards Inspected
4
2
2
1
4
1
2
1
0
2
11
22-
52
Licenses Granted
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
10
22-
33
Wood Alcohol
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0-
1
Bottling Beverages
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0-
2
Ice Cream Mfg.
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0-
3
Undertaker's
2
4
5
2
6
8
6
4
1
0
3
0-
41
Cesspool Permits
4
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0-
8
Overnight Cabins
0
1
2
0
4
4
0
0
3
0
2
0- 16
26
17
29
55
35
15
9
0
2
4
21
8-221
49
0
0
0
1
1
0- -
5
Pasteurization of Milk
0
0
0
0
.
HON
50
Stillborns
9
Under 1 year
8
From 1 to 10 years
2
From 10 to 20 years
0
From 20 to 30 years
2
From 30 to 40 years
5
From 40 to 50 years.
6
From 50 to 60 years.
16
From 60 to 70 years.
18
From 70 to 80 years
39
From 80 to 90 years
34
From 90 to 100 years
5
Over 100 years
1
Removals
3
148
The animal inspector visited 198 premises and inspected 175 herds, 1563 cattle, swine, sheep and goats. Reports were made on 13 heads of cattle to the Division of Livestock Disease Control to be tested. All cattle tested for tubercu- losis were found to be free from this disease.
Due to the spread of rabies to towns adjacent to Middle- boro, I recommend that a clinic be held for the vaccination of all dogs in the town so that this disease may be kept out of Middleboro. The fee should be small for the purpose of paying for vaccine and the services of the treatment be given free of charge by the Animal Inspector under regu- lations set up by the Board of Health. Certificates of Reg- istration have been issued to dairy producers who have complied with the regulations of the Division of Dairying. Inspections were made in regard to the facilities used by store keepers for the storage of dairy products and all con- ditions not up to standard were corrected.
Milk distributors are furnishing the people of the town with a good quality of milk, some dealers having their producer's milk analyzed daily or weekly for the protection of their customers.
During the year the carcasses of five hogs were inspected and passed for consumption as food and monthly reports were sent to the Department of Public Health outlining the inspections made.
90 applications for plumbing inspections were made during the year for the purpose of protecting the public from hazardous health conditions which might be brought about by a non compliance with the plumbing regulations.
I recommend that the Town seriously consider the establishment of new plumbing regulations which would act as a protection to the health of the community without. creating undue hardship on the person having plumbing fixtures installed.
51
I also recommend that the plumbing inspections be made without cost to the applicant, thus more applications would be made, the plumbing would be installed according to the prescribed regulations and "bootlegging of plumb- ing" would be eliminated.
The rubbish and garbage of the central part of the . town was collected and as a result the premises of the inhabitants could be kept cleaner and safer by means of this available service.
The garbage is used at the Town Farm to raise hogs which are sold at times during the year when the market is at its best, thus a substantial return is realized to offset the cost of these services.
The Wiring Inspector made 308 inspections, 37 rein- spections and traveled 917 miles.
The case load for Old Age Assistance has been between 330 to the present load of 334, the expense of which has increased due to the increase in the State as a whole.
Since the Federal and State governments are contribut- ing towards the expense of this assistance, this type of relief is practically controlled by Federal and State regulations.
There are at present 33 cases, representing 126 persons, on Aid to Dependent Children. Due to government regu- lations 50% of $18.00 for the cost of providing for the first child and 50% of $12.00 for each additional child up to 18 years of age regularly attending school, is reimbursed by the Federal Government. The State reimburses one- third of the total expended within the above limitations, thus the town actually pays only one-sixth of the total cost.
Due to unexpected layoffs of the W.P.A. and part time employment of the factories the welfare cost increased $2000 over the previous year. There has been considerable in- crease in the office work of this department due to the adoption by the State of a new system of case forms which must be submitted upon a change in the status of the. case.
The infirmary has been operated so efficiently this year that for the first time in a number of years the farm receipts have shown a decidedly large increase.
Since there has been no appropriation made for a number of years for repairs at the infirmary I recommend that an annual allocation of funds be set aside for this much needed work so that within three or four years the entire plant can be brought up into good condition.
The Maria L. H. Peirce Luxury Fund made it possible to furnish inmates with two daily papers, one Sunday paper and one of the local papers. In addition to reading mate- rial the fund made possible the furnishing to each inmate a Christmas gift together with refreshments, all of which cost about $30.00.
Welfare.
52
Gas and Electric.
The loss of $5,133.58 in the profit and loss account of the Gas department is partially offset by the $6,233.66 which was transferred for depreciation for 1940.
It is apparent that serious consideration must be given to the gas plant if larger profits are to be expected.
I recommend that the gas and electric departments should be assessed annually on a valuation equivalent to the book value of the plant. This assessment should be made on the basis that a similar amount would be assessed if the plants were not municipally owned. The point is now reached where the gas and electric departments have returned to the Town, for other than plant improvements, an amount equivalent to the total which has been appro- priated from the tax levy in past years for plant main- tenance.
It must also be decided whether the rates shall be re- duced and the consumers benefited or the rates held up and an amount of money, larger than the figure represent- ing taxes on the plant, be taken out each year for the reduction of the tax rate.
Forest Warden.
Due to the constant supervision of the deputy warden, the fire department and the regulations in regard to the issuance of permits, the damage by forest fires has been held to a minimum.
I recommend that a new truck equipped with a pump and sufficient small hose be purchased for fighting forest fires, for the equipment of this department should be in- creased.
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
The sealer's standards have been inspected and found to be in good condition for it is vital that the standards be accurate, but with constant use and wear reach a point that warrants condemnation. It has been found that as a whole the reweighings as tested show a predominance of overweights which show that the consumer is receiving the proper weight of goods purchased.
I recommend that the platform scales be put in order at the highway yard so that the sealer may weigh and check the weight of all material purchased by the Town and the fees for this work be turned into the Town Treas- ury.
Dog Officer.
775 dogs were licensed this year and 64 unlicensed dogs were picked up by the officer.
Tree Warden.
There is a great deal of damage which was caused by the hurricane that has not as yet been repaired.
53
A program of replacing dead trees should be started so that the beauty of the town streets can be maintained for I believe this town asset should not be neglected.
The department has taken steps to prevent the spread of tent caterpillar by means of spraying the roadside trees and shrubs but this work has only scratched the surface for there is considerable infested areas which cannot be reached due to their locations.
Police.
The police department investigated 1840 cases of which 404 arrests were made and $3949.00 in fines were imposed.
Consideration should be given to the question whether or not the force shall be increased due to the increase in traffic through the town.
Fire.
The fire department answered a total of 211 alarms resulting in a net loss, after the payment of insurance, of $4278.97. A total of 150 permits for explosives and inflam- mable liquids were issued and 1591 inspections were made. Hazardous conditions were found in 46 cases and 23 of them were corrected.
Attention is called to the condition of the ladder truck which, due to its age, should be replaced.
The fire alarm circuits should be extended so as to cover all sections of the town which is supplied with town water and alarm boxes should be installed in the school buildings. Also consideration should be given to the installation of a hydrant at the rear of the High School.
The personnel consists of 1 permanent chief, 1 perma- nent deputy chief, 5 call captains, 8 permanent drivers, 39 call men and 9 substitute call men. The apparatus consists of 4 pumpers and 1 ladder truck.
Park.
The park board operated one of the most efficient pro- grams since its creation. This result was achieved because the board consisted of only two well qualified members.
The pool operated during the summer and was declared by the State inspectors to be up to State standards as a result of their own tests.
Due to the generosity of the Peirce Trustees a new mowing machine was purchased for the playground which allowed the grounds to be kept in good condition through- out the season.
The Peirce Trustees also resurfaced the old courts and constructed and fenced a new court which now equips the playground with a much needed layout of which the town may well be proud.
A pipe line, with the proper filtering arrangements, should be constructed to the pool so that the practice of filling the pool by means of fire hose can be eliminated.
54
W. P. A.
The continuance of W.P.A. projects resulted in the construction of rubble walls at Muttock and the Electric Light Station. Farm to Market roads were constructed throughout the town, Thompson St. was resurfaced with a mixed in place top and proper drainage installed. The construction of sidewalks was continued and many needed walks were installed.
A project for the indexing of town records was oper- ated and the sewing project was continued.
A surveying project for the purpose of plotting all underground structures and for the determining of street lines was operated which resulted in the compilation of data which heretofore was not recorded.
In conjunction with the N.Y.A. the fishway at Wareham St. was reconstructed and the playground at the High School was extended by filling and grading.
A surplus commodity project at the Forest St. building resulted in the distribution of a large quantity of much needed food and clothing.
Also in conjunction with the N.Y.A. clerks were placed in the various offices of the Town Departments and received practical experience in office procedure which will assist them to become more valuable employees in the clerical field of the business world.
Rounseville Estate.
On January 1, 1940 as a bequest from the estate of Ida Rounseville the town received property and an amount of money to the value of $10,000. Since the property has been considerably run down the buildings should be repaired and sold so that the trust fund would represent a sum of money on deposit which could be used as defined by the trust.
I recommend that these properties be improved and sold as soon as possible so that the question of maintenance of property can be eliminated.
I wish to express my gratitude to all employees of the town who, by means of their efficient work, have made possible an intelligent and efficient administration of the business of the town for the year 1940.
Respectfully submitted,
E. C. PETERSON,
Town Manager.
55
ANNUAL REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
To the Selectmen and the Town of Middleboro:
The Planning Board has little to add to its 1939 report except to comment that the progress on the North Main Street Parking Space does not commend the methods chosen, and we would again suggest the method outlined in our report of 1931.
Our Planning Board seems to have fallen into the same rut which trapped many other Planning Boards. This tendency has long been recog- nized, and the Legislature, after mature consideration, provided an improved basic statute in 1936. We cannot take advantage of this new law without a vote of the Town. We are asking for such a vote at the coming Annual Meeting.
The new statute (Chapter 211, Acts of 1936) is largely an enabling act. Of course it cannot enable your Planning Board to spend money unless you appropriate it. However, it outlines procedure for developing an Official Map and a Master Plan, each of which would have numerous advantages for our Town. The Official Map is a compilation of the current legal status of the streets and ways, to be formerly adopted by the Town and altered as new streets are accepted, etc. Many residents would be surprised to learn that they live on private ways. The Highway Department has long done surfacing, maintenance, plowing etc. on land not accepted by the Town as a street. One accepted street has no inlet or outlet except over a private way. The Official Map, by calling attention to such over- sights, would encourage a remedy.
The Master Plan would be more properly a group of plans indicating desirable development of the Town. This is a long-range planning proposi- tion. It would never be finished unless the Town were to be abandoned. It is something to aim for and work toward, with new goals ahead of each one attained. It is subject to constant change as conditions change and circumstances dictate. It can guide a decline as well as an advance, if declining is inevitable.
Much of the groundwork for both the Official Map and the Master Plan could be done by suitably-drawn W. P. A. projects. There is nothing in either Map or Plan which could not be over-ruled by the Town Meeting.
The most noticable effect of adoption of the new enabling act (lacking an appropriation for other purposes) would be that the Planning Board could approve or disapprove of the details of proposed land subdivision. The Board could prevent lot sales on new half-width streets, or streets so located as to cause unreasonable expense to the Town for maintenance, drainage, sewers, water supply etc. Appeal from the Board's decisions would be through the courts, except that if the Town should require building permits, appeals concerning them would be to the Selectmen or a new Board of Appeals.
The Town would seem to have nothing to lose and much to gain in approving the setting-up of a new Planning Board under the new law.
Respectfully Submitted,
RUSSELL A. TRUFANT FREDERICK W. daCOSTA WILLIAM C. BARDEN ENID S. CROZIER WILLIAM D. CHURCH
Planning Board.
56
REPORT OF COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE The Plymouth County Extension Service
During 1940, the Plymouth County Extension Service has performed its usual function of helping rural, village, and city people with the problems of farming, homemaking, and 4-H club training. Each year ever-increasing demands are being made on this organization to organize, administer, and teach programs of national, state, county, and town importance.
The agricultural department has a wide range of services for com- modity groups in dairying, poultry husbandry, fruit and vegetable culture, cranberry growing, general livestock management, forestry, and many other subjects. In each of these special emphasis has been placed on marketing in recognition of this need with production problems more completely solved than those of merchandizing.
Close cooperation and collaboration have been maintained with local organizations and other federal agencies. Some of these are as follows: Plymouth County Farm Bureau, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, Plymouth County Poultry Association, Bristol-Plymouth Fruit Growers' Association, Satucket Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and Brockton Cooperative Egg Auction Association. The Federal Land Bank, Taunton Production Credit Association, Farm Security Administration, and the Agri -ยท cultural Conservation Program.
The Home Demonstration Department held meetings in every town in Plymouth County during the past year. Emphasis was placed on home beautification, food preservation, nutrition, health and recreation. In addi- tion to meetings, other help was given by letters, phone calls and home visits.
4-H club work not only develops agricultural and homemaking ability among its boys and girls, but trains them also in self reliance, good sports- manship and good citizenship. Clothing, home furnishing and food projects teach girls a greater appreciation of good home and community living, while in the stock and crop raising projects boys are shown the value of modern methods as well as getting a knowledge of business.
4-H club work is a truly American idea, for all of America's youth.
The course which the Extension Service follows is largely determined by local people. Your board of trustees, town directors, women's advisory council, and commodity committeemen, have by a majority approved these programs. The service of all departments is available to everyone. The Extension Service has its place in bringing to the attention of Plymouth County people the principles of good farming, good homemaking and good citizenship.
Briefly, some of the accomplishments for Plymouth County in 1940 which may be shown statistically, are as follows:
Number of meetings conducted
877
Attendance at these meetings
26,650
Farm and Home Visits made
2,233
Number of different circular letters 293
Total circulation of these circular letters
95,656
Number of 4-H clubs 101
57
Number of 4-H members enrolled 1,881
No. Home Demonstration Clubs 115
.
No. women enrolled 2,171
The financial assistance and moral support of Middleboro is greatly appreciated by the people the Extension Service assists. A continuation of its support is justified on the record it has achieved. Its influence can not be measured by monetary values, but its educational programs and individual assistance constitute one measure in the first line of national defense.
H. A. STANDISH,
Town Director.
ANNUAL REPORT OF MIDDLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 15, 1941.
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library:
I herewith submit the annual report for the year ending De- cember 30, 1940.
It is a satisfaction to report that the past year was one to bring an increase in the use of the library's books. As we close our accounts for the year the figures show an increase in the year's circulation of a thousand books-a thousand and one to be exact-which brings the circulation figures for the year to 87,912 volumes.
The numerous quizz contests in newspapers and on the radio have brought people into the library who have not been accustomed to using the facilities of the library. Once inside, many not only look up references to answer their question but take out a card and go home with some books.
These quizzes are causing much wear and tear on reference books-and the librarians. The hours spent in searching out the answers to some of these unusual and difficult questions will be well spent if some of the knowledge thus gained can be even partially retained.
Such constant use of books, both reference and for circulation, means that the books of necessity must suffer some damage, which in turn means that constant mending and repairs are necessary. One member of the staff devotes considerable of her time to this work and in addition to the hundreds of loose and torn pages mended and minor repairs made, during the past year new backs were put on 413 volumes and 106 volumes were covered entirely with new book cloth. These books go back into circulation rejuvenated in appearance and re-enforced so that they will continue in use for many months, in some cases years. The greatest advantage is the fact that this work of re-backing and re-covering books saves many dollars which otherwise would have to be spent for re-binding.
58
WORK WITH SCHOOLS
An impetus is given the juvenile circulation of books by the pupil's eagerness to win a State Certificate for Reading. This applies to grades four to eight and during the year many certificates were awarded for having read and reported on five books on the State Reading List and Honor Cer- tificates for reading twenty books on the list.
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