USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1934 > Part 14
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I might say that cases numbered 23281, 25426, 25804 and 27172 as set forth in my last report have all been terminated in the Superior Court. None of these cases involved any considerable sum of money. Several other cases of a minor nature have been tried and likewise concluded. The remaining cases stated in the report for the year end- ing December 31, 1933 as being inactive are still inactive and certain of them are ripe for dismissal.
There have been certain other cases entered in which the Town is named as defendant and which may be tried during the current year.
These cases fall into two groups and may generally be described as being for damages for alleged injuries growing out of accidents on the highways of the Town and land damage cases for takings made by the Town. In addition to this type of case we have a constantly in- creasing number of small claims, in the great bulk of which I have been able to arrange amicable adjustments without the necessity of any litigation. It is a source of concern to me that the number of cases. growing out of alleged defects on the public ways of the Town are in- creasing considerably. This is also the experience of the legal depart- ments of several nearby municipalities .In my opinion this does not reflect the true condition of the highways but is rather strikingly typi- cal of the times. Care must be used by our citizens in order to save themselves and the Town expense.
I wish to thank the Townspeople and the various Boards and De- partments of the Town for their courtesy and the assistance given me during the period that this report covers.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Nash Town Counsel
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
A great deal of time has been and is now being put in by the mem- bers of this board.
Academy Avenue has been completed as proposed by us last year, and has proved to be of great convenience to the general traffic and has opened up much territory for location of homes.
We are in favor of straightening Pleasant St. from the junction of Water St. to the Police Station and Riley avenue; also Pleasant St. at the foot of Pine St.
Straighten North St. near Grandells.
Resurface Pond St. from South Weymouth R. R. tracks to Foun- tain Square.
Resurface and drain Front St. from Garfield Square to Washing- ton St. Drainage project has been started on this item.
Resurface Broad St. from Washington St. to Front St.
Resurface Columbian Square also Pleasant St. from Columbian Square to Independence Square.
Remove all tracks, grade and resurface North and Sea Streets.
Reconstruct Middle St. beginning at Washington St. thence toward Broad St. as far as appropriation we may obtain, will allow.
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The board has obtained from the towns engineer, who is a mem- ber of the board, a map of the town indicating all sidewalks in place up to the present time.
We now propose the installation of sidewalks and curb beginning where the present walks end, extending as far as appropriation will permit. This method will be followed starting at each of the promi- nent squares constructing a certain amount every year in each section.
We propose to relocate the corner of Pearl and Evans Streets.
Widening of Broad St. will be brought up at 1935 annual town meeting.
We are asking for traffic lights as follows: Independence Square; Columbian Square; Lincoln Square; Washington Square.
Many other projects too numerous to mention here are being planned by this body.
Mr. Ralph Haskins, who has served as clerk ever since reorganiza- tion, was forced, on account of business pressure, to resign. This is to be regretted as he was much interested in the work. Mr. A. I. Negus was elected to serve balance of year. (Mr. Everett J. McIntosh was elected to fill this vacancy.) Mr. J. B. Reed was obliged to withdraw on account of business connections.
The board will be glad to receive suggestions or petitions regard- ing improvements in our town.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank A. Pray, Chairman Arthur I. Negus, Clerk Charles Griffin Russell B. Whiting Thomas J. Kelly Everett J. McIntosh
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
The committee appointed by the moderator for the observance of Memorial Day organized on April 27, 1934.
A plan of observance was presented by Waldo Turner, adjutant of Reynolds Post, No. 58, G.A.R., which the committee adopted unani- mously. The order of exercises: assembly at 8 A.M. Memorial Day at Hurley Square, N. Weymouth; parade to Old North Cemetery for memorial exercises and decoration of graves of veterans of all wars; thence proceeding for similar exercises and decoration to the other cemeteries in the following order, to Village, to St. Francis, to High- land, to Lakeview, to Elmwood, to Mt. Hope and to Fairmount. On completion of the exercises at Fairmount Cemetery town officials with the town colors, all veteran organizations with full complement of colors, auxiliaries, hereditary organizations, patriotic societies, and boy and girl scouts, assembled at Commercial Square for parade to Civic Centre to attend patriotic exercises under the direction of Rey- nolds Post, No. 58, G.A.R. The parade proceeded along Broad St. to Central Square, thence over Middle St., to the Civic Centre. Waldo Turner, Asst. Adjutant. General, Dept. of Mass., Past Dept. Comman- der of Mass., Past Commander and Adjutant of Reynolds Post, G.A.R.,
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served as Chief Marshal. Music for the day was furnished by Wey- mouth Post No. 79, A. L. Band, and Weymouth Post, No. 79, A. L. Drum Corps. A new flag was placed on each veterans grave, those of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 being decorated with the 13 star flag of that period. This year's committee asked for and re- ceived sufficient additional money to purchase enough flags to again decorate every grave just previous to Armistice Day, the detail in the larger cemeteries being carried out by members of the American Legion, and in the smaller ones by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in whose care they have been placed by vote of the town. Memorial monu- ments thruout the town were suitably decorated. Purchases of decor- ations were made thru the Weymouth Florists Association. Arrange- ments for transportation were made thru competitive bidding. Dinner was served in the High School Cafeteria for all organizations partici- pating in the exercises, under the direction of the Women's Relief Corps, assisted by the auxiliaries of the various organizations.
The committee expresses its appreciation to the Police Dept. for the efficient and capable handling of a difficult traffic situation, to the School Dept. for the use of the Cafeteria, and to the citizens of the town for the respect, order and decorum observed thruout the day.
Respectfully submitted,
Karl O'Neil Secretary
John F. Quinlan Chairman
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC CONTROL AT COLUMBIAN SQUARE, SOUTH WEYMOUTH
To the Town of Weymouth
The committee of five, appointed by Moderator George L. Barnes, to investigate and report on the subject matter of Article 19, of the Warrant for the Annual Town meeting, of March 1934, report as fol- lows:
The instruction and authority of this committee is outlined in the above mentioned Article and the subsequent vote of the Town Meeting and for clarity they are recorded here.
Article 19 - Annual Town Meeting, March, 1934: To see if the Town will vote to install a traffic light system at Columbian Square and to see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for same, or take any other action in reference thereto. Voted that the subject matter of the article be referred to a committee of five from South Weymouth for investigation and report.
The committee met for the first time on Wednesday, April 11th, at the Fogg Library and organized with Josiah B. Reed as Chairman and F. A. Gunn as Secretary.
The full committee met again on April 16th and the final meeting was on June 25th. At both of these meetings Chief of Police Edward F. Butler attended on invitation. At the meeting on April 16th the com- mittee requested Chief Butler to have a survey of the square made by the engineers of the Public Works Department of the State of Mas- sachusetts in such a way that there would be no cost to the town. This was accordingly done and the report is attached herewith.
At the final meeting on June 25th after discussion it was moved that the report be accepted, except for the installation of lights, and same was voted four to one with Mr. Reed dissenting. It was the ex- pressed opinion of the four of the committee that the installation of
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lights should be avoided if it was possible to get along without them and that the most of the difficulty could be overcome by police action in the way of making traffic lanes, parking regulations and closer supervision of drivers who persist in travelling through the square too fast.
Francis A. Gunn
Matthew O. Dowd Prince H. Tirrell Irving E. Johnson
It is the opinion of the signer of the minority report that there are. only two ways to control the action of the drivers of Automobiles; one is a traffic officer and the other is traffic lights. The painting of lanes on the highway will not, in my opinion, bring about any improvement in the present conditions, therefore the minority report. I recommend the adoption of the engineers report in full.
Josiah B. Reed
COLUMBIAN SQUARE
12 hour count taken on Monday, May 21, 1934, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Total number of cars thru the intersection - 4459. 1355 travel north on Pleasant Street, 314 of these turn left into Columbian, and 52 turn left into Torrey Street, 412 turn right into Union Street. 820 cars travel south on Pleasant Street, 178 turn left into Union, 83 turn right into Columbian and 5 turn right into Torrey.
1114 cars travel east on Columbian Street, 122 of which turn left into Pleasant and 3 turn left into Torrey. 275 turn right into Pleasant.
1114 cars travel west on Union Street, 270 of which turn left into Pleasant, 146 turn right into Pleasant. 693 go straight into Columbian and 5 into Torrey.
56 cars travel east on Torrey, 6 turn left into Pleasant, 18 go straight into Union and 5 turn right into Columbian.
I would suggest a signal installation as shown on the enclosed blue print, reducing the size of the island from its present size (shown. in dotted lines) to that shown in full line. Make Columbian Street traf- fic keep to right of island on entering and leaving, erect the proper signs to warn motorists of this regulation.
Paint the necessary center and Stop lines; also paint pedestrian cross walks.
Rotary traffic would not take care of the situation here because: the storekeepers would immediately enter complaints if parking was prohibited in the circle, and this is the only way a rotary island of any description would handle traffic.
On the right page of the blue print the number and nature of accidents here within the past three years is shown, together with the number of personal injuries. In studying this collision diagram it can be readily be seen that signals will eliminate this type of accident. Of course, it will be advisable to have a pedestrian period. Would suggest. a push button similar to that now in use at Sea Street.
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REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth.
Please listen to Swan Song and therein find my twenty-fifth an- nual report as Moth Superintendent. We had last year an appropria- tion of $6,326.00. of which we returned to the treasury $503.98. This was made possible by the fact that we had so few elm leaf beetles that we did not spray all of our elms. Owing to climatic conditions in both winter and summer our fruit trees were in such bad condition that many owners did not have them sprayed as usual.
On the advice of the State Board we have done quite a lot of scouting for Gypsy Moths and while we had no defoliation here for some years we found Gypsy Moths scattered all over Town and that means more later on .The slogan is: When you get them down keep them down.
Sincerely yours for the cause,
Charles L. Merritt Whilom Moth Superintendent
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
To Chief J. Ralph Bacon, Weymouth Fire Department.
I respectfully submit the annual report of the fire alarm system of the Weymouth Fire Department.
During the year alarms have been transmitted over the system:
Alarms for fires 95 Lost Child Calls 2
Multiple second alarms 4 Boy Scout Calls 2
False alarms 21 No school signals 3
Out of Town Calls 1 7 Blows 28
The outside wire is in very good condition, very little trouble being encountered from this source. The constant replacement of new poles has added much to the upkeep of the system. It is also necessary to renew approximately 200 crossarms each year to keep the system in ef- ficient operation.
We have a number of obsolete alarm boxes spread over the cir- cuit which are over 40 years old. I am hoping to get three new boxes this year to take the place of boxes I consider dangerous to the system. In concluding, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all for the ser- vices and co-operation rendered at all times.
Respectfully, C. F. Coolidge, Supt. of Fire Alarms
148
REPORT OF THE REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth
The Board of Registrars of Voters respectfully submit the follow- ing report:
The total number of voters at the close of registration, November 6, 1934.
Male
Female
Total
Precinct 1
977
810
1787
Precinct 2
692
576
1268
Precinct 3
965
941
1906
Precinct 4
386
324
710
Precinct 5
474
461
935
Precinct 6
799
693
1492
Precinct 7
445
347
792
Precinct 8
354
323
677
Precinct 9
557
596
1153
5649
5071
10720
Edward P. Murphy
John F. Reardon
Basil S. Warren
Attest:
Clayton B. Merchant Town Clerk
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The poor condition of streets after the severe winter of 1933 and 1934, not wholly unexpected, made repair work more extensive than in previous years. Sections were resurfaced and considerable repairs were done on many streets.
It had been anticipated that some of the streets accepted at the annual meeting would be worked by CWA, ERA and welfare labor, but it was found imperative, in order to complete all work designated by the town, to allocate the regular street department labor to several of the jobs.
ERA workers were used on Idlewell Boulevard, Academy Avenue, Greenvale Avenue, Lakeshore Park, Center Haven, Robinswood Road, Mt. Ida Road, Mt. Vernon Road East, Hunt Avenue and on North and Norton Streets.
Regular street employees completed Westminster Road, Taft Road, Lakewood Avenue, Canacum Road, Brook Terrace, Pierce Road, Man- omet Road and Massassoit Road. Welfare workers were also used on these streets.
Sidewalks were constructed by department labor on the following streets :- Columbian Street, Tower Avenue, Hilldale Road, Randolph Street, Washington Street, Commercial Street, Madison Street and on Union Street, Washington Street, and Columbian Street by ERA work- ers. Curbing was constructed on North Street.
Too much stress cannot be placed on the importance of oiling of streets. The budget figure does not warrant the oiling of all streets
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but each year additional mileage is reason for an increased allowance. for this work.
Snow removal costs exceeded the budget figure by a large amount and as last year approval for an overdraft, but in accordance with Chapter 44 Section 31 of the general laws, was given by the Board of Selectmen.
Ther summary of the Street Department budget will be found in the Town Accountant's Report.
The cooperation of your board as well as other departments of the- Town, was greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
T. J. Kelly Supt. of Streets
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Inspector of Ani- mals for the year 1934.
Number of places inspected 55
Number of cows inspected
375
Number of young stock inspected 30
Number of bulls inspected
8
Number of dogs inspected
27
Number of dogs quarantined
20
Respectfully submitted,
John F. Dwyer, Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth
Please listen to my Swan Song and find therein my twenty-fifth annual report as Tree Warden. We have set out 80 Norway Maple trees, most of them around the Boulevard at Idlewell, look them over. We have taken down ten dead trees and had quite a job in clearing after the big storm at the Heights. We have a very serious menace facing us in the Dutch Elm disease. Though it has not got here yet it is in Connecticut and is headed this way. I have sent samples of leaves and twigs as requested to the Laboratories but have been assured that there was no sign of Dutch.
To the Citizens of Weymouth
In this my last report, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for your loyal cooperation and liberal votes. I can't call names but each one take their part.
Sincerely yours,
Charles L. Merritt Tree' Warden
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REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
I respectfully submit the annual report of the activities of my de- partment during the past year of 1934.
Although there has been no serious conflagration, much success has been due to the prompt notification, and the ability to extinguish these fires while in their incipient stage.
The department has been called upon to respond to 389 alarms for fires during this period.
Many additional calls were answered to render aid to persons dur- ing sickness or accidents, and assistance was rendered in a very effi- cient manner.
The Two Platoon system which the citizens so generously voted to the members of the Fire Department must be arranged for in the im- mediate future. I sincerely recommend the appointment of 8 additional men for this purpose. These men are necessary to keep the amount of protection up to standard, and to operate the apparatus in an effi- cient manner.
The buildings of the Fire Department are badly in need of re- pair, such as painting and carpentering. I would recommend that pro- visions be made for this expenditure.
All apparatus and equipment has been tested and found to be operating properly.
In closing I wish to thank all who have assisted in making the work of my department a pleasure during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Ralph Bacon Chief of Fire Department
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Appeal considered thirty-four applications for re- lief from the provisions of the building laws. Careful consideration . was given each case, having in mind improvement to property also considering that buildings built before the adoption of the Building Laws to see that in each case there was a distinct improvement to the neighborhood.
A summary of the records of the Board follows:
Applications approved 33
Applications disapproved 1
later approved by the Board of Selectmen. Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL H. WHITING
Secretary of the Board
151
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Director of Public Welfare respectfully submits the follow- ing report for the year ending December 31, 1934.
Mothers' Aid
Number of families aided under Chap. 118 24
Number of individuals aided under Chap. 118 96
Number of families having no settlement 5
Number of families having settlement in other cities or towns 4
Cases closed during the year 1934 5
Cases added during the year 1934
6
Outside Aid
Number of families aided under Chap. 117
650
Number of individuals aided under Chap. 117 2511
Number of families having no settlement 130
Number of families having settlement in other cities or towns 98
Number added during the year 1934 160
Number discharged during the year 1934
500
Division of Child Guardianship
2
Being cared for in private families, minors
14
Being cared for in private families, adults
4
Being cared for by private societies, minors 2
Private hospitals 2
On March 20, 1934 this department started installing a numeri- cally arranged filing system. That was accomplished by the office force without hiring any outside additional help. The filing system enables this department to make a report on any active or closed case, as far back as ten years, within one minute.
This department, while conducting the work of aid and relief to unfortunate people in these times of depression, has also contacted different cities and towns for the purpose of adjusting differences and proving claims for rendering aid to cases living in Weymouth and settled elsewhere. Some of these cases date back as far as the year 1926.
The department received, this year, the amount of $75,346.25 from different cities and towns and the State Department of Public Welfare, for welfare aid rendered settled and unsettled cases now living in Weymouth. One of the large items was a check from the City of Boston to the amount of $11,342.00, some of which dated back to the year 1928, approximately 20% of said check being outlawed. Also, by establishing pleasant relations with the Bureau of Old Age Assis- tance of the City of Boston, this department has been able to collect reimbursement on old age assistance, the first time that Weymouth has been able to obtain reimbursement from Boston on old age as- sistance cases since the law became effective in 1931.
Although the appropriation was reduced in 1934 over 1933 by a large percent, this department was able to allow the transfer of $38,489.39 to assist other departments who were exceeding their bud- get. I am pleased to say that although it caused a small overdraft, it was trifling.
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This department is frank in admitting that ERA and PWA have helped out a certain percent, and industries have started so that this department has been able to obtain work for different recipients and, in so doing, removed them from the welfare lists.
I take this opportunity to recommend that the appropriations known as No. 1 "town cases", No. 2 "by other towns, etc.", and No. 3 "for other towns', to be under one appropriation all known as "town cases", and in so doing eliminate the necessity of a special town meet- ing to transfer from one appropriation to another. I also recommend an appropriation of $1000 for special requirements. Also, an appro- priation for the purchase of a one and one-half (11/2) ton truck to be located at the Town Infirmary. I feel that a truck would pay for itself many times over in general trucking work, such as: Hauling and de- livery of wood, collection of household furniture and clothing, for moving families on welfare aid, and other necessary uses.
I wish at this time to take the opportunity to thank all those af- filiated with me in the work of the Welfare Department, the Honora- ble Board of Selectmen for their unbiased decisions and hearty cooper- ation, the Chief of Police and his men, the Chief of the Fire De- partment and his men and all other town officials.
Respectfully submitted,
CHANNING T. FURNALD
Director of Public Welfare
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
The Superintendent of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance respect- fully submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1934.
Total applications received
79
Applications accepted and assistance given 60
Applications refused 19
Refusal based on the following reasons:
Not a citizen
1
Not a resident for twenty consecutive years
1
Children able to support
2
Sufficient resources 5
Waiting for further information
7
Not seventy years old
2
Transfer of property 1
19
Respectfully submitted, CHANNING T. FURNALD, Supt. Bureau of Old Age Assistance
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
USSET-
16
M
22
ORARE
MASSACHUSETTS
W
35
M
WEYMOUTH, MASS.
1934
155
WEYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
PRINCE H. TIRRELL, Chairman
MRS. ARTHUR R. TAYLOR, Secretary
EDWIN R. SAMPSON Term expires April 1, 1935
19 Lincoln Street, North Weymouth
Wey. 0434
MRS. ARTHUR R. TAYLOR
Term expires April 1, 1935
44 Tower Avenue, South Weymouth FRANCIS W. REA 706 Pleasant Street, East Weymouth
Term expires April 1, 1936
PRINCE H. TIRRELL
Term expires April 1, 1936
Wey. 2175-M
167 Pleasant Street, South Weymouth JOHN P. HUNT
Term expires April 1, 1937
99 Front Street, Weymouth Wey. 1889-M
Term expires April 1, 1937
J. HERBERT LIBBY, M. D. 707 Broad Street, East Weymouth Wey. 0216.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
PARKER T. PEARSON
590 North Street, East Weymouth
Wey. 0520
OFFICE
Weymouth High School, East Weymouth Office Hours
Wey. 1460
8:30 A. M. to 4:30 P. M ..
HELEN G. TONRY, Secretary
79 Chard Street, East Weymouth
MYRTLE L. RICE, Assistant Secretary 79 Front Street, Weymouth Wey. 1534-M.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
FALL TERM-Opens September 10-Closes December 21
WINTER TERM-Opens January 2-Closes February 21 Opens March 4-Closes April 26
SPRING TERM-Opens May 6-Closes June 20 HOLIDAYS-October 12, November 12, 29, 30, April 19, May 30
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL 2-2-2 2-2-2
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