USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1928-1930 > Part 7
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On May 15, 1928, I assumed the duties of the office, my total charges for services and all expenses for the balance of the year, seven and one-half months, being $820. In addition to the above charges there were incidental dis- bursements of $30.27. Of the total amount expended as above $1,495.50 was paid to or at the request of Mr. Murphy or myself for all services and expenses. Mr. Murphy estimates that at least $195 of this sum could be charged to services rendered in 1927, so that the actual total for services rendered and expenses incurred in 1928 would be $1,300.23.
151
Report of Town Counsel
Upon assuming my new duties on May 15, I took over ten active pending matters besides seven disputes in litigation, four of which I have settled to the satisfac- tion of the Board of Selectmen. Since May 15, I have also handled and disposed of twelve matters involving real-estate titles and land transfers, drawn four leases, secured the appointment of one trustee by the Court, appeared with the Board at several important hearings and attended to numerous details in connection therewith, represented the Town in the matter of the Brockton Gas Light Company franchise; carefully examined into the subject of support of needy members of the community for the Board of Public Welfare and arranged for the reimbursement of the Town by the State and other towns in such cases (a field of law the knowledge of which is of no value to a lawyer in general practice); drawn up com- prehensive traffic rules complying with the many tech- nicalities imposed by statutes; rendered numerous advisory opinions to the Board of Selectmen and other depart- mental officials, such opinions involving constant research, conferences, and correspondence; and I have also repre- sented the Town in certain minor claims pro and con where legal proceedings have been avoided.
I will frankly state that my own charges were reduced in the realization that the last year's figures were unusu- ally large for the Town. They are, however, small in com- parison with other large towns having a property valuation of $12,500,000 like Scituate. I think an examination of the above summary assures that the item of legal ex- penses for 1929, without unforeseen litigation, may be somewhat reduced. Attention is also called to the fact that there was no outstanding indebtedness for legal ser- vices on December 31, 1928. The Board of Selectmen might have followed the common practice of letting such expenses fall into the new financial year, but all concerned disapproved of that practice.
Of course, we must realize that a so-called Town Counsel is no longer merely an advisor, as the name implies, or an attorney in a court case from time to time. His
152
Report of Town Counsel
position has become similar to that of counsel for a large corporation, the complexity of whose activities demand constant specialized legal service to avoid unpleasant en- tanglements and heavy expenses of special counsel for each new matter. To Scituate, large territorially, grow- ing in population, and diverse in its interests, suburban and seashore, the above statement is particularly applicable.
In closing I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for the privilege of serving them, other Town officials, and indirectly, all my fellow citizens.
The appreciation of my services by the Board has been ever an inspiration and incentive to faithful service, a matter in which I cannot excel its members.
Respectfully submitted,
VERNON W. MARR, Town Counsel.
153
List of Jurors for 1928
LIST OF JURORS FOR 1928
PREPARED AS PROVIDED IN CHAPTER 348, ACTS OF 1907
Abbott, Augustus L., First Parish Road, Plumber Bates, Aaron, Summer Street, Farmer Bates, Harry E., Clapp Road, Painter Bearce, Henry E., Tilden Road, Merchant Blanchard, Archie M., Glades Road, Hotel Proprietor Bonney, Allerton L., off Country Way, Mason Burton, William A., Country Way, Real Estate Cole, Alfred B., Brook Street, Carpenter Crowley, Jerome F., Jr., Common Street, Banker Damon, Alanson P., Clapp Road, Farmer Duffy, George W., Front Street, Restaurant Keeper Dwyer, George F., off Willow Street, Fisherman Franzen, Frederick C., Booth Hill Road, Retired Freeman, Don. W., Stockbridge Road, Salesman Hobson, Lester D., Gannett Road, Builder
Hyland, Ellery B., Cedar Street, Farmer Litchfield, Fred L., Clapp Road, Painter Litchfield, Joseph H., Central Street, Laborer Littlefield, Albert L., Gannett Road, Teaming Merritt, Roy C., Clapp Road, Farmer Mitchell, George F., Clapp Road, Trucking Murphy, Joseph N., Cherry Lane, Clerk Murray, Woodworth N., Old Oaken Bucket Road, Salesman Nason, Frank L., Michael Avenue, Sales Executive
Otis, George H., Elm Street, Marketman Peters, Horace H., Grove Street, Painter Robbins, Fred J., Booth Hill Road, Salesman Sharp, Franklin T., Booth Hill Road, Clerk Spear, Chester F., Lighthouse Road, Carpenter Stenbeck, Harry T., Otis Street, Merchant Stone, Chester E., Jericho Road, Builder
154
List of Jurors for 1928
Supple, William E., Brook Street, Builder Tilden, Nathaniel, Tilden Road, Real Estate Totman, Aubrey W., Driftway, Carpenter Turner, James W., Captain Pierce Road, Contractor Turner, Thomas S., Turner Avenue, Fisherman Wagner, Charles M., Country Way, Farmer Welch, James W., First Parish Road, Fisherman Wilder, Herbert E., Country Way, Garage Proprietor Withem, Jesse M., Stockbridge Road, Carpenter Young, Howard H., Common Street, Real Estate Young, John R., First Parish Road, Mechanic
ARTHUR H. DAMON, WILLIAM W. WADE, W. IRVING LINCOLN, Selectmen of Scituate.
155
Report of Chief of Police
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen: I herewith submit the report of the Police Department for the year beginning May 1, 1928 to Decem- ber 31, 1928.
Number of persons apprehended . 98
Males .
91
Females . 7
Persons arrested for other departments 6
Papers served for other departments
71
Complaints investigated . 662
Motor vehicle accidents investigated . 51
Automobiles reported stolen
5
Stolen automobiles returned .
5
Buildings found unlocked in the business dis- tricts by patrolmen 46
House fires covered.
26
Forest fires covered .
6
Motor vehicle transfers issued
96
Pistol permits issued .
27
Amount of fines imposed .
$2,095.00
Amount of fines reverting to credit of Town .. $1,399.50
There are detailed reports on file at Police Headquarters which are open at all times, where any information you may desire will be given.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND REMARKS
It is respectfully recommended that an article be placed in the warrant calling for the installation of "Stop and Go" signals at the intersection of Gannett and Hatherly Roads, and at the intersection of Jericho Road and Willow Street. We feel that the results obtained will more than justify this expenditure.
156
Report of Chief of Police
We also recommend that a sufficient sum of money be appropriated to install a police signal system, consisting of six telephone boxes connecting two signal lights with a PBX box at the station house. By this means the patrol- men can call in at regular intervals, and may be reached from the station house on short notice. With this system the boxes and station would not be connected with the tele- phone central office, except through the station house.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the citizens for the hearty cooperation given to the department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES M. LITCHFIELD, Chief of Police.
157
Report of Fire Department
SCITUATE FIRE DEPARTMENT BOARD OF ENGINEERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
By order of the Board of Selectmen the Fire Engineers held a meeting May 1, 1928, for the purpose of organizing their board. The following officers were chosen: Archie W. Torrey, Chief; James Finnie, First Assistant; John S. Fitts, Second Assistant; Albert F. Turner, Third Assisant and Clerk; and Philip L. Schuyler, Fourth Assistant.
We have recorded for the year 1928, 59 alarms, classi- fied herein as dwellings 23, garages 2, chimneys 22, auto- mobiles 5, oilstoves 2, false 3, and rescue 2. The number of chimney fires exceeds that of 1927 by five, which indicates that carelessness and neglect still exist. The fire loss for the year was about $10,000.
During the year many improvements have been added, to the Fire Department, causing a substantial reduction in the charges held against Scituate by The New England Insurance Exchange.
The principal feature has been the extension of the fire alarm system connecting all stations throughout the Town, this being the only known method for departments such as ours to insure prompt response by notifying the firemen with the alarm sounding in nine places simultaneously. The Boston Sand and Gravel Company, feeling the need of additional fire protection for their property, quickly agreed, when approached on this subject, to meet the cost of con- necting their plant with this circuit. This has been done; consequently three pieces of apparatus now respond on first call and the alarm is sent forth by simply pulling down a handle. The Police Headquarters has a tapper that informs this department of all fires, that they may work with the Fire Department, which everyone will agree under the pres-
158
Report of Fire Department
ent conditions is imperative. Another tapper in the Green- bush Pumping Station tells the man on duty to increase the water supply when necessary. Two drivers of Hose 5 have tappers in their homes where they receive all alarms; these enable them to depart quickly and eliminates the use of telephone considerably. Sirens have been placed at the junction of streets to warn the traffic of approaching fire apparatus.
Twelve boxes are on this circuit in the sections we con- sider the most hazardous. The numbers of these boxes will be found on our signal card, to which all residents are entitled and can be obtained from headquarters, North Scituate. We hope to add two or more boxes this year. Later more circuits will be added to serve the West End and Cliffs.
The Brook Street Station has been remodeled to pro- vide a tenement on the second floor; this has proven an economic and efficient change; it places the driver with his apparatus at all times.
The appropriation for the Greenbush Station was hardly enough to purchase the property and make the neces- sary alterations, consequently the apparatus room and a few minor changes had to be left unfinished. This location is much more desirable than the old one and also gives us a driver in attendance constantly.
On July 3 we received the new G. M. C. Fire Truck for North Scituate. In looks and performance it meets with our hearty approval and also is a great source of pride to the members of Combination 3. The combined features of this truck make it very effective in combating any fire in its early stages.
The Ford truck taken from North Scituate has been painted and transferred to a building located on the corner of Country Way and First Parish Road, and there a new Fire Station has been established. The interior has been partitioned off to provide a meeting place for the members of Hose 5, a portion of this expense being borne by the members from their treasury. Water service has been in-
159
Report of Fire Department
stalled and we see no reason why this new location will not increase values in this section.
On August 1, Wilfred C. Prouty was added to the permanent force to serve as a twelve-hour relief man, and if placed on a twenty-four-hour basis this year the force will be adequate for some time.
The several companies have carried out a more exten- sive drill program than heretofore, thus acquiring much needed knowledge and information in the work of extin- guishing fires. Each company has a drill master and under his direction these drills have been useful and instructive to those who have participated. Those who have one hun- dred per cent attendance are Capt. Wendall Whittaker, John S. Fitts, Charles F. Jenkins, Richard Brown, Capt. Elmer F. Ramsdell, Frank E. Cook, William W. Damon, Jr., Robert Dyment, Edwin H. Litchfield, Ellis M. Litch- field, Irving F. Litchfield and J. Charles Pierce.
The school buildings were inspected on April 27 and found to be in a good safe condition for both teachers and scholars. At each building the fire alarm was sounded unex- pectedly with response and departure therefrom much quicker than anticipated. Commendation is due the man- agement and its staff of teachers. On December 1 another inspection was made.
Humarock Beach is a problem which confronts the voters this year. For the revenue the Town receives from Humarock it returns nothing in the way of fire protection. The hand-drawn chemical must be stored in a different place from now on, therefore we must rent or own a piece of property for this purpose. We recommend that the Town own a piece of land centrally located, erect a small building for a temporary use and eventually when hydrant service is installed build a station to meet the requirements. This part of Scituate should develop rapidly when better fire protection is offered and the property owners should have some protection during the winter months nearer than four- teen minutes.
Your Board of Engineers sincerely hopes that this year the Town will adopt a Planning Board to deal with the
160
Report of Fire Department
problems that are rapidly approaching which may preserve or destroy the picturesque beauty and attractiveness of Scituate. Unfair arguments and criticism should be set aside that the Town may progress properly, for its future is important to all. Some of the questions that should be taken up at once are: Fire Protection Building Laws (these are found in towns smaller than ours). The establishing of fire zones both residential and commercial, that we may not suffer a serious fire loss by permitting too much inflam- mable structure in one area. Garage and gasoline regula- tions with rigid enforcement of the same. Coordination with department heads to accomplish better departmental administration. To encourage and promote industrial enter- prises to increase our revenues for the winter months with- out interfering with the rights and privileges of our summer population. Just the adoption of these few suggestions will increase values and invite the prospective purchaser to invest and reside in Scituate.
Our fire stations are open for inspection at all times and we appreciate visits and interest shown by the townspeople. Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY, Chief. JAMES FINNIE, JOHN S. FITTS, ALBERT F. TURNER.
161
Report of Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Forest Fire Department was called to extinguish fifty-nine fires during the year of 1928. The majority of these were small grass fires and can hardly be classed as forest fires except one, which on May 14 occurred in the rear of the Philip estate, on Country Way, and spread over about seventy-five acres but with no serious loss of mer- chantable timber. Only a small percent of these can be charged to carelessness or violations of the permit law.
This year the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, at our suggestion, paid the men direct for burning their right of way, consequently a larger balance than here- tofore.
We do not advise the use of the fire-alarm boxes to give alarms for grass fires, for under our present system two companies respond to each box, and for grass fires in many cases it is unnecessary and expensive. The telephone will serve the purpose unless structure is endangered. The road- side is a constant menace and the travelling public should use every precaution to prevent grass fires.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY,
Forest Warden.
162
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
Number of nursing visits . 460
Number of infant welfare visits. 59
Number of school visits . 197
Number of home visits. 45
Number of free visits . 122
Number of friendly visits . 40
Number of tuberculosis calls 4
Number of operations in homes 4
Total number of visits . 931 Fees collected
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET J. O'DONNELL, R.N.
163
Scituate Public Health Nursing Service
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
January 1, 1928:
Cash on hand .
$502.67
Nursing fees .
262.75
Interest on checking account.
4.94
Memberships .
146.75
Christmas seals
293.00
Whist party .
82.25
Play by Ways and Means Committee
171.06
Drive by Ways and Means Committee
120.50
Contributions :
Red Cross . . $50.00
Woman's Club . 50.00
Welfare Department 4.80
Mrs. George F. Welch
10.00
Mrs. Charles Waterman. 5.00
Mrs. Edith Bailey
5.00
124.80
$1,708.72
Payments :
Dorothy Welch, nurse.
$166.65
Carolyn Bragar, nurse.
166.65
Margaret O'Donnell, nurse
66.66
Rent of garage. .
61.50
New England Telephone and Telegraph Company
32.30
Upkeep of automobile .
250.89
Insurance on nurse and car
83.20
Supplies for nurse
82.22
Nurses' expense
6.10
Child Welfare, milk .
8.00
Boundbrook Press, printing
17.00
Miscellaneous expense .
4.00
December 31, cash to balance
763.55
$1,708.72
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. SMITH, Treasurer.
164
Report of Board of Health
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town:
We present our 1928 report. With the exception of a slight epidemic of measles in the first part of the year there has been very little to contend with. Scarlet fever, 3; diph- theria, 3; tuberculosis, 2.
Inspection of milk farms has been made from time to time and we find conditions satisfactory. There has been some work done in the matter of extermination of the mos- quito which the Board favors and will do all they can to assist. Matters have been investigated and attended to as they came along.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. GROVESTEIN, GEORGE T. OTIS, JOHN W. BURKE.
Board of Health.
165
Report of Inspector of Plumbing
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health:
The following is the report of the Inspector of Plumbing for the year ending December 31, 1928. Number of permits issued, 65; number of inspections, 47.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, WILLIAM H. HARNEY.
166
Report of Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Board of Health:
There were twenty-eight (28) milk licenses issued for the year 1928, ten (10) licenses for the sale of denatured alcohol, and two water licenses.
I have visited the dairies and found a great improve- ment over former years, showing that the dairymen are trying to give you clean milk.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE T. OTIS, Inspector of Milk.
167
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health.
Gentlemen: I made examinations of all slaughtered ani- mals to be used as food that were brought to my attention and found them in satisfactory condition for such purpose, all being healthy specimens.
Respectfully yours,
J. F. BRESNAHAN, Inspector of Slaughtering.
168
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Selectmen of Scituate.
Gentlemen: The following is my report for year ending December 1, 1928.
Not Con-
Adjusted Sealed Sealed demned
Platform scales over 5,000
pounds .
2
Platform scales 100 to
5,000 pounds 1 7
Counter scales, under 100 pounds .
5 17
Spring scales over 100
pounds .
15
Spring scales under 100
pounds .
4 28
Computing scales under 100 pounds.
3
11
Personal weighing
1
Prescription scales.
2
Avoirdupois weights
110
Apothecary weights
11
Liquid measures.
53
2
Glass graduates .
4
Gasoline pumps
2
21
Kerosene pumps.
1
5
Oil pumps. .
11
Quantity measure on pumps
35
130
Yard sticks.
6
Numerous inspections were made and not recorded, also reweighings and many inspections of licenses of ped- dlers. Complaints were followed and checked, and other duties attended to that are not herein mentioned.
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE H. LANE, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
169
Report of the Park Commissioners
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Scituate:
In looking over the work done by the Park Commis- sioners for the year 1928, we find several pieces of finished work which we hope will be beneficial to the people of the Town.
The new Comfort Station at Minot was finished and opened to the public last summer. The plot at the junction of Lighthouse and Jericho Roads, Sandhills, was curbed, graded and seeded, and will soon be a spot of beauty. At the West End schoolhouse we have built a circular drive- way from the macadam road to the front door, thus making it possible for people to drive to the entrance and still keep the lawn in good condition. On the southerly end of the waterfront at Minot it was necessary to resod a part of the bank which was built some years ago.
At the Civic Center a piece of curbing was built and the grade of the road around the westerly end of the high school was raised, thus eliminating the pond of water which collected there after every rainfall. In the rear of the high school a large piece of rough ground was leveled and seeded so it could be mowed with the power lawn mower. We are hoping to seed down another piece this next spring so that eventually we will be able to mow the whole area with the lawn mowers.
A basket-ball field was cleared and seeded so that the pupils will have a fine level place on which to practice. The Lawson Park as usual was kept in fine condition the past summer and was a credit to the Town. The various small plots were kept mowed, but it is a question whether or not some of them should be removed, as the road in many places is narrow for the traffic of today.
Our budget calls for a small increase this year which is
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Report of the Park Commissioners
made necessary by the new projects which are added to this department every year.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS E. COLE, Chairman, JOHN F. DALBY, ERNEST F. LITCHFIELD, Park Commissioners.
171
Report of Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
We have this year planted one hundred and eight trees, consisting of maples, elms, willows and lindens. Most of these were to replace poor trees in different parts of the Town. The bushes along the roadside are another problem. In order to help eliminate blind corners all over Town, it has been necessary to mow these bushes every year or two.
The tent caterpillars are the most destructive insects we have to fight against. They are on the job early in the spring, hatching just as soon as the buds open. If they are not taken care of immediately, they destroy the foliage. Every small shade tree was dug around and given a liberal dose of bone meal.
The planting and caring for trees along the town high- ways is very important today. Considering that the Town is attracting more people every year, both summer and winter, it is very important that we keep it at its best all the time.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. FORD, Tree Warden.
.
172
Report of Town Forestry Committee
REPORT OF TOWN FORESTRY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The Town Forest tract on Mann Lot Road has been partly trimmed out, and bushes cut, and there is a remark- able growth of natural pine there. The Pinson Hill Town Forest and bird and game sanctuary is in fine condition. The eight thousand pine trees set out are progressing and showing a good growth. There are now about forty-four acres of Town Forest in Scituate.
On December 7, 1928, a conference of Town Forest Committees was held at the State House, Boston. This was the first conference of its kind to be held in this country. It was under the auspices of the Massachusetts Forestry Association in cooperation with the State Division of Forestry. Three of the Scituate committee attended. It was voted to hold a conference next year.
Inasmuch as we are one of the few committees receiv- ing no pay for services, the committee feels that the Town should pay the small expense for this committee of four to attend the conferences.
MARY E. CRESSY, Secretary.
173
Report of Highway Surveyor
REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Scituate:
In a survey of the work of the Highway Department for the year 1928, the most important feature has been the repair of bridges. Early in the summer your Highway Sur- veyor and the Superintendent of Streets of Marshfield made a careful examination of Little's Bridge, and found it unsafe for travel. At the same time we found the draw at Huma- rock Bridge needed to be rebuilt.
ยท As we had no appropriation to cover the cost of these repairs, we submitted the matter to the Advisory Board, asking for $1,500 on Little's Bridge and $600 on Humarock Bridge, which they granted. We proceeded to resurface Little's Bridge and that is now in good condition.
Some of the citizens of Humarock presented a petition asking that the draw in the bridge at Humarock be raised, permitting boats to go under the draw. In order to change the height of the draw, permission must be obtained from the state and national government, which we have not yet received.
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