USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1940-1942 > Part 7
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Town appropriations
$567,172.62
Voted to be taken from available funds in 1940
$5,000.00
Voted to be taken from available funds in 1939
5,627.33
10,627.33
$577,700.95
State Tax and Assessments:
State Tax
$29,440.00
Auditing Municipal Accounts
484.11
Hospital and Home Care for Civil War Veterans
408.00
State Parks and Reservations
315.39
County Tax and Assessments :
County Tax
19,816.52
Tuberculosis Hospital
6,088.94
Overlay for current year
7803.88
Gross Amount to be raised
$638,783.93
83
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Estimated Receipts :
Income Tax
$27,149.15
Corporation Taxes
3,259.26 13,500.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
Licenses
5,000.00
Fines
50.00
Special Assessments
600.00
General Government
1,000.00
Protection of Persons and Property
700.00
Health and Sanitation
125.00
Gasoline Tax (Acts of 1939, Chapters 232 and 504)
19,130.52
Charities
3,400.00
Old Age Assistance
12,000.00
Soldiers' Benefits
1,250.00
Schools
575.00
Water Department
90,805.97
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
5,400.00
Veterans' Exemptions
59.29
Additional Fees
500.00
1939 Public Utility Tax
3,768.83
Total Estimated Receipts
$188,273.02
Overestimates of previous years
44.60
Appropriations voted by Town to be taken from available funds
32,254.47
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds $220,572.09
Net Amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property.
$418,211.84
Number of polls-1,497 at $2.00 each
2,948.00
Total Valuation of Personal Property at $32.40
$ 973,205
31,531.81
Total Valuation of Real Estate at $32.40
11,843,585
383,732.03
Total Taxes levied on Polls and Property $418,211.84
Special Assessments:
Moth
362.75
Water
3,712.77
Total Amount of all Taxes and Assessments committed in 1940
$422,287.36
Tax on Omitted Assessment, December 31, 1940 482.76
Abatements in 1940:
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector, for 1937
$319.37
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector, for 1938
1,576.65
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector, for 1939
None
To Joseph R. Dillon, Collector, for 1940
5,356.03
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. LITCHFIELD, Chairman, HENRY T. FITTS, W. IRVING LINCOLN,
Assessors of Scituate.
84
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Selectmen of the Town of Scituate.
Gentlemen :
The Planning Board of Scituate has not given up its ideas of some day seeing a Civic Market somewhere in Town for the use of its citizens.
Your Board has been busy getting the opinion of the Town as to the advis- ability of a Building Code. Next year we expect to have a simple Code that will make for better building in some instances and will definitely protect the pros- pective owner against poorly constructed houses.
It's a pleasure to report that the legitimate builder as a whole in this Town builds as good builders should; it's mostly the outside contractor who is to blame for abuses in the Building Trades.
RALPH C. ACKERMAN, Chairman, HAMILTON W. WELCH, STEVEN C. WEBSTER, JOHN M. GOODNOW, RICHARD A. LEVANGIE, Secretary,
Scituate Planning Board.
.
LIST OF JURORS FOR 1940
Allen, Walter S., Country Way, Trainman Arcana, Frank, Ist Parish Road, Barber Balch, Clifford T., Gannett Road, Coal Salesman Barry, Frank H., Beaver Dam Road, Contractor Bates, Burleigh E., Mordecai Lincoln Rd., Painter Bearce, Eben E., Tilden Road, Painter Brenchick, William P., Tilden Road, Clerk Brown, Wilson S., Stockbridge Road, Farmer Brown, Wilmot M., Ann Vinal Road, Retired Cole, Harold W., Barker Road, Salesman Chipman, Henry E., Country Way, Salesman Drew, Arthur W., Country Way, Trainman Finnie, James, Tilden Road, Farmer Flaherty, Marcus T., Stockbridge Road, Plumber Gannett, W. Prescott, Beaver Dam Road, Plumber Gardner, Robert, Tilden Road, Foreman Gurney, Chester A., Wampatuck Ave., Carpenter Haartz, Louis O., Mann Lot Road, Electrician Hill, John F., Country Way, Poultryman
85
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT
Kingsley, Robert, Clapp Road, Carpenter
La Vange, Fred A., Ist Parish Road, Laborer Manson, William A., Stockbridge Road, Machinist
McCarthy, Edward P., Otis Street, Plumber Mitchell, Archie L., Hollett Street, Farmer Morehardt, Carl L., Marshfield Ave., Builder Murphy, James W., Tichnor Court, Mosser Murrell, Mark W., Gilson Road, Manufacturer Nichols, Benjamin, Country Way, Barber Secor, George J., Tichnor Place, Chauffeur Shea, Morris, Gannett Road, Proprietor Gas Station
Stone, Walter C., Seaview Avenue, Chauffeur Sylvester, Ralph C., Beaver Dam Road, Carpenter Taylor, John, Hazel Avenue, Clerk Turner, Lloyd A., Gannett Road, Farmer Webster, Stephen C., Cornet Stetson Road, Farmer Westerhoff, Frank L., Morton Place, Builder
Wheeler, Clarence G., Stockbridge Road, Poultryman
Whittaker, Carl A., Turner Road, Garage Proprietor Wilson, Edward I., Tilden Road, Architect
Young, Howard H., Greenfield Lane, Farmer
JAMES W. TURNER, W. IRVING LINCOLN. PHILIP S. BAILEY,
Selectmen of Scituate
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Police Department is herewith submitted for your approval.
This report is based on the activities of the Department from January 1, 1940 to December 31, 1940.
Arrests-153.
Assault and Battery
6
Assault upon police officer
2
Breaking and Entering 3
56
Disturbing the Peace
3
Delinquent Child
4
False prescription for narcotic drugs
1
86
1
Drunkenness
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT
Fishing without license
2
Insane
3
Illegitimacy
2
Larceny
7
Lewd and Lascivious Cohabitation
2
Lottery tickets in possession
2
Maintaining Lottery
3
Neglected Child
4
Non Support
7
Rape
1
Violation of Probation
1
Suspicious Person
1
Motor Vehicle Violations:
Operating under the Influence
6
Operating without license
3
Operating unregistered car
2
Operating uninsured car
2
Speeding
30
Summary :
Found not guilty
7
Fines imposed
46
Placed on file
5
Probation
22
Released-first offense-drunkenness
36
Sentenced to County and State institutions-committed
18
Suspended sentences-placed on probation
13
Turned over to other police departments
6
Complaints investigated by police officers
2678
Cottages inspected
2467
Fires covered by police officers
78
Intended sale and transfer of motor vehicles-reported
81
Motor Vehicle accidents investigated by police officers
63
Operators booked
260
Windows unlocked and lights left on
297
Pistol permits issued
25
Summonses served for other police departments.
75
REMARKS
The practice of inspecting all untenanted cottages has been carried on as in other years. These inspections are made as often as time permits. The number as listed above is the number of inspections made and is not intended to convey the idea that we have 2467 untenanted cottages in town. All business houses or stores are observed nightly to see that doors and windows are secure-and as a protection against fire and theft.
The ambulance provided by a vote of the town-for use by its citizens-in May of 1935 continues to be regarded as a blessing by those who, because of illness or injury, require this service. During the year 159 trips were made for a total mileage of 6557 miles. The total cost of upkeep amounted to $246.82, of which $50.00 was returned by nonresidents. This service required 427 hours of an officer's time or better than 47 working days of 9 hours per day. Words of .commendation, both written and oral, best indicate the deep appreciation of those to whom this service was rendered.
87
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE REPORT
Police officers are detailed to traffic duty during the school year at the Hath- erly and Jenkins Schools-three times each day, as a protection to school chil- dren while crossing the roadway. That this service minimizes the chances of injury to the pupils having occasion to cross the street at these points, and is appreciated by the parents of the children, is evidenced by the expressions of appreciation from these parents.
Details of one or more officers have covered all school activities which were public, both on the playground and the high school auditorium when requested.
The demand for special police service during the summer months has increased materially. Full time service has been rendered from June 15th to Sept. 15th at Humarock Beach and North Scituate Beach. The officers assigned to this service are each provided with one of the department's motorcycles in order to better cover the territory to which they have been assigned. A request from the Sand Hills Beach Association has been received calling for the services of a motorcycle officer from June 15th to Sept. 15th. We feel that this service is essential and that the demands from the people of these sections is not unreasonable. This added service has added but little to the cost of the department.
The heavy increase in traffic and the need of more attention to the parking problems at Scituate Harbor has called for the use of extra men. We feel that with these men now on duty at the beaches they may be called upon during the rush hours to help regulate traffic and parking at the Harbor.
A School of Instruction for police officers was held during the months of Feb- ruary and March. The instructors were special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and were obtained through the courtesy of Chief Edgar Hoover and Special Agent in Charge of the New England District V. W. Peterson. These school sessions were attended by some sixty police officers from various depart- ments in the district. The opportunity afforded the individual officer to further his knowledge on police matters is of course highly beneficial but beyond that such sessions have a tendency to create good will between officials and members of these departments and a greater promise of co-operation and co-ordination of effort when the occasion arises.
In conclusion we wish to express our deep appreciation of the support, advice and encouragement tendered us by your honorable board throughout the year. Without your co-operation, our task would indeed be more difficult and the service rendered less efficient.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL E. STEWART, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Selectmen,
School Committeemen,
Board of Health Officers,
Directors and Members of the Scituate Public Health Nursing Service:
The Nurse's annual report is what might be termed a yearly account of her stewardship. To those who have been actively engaged in helping the nurse with the health program, it reveals the fruits of their efforts to do good in the com- munity. To others, it may be a factor in stimulating their interest so that they too, will be able to contribute in some measure to the welfare and happiness of the townspeople.
88
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE REPORT
The general program has followed about the same pattern as in previous years, with occasional changes made from time to time.
Our objectives are familiar to you all. The Public Health Nursing Service, in conjunction with the Departments of School, Welfare, and Board of Health, provides an organized service which includes the interpretation of medical, sanitary, and social procedures for the correction of defects, prevention of disease, and promotion of health in the community.
Number of Nursing Visits
195
Number of Free Nursing Visits
44
Number of Prenatal Visits
6
Number of Infant Welfare Visits
27
Number of School Visits
129
Number of Home Visits for School Children
58
Number of Home Visits for Preschool Children
38
Number of Children taken home ill
14
Number of Follow up Visits
140
Number of Local Clinics
103
Number of Hospital Clinic Visits
201
Number of Doctor's Office Visits
36
Number of Office Visits
269
Number of Conferences (with health workers)
142
Number of Public Health Meetings attended
38
Number of Unclassified Visits pertaining to Public Health Work
809
Total Number of Visits
2249
Trips for transportation for local clinics, approximately
300
Telephone communications, approximately
2000
The morbidity service shows a considerable decrease in the number of visits. This is, however, offset by the number of visits to hospitals and clinics made in the interest of cases under the Federal and State Old Age Assistance Program.
Visits made for prenatal service were fewer in number this year, since nearly all patients received hospital care.
The Well Child Conference was held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, and was well attended with the exception of a few times when traveling was difficult.
The Diphtheria Prevention Clinic was held in the Spring. Seventy-nine (79) children were immunized against diphtheria. Dr. Alexander and Dr. Stalk con- ducted the clinic.
The Preschool health examination was held, and many of the children found to have defects, had corrections made before entering school.
The Dental Clinic for preschool Children was held during the summer. Dr. John Crimmins was in charge.
For the School age group, the following services were available:
School Dental Clinic, in charge of Dr. W. B. Parsons.
Hearing Tests with the aid of the audiometer. These tests were made by Anna J. Foley, of the County Health Department.
Vision tests were made by the school principals.
Several children were cared for in the Habit Clinic, and Clinic for the men- tally retarded.
89
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE REPORT
An opportunity was given to all children in the High School to receive a check-up for the purpose of discovering tuberculosis in this age group. The report showed:
Skin tests made
156
Reactors
36
X-rays
(Negative 34)
3
Physical examinations
5
Discharged from follow up
2
Left school
3
Total number of pupils on follow up group 5. Known contacts were checked at the Plymouth County Hospital.
There was a mild outbreak of chicken pox, whooping cough, and a few cases of scarlet fever. Cases reported were:
Chicken Pox
26
Whooping Cough 47
Scarlet Fever
8
Mumps
4
This year the Nursing Service did not sponsor a clinic for the removal of defective tonsils and adenoids. Limited funds was the reason for omitting this service.
During the past twenty-one years, the Nursing Service has been provided with office space without expense to the Organization. For the past twelve years, the scope of the work has been gradually widening so that more room was required for records and supplies, and for carrying on regular business. Fortunately, a place just suited to the needs of the Organization became available for rental in June; and the Board, after giving serious thought to the expense of maintaining headquarters, finally voted to go through with the plans. This office has been a means of creating more interest in the work of the Organization, and many people have expressed their willingness to give support for its upkeep.
The office has also been used to provide placement service to those seeking various kinds of employment; also for the distribution of clothing, supplies, and health material.
In the spring, the nurse and two Board Members, Mrs. Murray Trefrey and Mrs. Kenneth Mayo took a course in "Mental Hygiene." Meetings and classes in other subjects were also attended by the Board Members and Nurse during the year.
To all who have helped with the work, I express my sincere appreciation. In working together, let us keep in mind as a guide, the words of the late Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes, "I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, so much as in what direction we are moving." May we be given the light to go forward in that direction which will enable us to do most for the needs of our fellowmen.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET J. O'DONNELL, R.N., Public Health Nurse.
90
37
Continued on follow up group
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM REPORT
ADMINISTRATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM
PRESENT SET-UP: Annual appropriation made at March Meeting to pro- vide one Public Health Nurse for a generalized Health Program. (Nurse to meet with State and National qualifications for Public Health Nurses) to be employed under the direction of:
SELECTMEN BOARD OF HEALTH
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE, INC.
OBJECTIVES: To better the living conditions of individuals and families through education, and to provide skilled nursing care for the sick in the homes.
Nurse's responsibility to each Department :
SELECTMEN: Care of the Indigent (non-relief cases) . Soldiers' Relief Cases. General Community Health Interests.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE:
Cooperating with this Board in getting patients to Clinics. Reporting cases and carrying out recommendations of the Board. (Old Age Assistance Cases, Aid to Dependent Children, Border line cases).
Recommendation by this Department, that due to the number of Old Age Assistance Cases, more time is needed for health supervision. This Board feels that because of the pressure of work by the combined Departments, it has been reluctant to put more duties on the Nurse. Yet, the Board agrees on the fact that much could be accomplished, and Old Age Pension Recipients would fare better if more health supervision could be given them.
BOARD OF HEALTH: (Function of Public Health Nurse)
To plan and direct clinics for communicable disease control, and measures for disease prevention. Aid Department in finding T. B. cases (provide exami- nation, and supervision of contacts). Aid Department in finding Syphilis and Gonorrhea cases and providing transportation for treatment (supervision of con- tacts). Local Clinics (Baby Clinic, Preschool Dental Clinic, Preschool Clinic, School Dental Clinic (grade schools) Diphtheria Prevention Clinic, Tuberculosis Clinic) Follow up on communicable disease cases.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT: (Program in conjunction with Board of Health)
Assists School Physician with examinations.
Makes Home Visits for Children (follow up on physical defects) .
Checks up on absentees whenever possible.
Assists with clinics (preschool, Preschool Dental, Dental, and Audiometer tests) .
Arranges with parents in cooperation with family physician for correction of physical defects.
91
PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE REPORT
Class room inspections (periodic and emergency) (First Aid)
Health Records-(Letters and notifications to parents)
Conferences with Parents and Teachers.
Weighing and measuring classes (underweights)
Guidance (mental clinics) conferences with parents, teachers, pupils in social maladjustment.
The wide range of school health activities, clinics, first aid treatments, inspec- tions, individual conferences, attendance work should necessitate the presence of the nurse throughout the school day. This type of work cannot be scheduled for a definite time in the day, but must be carried out as the occasion or need arises.
The recent epidemic of colds and grippe, and in some instances influenza, has indicated the need for more school health service. With one nurse doing part- time work in the schools, it frequently happens that she is busy with duties else- where in the community when she is needed in one of the three schools. Some- times, this means quite a delay before the nurse can answer the call. Therefore, the School Department could very well use more of the nurse's time.
NURSING SERVICE:
A volunteer agency which assists the nurse in carrying on a generalized health program in the Town. This Organization raises funds for use in conjunction with Town Departments. Until a few years ago this Organization provided the car for transportation of patients and nurse. The cost was more than the Nursing Service could meet, and by vote of the townspeople, an appropriation was made to take care of this expense.
Prenatal, home delivery, postpartum, infant welfare, preschool, morbidity service, follow up, health education in the community (School, Youth, and Adult) . (See Nursing Service Pamphlet.)
THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
During 1940, the Plymouth County Extension Service has performed its usual function of helping rural, village, and city people with the problems of farming, homemaking, and 4-H club training. Each year ever-increasing demands are being made on this organization to organize, administer, and teach programs of national, state, county, and town importance.
The agricultural department has a wide range of services for commodity groups in dairying, poultry husbandry, fruit and vegetable culture, cranberry growing, general livestock management, forestry, and many other subjects. In each of these, special emphasis has been placed on marketing in recognition of this need with production problems more completely solved than those of mer- chandising.
Close cooperation and collaboration have been maintained with local organi- zations and other federal agencies. Some of these are as follows: Plymouth County Farm Bureau, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, Plymouth County Poultry Association, Bristol-Plymouth Fruit Growers' Association, Satucket Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and Brockton Cooperative Egg Auction Association, The Federal Land Bank, Taunton Production Credit Association, Farm Security Administration, and the Agricultural Conservation Program.
92
WATER COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
The Home Demonstration Department held meetings in every town in Plymouth County during the past year. Emphasis was placed on home beautification, food preservation, nutrition, health and recreation. In addition to meetings, other help was given by letters, phone calls and home visits.
4-H club work not only develops agricultural and homemaking ability among its boys and girls, but trains them also in self reliance, good sportsmanship and good citizenship. Clothing, home furnishing and food projects teach girls a greater appreciation of good home and community living, while in the stock and crop raising projects boys are shown the value of modern methods as well as getting a knowledge of business.
4-H club work is a truly American idea, for all of America's youth.
The course which the Extension Service follows is largely determined by local people. Your board of trustees, town directors, women's advisory council, and commodity committeemen, have by a majority approved these programs. The service of all departments is available to everyone. The Extension Service has its place in bringing to the attention of Plymouth County people the principles of good farming, good homemaking and good citizenship.
Briefly, some of the accomplishments for Plymouth County in 1940 which may be shown statistically, are as follows:
Number of meetings conducted
877
Attendance at these meetings
26,650
Farm and Home Visits made
2,233
Number of different circular letters
293
Total circulation of these circular letters
95,656
Number of 4-H clubs
101
Number of 4-H members enrolled
1,881
Number Home Demonstration Clubs
115
Number women enrolled
2,171
The financial assistance and moral support of Scituate is greatly appreciated by the people the Extension Service assists. A continuation of its support is justified on the record it has achieved. Its influence cannot be measured by monetary values, but its educational programs and individual assistance constitute one measure in the first line of national defense.
CHARLES E. MITCHELL,
Town Director.
STATEMENT OF BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS TO TOWN OF SCITUATE
It is pleasing to report vast improvements in the water system. The replacing of small lines with eight-inch mains, and the steady cxtension of a water supply to new takers continue. We recommend, for full details of the work done and improvements made in 1940, a careful study of the report of the Superintendent of the Water Department, which follows. The actual cost to the Town has been surprisingly small because of federal aid on many projects.
93
WATER COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
The extension of an eight-inch main, one and a quarter miles to Fourth Cliff under the most difficult conditions was accomplished at a cost of $13,382.24. Of this, only $2882.24 was paid by the Water Department; interested parties paid $10,500.
Annually in January the rates are fixed, and our income is estimated, and work for the year is planned.
At the Town Meeting in March each year, various projects are voted, new streets are accepted, and the Water Department finds itself saddled with expendi- tures for which there are no available funds. We think that the best interests of both the Town and the Water Department would be met by including in each article accepting a street, enough money to lay the water main when one is to be required. When there is need of a new street, a water main is needed also. If the street already contains a shallow main, the construction will require its removal, and it should be replaced by a permanent line below frost. This obviously should be done before a new street is surfaced.
Every citizen will be interested in the figures that follow.
This statement is a comparison of the conditions in the Water Department when Scituate took it over in 1931 and conditions and costs as of 1940.
1931
1940
Increase
Decrease
Value
$742,123.48
$942,893.17
27 50%
Mains
39.8 ms.
59.6 ms.
Hydrants
223
335
50%
Services
2283
2775
21.5%
Rates
$34. Ist op. Tub,w.c.
$21.00
38%
Fire Serv.
Rate/hyd.
$125.
$97.00
22.5%
Bonds paid
$264,590.00 235,542.50
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