USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1944 > Part 14
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1944 > Part 14
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Due in 1945 $1,500.00
$1,500.00
$169,500.00
TOWN DEBT DECEMBER 31, 1944
General Debt Bonds and Notes:
Inside Debt Limit Issues
$174,000.00
Outside Debt Limit Issues
157,000.00
Sewer Loan Bonds and Notes (Outside)
11,000.00
Water Loan Bonds and Notes
1,500.00
Total Debt
$343,500.00
GENERAL DEBT STATEMENT INDICATING BORROWING CAPACITY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1944
Valuation 1942, Less Abatements
$24,671,989.00
Valuation 1943, Less Abatements
24,244,959.00
Valuation 1944, Less Abatements
23,953,164.00
Gross Three Years' Valuation
$72,870,112.00
Average Valuation
$24,290,037.00
Three Per Cent of Average Valuation
$728,707.11
Less: Bonds and Notes Issued
Within Debt Limit
$174,000.00
Borrowing Capacity $554,707.11
1944]
TREASURER'S REPORT Principal and Interest Due in 1945
GENERAL DEBT
SEWER LOANS
TOTAL
Inside Debt Limit
Principal
Interest
Interest
Sewer Dept. Principal
Outside Limit Interest
WATER LOANS Water Dept. Principal
Outside Limit Interest
Principal Total
Interest Total
January
$600.00
February
1,867.50
$14,000.00
$1,570.00
$259.96
10.62
$14,000.00
March
April
$2,000.00
565.00
2,000.00
565.00
May
3,000.00
160.00
3,000.00
160.00
June
3,000.00
600.00
$1,000.00
26.25
4,000.00
626.25
August
10,000.00
1,867.50
1,430.00
$1,500.00
260.04
500.00
10.63
12,000.00
3,568.17
September
4,000.00
525.00
4,000.00
525.00
November
3,000.00
70.00
3,000.00
70.00
December
78.75
Totals
$25,000.00
$6,333.75
$14,000.00
$3,000.00
$1,500.00
$520.00
$1,500.00
$73.75
42,000.00
9,927.50
Total of Principal and Interest
$51,927.50
..
.......
...
...
...
...
July
...
October
...
.... ....
173
TREASURER'S REPORT
78.75
$26.25
$626.25 3,708.08
Outside Debt Limit Principal
174
TOWN DOCUMENTS [Dec. 31
Trust Funds
Joanna Morse Library Fund
Balance January 1, 1944 Income Accrued 1944
$5,196.00 104.43
Less Withdrawals
104.43
Balance, December 31, 1944
$5,196.00
Ellen R. Whittle Library Fund
Balance January 1, 1944
$2,000.00
Income Accrued 1944
40.20
Less Withdrawals
40.20
Balance, December 31, 1944
$2,000.00
Mary L. Thompson Library Fund
Balance January 1, 1944
$1,000.00
Income Accrued 1944
20.10
$1,020.10
Less Withdrawals
20.10
Balance, December 31, 1944
$1,000.00
Fund for Perpetual Care of Cemetery Lots
Balance January 1, 1944
$9,969.36
Deposits (1/8/45)
$7,763.10
Income Accrued 1944
202.00
7,965.10
$17,934.46
Less Withdrawals
$36.83
36.83
Balance, January 8, 1945
$17,897.63
Hattie Sherman Cemetery Lot Trust Fund
Balance May 22, 1944
$500.00
Income Accrued 1944
4.17
$504.17
Less Withdrawals
4.17
Balance, December 31, 1944
$500.00
Emma Y. Stocker Cemetery Lot Trust Fund
Balance January 1, 1944
$500.00
Income Accrued 1944
10.05
Less Withdrawals
10.05
Balance, January 3, 1945 $500.00
$5,300.43
$2,040.20
1944]
TREASURER'S REPORT
175
Phillips School Medal Fund Balance January 1, 1944 Dividends 1944
$2,740.61 54.47
Less Withdrawals
60.07
Balance, January 1, 1945
$2,735.01
Municipal Insurance Fund
Balance January 1, 1944
$9,594.34
Dividends 1944
$196.20
Receipt from Town Funds
403.14
599.34
Balance, December 31, 1944
$10,193.68
High School Alumni Fund
Balance January 1, 1944 Dividends
$ 7.59
Bond Interest
100.00
107.59
$464.91
Less Withdrawals
$100.00
Balance, Cash, December 31, 1944
U.S.A. Savings Bond, Series G
$364.91 4,000.00
$4,364.91
(NOTE-This is not a trust fund of the Town of Swampscott as defined by Chapter 282 of the General Acts of 1915, but is held by the Town Treasurer in behalf of the Swampscott High School Scholar- ship Fund Committee. It is included in this report in order that the members of the High School Alumni may be kept informed of its existence.)
Respectfully submitted,
LESTER B. MORLEY, Town Treasurer.
Treasurer of Trust Funds and Custodian of All Funds and Securities, as provided for by Chapter 282 of the General Acts of 1915.
HENRY S. BALDWIN, CONRAD P. RICHARDSON, HAROLD R. AUSTIN, Trust Fund Commissioners.
$2,795.08
$357.32
176
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Tax Titles
In the Treasurer's budget for the year 1944 there was included and appropriated an amount for tax title foreclosure. This was made in order to permit proceeding with such matters of this kind as were necessary or advisable.
During the year 1944 a great deal of work has been done toward this end. Lists have been prepared of all outstanding tax titles. Special statements showing all amounts due on each one have been made. Letters have been sent to each property owner subject to tax title, informing him of the amount due with interest and charges com- puted to date, and of the approximate date when further proceedings must be taken.
Every effort has been made to furnish complete information and to afford every opportunity to redeem.
While this has meant a great deal of work, yet I am glad to report that the results have been most favorable for the town. There have been approximately seventy-five tax titles redeemed in full or on which substantial payments have been made on account, and ar- rangements made to redeem others in the near future.
The expense to the town of foreclosure through the Land Court has thus been saved in these cases; and the greater part of the 1944 appropriation for this purpose has been unexpended and turned back to the town.
Those cases which were entered in the Land Court by preceding treasurers are now being disposed of by appropriate action by the Court and certificates of title will be delivered to the Board of Select- men in the near future.
I shall continue my efforts in these matters and trust that sim- ilarly favorable results can be accomplished during this year.
Respectfully yours, LESTER B. MORLEY, Town Treasurer.
177
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
1944]
Board of Trustees of the Public Library
January 19, 1945.
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Board of Trustees of the Swampscott Public Library submits the following report for the year 1944:
CIRCULATION
There has been an increase in the circulation of both books and periodicals during the year. Compared with 1943, circulation in the adult department was greater by 1,659; and in the juvenile depart- ment by 8,566; a total increase of 10,225.
There was a greater amount of reading done in both fiction and non-fiction. The increase among the younger readers was marked and should result in more economical learning in school. Tests in reading comprehension have established the fact that the habit of reading, which must be formed early in life, builds a wide vocabulary. That in turn increases the rate of reading and raises the level of understand- ing. Reading probably is the most important single factor in making good progress in school.
The details concerning circulation are given at the end of this report.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
To the regret of the Librarian, the Board of Trustees, and the patrons of the library, Miss Ruth Waterhouse resigned in May to be married. Her long, devoted, and courteous service was of especial value to students and others who depend upon our library for refer- ence material.
After less than a year with us Miss Jean Osmond resigned to accept a more remunerative library position.
As a successor to Miss Waterhouse we were fortunate in obtain- ing Mrs. R. L. Raymond, who is a graduate of Columbia University School of Library Science, with successful library experience.
Miss Priscilla Hill, a graduate of Westbrook Junior College, is proving her worth as a junior assistant, and we are glad to have her as a member of the staff.
Resignations obliged us to administer the library for two-thirds of the year with a reduced personnel. That its efficiency did not de- teriorate was due in large measure to the fine service of our part- time assistants, Mrs. T. W. Condon, Mrs. H. D. Vennard, Miss Mar- ianna Nutter, and Miss Geraldine Raimo.
OPEN HOUSE
The first Open House in the history of the library was held in the children's room on the evening of May 19, and was attended by sixty-five, who enjoyed the innovation.
GIFTS TO THE LIBRARY
The Board of Trustees gratefully acknowledges the following gifts:
From the Della Marsh estate a water color portrait of a typical Swampscott fisherman.
178
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In memory of Miss Jean Allan an anonymous gift of Stevenson's "Home Book of Verse."
From Mr. Donald Redfern an old poem about Swampscott.
From Mrs. Agnes W. Price the presentation of one hundred and eighty-nine volumes.
From Mr. Walter B. Hall, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, and Mr. Paul Salter magazine subscriptions.
Other donors, whose interest prompted gifts to the library, are:
Bernard M. Baruch
Dr. Harry Lowd
Congressman George J. Bates
Mrs. Mary Oliver
Mr. P. N. Dexter
Mrs. Bessie Ingalls Rideout
Mr. Herman Fine
Mrs. C. S. Robbins
General Electric Company
Mrs. Harry Robbins
Dr. Tehyi Hsich
Miss M. C. E. Jackson
Florence Ryerson and Colin Clements
Mr. Jon Burg-Johnson
Wellesley College
Dr. Leonard Kramer
Circulation:
Adult fiction
41,268
Adult non-fiction
15,844
Adult periodicals
4,272
61,384
Juvenile fiction
24,157
Juvenile non-fiction
5,794
Juvenile periodicals
1,026
30,977
Total
92,361
Books:
New books added
1,802
Books discarded
952
Books in library January 1, 1945
29,245
Fine Receipts turned over to the town
$1,181.25
Respectfully submitted,
LEE T. GRAY, JAMES D. CUMMINS, GEORGE W. HOWE, Board of Trustees.
179
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERY
1944]
Superintendent of Cemetery
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Superintendent of the Cemetery for the year 1944.
Interments for the year were 82.
Many lots were sold during the year and all fees received per- taining to the Cemetery were turned over the Collector of Taxes.
During the hurricane in the month of November several trees were severly damaged and those that were beyond repair were re- placed with new saplings.
In the Summer months extra labor is usually employed on a part time basis to supplement the regular force, but due to the manpower shortage it was difficult this year to obtain men at times when they were actually required.
The efforts of the Board of Selectmen to have all lots in the Cem- etery put under perpetual care is beginning to reap benefits, and as a result many lots that did not have perpetual care will now have this service which should enhance the beauty of our burying grounds.
We had more burials than the previous year or an increase of 15 per cent.
Our Chapel is not used very often now, the reason being that most undertakers have their own funeral homes and services are usually held there. However, to preserve the chapel it is necessary that the building be heated and especially during damp weather.
The roof of the tomb was repaired this year and loam amounting to the sum of over $100.00 was used to fill sunken graves and for the general care of the cemetery.
At this time I wish to extend my thanks to all Town Departments who have co-operated with me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS HANDLEY, Superintendent.
180
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Jury List
Approved January 18, 1945
In accordance with Section 9 of Chapter 234 of the General Laws, the following jury list is published in the annual town report:
NAME
Residence
Occupation
Acker, Leslie B.
446 Humphrey Street
Anderson, Andrew H.
113 Essex Street
Austin, Harold R.
150 Redington Street Clerk
Averill, Philip
10 Walnut Road
Home
Barden, Robert L.
21 Banks Road
Specialist Machinist
Benoit, Alfred
18 Eastman Avenue
Berg, Abraham S.
80 Atlantic Avenue
Fabrics
Bolton, William J.
19 Suffolk Avenue
Manufacturer
Brady, Leo F.
147 Stetson Avenue
Accountant
Brown, Charles
Brownell, Frank
7 Commonwealth Ter. 73 Buena Vista Street 10 Shelton Road
Shoeworker Chauffeur
Bufalino, Peter J.
Bump, Richard L.
138 Walker Road
G. E.
Burdett, Edgar U.
56 Elmwood Road
Salesman
Burleigh, Elwood L.
55 Bellevue Road
Agent
Cain, C. Alva
15 Burpee Road
Salesman Buyer
Callahan, David W.
42 Suffolk Avenue
Camuso, Nicholas
51 Glen Road
Laborer
Carver, Paul F.
24 Estabrook Road
Merchant
Clapp, Joseph
259 Puritan Road
Retired
Clark, Arthur E.
43 Crosman Avenue 98 Norfolk Avenue
Confectioner
Crooker, Ray D.
107 Banks Road
Home
Cunningham, Melville J.
20 Beach Avenue
Toolmaker
Davidson, Andrew S.
11 Barnstable Street
44 Glen Road
60 Essex Street
Dunn, Jerry B.
18 Bay View Drive
Drury, David J.
259 Burrill Street
Electrician Laborer Home G. E. Machine Oper.
Eaton, Archer L. Engelman, Benjamin H. Erikson, Karl E.
315 Forest Avenue
2 Huron Street 49 Paradise Road
Foreman Wool Shoeworker
Fisk, Daniel B. Folsom, Harold G.
86 Walker Road
106 Burrill Street 11 Bond Street
Engineer Chemist Salesman
Gardner, Roland M. Goldberg, Samuel A. Goodwin, Earl H. Gormley, Ernest R. Gould, Everett A.
240 Atlantic Avenue 8 Commonwealth Ave.
12 Plymouth Avenue 6 Maple Avenue
88 Burpee Road
Caretaker Market Manufacturer Milk Driver Painter
Gray, William R. Gustafson, Paul
7 Oceanside Terrace
Salesman
55 Franklin Avenue
G. E.
Clerk Foreman
Gas Sta. Oper.
Connelly, Charles E.
Carpenter
Dolan, James F. Dunn, Alma H.
Foshay, G. Gordon
1944]
NAME
Haywood, George C.
Heath, Edward H.
Hildreth, Warren S.
Holbry, Joseph B.
Horgan, Stephen F.
Hudson, Freeman B.
Hulquist, Selden D.
70 Nason Road
70 Beach Avenue
24 Rockland Street
37 Magnolia Road
22 Roy Street
58 Farragut Road
60 Beach Avenue
Occupation
Salesman Wholesale
Salesman
Machinist
Machinist
Computer
Manager
Jeffers, Jess T.
Jepsky, Jacob
Johnson, Carl W.
Johnson, Harry E.
Johnson, Lawrence M.
Johnson, Stephen E.
26 Minerva Street
121 Stetson Avenue 7 Superior Street
358 Essex Street 1 Fuller Avenue
50 Columbia Street
Navy Yard
Kehoe, Walter L. Kennedy, Leonard N. Kraft, Ansel
9 Boynton Street 99 Kensington Lane 189 Aspen Road
Fisherman Manager Store Owner
Laier, Carl C.
Langan, Eugene F.
Leight, David
Leonard, Lawrence B.
Lermond, Maynard S. Livingstone, Edgar
Loyte, Ernest N. Lyman, William J.
180 Aspen Road 6' Elmwood Road 18 Orchard Circle 30 Atlantic Avenue
31 Hillside Avenue
45 Blaney Street
Baker
Home Storekeeper
Marble, Harold E. Marshall, Alfred
Matthews, Robert J.
Maxwell, Ralph S. Miller, Kenneth Minehan, Donald
Mitchell, William P.
Morse, Joseph F. Murray, Ralph N. Mylott, Edward B.
45 Maple Avenue 14 Norfolk Avenue 1122 Stetson Avenue 82 Millett Road 6 Little's Point
64 Franklin Avenue 70 Franklin Avenue 17 Plymouth Ave. 79 Banks Road
15 Walnut Road
Inspector Foreman Executive
Salesman Merchant Mech. Engineer Chauffeur
Printer Bank Storekeeper
Nadler, John Newth, Richard C.
Nies, John H. Norris, Harry L.
31 Bristol Avenue 200 Forest Avenue 7 Hillcrest Circle 22 Devens Road
Shoework Cook Draftsman Salesman
O'Malley, Charles F. Oskervitz, Israel
48 Nason Road 176 Norfolk Avenue
Service Manager Dealer
Parrish, George H. Pearson, William T. Person, Thomas Plumstead, Frank H. Pope, Roger W. Pratt, William H. Prout, Godfrey C.
3 Chapman Place 91 Essex Street 56 Franklin Avenue 37 Beach Avenue 52 Bay View Drive 51 Windsor Avenue 7 Elmwood Terrace
Fisherman Retired Gardener Salesman Merchant
Cutter Toolmaker
Plant Manager Leather Magician
Investment
G. E.
90 Pine Street
74 Humphrey Street
Salesman Proprietor
Machinist
Home
Manager
181
JURY LIST
Residence
182
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
NAME
Residence
Occupation
Regan, Patrick F.
121 Norfolk Avenue
Clerk
Richardson, Carl P.
90 Burpee Road
Technician
12 Curry Circle
Contractor
17 Phillips Street
Retired
Ryder, Francis H.
43 Barnstable Street
Accountant
Sarra, Robert L.
161 Essex Street
Shoe Business Elevator
Scheuren, John J.
9 Aycliffe Road 8 Middlesex Avenue
Draftsman
Sullivan, John V.
33 Eastman Avenue Lynn Gas
Sweeney, Clarence L.
33 New Ocean Street G. E.
Walton, William H.
59 Pine Street
Life Insurance
Welch, Lawrence C.
79 Barnstable Street
Shoework
West, Rufus L.
145 Elmwood Road
Carpenter
Wilkie, Andrew
211 Burrill Street
Operator
Woodman, W. Gale
150 Aspen Road
Manager
Worrall, Albert E.
45 Rockland Street
G. E.
Young, Charles H.
168 Burrill Street Manager
Robinson, Benjamin Rowe, George F.
Shea, Henry R.
183
VETERANS' REHABILITATION COMMITTEE
1944]
The Swampscott Veterans' Rehabilitation Re-employment Committee
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The re-employment and rehabilitation of its returning veterans is of primary concern to every progressive community, such as ours.
Various federal and state agencies have been organized and are doing excellent work with the one and one-half million veterans al- ready discharged. These governmental agencies, however, cannot sup- plant the intimacy of community contact, especially in finding jobs and the personal interest taken in each veteran. We in Swampscott are very fortunate in having people serve on the committee who are greatly interested in doing their part to make sure nothing is left undone for those in our Country's service.
ADVICE AND REFERRAL
You as a citizen can help to make sure that service is rendered to the veterans and his dependents who seek information and guidance by referring them promptly to the proper agency or organization.
Well-meaning persons who volunteer information or attempt to alleviate a situation about which they are ill informed only delay or impede the service which authorized agencies are established to perform.
Many of the complaints of veterans receiving the "runaround" have been checked and found to be justified. This runaround includes misinformation and ill-advice about a great many things. For ex- ample: Assistance in the filing of government claims should only be given the veteran by skilled and properly authorized persons. Educa- tional and Job Counseling are highly specialized professions and should be considered as such. The alleviation of a veteran's physical and emotional condition is a medical matter and should not be as- sumed by persons who are not physicians.
The organization as outlined below and staffed by trained per- sonnel qualified to render a particular service can only render a high standard of service if permitted to do so.
I know that we are all interested in the veteran and his depend- ents being served to the best of our ability, and further that all citizens are anxious to make sure that no reflections or criticism of handling such matters react to the town's disadvantage.
Many calls have been received by members of the committee for positions, and again calls have been received from citizens asking if there are any veterans or their dependents in need of work. We are glad to say that all veterans have been employed and all cases handled to the satisfaction of the veteran or his dependents, with the exception of one which we are concentrating on until we secure the answer.
We realize the complications involved as a result of unequal distribution of gasoline, however, if a veteran has been in the service and comes back to his Country physically disabled to the extent that the only means of livelihood is to work outdoors, and his qualifications adapt him to sales work, we feel that provisions should be made to allow him the necessary gasoline for the purpose.
184
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Our suggestion to the Government is that in order to meet this situation, that gasoline be allotted to all that earn their living in this manner and do away with pleasure driving.
We call attention to the new "Veterans' Bulletin Board" in the Town Hall, where all information and data pertaining to the veteran is posted. Additional information may be secured at the Selectmen's Office from Miss Kathryn B. Ingell, Secretary of the Rehabilitation Committee, who is always glad to secure information or refer veterans to the proper person.
SWAMPSCOTT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REHABILITATION
James W. Buchanan, Chairman Pro Tem, 110 Aspen Road Henry H. Freeto, 18 Burpee Road Boardman G. Steadman, 31 Minerva Street Mrs. Edward L. Jackson, 10 Berkshire Street Mrs. John T. Lee, 146 Aspen Road Robert G. Byrne, 3 Lexington Park Roger N. Howes, 94 Redington Street Mrs. Benjamin B. Blanchard, 108 Greenwood Avenue Dr. Benjamin F. Cornwall, 91 Beach Bluff Avenue Wilbert J. Arsenault, 35 Harvest Street, Lynn Manuel Ross, 448 Puritan Road Ernest Manchin, 44 Norfolk Avenue Raymond P. Miller, 73 Fuller Avenue
SUB-COMMITTEES
Information on Laws and Aid John J. Foley, Chairman State and Federal Aid Henry H. Freeto, Chairman Alfred B. Jones, Co-Chairman Mrs. John H. Hollis Wilbert J. Arsenault Boardman G. Steadman Donald Redfern James A. Hegarty
Medical Care, Clinics and Hospitals Dr. Benjamin F. Cornwall, Chairman Dr. H. Graham Pope, Co-Chairman Mrs. J. Harold Fletcher, Co-Chairman
Education and Counciling Frank L. Mansur, Chairman John G. Beebe-Center, Co-Chairman Manuel Ross, Co-Chairman
Jobs John J. Nestor, Chairman James H. Dunn, Co-Chairman Howard E. Batchelder, Co-Chairman
Insurance Raymond P. Miller
Sincerely,
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, Chairman (Pro Tem).
185
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
1944]
Swampscott Committee on Public Safety
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The effort to meet adequately post-raid dislocation necessitates the co-ordination of all branches of our set-up to assess the damage and priorities, the adoption of sound procedures for urgent action, and lastly the agreement between all concerned as to responsibilities and duties.
Post-raid organization is a recent development in Civilian De- fense and requires considerable planning and co-ordinating in order that all agencies may operate with the utmost efficiency. Naturally this planning must take place before the need occurs, and requires the full participation of municipal authorities as well as private utilities, charitable, relief and "Service" organizations.
We in Swampscott have maintained our position by constantly reviewing air raid protection measures in light of the changing mili- tary situation abroad and every effort has been made to alleviate any unnecessary inconvenience to the public in the administration of the regulations, as, for example, the present policy as to practice black- outs and blacking out.
Every new military success abroad is generally accompanied by some public desire to eliminate passive protection measures which, for the moment, may seem unnecessary to the public.
In this connection, however, it must not be overlooked that whether or not Air Raid Protection regulations should be continued within the town. This is a question which must be decided by the military authorities and the responsibility for decisions rests upon those authorities.
It is the wish of the Commanding General that the continuance in force of the regulations should involve a minimum of expense to the public, and we in Swampscott have discontinued all expense in connection with safety measures but are prepared to act at a mo- ment's notice, and in case of emergency will be protected from the reserve fund.
We have turned back all balances to reduce the tax rate which as a matter of fact amounts to $2,379.62 to date.
Our present set-up calls for the various branches of the Commit- tee of Public Safety to report at the Town Hall in case of emergency, and the necessary arrangements have been made for each unit to function in the same manner as heretofore.
We are meeting in your behalf from time to time to make sure that we are posted and prepared in case of emergencies, and the citi- zens of Swampscott may rest assured that they will be adequately protected with a live and wide-awake organization.
I would take this opportunity to thank all those connected with the set-up for the many hours of time that they have devoted in attending meetings and training for all emergencies.
The most outstanding activities at the present time are the collec- tion of papers and cans for war purposes. The Auxiliary Fire and Police Units are in readiness as well as our Air Raid Wardens, all of whom have done a remarkable job of supervising and handling their particular functions.
186
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
would point out that Mr. Freedman and Mr. O'Neill, who I handled the paper drives, have done a magnificent job, not only from the number of tons of paper collected, but the citizens should feel pleased that the money derived from this activity has been donated to worthy causes, particularly the War Service Committee which has helped to provide for the presents sent to the boys in the service.
Sincerely, JAMES W. BUCHANAN, Chairman of Committee on Public Safety.
WARDENS AND REPORT CENTER
During the past year the wardens and report center operators have been on a "stand-by" basis; there have been no drills or prac- tice raids, in accordance with instructions issued by the Army and state headquarters of civilian defense. The report center was dis- continued in the Fall, this action was approved by state headquar- ters. We have certain minimum equipment which will enable us to cope with an emergency, and in the event more extensive facilities are re- quired, we can install as many as 20 additional phones within one-half an hour. The most important factor is the continuing interest of the wardens, and all workers, who are ready and trained to cope with any disaster. Periodically, during the year, they have reported for paper salvage drives, thus helping materially in the war effort. In 1944, the wardens, with the assistance of some volunteer workers, collected some $14,000 for the American Red Cross, an increase of almost 300 per cent over 1943.
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