USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1848-1874 > Part 25
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72 Nicholas and Catherine
Nov. 17 Mercy W. Alden,
Sudden.
4 Wife of E. R. Mungo. 7
Fracture of hip.
71 70 36 323 Timothy C.and Nancy. §
13 Daniel Hatch,
Old age.
Y. MI
13 Robert Vinal,
72 4 7 Josiah and Lucy.
60 15 Ellory F. Brown,
22 Idella B. Hayden,
7 Samuel Stoddard, Jr.
Disease of Heart.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
Gentlemen of the School Committee :- The following Re- port of the condition of the Public Schools is hereby sub- mitted, through you, to the town.
It having been the custom of the School Committee for the past six years to choose a "Superintendent," perhaps a few words of explanation as to the composition of the Committee will be proper.
March 2, 1869. The School Committee voted, "That a committee of three be chosen to examine applicants for the different schools ; and recommend a particular person for each school, whose appointment shall be acted upon by the whole Committee."
As the "District System" had been abolished, it was voted, "That the ten members of the committee chosen to represent certain localities, act individually as sub-commit- tees for their respective schools, in general care of house, minor repairs, purchasing necessary utensils and the pro- viding of fuel."
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March 19. The Committee voted That Rev. A. J. Ses- sions, G. H. Bates and H. A. Seaverns, be a Sub-Commit- tee to superintend the public schools, receiving the compen- sation therefor.
The understanding between the members of the Super- intending Committee was that Rev. Mr. Sessions should do the greater part of the visiting, and have the general oversight of all the schools ; the other members looking more especially after the schools in their vicinity.
At the close of the Fall term Mr. Sessions moved from town, vacating his place on the committee, and during part of the Winter term Mr. Bates has found it inconvenient to give much attention to the schools, leaving the junior mem- ber with greater responsibilities and more arduous duties than was calculated upon at first.
In regard to the schools we can say that, in general, they have been quite successful ; the slight interruptions ex- perienced in one or two at the commencement of the year soon passed away, and the close of the school year shows that all the schools have made manifest and commendable improvement. The scholars seem to realize that it de- pends upon themselves, whether they shall be benefited or not ; in nearly every school their interest is plainly dis- cernable upon their cheerful faces.
We shall in this report attempt no special criticism- either favorable or adverse-of particular schools or teach- ers. That all the teachers have done their best, we do not for an instant doubt, and the Committee would here. thank
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each and every one of them for their real interest in the work.
Perhaps some have felt that they were laboring unap- preciated, and almost forgotten by those to whom, even more than to the committee, they look for sympathy and support-namely, the parents. Considering how small a number of parents have visited the schools in some dis- tricts, there may be some ground for this feeling; but we know that many, very many, parents are deeply ·inter- ested in the advancement of the schools and in the general welfare of the school, though they do not often visit
it. Let the parents look to this matter, and if neccessary make a sacrifice in order to visit the school oftener. The scholars will be stimulated to renewed effort, nor will they feel that the school-room is such a dull, tiresome place, and the teacher, often wearied and sometimes almost discouraged, will be cheered and greatly strengthened by a friendly call now and then. If none of us found fault with the teacher until our duty to her and to the school was fulfilled, there would be more harmony, and better schools.
In this connection it will be well to mention that in the High street school, an assistant has been employed and paid by the voluntary contributions of friends of the school. As the assistant takes charge of the smaller classes, the teacher is able to devote more time to the older scholars. The visible improvement is ample endorsement. We
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think that the larger districts would do well to follow this example, especially in the Winter term ; for besides the immediate benefit to the school, those employed will be acquiring valuable experience, which will be of great service to them if called upon to take charge of a school.
The number of children in town between the ages of five and fifteen years on the first day of May, 1869, was 436 ; first day of May, 1868, was 446.
The expenses of the Schools for the year 1869-70, have been as follows :
School.
Wages. $200 00
Fuel & prep. $34 00
Care of rooms. $2 00
Totals. $236 00
No. 1.
2.
195 00
: 26 50
2 00
223 50
3.
200 00
26 21
2 00
228 21
4.
200 00
28 00
2 00
230 00
66
6.
200 00
17 00
2 00
219 00
190 00
22 25
2 00
214 25
29 00
2 00
231 00
.6
9.
200 00
23 85
2 00
225 85
" 10.
200 00
13 50
2 00
216 50
High Sch'l.
800 00
71 81
18 50
890 31
$2,785 00
$316 12
$38 50
$3,139 62
.
200 00
24 00
2 00
226 00
5.
7.
8.
200 00
32
From the last report of the Board of Education, we make the following extracts, which may be of interest :
In the table "showing the comparative amount of money appropriated by the different towns in the State for the ed- ucation of each child between the ages of five and fifteen years"-
Brookline stands No. 1, appropriating $29.82.
Scituate 66 " 158,
6.49.
Richmond
" 335, 66 2.65.
In the County :
Plymouth 66 " 1,
9.90.
Scituate
" 10,
66
6.49.
Wareham 66
" 25,
3.84.
In the table of Appropriation, "according to the per centage of taxable property," Scituate stands No. 77 in the State, and No. 5 in the County.
In the table of Average Attendance of Scholars, Scitu- ate stands No. 157 in the State, and No. 11 in the County.
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TABULAR STATEMENT.
School.
Teacher.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
| Year.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter
Year.
Brook St.
Annie E. Jenkins,
52 45
52 50
43 38 45 42
Amos Merritt.
South St.
¿ Adelaide L Breed, E. S. Lee,
42 46 46 45
36 41 39
Grove St. High St.
Mary .F. Perry,
33 31
43 36
26 24 33 28
Henry Damon.
Beach St.
, E. S. W. Gannett, D. N. Hatch,
22 20
22 21
16
James Damon.
Common St.
Hattie A. Cobb,
41 37
37 38
33 29|33 32
G. H. Bates.
Willow St.
Lizzie J. Vinal, E. A. Bailey,
4145 52 46
35 40 46 40
Perry L. Parker.
Central St.
¿ Emeline Briggs,
45 46 40,44
39 42 37 39
G. W. Elliott.
Charles St.
Hattie N. Bailey,
24 26 24 25
19 23 11 21
Harvey Curtis.
High School
5 M. L. Rogers, John T. Cook,
63 50 47 53
55 40 40 45
A. J. Sessions. G. H. Bates. H. A. Seaverns.
_
-
S Mary F. Carr,
39 41 46.42
25 30 37 31
Joseph O. Cole.
Main St.
Josie A. Vinal,
31 31 32 31
25 23 25
H. A. Seaverns. N. J. Vinal.
Ella Curtis,
Whole No. | Aveerage scholars.
| attendance.
Committee.
5
, 34
ROLL OF HONOR.
Names of scholars neither absent nor tardy for one term or more.
SCHOOL NO. 1 .- BROOK STREET.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter. Ida B. Gardner,
Ida B. Gardner,
Ida B. Gardner,
Josie L. Vinal,
Josie L. Vinal,
Josie L. Vinal.
Lizzie J. Merritt,
Lizzie J. Merritt,
Lizzie J. Merritt,
Willie L. Jenkins,
Willie L. Jenkins,
Willie L. Jenkins. Ed. E. Edson,
Ed. E. Edson, John H. Bearce,
Benj. R. Turner,
Kate McDonald.
Benj. R. Turner,
Frank Doherty,
Flora F. Bailey,
Lulazine Reed,
Ida M. Bearce.
SCHOOL NO. 2 .- SOUTH STREET.
Winter. Genevra Cook.
With such a record as the register of this school shows of absentees and tardy ones, it is a wonder the teachers have done as well as they have.
SCHOOL NO. 3 .- MAIN STREET.
Spring.
Abbie J. Gannett,
Abbie J. Gannett,
Fall. Winter. Abbie J. Gannett,
Lucy A. Clapp,
Lucy A. Clapp,
Joy K. Gannett,
Mary E. Litchfield.
Joy K. Gannett, Alfred J. Clapp,
Martha G. White,
Jennie Studley,
Joseph W. Morris,
Wilbur F. Nott.
Mary L. Clapp, Emily B. Morris.
John H. Bearce, A. O. Waterman.
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SCHOOL NO. 4 .- GROVE STREET.
Spring.
Fall. Josie Brown.
Josie Brown,
Martha A. Merritt,
Willie Watson,
Frank Watson.
SCHOOL NO. 5 .- HIGH STREET.
Spring. Fall.
Chas. A. Bates,
Chas A. Bates,
Walter B. Ellms,
Walter B. Ellms.
Martha M. Litchfield,
Lucy J. Ellis,
Lucy A. Brown.
SCHOOL NO. 6 .- BEACH STREET. 1
Spring. Henrietta W. Pratt, Chas. H. Mott.
Winter. L. J. Litchfield, Ida L. Pratt, Nettie W. Pratt, Chas. N. Turner, George O. Pratt, Arthur Higgins.
SCHOOL NO. 7 .- COMMON STREET.
Spring. Fall.
Winter. Matilda Nightingale, Matilda Nightingale, Matilda Nightingale Alfred Nightingale, Addie Nightingale, Frank H. Young.
Addie Nightingale. Carrie P. Allen, Edgar Jenkins.
36
SCHOOL NO. 8 .- WILLOW STREET.
Spring.
Fall. Winter.
Carrie Dunbar,
Carrie Dunbar,
Carrie Dunbar.
A. F. Bonney,
Nellie M. Driscoll,
Maggie A. Murphy,
Walter Bates,
deorgie S. Parker.
Frederic H. Sanborn.
SCHOOL NO. 9 .- CENTRAL STREET.
Spring. Mercie C. Brown.
Fall. Chas. A. Brown,
G. W. Langdon,
Annie M. Brown,
E. V. Jackson,
Winter. Mercie C. Brown,
C. F. Andrews,
Asa Merritt, Wesley Merritt,
Herbert M. Webb, Wilson E. Webb.
SCHOOL NO. 10 .- CHARLES STREET.
Fall. Winter. Lizzie J. Curtis,
Lizzie J. Curtis,
Mary F. Curtis,
Mary F. Curtis,
Harvey Curtis,
E. E. Litchfield,
Harvey Curtis, E. E. Litchfield, Nettie Litchfield,
F. W. Hayward,
Sarah L. Litchfield,
Fred. C. Vinal,
Louis N. Curtis.
Frank Litchfield,
M. F. Litchfield, Nellie Hayward.
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It is very gratifying to scholars to see their names in the list of those who have not been absent or tardy.
At the same time it must be apparent to all that injust- ice will be done to some, who have been unable, from sick- ness or other necessity, to be always present, and also to others who have been absent or tardy but once or twice.
But while we like to see a long list of punctual ones, we do not like to see the record of those who have been absent one-tenth, one-fifth, one-half, and some even two-thirds of the term, and perhaps no better words can be supplied than to quote from the last report.
"The attendance on our schools, as a whole, is not what it might be made, at once, by the co-operation of parents and teachers. Nor is punctuality valued at a fair price . The school-year can be as effectually shortened by non-at- tendance as by a vote of the School Committee ; thirty- eight weeks can easily be reduced to thirty-four weeks. But attendance should never be forced at the expense of health."
Cornell's Geographies have been exchanged for Mon- teith & McNally's "National Series ;" a decided improve- ment in text books, and effected without charge to the town or scholar ; and in addition to exchanging nice new books for old and well-worn ones, each teacher's desk was supplied with a set, gratis. Allow us to note that this sug- gests one solution of that vexed question : "Who shal supply the teacher's desk with text books ?" Mr. T. T
38
Bailey, the agent, also presented the Main Street school with a very nice set of Wall Maps.
Some action ought to be taken by the town for supplying the schools with water, either by digging wells upon the premises, or by some definite arrangement with persons who live near the school-houses.
The condition in which most of the outbuildings con- nected with our school-houses are found, compels us to speak of the subject here. Their present condition is a positive disgrace to all who are in anywise connected with the schools-whether as committee or teachers, parents or scholars. There certainly seems no good reason why these essential appendages should be any more abused on- school premises than at home ! The fact that some are kept clean shows that all may be kept at least decent. We would urge upon each of the committee to see that the outhouse in his district, is kept in proper order, and we confidently trust that the parents will heartily second such commend- able efforts.
There is complaint from the Charles Street school that the room is insufficient and inconvenient. The committee earnestly recommend the town to authorize the Selectmen to enlarge the house.
The blackboards in nearly all the school-rooms need re- pairing, it being almost impossible to use them. We hope this subject will receive immediate attention.
Respectfully submitted.
G. H. BATES, Superintending
H. A. SEAVERNS, S School Com.
SCITUATE, March 7, 1870.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN, ASSESSORS,
AND
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR,
OF THE
TOWN OF SCITUATE,
For the Year Ending March 6, 1871.
ALSO THE
REPORTS OF THE TOWN TREASURER, TOWN CLERK, AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PLYMOUTH : PLYMOUTH ROCK PRESS. 1871.
REPORT.
The Selectmen, and Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Scituate, respectfully submit the following Report, showing the expenditures and receipts of the Town from March 6, 1870, to March 6, 1871, and its Financial condition at the date last named :
During the year, the Selectmen have drawn orders upon the Town Treasurer for the purposes and to the amounts named in the following statement of expenditure :
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE.
Items of Expenditure.
For debts of Debts incurred in 1870-71.
previous yrs.
$1,989 53
$1,989 53
Incidentals for Schools,
107 08
107 08
Support of Schools,
2,986 49
2,986 49
Support of the Poor,
$112 50
1,622 77
1,735 27
Ordinary repairs of roads and bridges,
79 60
79 60
Special
66
. 658 98
658 98
Repairs of Neck road,
2,135 12
2,135 12
Repairs of Little's bridge,
35 69
35 69
Repairs of Hingham and Quincy bridges,
464 84
464 84
Construction of roads,
162 50
162 50
Repairs of public buildings,
$75 56
375 56
Town officers,
516 25
516 25
Totals.
Removing snow,
4
Printing, stationery and postage, Abatement of taxes, State Aid,
$106 40
$106 40
425 11
425 11
1,054 00
1,054 00
Hearing for reapportioning the expense of maintaining the H. and Q. bridges, Miscellaneous,
704,20
704,20
228 79
228 79
Total amount of orders drawn,
$275 00
$13,490 41
$13,765 41
EXPENSES. FOR THE YEAR. REMOVING SNOW.
Amount of orders drawn, and expense,
$1,989 53
Amount of appropriation,
2,000 00
" expense,
1,989 53
Excess of appropriation,
10 47
EXPENSE IN EACH HIGHWAY DISTRICT.
No. of Name of Surveyor. Dist.
Amt. No. of Name of Surveyor.
Amt.
Dist.
1. Caleb W. Prouty,
$126 55
11. Joseph W. Morris, 30 48
2. H. Lucius Vinal,
107 81
12. Melvin S. Litchfield,
151 40
3. Samuel H. Turner,
283 75 13. Elijah Clapp,
48 62
4. Wm. H. Litchfield,
57 42 14. Elias Carr,
170 00
Henry L. Studley,
249 43
15. John Brown,
52 49
6. E. Foster Pierce,
135 83
16. David S. Jenkins,
16 00
7. Kilburn B. Merritt,
114 59
17. Virgil Damon,
42 37
8. Wm. H. Litchfield,
83 87
9. Homer Studley,
29 98
Amount,
$1,989 53
10. Abner Litchfield, $288 94 1
INCIDENTALS FOR SCHOOLS.
Amount of Orders drawn and expense, Appropriation,
$107 08
$150 00
Expense,
107 08
Excess of Appropriation,
$42 42
L
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Amount of Orders drawn,
$2,986 49
Due for teachers' wages, 186 00
Total expense,
$3,172 49
Deduct amount of School Fund,
$221 87
" Dog license fund, 105 06
due for tuition of N. Ellms Jr's., children, 12 55
$339 48
Net cost of teachers' wages, fuel and care of school rooms, Appropriation,
$2,833 01
$2,900 00
Expense,
2,833 01
Excess of Appropriation,
$66 99
Expended for teachers' wages
$2,887 .00
" fuel and preparation,
247 49
" making fires &c.,
38 00
$3,172 49
Deduct income,
339 48
Balance,
$2,833 01
SUPPORT OF THE POOR.
Amount of Orders drawn, $1,622 77
Due to Taunton Hospital for board of three paupers from Jan. 1, 1871, $87 50
Joseph W. Morris, for board of two paupers from Jan. 23, 1871, 39.00
6
Due to E. & H. Jenkins, for board of E. Jenkins from March 1, 1871, B. Brown, Jr., for supplies to John Ellms Estate, 4 00
$00 50
$131 00
Total expense,
$1,753 77
Deduct
amount received of Town of
Cohasset, for J. Mann,
1 50
Net expense for the year,
$1,752 27
Expense,
$1,752 27
Appropriation,
1,550 00
Deficiency of Appropriation, $202 27
Names of persons fully supported, and amount paid for each.
Joseph Damon, $222 20 Mary Ellms, $175 75
Mary Sylvester, 187 23 Elizabeth Brown, 175 74
Almira Hayden, 103 06
Total, $863 98
Names of persons partially supported, and amount paid for each.
Almira Young, $65 00
Cornelia Taylor, $78 00
Eveline Jenkins,
36 00
Judith Damon, 12 00
Lemuel Nash,
82 00
Naham Vinal, 96 11
John Ellms, $82 77
Thomas R. P.Nash, $68 89
Josiah Mann,
7 50
Seth S. Clapp, 63 64
Roland Hayden,
73 10
John Sullivan, 3 00
Charles F. Litchfield, 58 75
7 Vagrants, 16 25
Lydia Litchfield,
145 28
Total, $888 29
7
REPAIRS OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Amount of Orders drawn and expense,
$375 56
Appropriation, $400 00
Expense, 375 56
Excess of Appropriation, $24 44
REPAIRS OF ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Orders drawn for ordinary repairs,
$79 60
repairs of Little's bridge, 35 69
under appropriation of $1000, $658 98
Due Chandler Clapp,
14 39
$673 37
Orders drawn for repairs of H. and Q. bridges, 464 84
Due on last assessment, if allowed by the Commissioners, 241 20
$706 04
Total expense,
$1,494 70
Appropriation,
$1,500 00
Expense,
1,494 70
Excess of appropriation,
5 30
LITTLE'S BRIDGE.
This bridge ought to be rebuilt the present year. The law seems to authorize the Boards of Selectmen of Scituate and Marshfield to rebuild the bridge when a majority of the mem-
8
bers of the joint Boards shall deem it necessary, and to require the two towns to pay the bills in equal portions, when presented by their respective Selectmen. The estimated expense of re- building is $2,625, of which Scituate's proportion is one-half, ($1,312 50.)
As it is desirable that provision should be made for payment before incurring the expense, we recommend the raising and appropriating of $1,400 for the purpose named.
HINGHAM AND QUINCY BRIDGES.
The assessments, the past year, for the support of these · bridges, have amounted to $706 04. To this, add amount of previous assessments ($1,296.25,) and the total expense for the six years, since the bridges became free, has been $2002 29.
Of the last assessment of $566 20; only $325 have been paid, leaving the balance ($241 20) and perhaps a part of the $325 already paid, to be reapportioned upon the several towns by the Commissioners, appointed for that and other purposes connected with the support of these bridges.
REPAIRS OF THE NECK ROAD.
Amount of orders drawn, $2,135 12
Deduct estimated value of building, forge, steel,
tools and powder on hand, 117 00
Net expense of repairs, $2,018 12
Expense,
$2,018 12
Appropriation,
2,000 00
Deficiency of appropriation,
$18 12
9
.To complete the repairs of this road, according to the speci - fications of the County Commissioners, will require, it is esti- mated, an additional appropriation of $500, and we therefore recommend that sum to be raised and appropriated for the purpose.
More than $500 should, perhaps, be expected of the County as its share of the expense, but there is so much uncertainty about this, that, to avoid the possible increase of the ordinary debt of the Town, the means should be provided as recommended.
TOWN OFFICERS.
Amount of orders drawn and expense,
$516 25
The Superintendent of schools received 100 00
Town Treasurer,
40 00
Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor,
376 25
$516 25
Appropriation,
$750 00
Expense,
516 25
Excess of appropriation,
$233 75
It is proper to state that the Secretary of the School Com- mittee thinks that he is entitled to $25 for his services in that capacity, but as the office has not heretofore been salaried, the matter is referred to the town.
PRINTING, STATIONERY AND POSTAGE.
Amount of orders drawn, and expense, Printing Town Reports cost, $69 50
$106 40
2
10
Blanks and blank books,
$19 65
Stationery and postage,
17 25
$106 40
Appropriation,
$140 00
Expense,
106 40
Excess of appropriation,
$33 60.
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Amount of orders drawn, $425 11
Abatements, $425 11
Appropriation,
400 00
Deficiency of appropriation,
$25 11
STATE AID.
Amount of orders drawn from March 1, 1870, to
Jan. 1, 1871, $896 00
From Jan. 1, 1871, to March 1, 1871, 158 00
Whole amount for the year, $1054 00
State Aid is paid to fifteen pereons, fourteen of whom receive United States pensions. The amount paid monthly, at the present time, is $79.
HEARINGS before the Legislative Committee and the Com mis- sioners, on re-apportioning the expense of maintaining the Hing- ham and Quincy bridges.
11
Amount of orders drawn,
$704 20
Due to sundry persons (estimated, )
170 00
Total expense, $874 20
Deduct amount advanced to pay Commissioners, to be reimbursed, 515 00
Net expense of hearings,
$359 20
No appropriation was made for this expense.
We understand that the decision of the Commissioners relieves the Town of Marshfield, South Scituate, Scituate, and Cohasset from any further assessment for the support of the bridges, and requires the cost of the Commission to be paid by the towns of Hingham, Weymouth and Quincy.
The latter towns refused to pay any part of the cost, and as the Commissioners would not report their decision until pay- ment for their services had been secured, Scituate, and the other small towns have been obliged to advance the whole sum ($1,600) which, in accordance with the decision, must be reim- bursed.
If the Supreme Court sustain the award, the Town will, in the future, be exempt from a payment, which has averaged $333 annually.
INTEREST (EXCLUDING RAILROAD LOAN.)
Amount accrued during the year,
$1,458 16
Appropriation,
$1,600 00
Interest, 1,458 16
Excess of appropriation,
$141 84
12
STATE AND COUNTY TAXES.
Amount of State tax,
$2,575 00
County tax,
1,293 96
Total,
$3,868 96
Appropriation,
$3,900 00
Taxes,
3,868 96
Excess of appropriation,
$31 04
MISCELLANEOUS.
Amount of orders drawn, . $228 79
Appropriation,
$250 00
Expense,
228 79
Excess of appropriation,
$21 21
INTEREST ON RAILROAD LOAN AND EXPENSES.
Amount of interest to March 6, 1871,
$485 49
Expense negotiating loan,
100 00
$585 49
RECAPITULATION OF THE YEAR'S EXPENSES FOR ORDINARY PURPOSES.
Removing snow,
$1,989 53
Incidentals for schools,
107 08
Support of schools,
2,833 01
Support of the Poor,
1,752 27
13
Repairs of public buildings.
375 56
Repairs of roads and bridges,
1,494 70
Repairs of Neck road,
2,018 12
Town officers,
516 25
Printing, stationery and postage,
106 40
Abatement of taxes,
425 11
State Aid, 1054 00
Hearings on reapportioning the expense of main-
taining the H. and Q. bridges,
359 20
Interest,
1,458 16
State and County taxes,
3,868 96
Miscellaneous,
228 79
Add fees for collecting taxes,
188 43
$18,775 57
Deduct amount of State Aid to be reimbursed,
1054 00
Net expense (excluding railroad loan, )
$17,721 57
EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES.
Interest and expenses on railroad loan,
$585 49
INCOME.
Derived from taxes, amount of tax bills of 1870, $18,671 47 Corporation tax, 468 07
Rent of Armory, 42 50
Sale of two fish rights,
14 75
Interest on C. M. Jenkins' debt,
6 00
Liquor Agency, 9 13
Total income (excluding school funds,) $19,211 92
14
From amount of income,
$19,211 92
Deduct amount of ordinary expenses, 17,721 57
Balance, excess of income above ordinary expenses, $1,490 35 Deducting also, interest and expenses on railroad loan, 585 49
And the net excess of income above all expenses, (excepting capital invested in the railroad) is $904 86
.
RAILROAD LOANS.
The Selectmen submit an account of the expenditures con- nected with the construction of the Cohasset and Duxbury Railroad, distinct from the ordinary financial statement, believ- ing that method will be more satisfactory to the town.
The expense, thus far has been as follows :
Two assessments amounting to, $45,000 00
Interest on the same to March 6, 1871, 485 49
Expense of negotiating loan, 100 00
Total expense to March 6, 1871, . $45,585 49
Whatever may be the prospective value of the town's invest- ment in the Railroad, it is certain that at present, and until the Road shall have been in operation long enough to indicato the amount of freight and travel that will pass over its line, the property cannot be classed with the available assets of the town.
Neither can we justly consider the amount of liabilities incurred in constructing the Railroad, as an increase to the same extent of the net debt of the Town, until experience has demonstrated that no income above current expenses and depre- ciation can be derived from it.
15
In this uncertainty as to value, (incident to many railroads while in process of construction) we can properly make only the following conditional statement in incorporating the pay- ments for the Railroad with the ordinary expenses of the Town.
STATEMENT (INCORPORATING RAILROAD LOANS.)
If the payments made for the Railroad be considered without allowance for value of the property therewith purchased, the Financial results of the years' operations may be thus stated : Paid for two assessments on 750 shares, $45,000 00
Deduct excess of income over ordinary expenses,
(including interest, &c., on railroad loans) 904 86
Balance, increase of debt,
$44,095 14
It seems that some provision should be made to meet the payment of the loans, at a day not far distant, as we cannot realize the full benefit of the Railroad until the amount of in- terest on the loans shall have been withdrawn from the annual assessment of taxes.
No better method occurs to us for providing for that object, than the yearly appropriation of $1,000, besides the interest on the loans.
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