USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1931-1933 > Part 2
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131
Liquor search warrants used. 3
Amount of liquor seized on search warrant. 13 gals. Amount of liquor seized without search warrant .. 2142 gals. Gaming search warrants used. 2
Number of fines imposed 63
Amount of fines imposed $1,907.00
Amount of fines to credit of Town 598.10
Balance in amount in fines, accounted for in ap- peals to the Superior Court and amount revert- ing to the credit of the Commonwealth (Auto Cases)
Held for the Grand Jury. 2
Number of appeals to the Superior Court. 4
Sentenced to County and State Institutions 5
Dispositions not accounted for in the above sum- mary, were disposed of by being placed on file, probation, and in three instances defendant was found not guilty.
Notice of intended sale or transfer of Motor Vehicles 88 Summonses served for other Police Departments. . . 94 Unlocked buildings secured by Police Officers 105 Fires covered by Police Officers 64 Fires discovered by Police Officers 7
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Report of Chief of Police
Complaints investigated by Police Officers. 836
Motor Vehicle Accidents investigated by Police
Officers 61
Windows not secured and lights left on in stores, etc.
investigated by Police Officers 131
Pistol Permits issued 34
Cottages Inspected 3,341
Number of Operators booked by Police Officers 184
MOTOR VEHICLE MILEAGE
From Jan. 1, 1931 to Dec. 31, 1931
Police Auto (Buick) 14,408
Police Auto (Ford) 31,978
Motorcycle No. 1 3,050
Motorcycle No. 2 1,046
Motorcycle No. 3 2,750
Motorcycle No. 4
1,841
The detail of the doings of your Police Department. as summarized above, should not be taken as a fair criterion of its accomplishments or of the results obtained.
The primary function of every Police Department is the prevention of crime. In this respect, I believe, we have fully justified our existence, as an organization.
The duties involved in any day of a police officers tour of duty, are manifold and seem to increase each succeeding year. This is true, not only of the Town of Scituate but in practically every community, to-day.
The very appearance of an alert, conscientious police officer has a deterring effect on the would be law-breaker.
In our town we have two business centers, in addition to several hundred unoccupied homes, which require our at- tention. The owners of such property, who pay heavy taxes here, have a right to expect protection to their properties throughout the year. We have made every effort to give them this protection, by constant supervision and checking of every building. That this service is appreciated is best manifest
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Report of Chief of Police
by verbal and written commendations received from property owners.
The business section of the "Harbor" is now policed twenty-four hours of each day. A patrol is established at North Scituate Corners practically fifteen hours and at Minot nine hours of each day. This service is augmented by a mov- ing patrol in the police patrol car, which patrol covers all parts of the town and is constantly on the road. Twenty-four hour service is maintained at the Police Station, two officers working nine hours each and a third officer filling in the other six hours.
Traffic duty at the Jenkins School has been provided three times each day during the school sessions. Due to the constant flow of traffic during the day on First Parish Road, the congestion caused by school buses and private cars, coupled with the narrowness of the roadway, this service has undoubtedly been of invaluable aid in the prevention of ac- cidents and injuries to the school children. We are pleased to be able to state that regardless of demands for service else- where, this duty has not been neglected in a single instance during the past year.
POLICE SCHOOL
A school of instruction was established for the officers of this department in October of 1931. Since the opening a session has been held one day of each week, excepting Christ- mas week, in the study library of the High School. This in- struction embraces conduct, police practice and procedure, criminal law, evidence, etc., and covers practically every thing a police officer should know. We have been privileged to have as instructors men particularly well qualified to in- struct in this type of training. The custom which prevailed in most small communities, and which is still practiced in many, of taking a man from some other occupation, dressing him in a uniform, handing him a gun, badge and club. and sending him out on the highway to exercise authority on his fellow citizens is antiquated. The results already apparent
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Report of Chief of Police
because of this school are most gratifying and we feel that such training should be continued. There is no expense to the town attached to the conduct of this school. We are grateful to all who have assisted and encouraged its main- tenance; the members of the legal profession, who have don- ated their services as instructors; the school authorities, for the use of the study library; the citizens who have by their presence, encouraged us: and to the officers themselves for their zeal and enthusiasm.
TOWN PATROL
A patrol was established in September and continued in service until the end of the harvest season. This patrol, made up of two officers in Police car, covered a wide area; covering all farms, from the 1st Cliff to the West part of the town and from Neal Gate Street in the Greenbush section to North Scituate. Officers were instructed to alternate their course from time to time; getting out of the car at each farm to make observation, aided by search lights, to enable them to detect any evidence of marauders or produce thieves.
The patrol was established in the first instance, following complaints from farm owners in which they alleged losses of farm produce. That the expenditure necessitated by this patrol was justified is best proven by the fact that no further losses were reported after the patrol began to operate.
We believe that such a patrol should be continued.
PARKING SPACE
Anticipating changes in the parking restrictions at the parking space adjacent to the Minot Post Office, we respectfully suggest for your consideration the need of added police super- vision, in the enforcement of these restrictions.
The change in the rules, as we understand the proposal, is to reserve this parking space for Scituate residents, including summer residents and their guests. Such change will of neces- sity require constant police supervision, particularly week ends
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Report of Chief of Police
and holidays. The effectiveness of such regulation rests with its enforcement.
The need of such restrictions is forcibly brought to our attention each season by the ever increasing number of operators of cars, with their passengers, seeking parking space at the beach. They arrive early in the day and in many instances have proven by their conduct that they are a detriment to the beach and a positive nuisance to the residents.
The result of this early invasion is that our local people with their families arriving later in the day are denied the priv- ilige of parking, due to the fact that all available space is taken by outsiders. In justice to the citizens of the town, as well as a proper consideration for our summer residents, we believe that such a regulation, as proposed, be adopted.
EQUIPMENT
An inhalator was purchased and added to the equip- ment in the First Aid Room at the Station House. We extend credit to the Board of Health, who assisted financially in this purchase. Each motorcycle is now equipped with a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. The "Ford" patrol car is also equipped with fire extinguishers. Each piece of this first aid kit has proven in a practical way its usefulness and convinced us that it is an indispensible part of our equipment.
A police telephone, with signal' light attached has been installed opposite the Egypt Post Office.
Our office equipment and methods used in keeping of ac- counts, records, filing system, etc. I believe will compare favorably with the system of any like department operating in any town. We would be pleased to demonstrate this fact to any interested citizen of our community.
All of the motor equipment, excepting the "patrol car" is in good mechanical condition. We recommend that this car be exchanged for a new machine, in the interest of economy. This car being in service practically twenty-four hours each day, is naturally subjected to more abuse than the other ma- chines of the department.
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Report of Chief of Police
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, may we be permitted to say that an honest, sincere effort has been made to render efficient service in a fair and impartial manner, and if any small degree of success has . attended our efforts, we extend thanks to the officers of this department for their co-operation and loyalty and to your honorable board for your tolerance, encouragement and con- fidence displayed in our efforts.
Respectfully submitted, M. E. STEWART, Chief of Police.
24
Report of Fire Department
REPORT OF SCITUATE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The alarms of the Fire Department for 1931 are classified as follows : Automobiles 13, barns 1, boats 2, business blocks 2, chimneys 10, dwellings 16, garages 2, false alarms 4, rescue calls 2, others 2, fatalities 1.
No major fires occurred during the year, those contribut- ing the largest to the insurance loss were on Front Street. Insurance loss for the year $19,424.62, loss in taxes $50.00.
Through the kindness and assistance of Dr. Stearns the permanent force has been taught first aid, artificial respira- tion, bandaging, etc. The firemen are now qualified ot render valuable service in case of accidents.
Monthly inspections have been made throughout the busi- ness districts with conditions recorded and in many instances hazards have been remedied through the willingness and co- operation on the part of the citizens, for after all on the citi- zen rests a part of the responsibility for an efficient fire de- partment.
The interest and public spiritedness of the Welch Co. and other citizens who donated lumber, material and money for the purpose of making toys for Christmas, resulted in having 130 toys distributed among the children of the town.
Two companies of firemen qualified in a series of stand- ardized drills which will fit them for better service in the department.
Considering the fact that some of our Stations are small
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Report of Fire Department
for our needs we make no recommendations for special ex- penditures this year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY, JAMES FINNIE, ALBERT F. TURNER, WENDELL W. WHITTAKER, ALLERTON L. BONNEY, Board of Engineers.
26
Report of Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Forest Fire Department answered 54 alarms during the year of 1931. All fires were of minor consequence due to the wet season therefore no damaging result. The unexpended balance of this department was used to trim and clear out wood roads which will be advantageous in suppressing wood fires in the future and incidentally it relieved the unemploy- ment situation somewhat. The department is asking for no special appropriations this year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY, Forest Warden.
27
Report of Board of Health
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Scituate we present our Report for 1931:
We have attended to all complaints as usual and have in- spected all the dairies and cow barns in Town and those out of Town from which milk is brought into this Town.
We again recommend that more care be taken with tin cans and rubbish.
Respectfully submitted, DR. W. P. GROVESTEIN JOHN W. BURKE
Board of Health.
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Report of Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Board of Health :
There were twenty-six milk licenses issued for the year 1931. There were also issued fourteen licenses for the sale of denatured alcohol, seven licenses for the sale of oleo, and two water licenses.
I have visited the dairies and found them in good condition, also had milk tested and found it up to the required standard.
Respectfully submitted, From the records of GEORGE T. OTIS, Inspector of Milk.
29
Report of the Park Commissioners
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Park Department respectfully submits for your con- sideration a resume of their work during the past year.
After carefully considering all of the work necessary for the proper operation of our department, we started to work on the various parks in the town with a view to improve them as much as possible to the best of our ability.
We purchased fertilizer and spread it on part of Lawson's Park and on the whole of the park on Common Street. This put new life into the grass and improved the appearance of both parks considerably. This year we intend to fertilize the rest of Lawson's Park, the lawn at North Scituate Cliff and the West End Park.
After the storm last spring, we had to repair the damages made at Minot Cliff. In order to do this we had to ask for more money from the town, as the land was very badly torn up.
Small plots about town have received good care. The grounds around the Cudworth House and Town Hall were taken care of to the best of our ability with the amount of money which we had to work with.
Owing to the fact that the tool house on the high school grounds was no longer accessible to us, it was necessary for us to erect a new one. The site of the new tool house is on First Parish Road adjacent to Lawson's Park.
At Christmas time the tree on Lawson's Park was wired and lighted. Owing to the condition of the tree, it did not look as well as we would have liked to have had it.
We are very thankful for the fine amount of co-operation
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Report of Park Commissioners
we have received from the townspeople during the past year and hope that this year will prove a prosperous one for all town departments.
ERNEST F. LITCHFIELD, Chairman, JAMES L. MCCARTHY, JOHN F. DALBY,
Park Commissioners.
31
Report of the Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Voters of Scituate :
In my report for the year 1931, I wish to say that our town trees are in very good shape. They have been thoroughly pruned, all unnecessary and decayed limbs being removed. One hundred and seventeen shade trees, consisting of maples, elms and lindens have been planted.
The Board of Health has aided very much in clearing the roadsides of over twenty-seven truckloads of all sorts of refuse, evidently thrown from passing cars.
Mowing has been carried back as far as stone walls and this has removed one element of danger from travelling.
I wish to thank all those who have helped in making Scituate one of the best appearing towns in the State.
Respectfully, WILLIAM F. FORD,
Tree Warden.
32
Report of Town Forestry Committee
REPORT OF TOWN FORESTRY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate :
The Town Forest Committee has held several meetings the past year.
Out of the $500. appropriated last year there has been spent $300. for work. This year two new signs have been placed, one in each forest-one in the Prison Hill and one on Mann lot. If at any time any person wishes to visit the Town forest if they will get in touch with any one of the Committee, who will be pleased to show same.
It may interest the citizens of Scituate to know that Scituate Town Forest has been enrolled as a member of the National honor roll in Washington, D. C., as having planted a tree in honor of the father of our country, for the George Washington Bicentennial, 1732-1932.
There are instances of memorial plantings which take the form of roads of remembrances, memorial plots and Town forests, so that in the years to come there will be millions of trees grow- ing in this country in memory of our First President.
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE,
Mary Cressy, Secretary.
33
Report of Planning Board
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
To the Voters of Scituate:
In view of the abnormal conditions obtained during the past year, your Planning Board has initiated no new plans that would call for additional outlays, acting merely in an advisory capacity when called upon. Being willing and anxious to help solve problems as far as we can, it is our hope that we be given a chance to co-operate with others before it is too late to be of real assistance.
Your Board in the past has studied the future development of Front Street. We are still of the opinion that building lines should be established in accordance with General Laws Chapter 82, Section 37, as amended by the Acts of 1925, Chapter 130, and are heartily in accord with the views of the Selectmen whom we understand are to seek. authority to establish such lines at the coming Annual Town Meeting. We trust the Town will accept this provision which has so much import to the future of Front Street.
Under General Laws Chapter 41, the Planning Board of a Town may be authorized by vote of the Town to act as Park Commissioners therein and may be vested with all the powers pertaining thereto. Your Board feels that as their general field of action certainly embraces the parks it would be of benefit to the Town if the Planning Board were authorized to act as such Park Commission. This suggestion is given merely for your consideration with the thought that such plan might be adopted by the Town sometime if it so saw fit.
In sympathy with the desire to eliminate all possible Town expenditures, your Board has turned back to the Town Trea-
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Report of Planning Board
surer the unexpended amount of $485.00 out of your appropria- tion of $500.00 and in addition has voted to ask for no appropri- ation for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD PITKIN. GEORGE S. BAILEY. CHESTER E. STONE. STEPHEN C. WEBSTER. HAMILTON W. WELCH.
Planning Board.
35
Report of Town Office Building Committee
REPORT OF THE TOWN OFFICE BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :-
In accordance with the vote of the Town, the Town Office Building Committee has carried out the instructions and has re-constructed the old building in accordance with the plans submitted by the Committee at the last annual meeting.
All the Contractors worked in harmony and the re-construc- tion was completed with as little inconvenience to those using the building as could be expected and we feel that the Town now has adequate offices and good equipment with which to transact its business.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP S. BAILEY
For the Committee
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Report of Edward Foster Memorial Committee
REPORT OF THE EDWARD FOSTER MEMORIAL BRIDGE TABLET COMMITTEE
Authority :- Article 57, in Warrant of Annual Town Meet- ing, Town of Scituate, dated March 2, 1931.
Committee appointed at same meeting by Moderator, Dennis H. Shea.
Dr. Robert T. Stearns, Chairman,
Mrs. Foye M. Murphy.
Mr. George H. Otis.
1. An appropriation of $500.00 was available from the funds of the EDWARD FOSTER MEMORIAL BRIDGE COMMITTEE for tablet construction.
2. Begining April 13, 1931 the Memorial Tablet Committee held several meetings. It was decided to employ a local artist or sculptor, if available, to produce the tablet; and Mrs. Cora D. Overland, sculptor, of Egypt was selected and requested to submit designs.
3. Choice and approval, after several interviews and changes, resulted in the production of a simple classic design in Greek motif, of appropriate size and shape and bearing a suitable legend.
4. Location of tablet to be on the roadway side of the base of the right hand pillar at the westerly end of the bridge.
5. The actual erection of the tablet in its place to be done by the Memorial Bridge Committee, and the duties of the Memorial Tablet Committee to end with the delivery of the finished tab- let to the Memorial Bridge Committee.
6. Several delays and difficulties occurred and it finally be- came evident that some increase in the appropriation would be necessary to complete the work. This increase was granted by
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Report of Edward Foster Memorial Committee
the Memorial Bridge Committee thus raising the final cost to $600.00.
7. The memorial tablet in completed state was delivered to the Memorial Bridge Committee on October 8, 1931.
ROBERT T. STEARNS, MRS. FOYE M. MURPHY, GEORGE H. OTIS,
Committee.
38
Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
Scituate, 1931
Through local and county-wide meetings of farmers and home-makers, through timely circular letters, through the 4-H clubs organized for the boys and girls of the county, and by means of personal correspondence, individual service to the farmers and members of their families, and by assisting in the orderly marketing of agricultural products, the Plymouth County Extension Service, during 1931, cooperated with every town in the county in bringing to its citizens information re- garding agriculture and homemaking. Very nearly six thousand families in the county have received assistance, in- formation, or advice from the Extension Service this past year.
Attendance at agricultural meetings increased from 4,000 to over 6,300. Office calls have doubled and telephone requests for information increased by 50%. There was a 50% increase in homemakers attending extension groups and the number attending single meetings was doubled.
Scituate farmers attended many of the meetings. Sixty- one men received regularly letters and circulars containing information on questions of poultry management, pest control in orchard and field crops and on other agricultural topics.
At one extension meeting, Paul W. Dempsey of Waltham spoke to a large group of market gardeners. At a Farm Bureau meeting held in town various agricultural questions were discussed by speakers. The county agricultural agent spoke before a meeting of the Grange. This fall a pruning meeting held in one of the orchards in town was well attended.
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Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture
During the rat control campaign 38 packages of especially prepared bait were supplied at cost to citizens of the town.
In the home program, Scituate has participated particu- larly in the home management project. Time and energy saving through better planning and working methods were stressed in the local extension groups. Homemakers have also received practical information in problems related to child care and in home gardening and canning.
Scituate 4-H members were enrolled in the garden and poultry clubs. Each member was visited by the Club agent.
Donald Parsons, poultry club member for four years, was a member of the Massachusetts Poultry Judging Team that won the national contest at New York.
It has been my pleasure to cooperate in extending locally the advantages to be derived from the Plymouth County Ex- tension Service.
FERDINAND FEOLA,
Town Director.
40
Report of the Clean-Up Committee
REPORT OF THE CLEAN-UP COMMITTEE
The annual clean up of rubbish and waste material furnished the committee with many trying conditions. The appropria- tion of $375.00 your committee received was based on condi- tions as of 1930 and the committee had every reason to believe was sufficient, but unfortunately this amount fell short and we were compelled to ask for additional funds at the special Town Meeting. Through the action of organizations, publicity through the press, and a desire on the part of individual citi- zens to take advantage of this opportunity our expenditures were increased. Nevertheless, the results were as a whole very satisfactory from a sanitary and healthful viewpoint. Encouraged by talks on sanitation by National known author- ities on prevention of disease was also a contributory factor. The waste material set out to be taken away went over 225 loads not to mention more than 20 loads picked up along the roads of the Town. The attitude of the citizens proved beyond doubt that they have shown an interest in making every effort to keep Scituate clean not allowing contaminating and infect- ious waste to accumulate. This, in itself, is very encouraging to your committee who gave of their time and effort that their fellow men and women may enjoy health. Despite the fact that your committee advertised extensively, we received on an average of 30 calls a day from citizens and householders ask- ing information pertaining to removal of rubbish. This is not to be construed as a criticism but on the contrary a tribute to those who were so interested. In addition, 10 containers were distributed throughout the Town; 4 at Scituate Harbor, 3 at North Scituate Village, 2 at Minot and 1 at the Glades. The containers were set out in March and remained until October. They are painted white with Scituate stencilled in red letters.
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Report of the Clean-Up Committee
This is the first time to our knowledge that Scituate, in its en- tirety, was fully policed by the clean up committee. Our efforts have been criticised on one hand and praised on the other. Regardless of the above, your committee went about its work with a determination to carry to a successful conclusion a dis- agreeable and thankless job.
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