USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1870-1874 > Part 13
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Notwithstanding the delays and discouragements that have attended the project of a railroad from Plymouth to Sandwich, it is still the general belief that such a railroad is only a question of time. One of the most serious difficulties which that enterprise encounters is the cost of getting through the village of Plymouth. The extension of Water street to the depot will almost surely complicate and increase that difficulty ; and if the railroad were extended to-day, there would be very little demand for the extension of the street. The cost of the extension must be large. The petitioners presented no data
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from which it could be accurately estimated, and the estimates of remonstrants were undoubtedly extreme ; but from a general knowledge of the subject, the Selectmen are of the opinion that it would be much greater than any new road project now before the town, except the Rocky Hill and Manomet road, which involves some four miles of road; and that the advantage of such extension would not equal its cost.
It is obvious that the Town cannot well assume in a single year all the projects for new roads that might be wise, if taken in due order. The Selectmen recommend that the Rocky Hill and Manomet road be worked the present year from the northerly terminus to the meeting-house at South Plymouth, and that further time be asked for making the alterations south of that point; that the alterations on Market street be made the present year, as required by the order of the Com- missioners ; and that the town way at Manomet be worked in accordance with the Commissioners' order. That this may be done, an appropriation of $6,500 is recommended.
WATER WORKS AND SCRIP.
. CR.
Water rents received $7,381 74
DR.
Balance overdrawn Jan. 1, 1873 $1,155 53
Paid in 1873 12,017 03
$13,172 56
Overdrawn. $5,790 S2
Orders drawn not paid. 99 90
The report of the Water Commissioners is so full upon the work of this department that it is only necessary for the Select- men to add that the deficit in the account should be provided for. The ordinary revenue will not be sufficient for more than the current expenses, and such further extensions as will be
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imperatively demanded for some time to come, and an appro- priation of $5,000 should be made.
Though the Selectmen must share the responsibility for the action of the last year, they are of the opinion that the stand- ing vote which authorizes the Water Commissioners to make extensions, with the approval of the Selectmen, where the rents secured by such extension will pay six per cent. upon the cost, does not authorize them to make such extension in excess of appropriations, but only when there is sufficient means provided to meet the cost of the same; and that it will be much safer for the town in the long run that all its officers should confine expenditures strictly within the limits of their authority.
CONTINGENT.
Cn.
Appropriation
$6,500 00
DR.
Balance overdrawn Jan. 1, 1873. $1,669 10
Paid in 1873 5,016 00
$6,685 10
Balance overdrawn,. $185 10
The only unusual expense chargeable to contingent the last year was the construction of a new Lock-up, under the vote of the town. This has been done in the basement of the Town House at an expense of $481.87. The town has long been liable to indictment for want of this provision ; but we believe that for convenience, safety and comfort the Lock-up will now com- pare favorably with those provided by other towns, and we do not doubt that the knowledge that such provision has been made is of great service to the police in maintaining order in our streets. An appropriation of $5,000 will suffice for this de. partment.
$
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FIRE DEPARTMENT.
CR.
Balance Jan. 1, 1873.
$1,164 27
Appropriation 2,700 00
$3,864 27
DR.
Paid in 1873 ... $2,995 31
Balance undrawn. $868 96
Orders not paid. 370 18
At no time has the fire department received closer attention from the Board having it in charge than during the last year, and their report, with the suggestions and recommendations which it contains, will be read with interest. The request for new hook and ladder carriage and ladders should in our opinion be granted ; and an appropriation of $2,000 is recommended, which with the balance that will remain of last year's appropri- ation, will meet the current expenses, at the estimate of the en- gineers, and admit of this much needed improvement of appar- atus.
The Selectmen do not deem the purchase of a new steamer the present year advisable. In the report of last year the en- gineers reported truly that the department was never in better order than at that time. Since which report a new and very effective force pump has been added, and five hundred feet of the Boyd's best hose. We think the improvement of this de- partment is going forward as fast as the Town can afford, in view of all the burdens pressing upon it. The purchase of a steamer will demand large expense for a house, and no suitable lot can be had where the Engineers think it should be located.
.
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It may be doubted whether the Engineers are right in consid- ering Town Square the proper place to locate a second steamer. and the question of location can be more wisely determined when the result of new business enterprises locating with us is known. A large number of buildings are being built near the depot, and in a little time one or two hundred men are likely to be daily employed in that vicinity, which suggests whether the second engine, when procured, will not be more imperatively needed and more promptly manned in that neighborhood. With- out expressing any opinion upon what will finally be found best, we think time will help materially in the solution of the question.
VINE HILLS CEMETERY.
CR.
Balance Jan. 1, 1873
$130 92
From sale of lots, 500 75
$631 67
DR.
Paid in 1873
$417 27
Balance undrawn
$214 40
ASSESSORS.
CR.
Balance Jan. 1, 1873
$465 03
Appropriation . 450 00
$915 03
DR.
Payment in 1873
$988 89
Overdrawn $73 86
Orders not paid .. 23 00
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ABATEMENTS.
CR.
Balance Jan. 1873. $433 80
Overlay 922 50
$1,356 30
DR.
Abatements of 1873 $903 90
Undrawn.
$452 40
COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
CR.
Balance Jan. 1873.
$4 59
Appropriation 450 00
$454 59
DR.
Paid in 1873.
$450 00
Undrawn. $4 59
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WATCH AND POLICE.
CR.
Appropriation
$1,500 00
DR.
Paid in 1873.
$838 75
Undrawn
$661 25 Orders not paid $8 00
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FRESH BROOK
CR.
Balance Jan. 1873 $21 72
From sale of brook 20 00
Undrawn $41 72
HERRING MONEY.
CR.
Balance Jan., 1873.
$390 99
Two-thirds dividend O. C. Bank
300 00
$690 99
DR.
Paid in 1873. $735 25
Overdrawn $44 26
WIDOWS.
CR.
Balance Jan., 1873
$198 01
One-third dividend O. C. Bank 150 00
$348 01
DR.
Paid in 1873.
$156 00
Balance
$192 01
SEXTON.
Appropriation
$125 00
Paid in 1873. $125 00
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TREASURER.
Appropriation
$500 00
Paid in 1873. $500 00
LIGHTING STREETS.
Balance Jan., 1873
$75 95
Appropriation .
750 00
$825 95
DR.
Paid in 1873
$782 75
Undrawn
$43 20
BURIAL HILL.
CR.
Collection from First Parish DR.
$108 75
Balance overdrawn Jan., 1873
$33 92
Paid in 1873. 103 76
$137 68
Overdrawn
$28 97
GUIDE BOARDS.
The statute which requires annual report upon the guide boards of the town compels us to make brief mention of their condition, though the information we are able to give does not extend beyond the statement that we are not aware of changes in their number and condition since the last report.
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APPROPRIATIONS.
The appropriations for the year are recommended as follows : Schools and repairs of school-houses $15,500 00
Poor 5,000 00
Insane Poor 1,500 00
Roads .
8,000 00
Town Debt 4,000 00
Fire Department. 2,000 00
Contingent. 5,000 00
Watch and Police. 500 00
Water Scrip Sinking Fund.
1,500 00
Lighting streets and town house
800 00
Assessors
750 00
Treasurer
500 00
Sexton
125 00
Collector of Taxes.
450 00
Burial Hill 150 00
New Roads.
6,500 00
Water Works and Scrip.
5,000 00
$57,275 00
The revenue not otherwise appropriated is estimated as follows :-
5,000 00
Corporation tax.
3,300 00
National Bank tax
Miscellaneous. 1,000 00
$9,300 00
Deducting the estimated revenue as above, there will remain $47,975, to be assessed upon the polls and estates for town purposes.
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The valuation of the town has increased considerably during the year, and if the Assessors make a thorough revision of their estimates of real estate that has risen in value, the rate of taxation will not be increased, and the taxes imposed will fall more equally than they do now.
ALBERT MASON, WILLIAM H. NELSON, HENRY WHITING, JR., DAVID CLARK, LEMUEL BRADFORD,
Selectmen of Plymouth.
Plymouth, February 14, 1874.
The undersigned deems it proper to inform the town that business engagements which will require his daily absence from town compel him to decline re-election upon the Board of Selectmen.
ALBERT MASON.
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REPORTS.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To the Selectmen of the Town of Plymouth :-
In conformity with Sec. 6 of an Act to establish a fire depart- ment in the Town of Plymouth, the following report for the year 1873 is respectfully submitted :-
FIRES.
During the year there has been an unusually large number of disastrous conflagrations in other towns and cities, but we are happy to say, our town has escaped with comparatively very small loss, there having been but two general alarms; one, August 11th, caused by the burning of a small barn owned by Geo. H. Jackson, and occupied by J. A. Robbins ; and, Nov. 3d, by the partial burning of picker room in the Woolen Mill near the depot. The burning of the factory at South Plymouth July 24th did not cause an alarm in the village.
MANUAL FORCE.
The manual force of the department consists of five Eu- gineers ; thirty members of Steam Engine Company ; two hand Engine Companies, sixty members ; Hook and Ladder Com- pany, sixteen members; five Hose Companies, thirty members ;
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
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making a total of one hundred and forty. one men, all of whom are carefully organized and detailed so as to render prompt and efficient service whenever required. Harmony of purpose and unity of action exist among the members and between the Com- panies. Each member, knowing how much depends on himself personally for the accomplishment of the work to which he is called by alarm, from time to time, enters upon it with a consciousness that it is a duty that demands prompt and deter- mined action ; and it is a source of great pleasure to us to be able to point to the unfaltering energy shown in the discharge of the various duties, actuated by a public spirit and sense of duty rather than the small pecuniary reward they receive ; they merit the warmest praises of the entire community.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus of the department consists of one steam and two hand Engines with hose tenders, one Hook and Ladder truck, five hose carriages in use, and two hand Engines and hose tenders in reserve. Our water supply is from two force pumps, (one of which has been set within the year at F. B. Cobb's grain mill at the foot of Market street), five Reservoirs and forty-six Hydrants. Six of the latter have been set during the year.
HOSE.
There is in use in the department one hundred feet of rubber, nine hundred feet of leather, and seventeen hundred feet of Boyd's patent leading hose in good order, and one thousand feet of old leather hose in ordinary condition ; making in all thirty-seven hundred feet. Five hundred feet of Boyd's patent hose have been received since our last report.
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SUGGESTIONS.
The Board has received a petition from the Hook and Ladder company asking us to recommend in the report that the town purchase a new Hook and Ladder truck; as, in their opinion, the present one is antiquated, dilapidated, and totally unfit for use. We have felt for years that this branch of the department was not properly equipped. One of our most important appur- tenances is the hook and ladder truck ; it is of great service to all the companies by having ladders ready for mounting high places, and perhaps saving life by affording means of escape from upper rooms or roofs of buildings. The ordinary ladders now used are only about twenty-eight feet long, and will not reach the roofs of some of our highest buildings. The pur- chase of a new truck, with ladders that can be extended to for- ty-five feet, at a cost of not over seven hundred dollars, is there. fore recommended.
The recommendation in our last report that another steamer be purchased to take the place of the two hand Engines now in use is renewed, as such a change would be a great addition to the force of the department in protecting the Town. It would not increase its running expenses. We would also suggest that there be built or rented on or near Town Square a building of sufficient capacity to accommodate two steam fire Engines. We hope your Honorable Board will consider favorably the sug- gestions herc made, and, if consistent with your views, urge them upon the consideration of the Town at the annual meeting. We regret that they require the outlay of so much money, but one fire uncontrolled might result in the loss of more value in property than ten times the amount required to carry them ยท out. An appropriation for ordinary expenses of seventeen hun -: dred dollars, and for Hook and Ladder truck, ladders, &c., as
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recommended, six hundred and fifty dollars. A new light double steam Engine of the best make will cost about four thousand dollars.
In closing, allow us to thank you for the interest taken in the welfare of this department.
P. C. CHANDLER, HENRY WHITING, JR.,
Board
C. B. STODDARD, L. T. ROBBINS,
R. W. BAGNELL,
of Engineers.
January 1, 1874.
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
The Plymouth Water Works have continued during the last year to warrant the confidence which the cement pipes have heretofore given in their strength and durability. No leaks have occurred which could be attributed to original defects, but a settling of the ground over swamps or old wells was the almost invariable cause of the few leaks which have occurred.
Much annoyance has been occasioned by the obstruction of the stop-cocks or faucets which connect the house pipes with the street mains, by eels, which are found to breed in the well room under the gate-house, whither their spawn is carried or deposited, the eels growing in the main pipes. Whilst it is said that they do not diminish but increase the purity of the water, they are not needed in water where analysis represents so high a standard as the South Pond water. This trouble can only be remedied or diminished by the insertion of waste or sluice-gates at low points, and at the extremities of pipes ; in which respect there is at present a marked deficiency.
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The attention of the Commissioners has also been directed to the necessity of gates or shut-offs at the corners of the streets, a few of which were inserted only at the junction of principal streets upon the completion of the water works in 1864. Some new gates have been put in at a cost of about $200. When a leak occurs, when an extension is to be made, or a new gate inserted, the supply of water is shut off over a large district, to the great inconvenience of occupants of dwellings, and special damage to those who use water from the aqueduct for steam power. As these gates are costly, the Commissioners have not felt justified in incurring the whole expense in a single year. Four gates have been added at Chiltonville, one at the junction of Commercial and Sandwich streets, one at the junction of Water and Sandwich streets, one at the junction of Park Avenue and Court street, one at the new shoe factory, one at the junction of Court street and Hedge's Lane, and one on the School street main at its junction with North Russell street. These operations, together with the insertion of hydrants ordered by the fire department, have created extra labor, as well as domestic inconvenience, which was not fully understood.
But under votes of the Town a large extra expenditure, prop- erly chargeable to the construction account of the Water Works, has been otherwise incurred.
Under instructions from the Town, the Commissioners were required to repair and maintain the canal between Great and Little South Ponds. They have accordingly sunk a fifteen-inch round cement pipe under the shore of the great pond, extending it into the pond about eighty feet, to a point at which sufficient depth of water is attained to render immovable and unshifting the sandy bottom of the pond at the end of the pipe. This pipe extends down the canal to the bridge, being in all about one
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hundred and fifty feet in length. This work was done because the southerly winds in summer, and the pressure of ice during southerly thaws in winter, created a bar across the upper mouth of the canal, and thus obstructed the flow of water.
Though the right to take as much water as might be desired by the Town down to the point at which the canal was dug at the time of the litigation with the Russell Mills, namely, seven- teen inches and a fraction below the mud-sill at the bridge, was taken by the Town, and the County Commissioners awarded damages for the whole value of the pond, (see their answer to Inhabitants of Plymouth, petitioners for mandamus and for certiorari vs. County Commissioners, or file at the Clerk's office), the Water Commissioners deemed a fifteen-inch pipe sufficient for all present purposes. The insertion of that size of pipe is merely by way of economy, and the Commissioners do not intend to waive or take away any right of the town.
This pipe, as it extended into the pond, needed protection from frost, as well as from the pressure of ice, which is so severe as to cause a raised furrow, ridge, or moraine of sand and gravel some two feet in height above high-water mark along the shore. For this purpose a bulk-head or wharf, filled with sand, was built out over the pipe to a point where it was believed the water was sufficiently deep to secure the pipe from frost. It was not desirable to build the bulk-head out to the end of the pipe, unless absolutely necessary to secure from frost, from, an apprehension that it might cause shoaling anew, and a disturb- ing bottom at the end of the bulk-head. The end of the pipe is filled up, and the water enters from the top. The end of the bulk-head is shored and guarded by sloping ways, and the pipe has three well-holes at places indicated by stakes, for the pur pose of clearing any possible obstructions.
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This structure is to be regarded as an experiment, but was fully endorsed by Clemens Herschel, Esq., Civil and Hydraulic Engineer. But at this date (Jan. 28), the work appears perfect, and the Little Pond is as high as the Great Pond. The remain- der of the canal, which is in all about five hundred feet in length, has been temporarily repaired by planks and braces ; but the extension of the covered pipe, for a permanent work of this character, would be a measure of economy. This improvement was effected at a cost of $599.59.
The other items of extraordinary expenditure were incurred by the extension of the main pipes in Chiltonville and at Hedge's Lane. This was done under no special appropriation of the Town, but under a standing vote that the Commissioners, under the approval of the Selectmen, might make extensions, if satisfied that the rents of the same would pay six per cent. upon the cost of the extension. This the. Commissioners have been inclined to do in all cases which presented a prospect of increase returns above six per cent. in the future.
Under this head about 5,000 feet of two-inch pipe, with one waste-gate and two shut-off gates, have been laid from the house of Nathaniel Hoxie, on the hill by the meeting-house, to the Clifford House barn, and to the top of the first hill up the valley towards Deacon Morton's estate. The stop-gates are at the top of the hill at Hoxie's, and at the junction of the valley- pipe beyond the bridge, and the waste-gate west of the bridge. About six hundred feet of four-inch pipe were also laid up Hedge's Lane, to accommodate the new tenements up on that way. Other small extensions in Commercial and Mayflower streets and in Park Avenue have been made.
The first extension was incurred at a cost of $2,882.90.
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At the close of the last financial year the balance against this Department was $1,155.53, including uncollected water-rents. It is now $5,790.71, including uncollected water-rents. Some provision should be made by the Town to meet these expenses of construction. The Water Works themselves have paid for interest, repairs, and all ordinary expenses, during the year The interest on the water-debt is $6,120 on $102,000; Superin- tendent's salary, $300.
There are other applications made for extensions of pipe, some of which it would be advisable to make during the next year. Before long it will be necessary to make some provision for laying a connection between the northerly portion of the town and the main pipe on Summer street. Such a connection will serve to maintain and equalize the pressure in that portion of the town, and to supply that section with water when shut off for repairs in the central village. Should the new street between Summer and Samoset streets be laid out, it will furnish the necessary opening for such a connection.
There are about 800 feet of two-inch pipe between Alvin Morton's corner and George W. Cobb's, which it will be neces- sary to replace with four-inch pipe to connect with the four-inch pipe beyond, laid last year, to the Sandwich road at Finney's Lane. From that point the pipe is two inches, but the supply is not sufficient in Summer fully to keep up the pressure and overcome air and friction. The two-inch pipe taken up can be re-laid, but the Commissioners would not advise any further laying of two-inch pipes, except up lanes, courts, or points where no extension seems likely to happen hereafter.
CHARLES G. DAVIS, SAMUEL H. DOTEN. 1 Commissioners. LEMUEL BRADFORD,
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AGAWAM AND HALF-WAY POND FISHERIES.
To the Selectmen of the Town of Plymouth :-
In accordance with a vote passed by the Town at the March meeting some years since, making it the duty of all Boards of officers and Committees to make their annual reports prior to the annual March meeting, we as a Committee on the part of Plymouth, to regulate the fishery in the Agawam and Half-way Pond rivers, would respectfully make the following report :-
That the whole receipts from the sale of the privileges of taking alewives and shad at the Herring weirs in Plymouth and Wareham, on the Agawam and Half-way pond streams for the year 1873 were $731, one-half of which goes to the Town of Wareham.
One-half to the Town of Plymouth $365 50 The expenses of the Committee on the part of Ply- mouth, together with clearing the river is. 83 65
Leaving a balance to the Town of. $281 85 which has been paid to the Treasurer.
We would also say that we find by the Records, that in 1848 this privilege paid to the Town of Plymouth but $11.47. Since that time the privilege with very few exceptions has been purchased by Mr. George Sanford, and has yielded the Town of Plymouth between four and five hundred dollars in a single year. We would call the attention of the voters of Plymouth to the above fact, and invite competition to the sales of the privileges for taking fish upon this valuable Herring stream the present year.
B. H. HOLMES, R. W. BAGNELL, Committee. P. C. CHANDLER,
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REPORT OF LIQUOR AGENT.
The following annual statement of the business and present condition of the Agency is respectfully submitted :-
CASH ACCOUNT.
DR.
To cash on hand Jan. 1, 1873. $62 71
To cash from sales 3,968 32
To cash due agent. 55 94
$4,086 97
CR.
By cash paid Commissioner $3,486 20
paid merchandise. 10 00
transportation
45 18
incidentals.
15 59
Agent's salary and expenses.
530 00
$4,086 97
MERCHANDISE ACCOUNT.
Stock on hand Jan. 1, 1873.
$865 00
Liquors bought of Commissioner
3,761 16
Merchandise bought ..
10 00
To balance due Town. 590 56
$5,226 72
Sales
$3,968 32
Stock on hand
1,258 40
$5,226 72
J. C. FULLER, Town Liquor Agent.
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Condensed statement showing the condition of the Agency Jan. 1, 1873 and Jan. 1, 1874.
To cash on hand Jan. 1, 1873. $62 71
stock on hand. 865 00
$927 71
Less amount due Liquor Commissioner.
336 49
Amount due Town Jan. 1, 1873 $591 22
Stock on hand Jan. 1, 1874. $1,258 40
Less amount due Commissioner. $611 45
Less amount due agent 55 94
667 39
Due Town Jan. 1, 1874.
591 01
Loss for the year. 21
PLYMOUTH WATER SCRIP SINKING FUND.
The undersigned, trustees of said fund, present their fifth an- nual report of the condition of the same Jan. 1, 1874. To amount received from Town Treasurer $7,500 00
To interest received from investment 1,240 55
$8,740 55
Invested as follows :- 10 shares Old Colony National Bank costing$1,019 61 56 bonds Plymouth Water Scrip costing, interest included. 5,582 25
1 bond Burlington and Missouri
River
Rail Road. 967 39 5 shares Webster National Bank 500 63 Cash in Plymouth Savings Bank 670 50
Cash in Old Colony Bank. 17
$8,740 55
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