USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1931-1933 > Part 27
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8
Town Officers
ate; Albert Ainslie, North Scituate; Cecil Babbitt, North Scituate; Samuel Wilson, Greenbush; John J. Kelley, Humarock.
District Engineers-District No. 1, James Finnie, Scitu- ate; District No. 2, Wendell W. Whittaker, Green- bush; District No. 3, Archie W. Torrey, North Scitu- ate; District No. 4, Albert F. Turner, North Scitu- ate; District No. 5, Allerton L. Bonney, Scituate Centre.
Chief of Fire Department-Archie W. Torrey, North Scituate.
Town Counsel-Vernon W. Marr, North Scituate.
Town Engineer-Henry A. Litchfield, Egypt.
Forest Warden-Archie W. Torrey, North Scituate.
Superintendent of Moth Work-William F. Ford, North Scituate.
Sealer of Weights and Measures-Eugene H. Lane, North Scituate.
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. Barce, Egypt; Charles F. Andrews, Scituate Centre.
Public Weighers-John S. Fitts, Greenbush; Ellis B. Damon, Greenbush; Frank W. Clapp, Greenbush ;
9
Town Officers
Harry Whittaker, Greenbush; Andrew J. Fillmore, Scituate Centre; Daniel A. Vines, Greenbush ; Henry J. Vines, Greenbush; Arthur H. Lane, Scituate Cen- tre; Arthur Palmer, Scituate; Russell L. Fish, North Scituate; J. Edward Gillis, Scituate; Henry T. Fitts, Scituate; James A. Anderson, North Scituate, Clif- ford T. Balch, North Scituate; Fred Joseph, Green- bush.
OTHER APPOINTED OFFICERS
Superintendent of Schools-Harold C. Wingate, Egypt.
Inspectors of Plumbing-Philip S. Bailey, North Scitu- ate; Associate Inspector, William H. Harney, Scitu- ate.
Inspector of Meat-Edwin L. Merritt, Greenbush.
Inspector of Milk-George H. Otis, Scituate.
10
Report of Selectmen
REPORT OF SELECTMEN 1933
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Never before except in time of war have civilized people been so quavering in the conduct of their affairs as at the present. One of the chief characteristics of this period is its transitional character. This uncertainty makes itself felt in almost every phase of life. The for- mer way of doing things fails to work, and the new ways are not yet established, but it now appears that we are emerging from the throes of the worst depression in all time. There is a rift in the cloud of unemployment which has darkened our town, but the sun is breaking through, and men are going back to work. Construction and road repairs and water works extension are among our most desirable public works projects. It is in addition, a sound investment. It ultimately returns its cost out of revenue, or savings in taxes or rates. Delaying such projects is deferring a sound program and withholding needed em- ployment, thus delaying recovery. During the present year the new 3A route which skirts the westerly section of our town has been completed. Additional fore shore protection involving an expenditure of $75,000.00 in the form of breakwaters and rip rap is nearly completed. Nineteen thirty four will see the replacement of the pres- ent wooden Little's Bridge by a modern cement structure which will adequately meet all traffic needs. At this time we wish to express our gratitude for the helpfulness and
11
Report of Selectmen
co-operation of the Planning Board, other officials, de- partments, and public spirited citizens, for their assist- ance in solving our problems. We advise no capricious innovations to a tax weary people; on the other hand, we advocate roads that are well built, lighted, and well main- tained, an abundant supply of safe, palatable water, sani- tary disposal of garbage, fire and police departments properly trained and equipped. Our slogan is "Forward Scituate".
Respectfully submitted,
W. IRVING LINCOLN, Chairman, HARRY F. CLEVERLY, DANIEL A. VINES,
Board of Selectmen.
12
Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1933
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Your Board of Public Welfare have the same prob- lems to meet as always, but these problems are intensi- fied by the unemployment situation. An earnest effort has been made to secure work for the members of needy families, whenever possible. Federal food commodities have been distributed to those standing in need, with strict compliance to the policy of State authorities. We wish to extend thanks and keen appreciation in the co- ordination and cordial co-operation rendered by the local Red Cross and Community Chest for assistance in per- forming our duties. Although rigorous investigations have been made as to the resources of applicants, sympa- thetic consideration has been extended in all cases seek- ing aid, and deserving ones have been granted relief promptly. We who are officials administering public funds have a great responsibility. Too drastic an attitude might cause great harm. Relief is administered in so far as possible in such a way as to stimulate hope and trust in the fairness of our community because we are plunged into a situation where people are the victims of circum- stance. A few years ago the Welfare Department really had no financial problem. Its expenditures were fairly constant from year to year. The burden imposed on the
13
Board of Public Welfare
taxpayer because of the expenditure was not considered excessive or oppressive. Now a greater responsibility rests on the Department than ever before. Its problems are vitally connected with the community in which we live. No effort should be spared to the end that these problems may be intelligently and sanely considered and solved.
Respectfully submitted,
W. IRVING LINCOLN, Chairman, HARRY F. CLEVERLY, DANIEL A. VINES,
Board of Public Welfare.
14
Report of Town Counsel
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL 1933
I have presented to the Board of Selectmen some proposed by-laws which it would seem to me wise for the town to enact to define the position and duties of town counsel. In these days of seeking economy I re- luctantly informa the citizens that the appropriation for legal services has been inadequate during the past two years and has required me as a matter of public service to perform professional services of an important nature at the end of each year without compensation and at some personal sacrifice. The year prior to these years, I was able to leave a substantial balance to return to the E. and D. fund of the town.
For the coming year we have two pending tort ac- tions, one property damage and one personal injuries; and one large tax abatement claim which if not settled will mean expensive litigation. The work relief program of the town may also necessitate some legal services. Suits are likely also to be necessary to enforce reimburse- ment for aid furnished persons having a legal settlement in other cities and towns.
In 1933 final judgment was entered for the Inhabi- tants of the Town of Scituate in the following Superior Court cases :
Plymouth, ss. - Brown vs. Town. Plymouth, ss. - Callahan vs. Town. Suffolk, ss. - Anna Shea vs. Town.
15
Report of Town Counsel
During the past year new legislation such as the Alcoholic Beverage Acts meant considerable prompt legal assistance. Likewise, the proposed $100,000.00 public works project necessitated the furnishing of much legal data required by the Federal Government although the project was not acted upon by the town.
Legal matters are much misunderstood by the pub- lic. The nature of legal problems requires reliance upon counsel in an unusual degree. Realizing that the "mystery of the law" does excite criticism, I invite my fellow citi- zens to continue to confer and write me frankly and con- fidentially upon any subject pertaining to the legal affairs of the Town while I may serve as town counsel.
Faithfully yours,
VERNON W. MARR,
16
Report of the Chief of Police
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The report of the Police Department is herewith respectfully submitted for your approval. This report is based upon the activities of the department from Jan. 1, 1933 to to Dec. 31, 1933.
Arrests, 176.
CAUSES OF COURT ACTION
Assault and Battery
1
Assault - armed with dangerous weapon
1
Assault on Police Officer
1
Adultery
2
Breaking and Entering dwelling in the night time
1
Breaking and Entering - poultry house
1
Bastardy
1
Disturbing the Peace
10
Drunkenness
62
False Alarm of Fire
3
Insane
3
Injury to property
7
Lewd and Lascivious Cohabitation
2
Larceny of motor vehicles
2
Larceny
7
Larceny - attempt
1
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Report of the Chief of Police
Non-Support 3
Receiving stolen property 1
Suspicious Persons 6
Violating terms of probation
1
Liquor Violations :
Violation of the U. S. Customs 18
Motor Vehicle Violations :
Operating under the Influence 10
Operating - no registration 1
Operating unreasonable speed 15
Operating - not being licensed
4
Operating so as to endanger
5
Operating - improper lights 1
Operating - improper brakes 1
Refusing to stop on signal of officer 2
Leaving scene of accident-not making self known 1
Motor Vehicle - unlawful appropriation 2
SUMMARY - DISPOSITIONS
Number of fines imposed 41
Amount of fines imposed $1,100.00
Amount of fines credited to the town 454.65
Balance in amount of fines, accounted for in ap-
peals to the Superior Court and amount
reverting to the credit of the Commonwealth (Auto Cases)
Held for the Grand Jury 4
Number of appeals to the Superior Court 9
Sentenced to County and State Institutions 6
Dispositions not accounted for in the above summary were disposed of by being released, placed on file, proba- tion, turned over to Federal authorities or other police departments and in one instance the defendant was found not guilty.
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Report of the Chief of Police
SUMMARY OF INCIDENTALS
Notice of intended sale or transfer of motor vehicles 97
Summonses served for other Police Departments
Unlocked buildings secured by Police Officers 93
118
Fires covered by Police Officers 69
Fires discovered by Police Officers 4
Complaints investigated by Police Officers 1,235
Motor Vehicle accidents investigated by Police Officers 52
Windows not secured and lights left on in stores, etc., investigated by Police Officers 206
Pistol permits issued
18
Operators booked by Police Officers
139
Cottage inspections
3,417
Motor Vehicle Mileage from Jan. 1, 1933 to Dec. 31, 1933 :
Police Auto (Buick) 19,241
Police Auto (Ford) 29,935
M. C. No. 1
1,303
M. C. No. 2
2,279
M. C. No. 3
1,377
M. C. No. 4
1,192
REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Police service of today calls for the type of officer who is alert and on the job every minute. He must know what to do and how to do it, when the occasion calls for action.
Many agencies have been created of late, to study into crime and its causes and how best to combat it. Among the agencies, is Governor Ely's "Special Crime
19
Report of the Chief of Police
Commission", the District Attorneys of Massachusetts, under the leadership of Attorney General Joseph A. Warner, Esq., the Chiefs of Police Association and others. All of these bodies are strong advocates of modern police methods and their recommendations embrace every de- vice which would tend to promote more efficient police service.
These recommendations include radio receiving sets, gas equipment, finger-printing outfits, teletype, etc. They lay particular stress on the need of police schools of in- struction to better equip officers with the knowledge necessary to properly fit themselves to perform the du- ties of a police officer. We feel justifiably proud of the fact that for the past three years police school sessions have been held in the study library of the High School, for Scituate Police Officers. At these sessions we have been privileged to have as instructors men well equipped and capable of imparting the knowledge, so essential to a police officer, if he hopes to attain anything resembling efficiency in coping with the ever increasing problems of his work.
For the past year the "cruiser car" has been equipped with a radio receiving set, a similar set having been in- stalled in the Police Station. These sets have on many occasions proven their worth and have convinced us that the radio is an indispensable part of our equipment.
The cooperation of the State Police is a big factor in this service. We have always found this organization ready and obliging when requested to broadcast mes- sages for this department.
For this service we are grateful and extend our thanks and appreciation to the officers and men of the
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Report of the Chief of Police
State Police, particularly those men assigned to the head- quarters at Bridgewater and the Norwell troop station.
MOTOR EQUIPMENT
The motor equipment of the department consists of two automobiles and four motor cycles. Both autos should be exchanged for new cars in the interest of economy. The Buick, a 1928 model, has been operated better than 100,000 miles and has outlived its usefulness. The past year has found this car constantly in need of re- pairs or adjustments and has for this reason proven to be an added expense to the department. We have one 1928 motor cycle which should be exchanged.
STATION HOUSE
We recommend that an oil burner be installed in the heater at the Police Station. This recommendation is made in the interest of cleanliness and health and because it is felt a saving can be made on the cost of fuel.
We respectfully suggest that you give consideration to a plan which would call for an excavation beneath the building and provide a space for the heater. We believe that such arrangement would greatly facilitate the heat- ing of the building at a reduced cost. In addition the excavation would provide work for some of the unem- ployed men in town.
INSPECTION OF COTTAGES
All untenanted or summer homes are inspected peri- odically and an inspection tag with day and date and num- ber of inspecting officer is left at property inspected. Any
21
Report of the Chief of Police
condition which calls for attention is noted and owner notified. Owners of these properties are pleased at this service and frequently express their appreciation by let- ter to this office.
STATE ROAD
The new State Highway from Hingham to Green- bush has added to the traffic problems locally. That the new roadway, at present, with the intersections narrow and hidden from view, presents a hazard goes without saying. It is hoped that your Board, appreciating the dangerous conditions there, as we know you do, will con- tinue to seek the cooperation of the State authorities in . making this highway and its intersections more safe for travel. Traffic lights, "stop and go" would seem the most advisable safety device. The installation of such lights, we understand, is based on the volume of traffic over & given period, usually 24 hours. In the meantime it is suggested that strong electric lamps be installed on the town ways where they intersect the new road. This de- partment has already taken steps, in cooperation with the State Police patrol, to better police the area. This patrol while primarily intended to protect motorists, will vigor- ously prosecute violators of the. motor vehicle laws.
We recommend that a police signal light and tele- phone be installed at the intersection of First Parish Road and the new highway.
CONCLUSION
We take this opportunity to commend the alertness of Patrolman Edward W. Carson in the discovery of a fire on Cherry Lane, Minot, at 1.30 A. M., January 8, 1934. Failure to have discovered this fire before it broke
22
Report of the Chief of Police
loose, would undoubtedly have caused incalculable loss of property in the district. Although the discovery of this fire took place after the report for 1933 had been sub- mitted, we feel that it is fitting and proper that the re- port be re-opened for the insertion of this item.
The aim of this department is service; prompt, cour- teous and efficient. Every complaint made to this office has received the attention of the department and has been investigated and every effort made to attain results. It has been a pleasure to work with your honorable board and we hope that we have justified the confidence im- posed in us by your appointment of us to office.
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. STEWART,
Chief of Police.
23
Report of Fire Department
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Realizing the necessity of economy the Fire Depart- ment was compelled to keep its expense as low as possible : hence the inability to purchase needed equipment or ma- terial except replacements. The coming year the budget will be slightly increased to provide for the extra expense caused by the Federal projects, and the possibility of ob- taining new equipment. The Fire Trucks are badly in need of paint. Also the purchase of gas masks and Fire Freeze equipment all appear necessary.
The fires numbered 75 as follows: Building 35. Gar- age 1, Auto 6, Chimney 16. Oil Burner 4. Boats 2. Rescue 2. Bridge 2, False 1, and Cohasset 6. Insurance loss $8,100.00.
The Department was offered the opportunity by the State Department of Education to enroll two of its fire- men in the State Fire School for a ten weeks' course at Brockton. The offer was accepted and the result will be a better trained fire department.
The recently adopted system whereby 21 firemen re- spond to all alarms has proven effective and efficient. the average attendance at fires under this plan for the year
24
Report of Fire Department
was 72%. The timely discovery of two fires by the police officers undoubtedly averted damaging results.
The C. W. A. projects both of water mains with ad- ditional hydrants and water holes will enable the Fire Department to furnish better fire protection and also re- duce insurance costs to the property owner.
The regular inspections through the business sec- tions of the Town have been made with satisfactory re- sults. Much improved conditions could be brought about with the adoption of zoning, building laws, and street numbering.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY, JAMES FINNIE, ALBERT F. TURNER, WENDELL W. WHITTAKER, ALLERTON L. BONNEY,
Board of Engineers.
:
25
Report of Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the year of 1933 the Forest Fire Department responded to 46 woods and grass fires, none of these caused any loss to insurable property.
The Federal Government through its C. W. A. fire control projects has added considerably to the fire protec- tion of both woods and buildings in the town. It was found to be obligatory that the Forest Fire Department meet the cost of some of the equipment for this work to be accomplished.
With the completion of the new 3A route the De- partment has been given access to a greater area of woods and incidentally to natural water holes which will serve to a great advantage in the suppression of forest fires. Several hydrants also have been added in the haz- ardous sections. The Department strongly recommends the brushing and clearing out of the existing fire trails.
The permit law offenders gave the Department less trouble than before, yet all must be reminded that the law is as always: permits must be obtained from the Forest Warden for all out door fires.
The amount appropriated for this year was insuffi- cient to cover the expense of labor, truck, pump repairs
26
Report of Forest Warden
and the purchase of 1,000 feet of 1-inch hose, conse- quently a larger sum will be asked for in 1934.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE W. TORREY,
Forest Warden.
27
Report of Board of Health
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH 1933
This year the Board of Health has been very fortu- nate in being able to return to the Town the sum of $538.33 out of its appropriation of $9,450.00. The money set aside for several different items, which we are obliged to include in our budget, has not been disturbed.
We are asking for an increased budget this year to take care of increased Hospitalization, Anti-toxin Clinics, Care of Beaches, the return of Marriage and Death Certi- ficates and contingent expenses.
This year there were twenty-five cases of reportable diseases reported to this Board. Twelve cases of dog bite were reported but no case of rabies. There have been granted : Forty-five milk licenses, fourteen denatured al- cohol licenses and one oleomargarine license.
Fifteen written complaints (including several from Humarock Beach) were received which were investigated and settled satisfactorily. The Board has also made regu- lar tours of inspection. The inspectors connected with this department have cooperated with the Board and have performed their duties in a satisfactory manner.
The Board respectfully suggests that all garbage be kept in containers with covers attached and that the over- flowing of cesspools and other nuisances be promptly at-
28
Report of Board of Health
tended to. We ask everyone who has rubbish or waste material of any kind to carry same to the Town dump and not clutter up the roadsides. Old cars should be left at the dump only under direction of the care-taker.
We are asking the citizens to respect the rights of their neighbors and to co-operate with the Board of Health in making the Town of Scituate a cleaner and healthier place in which to live.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. GROVESTEIN, FREDERICK R. CHASE, GEORGE H. OTIS,
Board of Health.
29
Report of Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK FOR 1933
There were 45 licenses granted in 1933.
All independent dairies in this town were inspected and found acceptable.
There have been no epidemics in town this year traceable to milk.
Samples of milk were taken from the various dairies and the report from the examining Chemist showed very satisfactory results. The dairies in this town produce clean and wholesome milk.
Many of our local dairies have gone out of business, large out of town companies replacing them.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. OTIS,
Inspector of Milk.
30
Report of Park Commissioners
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Voters of Scituate:
Due to the damage caused by the storm at the Cliff at North Scituate beach it was necessary to purchase quite a large amount of loam for filling. Nearly the whole Cliff had to be re-seeded.
A cement walk was built around the pond on Law- son's Park to keep the water cleaner.
An overflow to the sewer was dug at the Police Sta- tion.
The large parks throughout the town were given good attention and due to the use of a small truck pur- chased by the department, we were able to visit the small- er parks frequently and in this way they received better attention than ever before.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST F. LITCHFIELD, Chairman, GEORGE V. YENETCHI, JOHN F. DALBY,
Park Commissioners.
31
Report of the Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Scituate:
During the past year we have planted one hundred and seventy-eight trees; namely, maples, elms, lindens and willows.
The elm leaf beetle is becoming as bad as it was from 1915 to 1919. The elms in this town are the finest on the South Shore, and it is too bad there cannot be a small appropriation made to keep them free from the beetle.
The gypsy and brown tail moth are very bad in sur- rounding towns, and are rapidly spreading into Scituate.
All brush on the corners and intersections of the town have been removed to make travel more safe.
Yours respectfully,
WILLIAM F. FORD,
Tree, Warden.
32
Report of Town Forestry Committee
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE 1933
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Each year shows great improvement on the growth of trees and work accomplished; at both Mann Lot and Pinson Hill Town forests; at the latter place the building of the stone wall has been completed this year, and five or more acres gone over, trees trimmed and bushes cut, providing quite a few days' work for a number of the unemployed in town.
MARY E. CRESSY,
Secretary.
33
Plymouth County Extension Service
1933 REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE FOR SCITUATE
The rapidly changing economic conditions of the past year have created many pressing problems for farmers of the county. The Extension Service has been called upon more frequently than ever before to furnish infor- mation and advice that the farms of the county might be operated as efficiently as possible, that families might use their resources to the best advantage and that boys and girls might learn through their 4-H clubs to assist in meeting the problems of their parents.
Through county-wide and local meetings, tours and demonstrations, through circular and personal letters, farm and home visits, office and telephone calls, and through such other agencies as the "Farmer" and news- paper articles, information, instruction and advice have been made available to farmers of all classes, to the home- makers of the county and to 4-H club members. Over 3000 farmers and in all nearly 7500 different individuals in Plymouth County have been in direct contact with the Extension Service during the past year.
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