USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1931-1933 > Part 15
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Special Officers with limited territory-Russell L. Fish, North Scituate; J. George Vollmer. Scituate: J. Edward Gillis, Scituate; Louis A. Madore, Scituate: Arthur H. Lane, Seit- uate Centre ; Ernest F. Litchfield. North Scituate ; Joseph A. Ward. Scituate ; Thomas Hernan, Scituate: JJohn Healy, Minot : Walter L. Enos. Scituate ; Albert Ainslie. North Seit- uate ; Cecil Babbitt, North Scituate.
District Engineers-District No. 1, James Finnie, Scituate ; Dis- triet No. 2, Wendell W. Whittaker. Greenbush ; District No. 3. Archie W. Torrey, North Scituate; District No. 4. Albert F. Turner, North Scituate. District No. 5, Allerton L. Bon- ney, Scituate Centre.
Chief of Fire Department-Archie W. Torrey. North Scituate. Town Counsel-Vernon W. Marr, North Scituate.
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Town Officers
Town Engineer-Henry A. Litchfield, Egypt.
Forest Warden-Archie W. Torrey, North Scituate.
Superintendent of Moth Work-William F. Ford, North Scit- uate.
Sealer of Weights and Measures-Eugene H. Lane, North Scit- uate.
Inspector of Animals-Andrew S. Finnie, Scituate.
Keeper of Lockup-Michael E. Stewart, Scituate.
Harbor Master-C. Harry Driscoll, Scituate.
Assistant Harbor Master-Robert S. Boles, Marshfield.
Custodian of Burial Ground-Charles B. Carpenter, Scituate Centre.
Burial Agent-Alonzo A. Pratt, North Scituate.
Fence Viewers-Thomas O. Jenkins, Greenbush; Charles N. Turner, Greenbush ; Charles F. Andrews, Scituate Centre.
Public Weighers-John S. Fitts, Greenbush; Ellis B. Damon, Greenbush ; Frank W. Clapp, Greenbush ; Harry Whittaker, Greenbush ; Andrew J. Fillmore, Scituate Centre ; Albert L. Littlefield, North Scituate; Daniel A. Vines, Greenbush ; Henry J. Vines, Greenbush ; Arthur H. Lane, Scituate Cen- tre ; Arthur Palmer, Scituate; Russell L. Fish, North Scit- uate ; J. Edward Gillis, Scituate ; Henry T. Fitts, Scituate.
OTHER APPOINTED OFFICERS
Superintendent of Schools-Harold C. Wingate, Egypt.
Inspectors of Plumbing-Philip S. Bailey, North Scituate; As- sociate Inspector, William H. Harney, Scituate.
Inspector of Meat-Edwin L. Merritt, Greenbush.
Inspector of Milk-Dr. Robert T. Stearns, Greenbush.
9
Report of Selectmen
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
1932
The report of the Selectmen for 1932 is brief as compared with that of the previous year, for whereas the chronicles of 1931 enumerated the accomplishment of several major enter- prises and activities, the municipal operations of the year just past have been confined exclusively to the necessary maintenance and functioning of the several Town Departments.
All of the divisions of the Town Government have operated we believe. efficiently and satisfactorily during the year of 1932. and our general funded debt has been reduced by $38,150 which sum in itself accounts for abont $3.00 of our tax rate of $28.60. We are committed to the payment of $35.150 for this purpose in 1933.
We are hopeful that each of our Departments may effect additional savings this year, and the willing and co-operative spirit shown by the personnel of these Departments in accep- tance of the ten per cent reduction of salaries, which was put in effect on January Ist, will make possible some further reduc- tions in administrative costs for 1933, without resorting to the weakening of any Department by the curtailment of man-power.
We all are affected by the burden of taxation for all are tax-payers, but we must recognize that to resort to a program of economy so drastic as to cripple or demoralize necessary units of municipal goyernment that must be maintained to safe- guard the lives, health and property of our people. the educa- tion of our children, and the up-keep of our highways and parks would cease to be real economy.
Our present financial condition compares most favorably with other municipalities of the Commonwealth, and shows an
10
Report of Selectmen
excellent spirit of loyalty and sacrifice on the part of those who contribute to the support of our institutions.
Let us continue to carry on, and hope and work for a new era of prosperity.
JAMES W. TURNER, W. IRVING LINCOLN. HARRY F. CLEVERLY,
Selectmen of Scituate.
11
Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE 1932
Another year of well-nigh universal unemployment for the laborers and craftsmen of Scituate has ended with the passing of 1932. Would that this dearth of unemployment had ended with the year !
Each day adds to the critical and often tragic problems which confront many of us. With the passing of the months whatever reserves of savings or equity in our homes we have had, are becoming, or long since have become exhausted, and credit in this day of "cash and carry" is almost an unknown quantity.
To your Board of Public Welfare the wonder is not so much at the increased number of applications for aid as how so many of our people have and continue to struggle on without seeking or accepting aid.
In industrial towns, though, shops are running on greatly reduced schedules, yet there is and has been part time employ- ment for many. In Scituate the building of homes has afforded ample and profitable employment for our craftsmen and lab- orers in normal times, but in these lean years this source of revenue has almost entirely ceased, until a day's work has be- come so jealously sought after that the distribution of employ- ment in those Departments of the Town using labor is a deli- cate and complicated problem.
Almost universally our people seek an opportunity to earn their livelihood and not aid. and it is gratifying to record this fine spirit.
Perhaps we may be excused if we quote from last year's --- port the following paragraph as it embodies our views on this
12
Board of Public Welfare
situation as well now, and perhaps with greater emphasis, than when first submitted :- "We fully realize that our tax-payers are heavily burdened in these years of reduced income, and that to ask for appropriations for any but the most necessary muni- cipal projects may seem like extravagance, yet we ask you to bear in mind that all must live, and if not afforded an oppor- tunity to earn a living by rendering service in the way of labor, the cost of support will have to be met through the channels of public aid, with its demoralizing effect upon the recipient who is brought to this extremity through no fault of his own." ... "Let us be as patient and forbearing as we can in sharing each other's burdens, and let us so long as possible provide oppor- tunity for our people to earn rather than beg the necessities of life."
We have tried to be as careful and conservative in our stewardship as possible, and can assure you that the rumors of undue generosity to this one or that, which occasionally reach our ears, are not based on fact, and in many cases have involved persons who have never asked for nor received public aid.
We beg you to be as careful with regard to statements of this kind as possible, as careless or misinformed gossip may cause cruel wounds to the pride and self-respect of a most worthy struggling fellow citizen and his family.
Constructive criticism accompanied with reliable informa- tion is helpful, and will always be cordially received. All other is depressing and harmful.
JAMES W. TURNER, W. IRVING LINCOLN, HARRY F. CLEVERLY,
Board of Public Welfare of Scituate.
13
Report of Town Counsel
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
As I did not file a report last year, I will briefly touch upon the year 1931 before commenting upon the past year. I do so because 1931 was epochal in the legal history of the town by reason of the acquisition of the Scituate Water Company from the Community Water Service Company. a Deleware Cor- poration owned and controlled exclusively by a New York group. This acquisition was after your counsel had appeared for our Board of Selectmen in a contest extending from November 1930 to April 1931 before the State Department of Public Utili- ties and there defeated a proposed drastic increase in the rates of the company, only a 10% increase having been allowed. This investigation served to disclose the true situation and to con- vince the people of our town and non-resident consumers of the advantages of public ownership.
A report of the special committee composed of the Chair- man of the Board of Selectmen. Town Treasurer and Counsel being favorable to purchase. the town by vote on June 28. 1931 purchased the company under the statutory provisions and by a most favorable interpretation of these laws was able to take title for $742.123.48. whereas previous estimates of the cost by persons opposing the project had been over one million dollars. The town moreover had the satisfaction and distinction of com- pleting the entire transaction within five weeks after the citi- zeus' vote without any court actions or long drawn-out con- troversies.
Contrary to the claims of misinformed persons, the taking over of the company at the price paid was a bitter disappoint- ment to the officials and representatives of the controlling or- ganization and meant a serious financial loss to them. The company having a guaranteed income, subsequent depreciation
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Report of Town Counsel
of securities cannot have altered this attitude. On the other hand the town has had demonstrated that the condition of the plant has merited appraisal far in excess of the purchase price and the consumers have twice experienced the benefit of de- creasing rates under operation by our water commissioners.
In 1932 we have added substantially to our water service by the purchase of the Humarock plant and the Bound Brook well supply, the negotiations for these transfers being handled by the commissioners and the legal details by your counsel. These problems and numerous others necessitated three special town meetings. Confusion with reference to the special side- walk appropriation and other legal problems of a procedural and municipal nature have emphasized the importance of con- sultation with town counsel before action. It is important that in this respect there be a clear understanding that coun- sel appointed by your Board of Selectmen shall serve the vari- ous boards, committees and officials of the town. To this end I may take the liberty to recommend appropriate by-laws. In fairness to all public officials, I must add that many legal diffi- culties cannot be foreseen and yet later persons looking at the situation are prone to criticize because of an apparent error of judgment. It is well also to call to the attention of the reader that your counsel can act in only those matters which are sea- sonably called to his attention by the proper official although he has upon occasion gone out of his way to serve in some mat- ter despite the danger of being regarded as meddlesome.
The town has been fortunate of late in avoiding any sub- stantial damage suits and claims. In the 11th Avenue drainage suits of Maguire and Henneberry an agreement for settlement was made after these matters were before an auditor but settle- ment has been deferred pending an understanding between one of the plaintiffs and a third party.
In the cases of former police officers, Messrs. Brown and Callahan, judgments were entered for the Inhabitants of the Town in each suit after hearings before an auditor and a justice of the Superior Court. Bills of exceptions, however, have been filed by attorneys for the plaintiffs in January 1933.
15
Report of Town Counsel
In closing I should like to add a word of praise for the faithful efficient service I have observed on the part of our town officials and employees and would add a word of reminder that in these times their burdens and labors have increased in most instances with, I trust, no lessening of public appreciation.
VERNON W. MARR.
16
Report of Chief of Police
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
The report of the Police Department is herewith respect. fully submitted for your consideration. This report is based upon the activities of the Department from January 1, 1932 to December 1, 1932.
Arrests, 121.
CAUSES OF COURT ACTION
Assault and Battery 5
Breaking and Entering to commit Larceny
2
Being present where gaming inplements were found .. . 25
Disturbing the Peace
14
Disturbing a Public Assembly
2
Drunkenness
34
Larceny
4
Grand Larceny
1
Non-Support
1
Lewd and Lacivious Cohabitation
2
Insane
2
Vagrancy
1
Trespass
2
Liquor Violations :
Keeping and Exposing of Liquor for Sale
1
Motor Vehicle Violations :
Operating without License in possession 2
Operating under the Influence 9
Operating Negligently 2
Unreasonable Speed 12
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Report of Chief of Police
Number of fines imposed 33
Amount of fines imposed $820.00
Amount of fines to credit of the Town 113.00
Balance in amount in fines accounted for in appeals to the Superior Court and amount reverting to the credit of the Commonwealth ( Auto cases)
It should also be noted that cases where fines are imposed and the defendant placed on probation, with time to pay, are not reported until full amount of fines is paid to the Court. In this connection there is an additional amount of approximately $210.00. which will revert to the Town, but does not appear in this year's returns.
Held for the Grand Jury 2
Number of appeals to the Superior Court 3
Sentenced to County and State Institutions 6
Dispositions not accounted for in the above summary, were disposed of by being placed on file, probation, suspended sentence, etc.
Amount of liquor seized without search warrant . . . . 1447 gals. All contraband liquor seized were turned over to the Federal authorities at the time of seizure.
Notice of intended sale or transfer of Motor Vehicles 52
Summonses served for other Police Depts. 63
Unlocked Buildings secured by Police Officers 87
Fires covered by Police Officers 66
Fires discovered by Police Officers 4
Complaints investigated by Police Officers 937
Motor Vehicle accidents investigated by Police Officers
78
Windows not secured and lights left on in stores, etc. 156
Pistol Permits issued 27
Cottages inspected
4,778
Operators booked by Police Officers
197
Motor Vehicle Mileage from Jan. 1, 1932 to Dec. 31, 1932 :
Police Auto (Buick) 11,285
Police Auto (Ford) 26,584
M.C. No. 1 2,265
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Report of Chief of Police
M.C. No. 2 1,039
M.C. No. 3 4,569
M.C. No. 4 1,496
The motor equipment of the Department, consists of four motor cycles and two automobiles; of these the automobiles and one motor cycle should be exchanged in the interest of economy. The rest of this equipment is in good condition.
The Department has continued its check-up of all un-occu- pied houses and that this service is appreciated is best manifest by expression of appreciation from the property owners.
The School of instruction for officers of the Department is maintained for the second year. Weekly sessions are being held on Tuesday evenings at the Study Library of the High School. For the privilege of the use of the Study Library, we are in- debted to the School Committee and to the Superintendent of Schools. For this privilege we are grateful and express our thanks to the School authorities and to all others who have as- sisted or encouraged us in any way.
We feel that immediate attention should be given to the condition of the ceilings in the Police Station. Plaster has loos- ened and fell in several places. This condition is not alone un- sightly, but presents the danger of falling plaster, causing injury to persons or their clothing.
We are mindful of the confidence imposed in us, by your Honorable Board in making appointments and trust that our efforts to serve and the results obtained have not caused you to feel that your confidence was misplaced.
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. STEWART,
Chief of Police.
19
Report of Fire Department
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Fire Department responded to sixty-seven alarms dur- ing the year 1932. The insurance loss is recorded as $39,845.00.
This year the Engineers were compelled to curtail on bud- get costs to enable them to keep within the appropriation. On August 1. there was effected a complete reorganization of th" call department. It was deemed necessary to reduce the number of call firemen from seventy-two to twenty-one and close one call station. Various other reductions were made which will amount to a substantial saving without decreasing the fire pro- tection or increasing the insurance rate.
The apparatus as well as the equipment is in good condi- tion considering the length of time some of it has been in service. The fire alarm maintenance and new construction has been handled by the permanent men. also painting of the outside of two fire stations, the rebuilding of a cellar wall and the replac ?- ment of wooden platform and steps with concrete at Green- bush, this work was of no cost to the Town except for material.
Humarock Beach has for protection one fire truck with eight hundred feet of hose and a company of five men. Soon there will be twelve hydrants with good water pressure.
To-day the Fire Department consists of eight permanent firemen, twenty-one call firemen and a Fire Alarm Superinten- dent. Four stations have two men in each with the most ex- peditious form of notification. A reduction of man power can only mean greater fire losses thus endangering more people and
20
Report of Fire Department
property. With the improved water service more efficiency can be expected with the Town's income better protected.
Fire Departments and Insurance Engineers are endeavor- ing to prevent an epidemic of incendiary fires which are becom- ing more numerous every month throughout the country up to date. Scituate has suffered from none of these. There is how- ever an urgent need for more fire alarm boxes due to the fact that many telephones have been discontinued. Again we recom- mend the adoption of some simple form of building laws as an investment for the property owner and tax payer.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY, Chief, JAMES FINNIE, Asst. Chief, ALBERT F. TURNER, 2nd Asst., WENDELL W. WHITTAKER, 3rd Asst. ALLERTON L. BONNEY, 4th Asst.,
Board of Engineers.
21
Report of Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Forest Fire Department responded to eighty-six alarms in 1932. No serious woods fires occurred and no buildings were damaged on account of grass fires. Only one fire set by the railroad took place and this of small consequence. Fire per- mits are necessary for out door fires at any time of the year ex- cept when the ground is covered with snow. Some of the Department money was used to brush out wood roads by men seeking employment.
Respectfully submitted.
ARCHIE W. TORREY.
Forest Warden.
22
Report of Board of Health
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH 1932
1. The first serious problem presented to the 1932 Board of Health was the making of a new two (2) year contract for the collection of garbage, as the old contract was expiring. A new contract of two (2) years duration beginning July 1, 1932, was secured at a price very favorable to the town.
2. There has been an increase in the hospitalization of tubercular patients at the Plymouth County Hospital, and as it is expected that this class of patients will increase, due to economic conditions, a slightly larger estimate for this expense has been deemed necessary.
3. The town dump has received considerable attention, and the increasing use of this convenience by the citizens ap- pears to the Board to justify the expenditure for labor and care in this undertaking.
However although this opportunity is offered the citizens to get rid of rubbish there has been considerable carelessness on the part of some of our transient population in throwing away household waste. and several individuals have been detected and reprimanded.
4. The various inspectors functioning under the control of the Board of Health have been efficient, satisfactory, and co- operative, and the Board commends their efforts.
5. This year there were granted thirty-five (35) licenses for the sale of milk; six (6) permits for the sale of denatured alcohol ; and two (2) permits for sale of oleomargarine.
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Report of Board of Health
6. There were seventy-four (74) cases of reportable di- seases reported to the health authorities during the twelve months. In one case in which the entire family had to be quar- antined, subsistence had to be furnished.
7. There were reports on fourteen (14) cases of dog bite turned in but no animal proved to be rabitic either during quarantine or on autopsy.
The Board of Health wishes to urge upon parents-espe- cially those with small children-to instruct and caution chil- dren to keep away from injured or ailing dogs encountered on the streets ; as these animals in fright or pain are almost certain to bite if incompetently handled.
8. Twenty-nine (29) written complaints of nuisances were received. Also several phone calls from associated town de- partments. All complaints were investigated and correction ordered or case dismissed as circumstances warranted on inves- tigation.
The ruling of the Board of Health requiring a signed and dated written complaint has proved very satisfactory in fur- nishing a solid basis for investigation procedure.
The advice of the Town Counsel has been invaluable in some of these problems : and the various town departments have courteously and carefully co-operated with the Board, which has been a source of great satisfaction and help, and has prevented unfortunate errors.
9. The Board made fifteen (15) official tours of inspec- tion on various unannounced dates, covering all parts of the town. and as a result of its observation ordered and had executed changes in various matters pertaining to sanitation.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. GROVESTEIN ROBERT T. STEARNS. GEORGE H. OTIS,
Board of Health.
24
Report of Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK FOR 1932
1. There were thirty-five (35) milk licenses issued in 1932.
2. All dairies in the town, and those immediately outside the town furnishing milk to this community, have been visited and found in good condition.
3. Such changes as were ordered have been complied with.
4. There have been no diseases traceable to milk in the town this year.
5. Examinations of samples were satisfactory.
6. There has been a steady decrease in local dairying and a steady increase in consumption of milk supplied by the large commercial dairy establishments.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT T. STEARNS.
Inspector of Milk.
25
Report of Park Commissioners
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Voters of Scituate:
In our report for the year 1932. we wish to thank every- one who has helped to make the past year a successful one for the Park Department.
During the year, we were unable to make the shrubs and parks look at their best owing to the scarcity of rain.
All the small parks about the town were taken care of to the best of our ability with the amount of money with which we were provided.
Fertilizer was spread on Lawson's Park but due to the lack of rain, the results were not as pleasing as we had hoped for.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST F. LITCHFIELD, Chairman, GEORGE V. YENETCHI. JOHN F. DALBY.
Park Commissioners.
26
Report of the Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
During this past year we have planted 137 trees on the streets and roadsides of the town, including maple, elm and lindens. The large elms need considerable attention. Dead limbs and branches should be removed. However, the appro- priation is not large enough to take care of all the work.
There are many bad corners in the town which are giving a lot of trouble. These should be cleared of all excess bushes in order to give the clear vision necessary. One very bad cor- ner in town which has been taken care of is located in Egypt. Mr. Marriott Welch has given permission to transplant all the necessary shrubs back from the street in order to make safer the intersection at the corner of Mann Hill and Captain Pierce Roads.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. FORD,
Tree Warden.
SCITUATE TOWN FOREST
2
3
27
Report of Town Forestry Committee
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
During the past year there has been a vast improvement made in the appearance of the Town forest on Prism Hill. Dead branches have been trimmed and all debris burned, a part of the stone wall has been rebuilt and two stone posts put in place at the entrance and the drive way graveled. An elm tree has been planted and a bronze tablet purchased set in cement and suitably inscribed with the following inscription, "This tree was planted in memory of George Washington bicentennial 1732-1932 by the Scituate Town Forest Committee." At the Mann lot forest a layout of 80 feet for the new State road has been made and will go through one corner taking about one acre of land. On the opposite page are a few pictures showing the progress that has been made.
MARY E. CRESSY.
Secretary.
28
Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture
REPORT OF TRUSTEES, PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE FOR YEAR 1932
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