USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1910 > Part 10
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMITTEE.
January 1, 1910, balance unexpended . $2,164 28 March 14, 1910, appropriation 8,400 00
Total .
$10,564 28
Expended :
January
$671 47
February
674 16
March
.
670 07
April
675 42
May
679 12
June
693 60
July
709 17
. August .
710 55
September
705 02
Amount carried forward $6,188 58
169
Amount brought forward $6,188 58
October .
686 46
November
.
696 41
December
703 76
.
Total .
$8,275 21
Balance unexpended January 1, 1911 . $2,289 07
MATTHEW O'DOWD, Clerk.
(Signed) RUSSELL B. WORSTER, Chairman, WALTER W. PRATT, WINSLOW M. TIRRELL, MATTHEW O'DOWD.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHT'S AND MEASURES
WEYMOUTH, January 1, 1911.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth :
GENTLEMEN : - I submit herewith my report for the year end- ing December 31, 1910 :
Scales of all descriptions tested . 188
Weights of all descriptions tested
819
Dry measures of all descriptions tested
189
Wet measures, including milk jars, tested
929
Yard sticks
42
Number of scales condemned
10
Number of dry measures condemned
3
Number of wet measures condemned
27
Weighing and reweighing coal teams .
8 times
Total amount of fees collected
. $108 31
F. D. SHERMAN, -
Sealer of Weignts and Measures.
-
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Wey- mouth :
GENTLEMEN : - On assuming the duties of Tree Warden for 1910 I found an
Appropriation for Care of Shade Trees. $400 00
Appropriation for Tree Warden' Services 100 00
Unexpended balance
419 35
$919 35
Owing to the decision of the State Forester that the power sprayer should be used exclusively for moth work until that was completed we were somewhat delayed in spraying the elm trees for beetles. Wa were obliged to cover the whole town twice, instead of doing all spraying collectively and dividing the expense as has been done in former years. As it cost about $500.00 to spray the elm trees, it is evident that there must be a larger appropriation if the work is to be continued in the future, as there is no balance to draw from. I went through the whole town removing dead wood and overhanging branches where that was most needed, but there remains some of that work which should be done. There are quite a number of dead trees which ought to be removed.
Respectfully submitted,
C. L. MERRITT,
Tree Warden.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH DEPARTMENT.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth.
GENTLEMEN :- Herewith please find my report for year 1910. The work of the Moth Department during the year has been directed, not to the hopeless task of exterminating the moth, but rather to the protection of our streets, orchards, and residential sections. As regards the Gypsy Moth, I feel that with a few exceptions these sections compare favourably with last year. We have quite a heavy infestation of the Brown Tail Moth this year, notably in those sections where no spraying has been done. The testimony of all who have had their trees well sprayed warrants our admonition to " Go and do thou likewise." We cordially appreciate the co-operation of those who wish to care for their own trees, but would suggest that it is useless to burlap trees unless you hunt and kill the larva, and worse than useless to cut Brown Tails from the trees unless you pick them up and. burn them. It is surely best to have two persons on this work, one to cut and one to pick them up.
If people would cut and burn all useless trees and brush around their yards and along their fence lines there would be much less work in keeping the moths in check. After the time given in the notice to owners has expired if I arrive at a place and find the work undone, I feel that even if the owner should say he intends to do it later, it is my duty to go in with men who are familiar with the work and do it rather than to leave it for him to do. The expense to owner is less in nearly every case.
I wish to thank your Board for your cordial support; the Town Accountaut for many kindly services rendered ; Mr. Frank A. Bates, Supervisor of the District, for his ever present help ; and the men of the department.
Yours respectfully, C. L. MERRITT, Local Supt. Moth Dept.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF LIVE STOCK.
SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MASS., January 1, 1911. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth :
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Live Stock for the year 1910. I am pleased to report the condition of stables being improved, but there is still room for improvement in many cases. Whole number of cows inspected, 442; oxen, 6; young stock, 62; bulls, 21; swine, 170; goats, 13. There have been 5 horses killed for glanders, 2 cows for tuberculosis, 2 dogs for rabies, all of which have been properly buried or rendered.
Yours respectfully,
F. WILBUR LOUD, Inspector of Live Stock for Town.
REPORT OF BURIAL AGENT.
EAST WEYMOUTH, December 31, 1910. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth :
GENTLEMEN : - The following is a list of indigent soldiers, sol- diers' wives and widows buried under my direction during the year ending December 31, 1910 :
Phæbe M. Hollis
$37 00
Benoni Gurney .
37 00
Mary S. Fitts . 37 00
Almira B. Nichols
·
37 00
Michael Ford
37 00
James H. Stevens
37 00
WALDO TURNER,
Burial Agent.
PARK COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
The Board of Park Commissioners has the honor to submit herewith its annual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1910.
Soon after the annual Town meeting in March, which elected Mr. Arthur H. Alden, Park Commissioner, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. George L. Newton, the Board met at Beals Park and organized by the election of Louis A. Cook as chairman, Arthur H. Alden, treasurer, and William H. Clapp, clerk. At that time Beals Park was looked over, and certain work and improvements recommended.
The people of North Weymouth have been very much interested in Beals Park and the Board has endeavored to carry out their ideas of what should be done, so far as practicable. With the small amount of money available only a small part of the work suggested could be done. The bed of the pond has been thoroughly cleaned, and a new bed made of fresh stone and sand. Children using the Park as a playground or walk, should be instructed by their parents, not to break down the shrubs or plants, and to make use of the made walks, rather than to walk on the grass, which would greatly improve the appearance of the Park.
The following statement shows Receipts and Expenditures at this Park, from Beals Park fund :
1910.
Jan. 1. Amount of Cash on hand in Bank $310 70
Sept. 7. From S. Ford, 1 year's rent of land at Great Hill Park
35 00
Oct. 25. From John H. Stetson, treas. interest . 40 40
From E. Weymouth Savings Bank 5 10
Amount carried forward
$391 20
174
Amount brought forward PAID OUT.
$391 20
Apr. 12. Town of Weymouth, Water rates
$6 00
May 28. H. Nadell, labor ·
34 41
June 30.
H. E. Gould, for plants, etc. 5 50
July 28. H. Souther, labor
8 00
Aug. 20.
H. Souther, labor
3 75
Nov. 1. £ H. Nadell, labor
14 11
$71 77
Balance on hand, deposited in East
Weymouth Savings Bank $319 43
Great Hill Park remains as last reported.
At Webb Park, the usual amount of care has been given, and the trees and shrubbery have made a satisfactory growth. As a play and recreation ground this Park is becoming more used yearly, which will necessitate the enforcement of the Rules and Regulations made by the Board, if the place is to retain its present standard of beauty. It is regretable that the large majority of law abiding people be made to suffer from restrictive regulations, for the misdeeds of law breakers, and it is suggested as a practical remedy, that all visitors, and others using our Parks, who wish to have clean grounds, and beautiful trees and shrub- bery, report to the Board any infringement of the Rules and Regulations made by the Board, and posted up where all may see and understand them. If this was done, and a few examples made of the law breakers, we would soon see an improvement in the appearance of our Parks, and a saving in expense of care.
The following shows Receipts and Expenditures on account of Webb Park :
Unexpended Balance of last year
$71 15
Town appropriation .
50 00
Mary L. Condrick, for pasturage
10 00
$131 15
PAID OUT.
July 9. Charles Fox, labor
$5 00
" 16. Fred Doherty, labor .. 15 75
Amounts carried forwrrd
$20 75 $131 15
-
175
Amounts brought forward $20 75
$131 15
Aug. 5. H. A. Richards, labor 7 00
Oct. 1. Jeremiah Coffey, labor
18 00
W. H. Clapp, expenses' and superintendent 10 00
$55 75
Balance unexpended .
$75 40
Respectfully, LOUIS A. COOK,
ARTHUR H. ALDEN,
Park Commissioners. WM. H. CLAPP,
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
GENTLEMEN : - I hereby submit my report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1910 :
The total highway appropriation, including Street Railway tax, amounts to $18,618.19. This includes money expended for snow and bridges. Special appropriations amounting to $3,100 were raised.
These appropriations were as recommended by the appropria- tion committee and estimated on the 1909 wage basis, which was $2.00 for men and $1.50 for horses, for an 8-hour day.
At Town meeting these prices were raised, the men 122%, from $2.00 to $2.25; for horses 163%, from $1.50 to $1.75; under these conditions the appropriation, already as small as economy would permit, should have been raised proportionally ; however this was not done, consequently less work was accom- plished, notwithstanding the fact that the cost of maintenance and the public demand for better roads is rapidly increasing, that we are accepting new streets, making more miles to take care of and our appropriation is less than 15 or 20 years ago.
The increase in cost of maintenance and general public interest in better roads is due almost wholly to the increased use of the automobile, which not only destroys our roads, but thousands of . people now want and demand better highways, who formerly took no interest in their condition.
It has been said that the civilization of a country can be judged by its highways and this is very true of any community and it is of the utmost importance that our main thoroughfares should be put in a condition that will compare favorably with other cities and towns.
But before we can attain this end it will be necessary to in- crease not reduce our appropriation.
There was 25,691 gals. of oil used as a dust preventative du- ring the year. It was of- an asphaltic nature and of two grades ; 12,839 gals. containing 40% asphalt, costing .0415 per gal. and 12,852 gals. of the 60% asphalt, costing .0465 per gal., making 25,601 gals. in all.
177
The 40% grade was used in Wards 1 and 5, the 60% in Wards 2 and 3.
The average cost of the oil applied in different places is made up of items that are subject to so many variations, that it is difficult to secure similar conditions, from which any cost com- parison may be made. The following items may differ greatly : the length of haul from railroad, manner of unloading, by gravity or pumps, character and condition of road bed, method of appli- cation, by hand or machinery, amount of sand covering used, cost, etc., and weather conditions.
A close estimate of the cost of applying the light oil used this year is from three to four cents per square yard, and for the heavy from four to five cents. This shows that the difference in cost of the two grades is not material, the real economical ques- tion is that of durability, which next year's wear will determine.
Our experience for this year shows that it prevents all dust and makes a decided saving in other road maintenance, preventing in a degree washouts, etc. Some places show a tendency to get muddy, but this may be due to the oil having been applied to newly-repaired roads, which had not received their final settle- ment.
The heavy oil does not seem to penetrate the surface for any depth, forming a veneer. I think it would be well to apply this grade hot, thereby getting better penetration. If this work should be continued a suitable oil wagon should be purchased, resulting in better and more economical work.
All this work is experimental in a way. The State and almost every municipality of any size is using some sort of dust preven- tative, the use of street sprinkling being generally abandoned, and all are trying to find the method and material which suits best their local conditions.
The general summary of the work done in the different wards is as follows :
WARD ONE.
The principal work was done under special appropriations, in- cluding the building of Bicknell, Leonard and Wessagusset Roads and River Street sidewalk. The amount appropriated was not exceeded and a satisfactory job was done.
The following streets were treated with oil : Sea Street, Bridge
178
to North Street, Athens Street, North Street, from Bridge to East Street.
The most important road repairs were on Commercial Street, from Union Avenue to North Street, resurfaced with gravel ; Union Avenue, from East to Commercial Street, resurfaced with graval.
The rest of the streets received general attention, gutters and streets being cleaned when needed, and such repairs made as deemed necessary.
WARD TWO.
The most important work in this Ward is as follows :
High Street-Rebuilt from Commercial Square to Hingham line.
Broad Street-Repaired with gravel where necessary from Jackson Square to Ward line. Owing to this street being so nar- row and location of street railway, it is impossible to keep this street in good condition, from Commercial Square to Central Square, unless a permanent pavement is substituted for the present gravel and macadam.
Commercial Street-Resurfaced with gravel from Broad to Madison Streets.
Pleasant Street-Repairs made with gravel where most needed to Ward Four line.
The following streets were oiled, using the heavy grade of oil : Jackson Square and its approaches.
Broad Street-From Jackson Square to Central Square.
Middle Street-From Central Square to Maple Street.
WARD THREE.
Heavy grade was applied as follows :
Commercial Street - From Washington Square to Lumber Wharves.
Broad Street-From Ward Two line nearly to Front Street.
Washington Street-From Braintree line to King Avenue.
Front Street-From Washington Square to Broad Street. Streets repaired with gravel as follows :
Walnut Avenue-Whole length.
Franklin Street-Whole length.
Washington Street-West side from Jackson Square to Lincoln
179
Square, and the east side between Richmond Street and Lincoln Square.
Drains and gutters received the usual attention.
Phillips Street - The Town appropriated $300 for this work. If the voters could have seen the condition of the place they would have appreciated the amount of work that would have to be done before it could have been called a street. In its natural condition it was simply a footpath through the bushes and briars and over the ledges.
The work accomplished was cleaning up and blasting the ledges. The blasted material was used for filling and retaining walls. In its present condition it is daugerous even for pedestrians. There is a great deal of blasting yet to be done, and in order to com- plete the work it will take at least $500. Expended in excess, $119.12. We have, however, the drill holes made by steam drills, but not blasted ; explosives, blasting logs, etc., on hand. This material and the incompleted work will more than balance the overdraft on any future work.
WARD FOUR.
The principal work this year was done on Pleasant Street. This is one of the most travelled streets in Town. Resurfaced with gravel where most needed, with the exception of two short sections that should be repaired the ensuing year, the road is now in very fair condition. Would recommend that it be treated with oil.
Washington Street - Patched where most needed.
The rest of the roads received general repairs.
Loud Avenue (special) - This work was done under a special appropriation of $200, but the amount was insufficient, as ledges and stumps were encountered that added to the cost of the work ; $31.92 was expended in excess to make the street passable. The work now is unfinished, and will require at least $100 more to make a suitable street.
The only oil that was used in this ward was opposite the fac- tory of Stetson & Heald.
WARD FIVE.
The principal work was done on the following streets :
Pleasant Street - From Ward 4 line to Columbian Square.
Union Street - From Columbian Square to Central Street. All
1
180
of the gravel used on this road has to be hauled a great distance, which makes the work very expensive. In all future work it would be cheaper to use crushed stone, using the Town crusher and local stone, walls, etc., near the road. For a street of its importance this probably needs repairs as much as any in the Town.
Special appropriation for sidewalk on Pond Street - From Main Street to station. $800 was expended for this purpose in building a tar concrete walk.
Pond Street - As instructed by a vote of the Town, $1,000 was expended on this street. The work was distributed over a portion of the road, between the railroad track and Poole's Corner. In carrying out the work it was very much helped by the practical suggestion of the Local Improvement Society, who have taken a great deal of interest in the work. Bushes were cut, street wid- ened, new sections of sidewalks were constructed, etc. Cinder walk on west side was covered with stone dust and street gravelled where most needed.
Oiled as follows :
Columbian Square and its approaches.
Columbian Street, from Main Street to Columbian Square.
Main Street, from Columbian Square to Dyer's Laundry.
The following is a schedule of property in charge of the depart- ment : One steam roller, 1 road plow, 1 crusher, crusher oil, scales in shed at Hockstrasser's, watering cart, crusher jaws, plat- form scales at Ell's pit, crusher bin at Ell's pit, crusher bin at Hockstauser's, 2 screen sections, 3 wheelbarrows, old crusher at Washington Street portable engine house, hoe, Stillson wrench, bar, coal.
The foremen in the different wards have the following property in their possession :
WARD ONE.
Five snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 1 plow, 6 picks and handles, 1 grub hoe, 1 crowbar, 4 shovels, 6 lanterns, 2 pails, 1 axe, 14 feet drain pipe, 4 screens.
WARD Two.
Six hoes, 3 post-hole scoops, 6 shovels, 2 stone hammers, 1 scythe and snath, 9 stone forks, 10 picks, 12 snow shovels, 6
181
lanterns, 3 screens, 1 gutter plow, 1 50-foot tape, 2 tamping bars, 1 4-horse road machine, 2 2-horse road machines, 1 street sweeper, 2 grub hoes, 11 pick handles, 2 axes, 1 plumb-bob, 1 trowel, 2 hammers, 1 crowbar, 10 snow plows, 2 pails, 1 tool chest, 2 mark- ing irons, 1 2-foot rule, 1 5-gallon oil can, 1 paint brush, 2-feet 6-inch drain pipe, 16-feet 8-inch drain pipe, 1 saw, 3 rakes.
WARD THREE.
Seven snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 4 hoes, 1 grub hoe, 3 picks, 1 bar, 2 street signs and horses, 1 stone hammer, 1 tool chest, 1 scythe and snath, 2 post-hole scoops, 3 stone forks, 1 iron rake, 1 screen, 3 drills, old curbstone.
WARD FOUR.
Six snow plows, 3 screens, 4 picks, 1 grub hoe, 1 stone fork, 1 bar, 3 lanterns, 10-foot drain pipe, lumber.
WARD FIVE.
Seven snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 2 post-hole scoops, 2 hoes, 6 picks, 4 shovels, 2 grub hoes.
At the close, I desire to thank the Board of Selectmen for their kindness and ready cooperation ; also the employees for their ad- vice, assistance and zeal in serving the interests of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
IVERS M. LOW, Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth :
GENTLEMEN :- I submit herewith the ninth annual report of the work performed by the Police Department of the town of Wey- mouth, for the year ending December 31, 1910.
Total number of arrests, 323.
The cases were disposed of as follows :-
ASSAULTS :
Paid fine of $30.00, 1.
Paid fine of $25.00 each, 8.
Paid fine of $20.00, 1. Paid fine of $15.00 each, 2.
Paid fine of $10.00 each, 10.
Paid costs, 12. Placed on file, 10. Placed on probation, 11. Not guilty, 6.
Acknowledged satisfaction, 2. Committed to the House of Correction for three months, 1. Committed to the House of Correction for two months, 1.
Gave bonds to keep the peace, 1.
Dismissed for want of prosecution, 2. Threatening assault (continued) 2.
BASTARDY : Continued, 1.
BREAKING AND ENTERING : In the night time (held for the Grand Jury) 2.
CARRYING A LOADED REVOLVER : Paid fine of $25.00, 1.
DRUNKENNESS : Paid fine of $15.00 each, 14. Paid fine of $10.00 each, 8.
183
Paid fine of $5.00 each, 6. Paid fine of $3.00 each, 2. Committed to the State Farm, 15. Sentenced to the State Farm (appealed) 2. Fined $15.00, committed to the House of Correction, 7. Fined $10.00, committed to the House of Correction, 3. Paid costs, 31. Released, 10. On probation, 19. Continued, 10.
Fined $5.00 (appealed) 1.
Committed to the House of Correction, 1.
Committed to the House of Correction for ten days, 1. Three months in the House of Correction (sentence suspended ) 2. Two months in the House of Correction (sentence suspended) 1. Defaulted, 1.
DISTURBING THE PEACE : Paid fine of $15.00, 1. Paid fine of $10.00 each, 2.
Paid costs, 10. Continued, 3.
Gave bonds to keep the peace, 1.
FISH AND GAME LAWS, VIOLATING : Fined $50.00 (appealed) 1.
Fined $25.00, committed to the House of Correction, 1. Paid costs, 2. Dismissed for want of prosecution, 1. Paid fine of $5.00, 1.
INSANE : Committed to Westboro, 12. Committed to Taunton, 2.
IDLE AND DISORDERLY : Continued, 1.
LIQUOR LAWS, VIOLATING : Illegal Keeping with Intent to Sell : Paid fine of $100.00 each, 3. Paid fine of $75.00, 1.
184
Illegal Sale : Paid fine of $75.00, 1.
1
Paid fine of $50.00, 1. Fined $50.00 (appealed) 1.
Illegal Keeping :
Fined $50.00 each (appealed) 3.
Fined $75.00 (appealed) 2. Fined $50.00 (appealed) 1.
Illegal Keeping with Intent to Sell : Paid $10.00 costs (placed on file) 1.
Illegal Sale by a Registered Pharmacist : Fined $100.00 (appealed) 1.
LARCENCY :
Committed to the House of Correction for a term of six months, 2. Sentenced to the Mass. Reformatory and sentence suspended, 1. Paid fine of $15.00 each, 3. Paid costs, 2. On probation, 5. Not guilty, 3. Held for the Grand Jury, 1. Fined $15.00 (appealed) 1. Fined $10.00 (appealed) 1.
MALICIOUS INJURY TO REALTY : Not guilty, 2. Continued, 2.
MILK LAWS, VIOLATING : Fined $25.00 (continued) 1. On file, 1.
NEGLECT OF FAMILY : Ordered to pay to his family $3.00 per week, 1. Ordered to pay to his family $2.00 per week, 1.
NEGLECTED CHILDREN : Continued, 3. Committed to St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, 2. Committed to relatives, 1.
STUBBORN CHILD : Continued, 1.
185
STATE PAUPER :
Committed to Tewksbury, 1.
TRAMP :
State Farm, 1.
TRUANCY :
Committed to the Union Truant School, Walpole, 2. Continued, 2.
TOWN BY-LAWS, VIOLATING : Continued, 1.
VAGRANCY : State Farm, 1. Discharged, 1.
FALSE ALARM OF FIRE ;
Paid costs, 3.
PULLING DOWN STONE WALL : Paid costs, 4.
INDEECNT EXPOSURE : Six month in House of Correction, 1.
LEWD AND LASCIVIOUS COHABITATION : One year in the House of Correction, 1. On probation, 1:
NEGLECTING TO SEND CHILD TO PUBLIC DAY SCHOOL : Paid fine of $10.00, 1.
RUNAWAY CHILD :
Returned to the mother, 1.
Arrested on default warrants, 2.
Arrests for out of town officers, 6.
Search warrants for intoxicating liquors, 20.
Search warrrants for stolen goods, 2.
Amount of property recovered of value $250. Amount of fines in Lower Court, $1,336.
DISPOSITION OF CASES IN SUPERIOR COURT.
ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER :
Committed to the House of Correction for a term of three months, 1.
186
BREAKING AND ENTERING IN THE NIGHT TIME : On probation, 2.
DRUNKENNESS :
Sent to the State Farm, 1.
Committed to the House of Correction for a term of four months, 1. Paid fine of $5, 1.
FISH AND GAME LAWS, VIOLATING : Paid fine of $50, 1.
LARCENY :
Paid fine of $15, 1. Paid fine of $10, 1. Placed on file, 1.
MILK LAWS, VIOLATING : Jury disagreed, 1.
ILLEGAL KEEPING OF INTOXICATING LIQUORS WITH INTENT TO SELL :: Paid fine of $75, 1. Paid fine of $50 each, 2.
ILLEGAL SALE BY A REGISTERED PHARMACIST :
Paid fine of $100, 1. Continued, 2.
Amount of fines in Superior Court, $355.
The records of the work performed by the Police department show the largest number of arrests since they were organized. The town has been unusually free from any serious crimes and: those reported have been investigated and promptly attended to. This is a law-abiding town and for its area and populotion the. police force is small in comparison with that of. other towns. During the summer months a number of strangers come here. from the cities on their vacation and in some localities they are very troublesome. There was a petition signed by a large num -. ber of citizens to increase the pay of the police to $2.25 per day. It was granted by the selectmen. There was a change made in the night patrolman in Ward 5; with that exception the force remains the same. The selectmen have had rules and regulations printed in book form and each man has received a copy. They give the Chief authority to suspend any member violating any- rule and report the same to the Selectmen. I would recommend
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