USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1928 > Part 15
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I desire to thank your Board and the other Town officials the co-operation and assistance they have rendered me in the discharge of my official duties.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERIC GILBERT BAUER Town Counsel. .
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TOWN BY-LAWS.
January 1, 1929.
To the Honorable the Board of Selectmen :
Certain amendments to the by-laws were adopted at the Special Town Meeting last October, but with the exception of those relating to the Town flag and Town seal the amendments are still pending approval by the Attorney General. As soon as the Attorney General acts on the amendments now before him, including the building laws, the Committee will complete its work and then recommends that the entire code be published for the information of our citizens.
Respectively submitted, For the Committee, FREDERIC GILBERT BAUER Chairman
PARK COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth : Gentlemen :
BEAL'S PARK
The grass moved, walks kept trimmed and flowers set out in the flow- er bed on the lower end of the park.
There was some new equipment put in the park this year in the line of playground equipment and. I wish at this time to thank the Home and School Association for the $50.donated to the Park Commission- er's, which was used to purchase a swing-horse for the children on the park.
There was much interest. displayed in the line of playground work this summer at Beal's Park as will be shown in the report of the playground instructor and we. would suggest that another play- ground teacher be had in the North part of the town this coming summer.
BAILEY GREEN
The grass was cut regularly and shrubbery trimmed during the summ- er.
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WEBB PARK,
Webb Park still continues to be used quite extensively for base- ball where it affords an ideal location, the grounds were taken care of and a new flag-pole erected to replace the old one.
GREAT HILL PARK
This park is coming more into prominence each year, not only from the sight-seers point of view ;but from the bather's standpoint We had the bathing beach cleaned of all the larger stones, and had a portion of it sanded which we believe was very successful, a sea-wall was built nearly the whole length of the beach, it was surprising to see the number of bather's that used the beach from far and near this last summer where they had a sandy beach and good, clear, clean water. There were many days when the beach would be crowded with bathers.
There has been quite a lot of criticism of the actions of the young people and others in Great Hill Park. The Park Commissioners will do all in their power to make this place what it should be ,as far as our money goes. It is a beautiful place and Weymouth people should be proud to own such property, and if such is the case, the Police . should be able to take care of any actions not in accord with common decency.
WESTON PARK
This park as you remember in our last report was merely in the rough, and there were a number of unsightly places which were a menace. We have raised it from these conditions this past year,put in new drains, have filled some of the unsightly holes with tons of fill- ing, thus making some good playground for the children under the shade of the beautiful trees, where they now have swings, slides,, sand-boxes, teter-boards and other playground equipment.
It is not only an asset to the children but for the older people where the underbrush has been trimmed out and beautiful walks built connecting different points of the park, and connecting links between Washington, Broad and Front Streets.
There has been built also a good sized skating pond for the child- ren which is not dangerous as lots of the larger ponds and is very central. Our next move is for some lights along the park walks, and would also lighten the skating pond for the children at night.
JACKSON SQUARE GREEN
The Plot in Jackson Square was taken by eminent domain and has been put in good condition. We are asking for a sum for its care.
RUFUS CLARK PARK
A retaining wall was built along the easterly side of the park, and the grounds cared for, grass mowed, etc.
LOVELL'S CORNER PLAYGROUND
The base ball diamond at Lovells Corner playground was graded with the $300.00. specially appropriated for that purpose. New equip- ment put in Hawes Grove. There is untold possibilities in this gift of Mr. BradfordHawes. The Park Commissioners are asking for $500.00. for the purpose of cleaning up this grove. it is full of small
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pines but needs cleaning out and thinning of the pines. The playground is becoming more popular each year, and is without doubt used more than any other ground in town. The new flying horse has been pop- ular with the children, as also the flying rings and the trapese. Band concerts were held by the Veteran of Foreign Wars band all summer on Tuesday nights. The usual Fourth of July celebration was a succ- ess, and made it possible for the people to donate to the Park Com. $32.00 to be used on the playground. A party from a Dorchester church made a donation of $10.00. to the Park Com. TheA. C. foot- ball club had the grounds illuminated 2 evenings a week for practice making it possible for them to win the Championship of this section. We hope to be able to keep the grounds mowed and in better condi- tion another year.
Through the kindness of Mr. Heald the park opposite the Stetson factory was available for playground work during the summer.
POND PLAIN PLAYGROUND
A playground has been established at Pond Plain. As there was no place available in Pond Plain the Improvement Society offered their land, but it was not in condition for playground purposes, but arrangements were made for a ten year lease for playground work $700.00. was obtained from the reserve fund for the purpose of grad- ing the land, and, to buy equipment such as sand boxes, Swings, Teter- board, rings and slide. Shelters were put up by. the society, and everything done to make it a success.These people are very apprecia- tive and will cooperate in every way. We hope to get some more equipment this year.
Our Supervisor of playground work Mr. MacIntosh, has won the commendation of the Park Com. as well as the people in general, and with his able teachers has done great work. It is thought by the Park Com. that this should become a part of the regular school work.
Weymouth is an enterprising Town and it ought to be going ahead, as it is, with its Park programme. Plymouth has four or five bath houses and miles of water front. Weymouth has 500 to 600 ft. of water front belonging to the Town, and we want to make the most of it. We hope that the appropriation asked by the Park Com. will be ap- proved by the Town that we may keep this department as it should be. ground.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS W. REA. CHARLES W. BURGESS. JOSEPH KELLEY Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF PLAYGROUNDS
Enthuisiasm and increase in attendance shows that the play- ground movement is gaining.
This year a new playground was added at Pond Plain and the
163
one held at Nevins School Grounds last year was transferred to Stetson Field, making a total of six in the town with a teacher at each The director with the help of an assistant had special activities and arranged inter-playground competitions.
New playground equipment was installed at Weston Park and Pond Plain, Hobby Horse swings were added to the equipment at Lo- vells Corner and Beals Park.
All playgrounds were equipped with quoits, volley ball and net, basket ball, croquet set, bats, baseballs, bean bags, ring toes, coping saws and a sand box.
Before the playgrounds were officially opened a marble tourna- ment was held with the co-operation of the school department. Elim- ination meets were held in all parts of the town and at the finals,Don- ald Cleary of No. Weymouth was chosen Marble Champion of Wey- mouth.
The playgrounds opened with nearly 500 children taking advan- tage of the opportunity. A special activity day was held each week which was eagerly looked forward to. Some of these were: Stunt Day Track Meet. Doll Carriage Parade Horrible Parade, Character Repre- sentations, Quoit Contest and Croquet Tournament.
During the season 19 inter-play ground baseball games were played by the Junior and Senior teams.
The older girls had fast Volley Ball Teams which afforded keen competition.
Four Croquet contestants were sent to the grand finals at Stetson Field where the winners from each class were chosen.
Many practical and useful articles were made in the handwork periods. The girls enjoyed making and wearing folded paper belts. Wood- craft was popular with the boys and girls and many attractive door stops and book ends were made. Embroidery and soap carving were both popular.
Access of the Manuel Training Room at the Hunt School and the basement of the Community House at Pond Plain was greatly appre- ciated and made use of on stormy days.
ATTENDANCE
First Day 155
300
Humphrey
88
196
Beals Park
90
250
Stetson Field
32
110
Pond Plain
30
125
Lovells Corner
68
196
The generosity and co-operation of the townspeople have helped to make the past season a successful one. The gifts of many private citizens and the following organizations made it possible to serve approximately 1200, children ice cream andcake during the final week.
No. Weymouth Home and School Association
Sons of Italy
Firemen of Station 3
Lovells Corner Improvement Association
Precinct 4 Citizens Association
Last Day
Hunt
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Pond Plain Community Association The Weymouth Gazette and the Weymouth Item were very lib- eral with paper space which was a great help in publicity work and notifying the children of coming Events.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT J. McINTOSH Director of Playgrounds
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
East Weymouth, Mass., January 9, 1929 To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The following is a report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1928.
We have been fortunate in not having but one serious fire this past year.
While we have had plenty of activity, due to a large number of Alarms the loss has been kept down to small figures due to the quick response of the members of the Department.
Case after case might be recalled when a few minutes delay would have meant a serious fire but not one instance can be recalled where you have not the instant response of your Permanent force, and though small in numerical strength it leaves nothing to be desired in genuine effort to protect the Town in time of danger by fire.
Too much cannot be said of the Call. Members of the Department for their response and willingness to co-operate with the permanent men. I wish to impress upon the Citizens of the Town that in the call members of the Fire Department they have a set of men who are willing, day and night to leave their homes or business and report to fires with the sole idea of helping their neighbors and friends without one thought of the small amount of pay attached to this duty.
We have been deeply gratified this year by the purchase by the Town of two 750 gallon Triple Combinations which have proven by Underwriters' tests to be able to give considerably more capacity than specified in contract.
It is my intention this year to equip the replaced Combination at Ward Three with a Deluge set for heavy duty and also a Foam Gene- rator for the handling of oil fires. This truck to be ready as an emer- ; gency outfit to respond on a second or general alarm or to answer special calls at any time.
In accordance with the report of the Committee of 1927 to look -into the needs of the Fire Department we expect to replace Combina- tion One with a 750 gallon. Triple Combination. .
It is my sincere hope that the Town will at the next meeting, appropriate sufficient funds to build a new Fire Station at East Wey- mouth. To all who are acquainted with conditions at the present Station it would seem that the time has come to build an up to date Station and Fire Alarm Station attached.
I have been in consultation during the past year with one of the best known Architects of Fire Stations in New England if not in the
165
Country and am prepared to place before the Town Meeting, plans and specifications for its consideration. These plans are mare in consul- tation with engineers of the Gamewell Company on equipment for a Fire Alarm Station amply able to take care of the Town for the next fifty years.
The Station at Ward Three was found on delivery of the new Pump to be unsafe on account of a weak floor support and we were compelled to take steps to reinforce it temporarily and plan to fill in the space underneath and put in a cement floor this year.
Your Fire Department has made friends this past year by its busi- nesslike way of response to calls, no matter of what nature and I think we have proved to your satisfaction that the appointing of per- manent men is a decided success. This year I would like the privilege of appointing a few more men and bringing the wages up to a reason- able amount to compensate the members for the efforts they stand ready to show to the Citizens of the Town.
The following is a summary of the activities of the Department:
Combination One
Total Runs 80
Two
117
Three
125
Five 86
52
Ladder One, Total Runs
77
Forest Fire Truck No. 5, Total Runs
43
Forest Fire Truck No. 3,
59
Inspections made and permits granted :
15
Fireworks Permits
35
Oil Heaters
20
Garage
5
Inspection of New Tanks
5
Blasting Permits
2
Storage of Inflammables
1
Fire Prevention Inspections
91
Property at Risk
$142,980.00 25,574.71
Damage
(Colonial Inn fire involving $43,000 not yet adjusted).
Please accept my sincere thanks for the many courtesties extended by your Board and by the members of the various other Departments who have at all times shown a willingness to assist us during the past year.
JOHN Q. HUNT, Chief W. F. D.
East Weymouth, Mass., Jan. 1, 1929. To the Chief of the Fire Department, Weymouth, Mass.
The following is the report of the present state and needs of the Fire Alarm that is respectfully submitted :
The number of Bell Alarms in the past year are as follows:
Ladder Two, Total Runs
Removal of Tanks
166
Ward One
Ward Two Ward Three Ward Five 24
44 77
42
I would like to state that the system is in a very good condition as most of the old wire has been replaced. Last year a new circuit was put in commission (using about fifteen miles of wire) in the South part of the Town. That makes the fifth circuit in the system.
In the North part of the Town the present circuit should be divided which would make two circuits. This would last that part of the Town a number of years. But the Repeater Switchboard, and Protector Board that is at present in use has no space on which this work could be carried out until we have New Equipment and more space for batteries.
With ten miles of wire this year the system could be made as good as new on the outside. The upkeep has been large this year due to the large number of new poles that have been replaced by the Telephone and Electric Light Company.
Owing to the High Votage that is being carried on the same poles as the Fire Alarm I recommend it proper to install Ground Rods for the Safety of the Public.
In conclusion I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those who co-operated with me in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. F. COOLIDGE, Supt. Fire Alarms, W. F. D.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SITE FOR A FIRE STATION To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The committee appointed by the moderator of the last annual Town Meeting to investigate the matter of a site for a new Fire Station in Weymouth, organized with the choice of John F. Dwyer as chairman and Edwin R. Sampson as clerk.
The committee have held several meetings and, as individuals, given considerable consideration to the problem. After the investiga- tion of a number of sites the committee reports unanimously in favor of recommending the present Franklin School lot on Broad Street as first choice and the so-called Farmer lot at the corner of Maple and Middle Streets as second choice.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. DWYER, Chairman ELMER E. LEONARD MATTHEW O'DOWD JOHN Q. HUNT E. THAYER McBRIDE EDWIN R. SAMPSON, Clerk
ยท
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ASSESSORS REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We have assessed upon the polls and estates of all persons liable to taxation, the sum of $971,288.27 and have committed the same to Frank W. Holbrook, Esq., the duly elected Collector of Taxes, with our warrants in due form of law, for the collections and payments, in accordance with the votes of the town and warrants of the County of Norfolk and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Commitment July 20, 1928
$11,730.00
Comitment July 10, 1928
20.00
Commitment July 18, 1928
10.00
Commitment July 25, 1928
128.00
Commitment Sept. 8, 1928
958,615.87
Commitment Sept. 17, 1928
102.00
Commitment Oct. 26, 1928
676.40
Commitment Dec. 20, 1928
$971,288.27
Divided as follows:
$696,425.94
Real Estate
261,250.52
Personal Estate
11,996.00
Moth Tax
19.76
Sidewalk Assessments
$971,288.27
State Assessments
State Tax, Chap. 394, Acts 1928
$45,390.00
Metropolitan Parks Tax, Chap. 92, G. L.
19,844.59
State Highway Tax, Chap. 81, G. L .
7,104.95
Charles River Basin Tax, Chap. 92, G. L.
3,758.11
Southern Artery Tax
2,603.59
Chap. 330, Acts 1925-Chap. 369, Acts 1926
1,821.49
Street Construction in Brookline, Chap. 308, Acts 1928
998.44
Metropolitan Planning Tax, Chap. 399, Acts 1923
261.61
Abatement of Smoke Nuisance, Chap. 301, Acts 1928
147.54
$81,930.32
County Assessments
County Tax, Chap. 312, Acts 1928
$44,500.00
EXPENDITURES AUTHORIZED BY THE TOWN OF WEY- MOUTH TO BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE TAX LEVY OF 1928:
Authorized at the Annual Town Meeting, March 5, 1928:
Appropriation Committee
$ ,200.00
Planning Board
100.00
Selectmen's Department
8,250.00
Accounting Department
5,100.00
Treasurer's Department
2,047.50
Collector's Department
6,656.00
Assessors' Department
10,500.00
Town Survey
2,000.00
Legal Department
1,900.00
Town Clerk's Department
2,350.00
6.00
Polls
1,596.05
Traffic Artery in Cambridge, Chap. 336, Acts 1928
168
Elections and Registrations
5,180.00
Town Offices,
2,350.00
Police Department
58,335.00
Fire Department
69,825.00
Sealer's Department
1,585.00
Moth Department
3,900.00
Tree Department
2,100.00
Health Department
7,000.00
Nurses
1,800.00
Maintenance Norfolk Co. Tuberculosis Hospital
6,283.43
Highways
117,063.00
Permanent Construction of existing highways
25,000.00
Permanent Sidewalks
15,000.00
Bound Stones
500.00
Street Surveys, Etc.,
1,000.00
Street Lighting
31,000.00
Charities
47,495.00
State Aid, Military Aid and Burials
2,000.00
Soldiers' Relief
6,500.00
Support of Schools
341,200.00
Libraries
17,526.00
Parks and Playgrounds
10,750.00
Pensions
915.00
Alewive Fishery
500.00
Damages
3,000.00
Memorial Day
900.00
Fourth of July
500.00
Incidentals
2,380.00
Interest and Discount
41,000.00
Unpaid Bills
6,272.52
Erection of New Town Office Building
163,732.65
Plans and Estimate of War Memorial
6,000.00
Fire Alarm Box-Idlewell
250.00
Working New Streets
15,628.00
Acquisition and Working the following:
Northwesterly corner mercial
Broad & Com-
Northwesterly corner Cottage & Com- mercial
3,000
Junction Middle & Washington
500
Working of Filomena Street
700.00
Drain and Sidewalk-Tremont Street
600.00
Grading Etc .- Bicknell School Playground
500.00
Purchase Land-G. A. Walker Lot
3,500.00
Purchase Tirrell Lot,
Broad and Commercial Streets
3,000.00
Headquarters-V. F. W.
600.00
Care of Burying Grounds
1,000.00
Preservation of Town Records
1,000.00
July 1 Nevin Schoolhouse Bonds
$2,000.00
July 1923 High School Addition Bonds
13,000.00
July 1 New Town Infirmary Bonds.
2,000.00
Aug. 1 Great Hill Park Notes
10,000.00 : :
Oct. 1 Pratt Schoolhouse Addition Notes
3,000.00
$1,069,974.10
$2,000
5,500.00
169
Nov. 1 Bicknell Schoolhouse Notes 5,000.00
Nov. 1 Monatiquot River Bridge Notes 8,000.00
Nov. 1 Washington Square Widening Notes 3,000.00
Nov. 1 1927 High School Addition Notes 13,000.00
Dec. 1 Norfolk County T. B. Hospital Bonds 2,000.00
Total
$61,000.00
Less Premium Credits in 1927:
On Pratt Schoolhouse Loans
$1,177.20
On High School Addition Loan
2,576.60
BALANCE-To be provided for in the Tax Levy, $3,753.80
$57,246.20
Estimated Receipts-1928
Income Tax-1928
$92,936.62
Corporation Tax
90,000.00
Corporation Tax-Prior Years
1,052.12
Licenses and Permits
1,500.00
Fines and Forfeits
1,000.00
Grants and Gifts
15,000.00
Dog Licenses
2,514.91
Moth Assessments
1,000.00
Sidewalks Assessments
249.47
General Government
17.42
Fire Department
17.50
Inspection
350.00
Health Department
910.71
Highways
2,000.00
Charities
10,000.00
Soldiers' Benefits
1,695.17
School Department
2,000.00
Libraries
600.00
Unclassified
800.00
Public Service Enterprise
550.25
Interest
7,000.00
Summary 1927 Account
Appropriations at Annual Town Meeting March 5, 1928
$1,069,974:10
Maturing Debt
57,246.20
State Liabilities
81,930.32
County Liabilities
44,500.00
To satisfy finan judgment
1,240.96
$1,254,891.58
Credis:
$231,194.17
Free Cash Voted
65,000.00
Poll Taxes previously committed
11,766.00
307,960.17
BALANCE
$946,931.41
Valuation of the Town $40,238,235.00 Tax Rate 1928-$23.80
Number of polls assessed June 20, 1928 Commitment 5,865
Number of polls assessed July 20, 1928 Commitment 10
Number of polls assessed July 18, 1928 Commitment 5
1
$231,194.17
Esimated Receipts
1
170
Number of polls assessed July 25, 1928 Commitment 3 Number of polls assessed Oct. 26, 1928 Commitment 51
Total number of polls assessed 5934
Number of polls exempted by law or otherwise
64
Number of residents assessed on property
7044
Number of non-residents assessed on property
1976
Number of horses assessed
116
Number of cows assessed
397
Number of sheep assessed
27
Number of other cattle assessed
4
Number of swine assessed
5
Number of fowl assessed
3855
Number of dwelling houses assessed
6718
Number of acres of land assessed
92881/2
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. DWYER
RICHARD HALLORAN CHARLES W. BURGESS D. FRANK DALY Assessors of Weymouth
JOHN F. DWYER, Clerk.
.
POLICE DEPARMENT
Weymouth, Mass., anuary 15, 1929.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the services rendered by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1928.
Causes for Arrests
Crimes against the person :
32
Assault and Battery
1
Assault on police officer
2
Manslaughter
1
Murder
1
Railer and brawler
1
41
Crimes against Property :
Breaking and Entering
12
Larceny
37
Attempt to commit larceny
3
Malicious injury to building
1
Breaking glass
4
Malicious mischief
3
Concealing leased property
4
Trespass
2
Receiving
1
66
Attempt to assault with dangerous weapon
3
Threats
171
Crimes against Chastity and Good Order
Bastardy
4
Default
1
Disturbing the Peace
15
Drunkenness
354
Failing to pay wages
16
Idle and disorderly
2
Lewd and Lascivious
2
Neglect of family
18
Non-support
4
Neglect to support minor child
1
Neglected children
7
Neglect to support parents
2
Desertion of family
1
Peddling unlicensed
1
Violation of motor vehicle laws
481
81 of which are for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor
1
Larceny of automobile
4
Violation of labor laws
1
Violation of health laws
3
Violation of probation
3
Stubborn child
2
Obscene literature
3
Fugitive
3
Suspicious person
2
Keeping unlicensed dog
1
Violation of fish and game laws
15
Pauper
3
950
Violation of Liquor Laws:
Unlawful sale
18
Keeping and Exposing
19
Illegal transportation
3
Unlawful manufacture
2
42
Crimes against Public Justice :
Attempt to rescue prisoner
1
Crimes against the Government: Deserter
2
Recapitulation :
Crimes against the person
41
Crimes against property
66
Crimes against chastity and good order
992
Crimes against public justice
1
Crimes against government
2
1102
Unlawful taking of automobile
172
249
Out of town arrests
Total arrests for year
1351
Miscellaneous report :
Property recovered
$9,343.00
Twenty raids for intoxicating liquor
666
Complaints investigated
683
Buildings found open and secured
81
Street lights reported out
214
Ambulance calls
63
Dogs killed Fires reported
12
Fines imposed in lower court
$10,398.00
Fines imposed in Superior court $470.00
During the year one patrolman was advanced to the rank of lieu- tenant and three patrolmen to the sank of sergeant. A sergeant is assigned to both night patrols.
I would recommend that the report of the committee on the instal- lation of the Gamewell system be accepted.
During the fall four men were sent to Camp Perry with the coach of the pistol team, Dr. John L. Bastey, all expenses having been ob- tained by subscription and sponsored by the Weymouth Chamber of Commerce. The team finished next to New York City police depart- ment.
I wish to thank the Honorable Board for their assistance they have given, and to all members of the Department for the faithful performance of their many duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR H. PRATT,
Chief of Police.
South Weymouth, Mass., Jan. 1, 1929
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