USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1932-1933 > Part 22
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INFIRMARY
This department continues under the able man- agement of Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Dickson, su- perintendent and matron. While the number has decreased by one, the physical condition of many of the inmates necessitates much extra care. For, today, there is hardly a one of them who is able to do any work about the place. The usual garden has been carried on that the inmates may have fresh vegetables for the table. And the income from the Julia P. Robinson fund has been used for their ben- efit.
Number of inmates January 1, 1933, 10 Admitted during the year, -
7
17
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Died during the year, 1
Committed to State Hospital, Taunton, 2
Discharged to private families, 2
Boy committed to State School, 1
Maine Fishermen discharged, 2
8
Number remaining December 31, 1933,
9
MOTHERS WITH DEPENDENTS
Assistance given in this department shows a de- crease from five families to three, two of the cases now being self-supporting. The three families re- ceiving aid represent eight persons. As usually stated, this department as well as Old Age Assistance, is under the supervision of the State Public Welfare, in conjunction with the local board; one-third of the expense is reinbursed to the town by the State.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Our last year town report contained the follow- ing lines, which best describe the principles of this assistance. "Again we call your attention to the fact that the law distinctly states 'this is not a pension ; but public assistance given to deserving cit- izens in need of relief and support, seventy years of age and older. And that it does not relieve the children from supporting their parents if they are able to do so.' This assistance is a great help to the aged. It relieves them of the mental worries and material cares which cause so much havoc among the old. And by allowing them to spend their de- clining days among their friends in peace and com- fort we lengthen the span of their life among us."
Receiving assistance January 1, 1933, 86
Added during year, 14
- 100
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Died during the year, Discharged to care of self,
9
6
Discharged to care of relatives,
1
16
Receiving assistance December 31, 1933, 84
GENERAL WELFARE OR OUTSIDE AID
The peak of our temporary assistance came in April, when we were aiding 439 families. At that same time assistance was being given five mothers with dependents and eighty-four old age assistance cases. The combined assistance being given in the above referred to cases represented over two thou- sand persons.
During this year, as well as the year previous, we have given considerable time and effort in placing the able-bodied, seeking temporary assistance, on some town departmental work, that they may return to our town by their labors, a value in exchange for the food and other necessities they received. We feel that in most cases this privilege has been great- ly appreciated by the recipients and that to a great extent this total cost of temporary assistance cannot be rightfully called an expense.
During the latter part of November this depart- ment was relieved, in a great measure, by transfer- ring most of their welfare labor, as it was called, to Civil Works Administration projects, which reduced the cost of assisting a large number of the able- bodied on our welfare list. The Civil Works Admin- istration, it is believed, has greatly helped others of our town who were not on our lists, giving them a means of supporting themselves and families with- out seeking assistance from this department.
Through this department the Surplus Federal Emergency Relief commodities were distributed, and this, too, has been a slight factor in reducing our
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relief costs, although in most cases where the dis- tribution was made it meant an additional assistance to the party receiving it. For some of these com- modities this department was the distribution centre of twenty Cape towns.
In view of the fact that our total expense for the last year has been $132,800.99 for the Infirmary, Outside Aid and Mothers with Dependents, and $26,341.32 for Old Age Assistance, we recommend the following appropriations.
For Infirmary, Outside Aid and Moth-
ers with Dependents, $130,000.00
For Old Age Assistance, 25,000.00
WILLIAM T. ELDRIDGE, Chairman.
GEORGE L. GOODING,
JAMES RAE.
On January 28, 1934, (before the above report went to print), the Board of Public Welfare suf- fered a great loss by the death of their secretary, Asa H. Burgess. Each member of the board realizes the great service Mr. Burgess was rendering to the town through this department and each deeply regrets his absence.
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PLYMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY CORPORATION
Report of the Directors for the year 1933
As the Librarian's report is given in such detail it seems unnecessary that any additional report be ren- dered.
Would say, however, that while there has been a further increase in circulation, our Library is main- tained with efficiency as to service, at a less expense than the majority of towns comparable with Plym- outh. The Directors feel that this standard can be maintained for the coming year on the same income.
We, therefore, request the same appropriation as last year, $8,850.00.
For the Directors, F. D. BARTLETT, President.
1
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Directors of the Plymouth Public Library :
The annual report of the Library is herewith pre- sented :
In the presentation of this report it is the Librarian's wish to condense much of the text and not incor- porate that part which appears in the statistical form recommended by the American Library Association, at the close of the report. While this form tends to make a seemingly briefer account, it in no sense in- dicates a lessening of activities, or signifies any omissions in rendering the record of the year's ser- vice. A careful study of the statistics is urged.
The spectacular gain in the circulation of 1932, the largest in the history of the Library, might well have been considered the peak, yet we have exceeded last year's circulation, with a total of 161,555, and made a slight gain of 2,676. The adult department, naturally most affected by present economic condi- tions, actually gained 5,135, but losses in deposit cir- culation decreased the total gain.
Our reference department has received extra con- sideration in its share of the book budget this year, and has reached a high standard, making it possible adequately to assist students in finding supplementary school material. During the next few years it will be possible to apply book funds largely to technical and books for general reading.
The instruction to eighth grade pupils of the Jun- ior High School is to begin later this year owing to extra activities in the school program. The same method of instruction successfully carried out last
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year will be continued. The self reliance and applica- tion of the student, especially in his use of reference works is a pleasing result of this work. Fewer awards of State Honor Certificates have been made this year. Many teachers have preferred book de- posits to include books requested by the children, and those supplementing subjects taught in their classes, rather than be limited to the titles included in the State lists of required reading for certificates. The Librarian and the Children's Librarian are in accord with this preference.
Visits were made to all classes of the Grade Schools before Book Week, and the significance of the Book Week slogan "Growing up with Books" explained. Response to the invitation to attend Story Hour and the Book Exhibit was very gratifying. Ninety Ju- venile books were added at this time and made an at- tractive display.
The Junior Reading Club conducted during the summer school vacation interested sixty boys and girls during a season when Plymouth's out-of-door attrac- tions tend to draw our young readers away. Since contact lost at this time is sometimes difficult to regain, it seems wise to retain interest with some such special feature.
Our picture collections comprising the Miss Mary Bartlett gift, and the Arts and Crafts Committee gift, a large and unusually fine collection ; do not include many subjects needed by the schools for exhibits and supplementary instruction material. The Library staff during a busy summer has found time to mount, arrange and file by subjects, 1600 pictures. Our cir- culation of 3,488 prints borrowed largely from this collection justifies the time and expense devoted to it.
The Long Pond deposit continues under the cap- able supervision of Mrs. W. E. Randall. Satisfactory reports from school deposits are evidence of their far-reaching results. Woman's Club members form-
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ing Literature Groups have availed themselves of special collections. Girl Scouts and Summer Camps borrow deposits of books related to Scout and Camp study. One hundred and fifty worn books, and used magazines were sent to the Civilian Conservation Camps. Several of the Camp members have reg- istered at the Library.
Realizing that the Directors and the Librarian are in agreement that the Library should at this time do its share in reducing town expenditures, we shall save suggestions for expansion and improvement un- til a future time. That we are able to maintain the Library's service at its present level we believe is un- derstood and appreciated by our public. To the Gar- den Club for its generous gifts of flowers during the summer; to Miss Margaret Kyle for Story Telling ; to the many donors of books; to the State Library Commission and neighboring libraries for the lending of books; and to the local Press for Library publicity ; we extend our sincere thanks.
In closing I wish to express my appreciation to the Staff whose loyalty and enthusiasm have contributed so largely to the success of the year. To you, the Di- rectors, I express sincere gratitude for your consid- eration and cooperation in the administration of Library affairs.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTTE HASKINS, Librarian.
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STATISTICS
Arranged according to the form recommended by the American Library Association
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1933
Name of Library : Plymouth Public Library.
Town and State: Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian: Charlotte Haskins.
Population served : 13,000.
Terms of use: Free to permanent and temporary res- idents. By fee to out-of-town residents.
Total number of agencies :
Central Library.
Long Pond Deposit, 47 School Deposits, two Sum- mer Camp Deposits, Club Reading Groups.
Number of days open during the year : 302.
Hours open each week for lending and reading : 66 (10 mos.) 60 (2 mos.)
Hours of service each week required of staff : 40 (10 mos.) 37 (2 mos.)
BOOK STOCK
Number of volumes beginning of year, 24,708
Number of volumes added by purchase, 1,394
Number of volumes added by gift, 146
Number of volumes added by binding, 4
Total, 26,252
Number of volumes lost and withdrawn, 319
Total number of volumes at the end of year, 25,933
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Total number of pictures, photographs and prints (est.), 16,000
Number of periodicals subscribed to,
61
Number of newspapers subscribed to, 6
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Number of volumes non-fic-
tion lent,
27,729
9,825
37,554
Number of volumes fiction lent,
89,992 16,492 106,484
Number of volumes lent
thru School Deposits, 16,827
Number of volumes lent Long Pond Deposit,
690
Total number of volumes lent,
161,555
Percent. fiction lent of total volumes lent,
73%
(deposits not included)
Circulation per capita,
12.4
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Number of new borrowers reg-
istered during year,
385
189
574
Total number of borrowers registered, 3,460
972
4,432
Percent of registered bor-
rowers of population served,
34%
ADULT MAIN LIBRARY CIRCULATION BY CLASSES
Fiction
89,992
General works
63
Philosophy 639
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Religion
342
Sociology
1,350
Languages
172
Science
745
Useful arts
1,329
Fine arts
1,620
Literature
3,340
History
1,339
Travel
2,982
Biography
3,313
Periodicals
4,094
Foreign books
370
Prints
3,488
Duplicate pay fiction
2,543
Total Adult Circulation
117,721
FINANCIAL REPORT
Appropriation, including
1932
Dog Tax
$8,850.00
Income from Gates Fund 80.79
Total receipts $8,930.79
Payments
Salaries-
Librarian
$1,674.00
Assistants
3,555.00
Janitor 600.00
$5,829.00
Books and Periodicals-
Books
$1,804.96
Periodicals
113.50
Book repairs
366.10
$2,284.56
Other Expenses-
Fuel and light
$689.16
-
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Janitor's supplies
5.79
Library supplies
98.23
All other
24.05
$817.23
Total payments $8,930.79
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REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen :-
We respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1933.
BEACH PARK
During the winter season very heavy storms un- dermined the various cement steps, carried away the piazza of the bath-house and caused damage to the amount of $1,500.00. New cement work was erected in the front of the bath-house and sea walls to com- bat the heavy seas.
At the bath-house 3,764 lockers were rented during the bathing season. Receipts $640.25.
STEPHENS FIELD
Bangs Park, at the southern entrance was beauti- fied by additional trees and shrubbery.
The bathing beach was cleaned and the shore sanded, making a longer space for the small children to play and enjoy the beach.
Bath-house receipts, $36.00.
BREWSTER GARDEN
The walks throughout the garden were built up and trimmed, having been in a sunken condition.
The material used in repairing the walk and relin- ing the brook included 30 yards black loam, 21 yards wood loam, 10 loads of sod, 4 loads of stone, and twelve loads of screen gravel. The gardens and shrubs appear to be in excellent condition.
)
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SOUTH STREET PLAYGROUNDS
The slides, swings and playground equipment was completely renovated and installed about the field for the children's enjoyment.
BURTON PARK
A new fence was erected adjoining the Brockton and Plymouth Street Railway property. The usual care was given the grounds and trees.
BATES PARK
The shrubs and grounds received our attention. Gravel was placed on the walks.
NELSON STREET PLAYGROUNDS
The northerly section which had previously been filled with sand and gravel, was covered with 330 yards of loam. Grass seed was sown on the area. Bath-house receipts, $12.25.
MUNICIPAL CAMP
The camp was open from the first of June until the 15th of September. The number of campers was somewhat smaller than in previous season, due to general business conditions. More travelling student- bodies enjoyed the facilities than in other years, and the camp was placed on the itinerary of nearly all travelling colleges for the 1934 season.
Amount received from camping fees $483.10.
DEPOT PARK
The usual care was given the grounds and shrubs.
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VETERANS' FIELD
This playground has the largest attendance of any in Plymouth. The athletic apparatus and playground equipment should be increased to give all the chil- dren a chance to enjoy it.
A football gridiron was layed out in the fall. Since the game has become so popular, the demand for the use of Stephens Field was too large to satisfy all teams. Veterans Field was used by the Plymouth Athletic Club as their playing field on Sundays.
TRAINING GREEN
The grass and walks were trimmed and the cus- tomary care was given.
MORTON PARK
Morton Park is in better condition than at any time in the past twenty-five years. All the roads have been gravelled, the paths trimmed and cut, all under- brush cleaned and burned and the park kept in its natural state.
Over six hundred pine trees were set out during the year, making a total of 3,000 planted during the past three years.
The moth infested trees in the swamps near Bil- lington Sea, were removed and all trees which had received their growth and were rotting away, were taken down by welfare workers under the super- vision of the Park Superintendent. New trees are growing in their places. The work of fighting the gypsy moth was continued. Bath-house receipts, $71.85.
INDIAN LANDS
An electric power line was extended to the camp- ing grounds from the main highway at Raymond's
1
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Corner. Electric lights were installed and a water system with electric pumps connected, for the con- venience of the campers. The popularity of this camp is reaching our expectations as shown by the cash receipts for the second year, which are nearly double the first. Receipts from auto fees, $257.15.
MYRON L. SMITH, JAMES T. FRAZIER, ERNEST DUNHAM, Park Commissioners.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Term Expires
Andrew J. Carr,
1934
Herbert S. Maxwell,
1935
Almeda Chandler, Clerk.
William E. Curtin, M. D., Board of Health Physician.
Edward K. Morse, Sanitary Inspector and Fumigating Officer.
Daniel J. Sullivan, Milk Inspector.
Arthur L. Morse, Slaughter Inspector.
Michael D. Welsh, Henry Mengoli and William H. Armstrong, Inspectors of Plumbing.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1933
RECEIPTS
Appropriation, $18,000.00
Overdrawn to be Appropriated,
2,496.76
PAYMENTS
General and Administrative Expenses, $1,654.35
Quarantine and Contagious
Diseases,
3,825.84
Tuberculosis,
6,641.07
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Inspection, (meat and milk)
1,364.44
Vital Statistics, 88.50
Public Dumps, 2,322.67
Tuberculosis Dispensary,
936.09
Dental Clinic, 831.73
Plumbing Inspection, Sanitary Inspection and various ex-
penses,
2,832.07
$20,496.76
PIGGERY MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION AND COLLECTION OF GARBAGE
Appropriation
$10,000.00
PAYMENTS
Rent of Piggery,
$375.00
Truck,
2,365.00
Insurance on Truck,
56.53
Gas and Oil,
142.04
Labor,
3,674.67
Equipment,
191.28
Stationery and Printing,
97.13
All Other,
15.46
Total Payments 6,917.11 Balance to Excess and Deficiency $3,082.89
In Memoriam Walter Davis Shurtleff, M. A.
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH FROM
MARCH 1922 TO MARCH 1928
MARCH 1930 TO DECEMBER 1933
In Memoriam John F. Sullivan
INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
FROM
MARCH 1930 TO DECEMBER 1933
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To the Inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth :
We herewith submit our report for the year ending December 31, 1933.
During the year all work has been carried on in its usual way.
The follow-up work for tuberculosis has been taken care of in compliance with the State Department of Public Health. There has been an average of thir- teen patients a month in the tuberculosis hospitals against eight for the year 1932. Twenty-five contacts have been sent to Plymouth County Hospital for X-ray and physical examination, through this board, during the year.
The collection and disposal of garbage being forced upon the Town of Plymouth, this board was given the responsibility. Since May 1933 it has been car- ried on with much success, owing to the cooperation of the people, and the efficacy of the men in charge. An analysis of the comparatively few complaints in- dicates that the majority of them were not justified. Practically all were due to the inadequacy of the household containers. Each complaint is reported to our inspector, and he in turn makes a thorough in- vestigation at the premises, obtains all facts, and if the fault is with the homeowner, our regulations are explained.
Although we do not cover the whole town, as there are permits issued to six individuals who have small piggeries, we cover a large area making 3,750 resi- dential stops during the week, besides all restaurants, hotels and stores every day. Each stop means many collections. During the summer season one can judge for themselves how much more is added to this work by our summer population.
We wish to thank the public for the support we have received the past year, and trust it will continue through the current year.
ANDREW J. CARR, Chairman. HERBERT S. MAXWELL.
We recommend where there is no physician called that parents report all contagious diseases to the office of the Board of Health.
Below shows list of contagious diseases reported during 1933 :
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July | Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
| Nov.
Dec.
Total
Chicken Pox
17
4
11
1
1
1
35
Diphtheria
2
2
Dog Bite
1
3
1
5
Pneumonia, Lobar
1
1
1
3
2
8
Measles
2
2
2
16
22
Mumps
8
3
11
Scarlet Fever
1
1
3
3
1
1
3
1
14
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
1
1
1
.
3
Tuberculosis, Other Forms
2
2
1
1
6
Gonorrhea
2
1
2
1
1
.
7
Syphilis
2
1
4
1
1
1
10
21
9
17
8|
7
17
10
3
2| 9
20
123
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.
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REPORT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health, Plymouth, Mass. Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the following report as Sanitary Inspector. Listed below are the number of com- plaints received and investigated during the year ending December 31, 1933.
I have, also, had charge of Standish Avenue, Obery, Manomet and Long Pond Dumps, making several trips to each of them.
All placarding for contagious diseases have been done, besides fumigating for all rummage sales, and individuals by request.
Complaints are as follows :
Rubbish,
122
Garbage,
103
Miscellaneous, 92
Inspection of Food Stores :
Grocery, Meat and Fish Markets, 498
Bakeries, 90
Lunch Rooms,
331
Violation for keeping products too
near sidewalk, 37
During the summer season all camps were inspected finding conditions satisfactory, with the exception of a few changes that were recommended.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD K. MORSE,
Sanitary Inspector and Fumigating Officer.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH PHYSICIAN
To the Board of Health, Plymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith my report as Physician to the Board of Health for the year 1933.
During the year I have attended all cases referred to me for treatment and examination; also consulta- tions as to diagnosis of contagious diseases with other physicians.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. CURTIN, M. D., Board of Health Physician.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING FOR THE YEAR 1933
The following animals were slaughtered and in- spected the past year :
Cattle
Pigs
Calves
January,
10
13
1
February,
8
11
2
March,
10
13
7
April,
7
4
4
May,
4
4
June,
11
3
5
July,
8
3
9
August,
13
3
7
September,
8
3
3
October,
9
9
7
November,
10
12
4
December,
6
9
6
104
83
59
One cow condemned suffering from generalized tu- berculosis. One calf condemned as being under- weight. One cows hind quarter condemned being unfit for food. The slaughter house is very much in need of scales to weigh calves. During the year nine inspections have been made for individuals away from the slaughter house.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK H. BRADLEY, V.M.D.,
ARTHUR L. MORSE,
Inspectors of Slaughtering.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR FOR 1933
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
In compliance with Chapter 40, Section 49, General Laws, Mass., I herewith submit a report for the year 1933 as Inspector of Milk and Milk Products.
WORK PERFORMED
Licenses and Permits Issued :
Class A
Class B
Class C
Total
Licenses, Milk Dealers,
81
56
44
181
Licenses, Oleomargarine,
1
1
Permits,
58
58
Totals,
81
57
102
240
Summary of Inspections Made, Sanitary :
Class A-Hotels, Restaurants, etc.,
74
Average Percentage 96.64%
Class B-Stores, Markets, etc., 73
92.60
Class C-Producers, Dairy Farms, etc.,
172
80.871
Ice Cream Plants,
5
94.00
Totals,
324
364.111
Average Percentage for Sanitary
Conditions, 91.027
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Summary of Tests Made :
Butter Fats,
202
Solids,
404
Sediment,
205
Adulteration,
62
Bacteria,
24
Pathogenic,
227
Miscellaneous Tests Made :
Cream,
11
Alcohol,
2
Total,
1,137
Average percentage of Butter-Fats, of Milk tested,
4.01%
Average percent of Solids,
13.60%
Average percent of Butter-Fats, of Cream tested,
45.45%
Average percent of Sanitary Conditions, for Sedi- ment tested, 90.0% Clean.
EXPENDITURES FOR 1933
Salary of Milk Inspector,
$585.00
Equipment,
20.34
Transportation,
23.80
Material, Miscellaneous,
38.52
Total,
$667.66
Respectively,
DANIEL J. SULLIVAN.
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REPORT OF INSPECTORS OF PLUMBING
To the Honorable Board of Health,
Plymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :
We herewith submit our report for the year 1933:
Number of Permits, 136
Number of Inspections, 145
Number of New Buildings, 6
Number of Old Buildings, 130
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL D. WELSH,
HENRY MENGOLI,
WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG,
Inspectors of Plumbing.
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REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSIONER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the report of the Plymouth Fire Department for the year of 1933.
The department is still maintaining the high standard of efficiency as shown by the statistical report, the total loss being $21,070.40 (twenty-one thousand dollars and forty cents) based on a popula- tion of 13,000, is but $1.62 per person, being an ex- cellent record as shown by National Statistics, the total exposed value being $148,992.00 which shows the loss but 14.1%. Three hundred and fifty calls being answered during the year.
The continued excellent record as shown certainly entitles the department to the loyal support of your Honorable Board and the citizens of the town.
PERSONNEL
The excellent spirit of enthusiasm and co-opera- tion continues to exist throughout the entire depart- ment; this is clearly shown by examination of the attendance at fires, records of which show over 90% attendance of call men and close to 100% of off duty permanent men.
BUILDINGS
Both the Central and North Stations are now in excellent condition, both having been painted inside and out and a new gravel roof on the Central Station, this being possible by the approval of your Honorable Board of the C.W.A. project.
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