USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Mattapoisett > Town annual report of the officers of Mattapoisett, Mass 1951 > Part 13
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Town of Mattapoisett :
I herewith submit my report as Chief of the Matta- poisett Fire Department for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1952.
There were 39 calls; 26 alarms and 13 stills.
Buildings
6
Chimney
2
Automobile
5
Town Dump
6
Incinerator
2
Flooded oil burner
4
Grass
8
Woods
5
Assistance to Fairhaven
1
Total 39
Permits issued
Oil burner
83
L. P. Gas
96
Out door burning 314
Convalescent Home Inspections
2
Calls for the resusitator
1
Losses :
Building
$2,464.80
Automobile
1,648.56
Total
$4,113.36
GEORGE C. BRADLEY,
Chief
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit a report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
OFFENCES AND COMPLAINTS
Drunkenness
7
Breaking and entering
13
Warnings issued to operators
30.
Larceny
2
Auto accidents
55
Disturbances
8
Breaking and entering (nightime)
10
Breaking glass (windows)
6
Disturbing the peace
9
Vandalism, destruction and removal of signs
2
Hit and run
2
Larceny by check
2 8
Driving while intoxicated
Driving to endanger
7
Being an unlicensed operator
1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
1
Breaking and entering intent to commit larceny
2
Larceny under $100.00
1 2
Stolen cars
2 8
Abandoned cars
2
Capsized boats
6
Assault and battery
4
Car breaks
House breaks
112
Non-support
1
Fornication
1
Adultry
1
Licenses revoked
33
Juvenile case in court
3
Speeding
4
Stolen bicycles
4
Miscellaneous complaints
267
Auto transfers
277
Capias
3
Violation True Name Law
2
Drunk, disturbing
2
Summons
16
Warrants
15
Lockup (Wareham)
17
Middleboro Court
2
Plymouth Court
3
Wareham Court
25
Registration of bicycle plates
115
Dog cases
70
Transportation of Town Treasurer to and from New Bedford 36 times
Fines in court $345.00
AMBULANCE CASES
Tobey Hospital, Wareham, Mass.
14
Acushnet Hospital, Acushnet, Mass.
1
Taunton State Hospital, Taunton, Mass.
2
Pondville Hospital, Wrentham, Mass. 5
Union Hospital, New Bedford, Mass. 1 Boston, Mass. 2
West Brookfield, Mass. 1
113
Davis Park Hospital, Providence, R. I. 1 20
Town cases
Rest homes
15
Town of Marion
2
Town of Rochester
1
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, Mass.
40
Total 105
During 1952 telephone calls, complaints, reports, ambulance cases, non-injury accidents and persons in- jured in accidents all increased. These increases have placed more responsibilities and work on our depart- ment than has even been the case before. This is to be expected in view of the fact that there are more summer residents now than ever before in the history of our town. Likewise, there are more year-round resi- dents. There is a greater flow of traffic through our town, too. It is therefore understandable that with more residents, more property and more traffic there exists a greater problem in handling law-enforcement. We would like to point out, it follows that the greatest strain falls on your Chief who, of necessity under the present system, must be both day patrolman and still fulfill the obligations of the head of a department. I would like to state, however, that in spite of this I am doing my utmost to see to it that this department han- dles all matters as expediently as it is possible. We are well aware of our responsibilities to the people of this town. This report is intended to enlighten an clarify on many points.
On the matter of equipment - there will, very shortly, be an additional radio service. At present we receive our radio calls through the Fairhaven Po- lice Station. Fairhaven will continue to be our main station. We are now arranging to receive calls through to our cruiser and ambulance from the Wareham Police Department Radio Station as well. This is indeed an
114
advantageous addition to our present service. The radio-phone operates within a 35 mile radius of either radio station. Both towns obligingly will give the Town of Mattapoisett free service on all calls.
The roster of the Mattapoisett Police Department for 1952 was as follows.
Chief of Police Night Officer School Officer 6 Reserve Police Officers 20 Auxiliary Police Officers
In closing I would like to thank the many who so willingly cooperate in making the work of the Police Department a lighter task. On benalf of myself and members of my department, I wish to thank the hon- orable Board of Selectmen for their support and co- operation. I also wish to thank those on the com- mittee who assisted me in making the ambulance fund such a fine success. We are indebted to the Po- lice Association for the much needed radio in the am- bulance which they generously donated.
Respectfully submitted,
ALDEN S. KINNEY,
Chief of Police
.
Report of Herring Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Following the plan started by a former inspector, the late John C. Perry approximately eight thousand herrings were again transferred from the Taunton River to Snipatuit Pond. This makes the third year this has been done and completes the cycle of herring life. The result of this program will be seen this year when the descendants of the 1950 run will be back to spawn in the same spot they themselves were spawned.
In 1952 a permanent fishway was installed by the Department of Fisheries at the Rounseville Mill cross- ing which proved satisfactory.
A temporary fishway was installed at the Matta- poisett Weir which was not satisfactory. This fish would not enter it with its three easy jumps preferr- ing to take the one jump over the flash boards of the two remaining sluice ways.
Your inspector was going to suggest its removal but a storm in January causing flood waters washed the whole works down stream.
In closing I wish to thank the Selectmen and Po- lice Department for their cooperation, also the Select- men of Rochester for providing a police officer when needed at the Rounseville Mill fishway.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. DEXTER,
Herring Inspector
7
Report of Shellfish Constable
To the Citizens of Mattapoisett :
During the past year five different shellfish areas have, at various times, been closed, in line with the propagation program being conducted by Mr. Everett Eldridge. Two have now been re-opened, hence there are at present only three restricted areas. These are all situated within the harbor proper. Your Shellfish Constable has made every effort to see that these re- strictions have not been violated.
Help has been given to Mr. Eldridge in his pro- gram on "shellfish enemies". This has been in check- ing starfish delivered at the Town Wharf by scallop- ers. Help was also given in planting shellfish seed.
Record was kept of the number of people taking shellfish on the flats and in the waters of the Town. This number was 2252.
Routine policing of the digging areas and of the boats landing scallops at the Wharf revealed the fol- lowing violations :
2 taking seed quahaugs
1 taking seed scallops
14 digging in restricted areas
5 residents digging without a license
4 summer-residents digging without a license
24 non-residents found digging
1 person taking an excess amount.
In the case of non-residents who are found dig- ging, they are forced to throw back the amount taken and are warned that they are in violation of the law.
117
The amount of shellfish thus saved for the potential use of residents of the Town is an appreciable amount.
It is note-worthy, this year, that every violator was a first offender. This would indicate that among people acquainted with the law, there is a conscious- ness that it is unwise to break said law in this Town. Furthermore, it may be assumed that those in viola- tion were doing so in ignorance and not in malice. Many were new-comers, who may have never lived in a shore town. In our fast growing community it appears that a Shellfish Constable continues to be a protective need.
Appreciation is again expressed to the Selectmen and to the citizens of the Town who have cooperated to make the work of this officer effective.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY G. ERHARD,
Shellfish Constable
Report of Propagation of Shellfish
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I hereby submit my report on the general shellfish conditions in the Town
GENERAL SHELLFISH CONDITIONS
Excluding soft shell clams our shellfish supply for 1952 has been good considering the areas closed for propagation. 1
The estimated value of our scallop production in 1951 was $710.00. This year, 1952 it is $10,050. This is very good considering in the past two years how starfish conditions have been in our scallop areas.
This year having checked the scallop catch daily, price, etc., it was very easy for me to figure quite close as to what the production was. Some scallops are expected in 1953, as some seed are found in about all locations.
Our quahaug and oyster supply is favorable. The outlook for clams is unfavorable, a very few if any being found in our Town. The conditions are about the same in all of the South Shore Towns. As far as I know at this time, from information obtained, the real cause for this scarcity is unknown. My opinion is that this was caused by excessive digging in years previous. The shores were searched for adult clams, nearly everyone being taken or dug sooner or later. Consider our increase in population and in other Towns in the past ten years and those visiting our shores, and doing the excessive digging which I have formerly mentioned ; seed and tiny clams were dug out and left
119
on the sand. These invited the gulls which are more numerous than our shellfish. These gulls devoured all the clams on and just under the sand heap. If any were left crabs got them. How could there be enough left to propagate? As far as I know a clam produces approximately 2 million eggs or germs; a greater part of this spat is carried out to sea by tide or destroyed by other causes.
Conditions in local Towns being about the same as here, we would be fortunate to get a clam seed set under these circumstances.
I have inspected clam areas for many years ; noted what happened, made and have records of same. Fre- quently I am asked by inhabitants of the Town about the clam shortage; this is the answer for every one.
Marine biologists have been and are now experi- menting and making a study of the clam question. The real cause at this time being definitely unknown.
AREAS CLOSED AND SHELLFISH PLANTED THEREIN
Locations of areas and year of closing are as follows :
1950 East Shore of Mattapoisett Harbor
1950 West Shore of Mattapoisett Harbor
1951 Head of Harbor
Huston's Wharf to Mollies Cove
1952 Huston's Wharf to Mollies Cove
MATTAPOISETT RIVER OPEN AREA FROM OCTOBER 1 TO APRIL 30th Oysters planted
1950
100 bu. of 2 inch cultivated oysters from Ware- ham
1951 76 bu. of large oysters from Chilmark
1
120
1952 50 bu. of large oysters from Chilmark.
1952 105 bu. of large oysters transplanted from Eel Pond Creek
November 25th-
1952 5 bu. of seed scallops were obtained from West- port and broadcasted in Pine Island Pond for experiment. The Pond had no scallops of any kind.
SHELLFISH ENEMIES
This year we had $634.50 for shellfish enemies. $195.00 was appropriated by the Town, $400.00 was granted by the State and a balance from State grant in 1951 of $40.50.
With these funds 1,321 bushels of starfish were collected and disposed of.
Last year by cooperation given me by Mr. Sar- gent, Director of Marine Fisheries and Mr. Wheeler, Biologist, an additional $350.00 was granted by the State for starfish collection to be used by any boats and crews available in Mattapoisett and Marion, and was restricted to Clevelands' area. This being a large area between Bird Island and Clevelands' Ledge; in- cluding both sides of Marion and Mattapoisett Town line.
With this $350.00, 90134 bu. of starfish were col- lected. In 1951 and 1952 the starfish collection of both Towns combined totaled 3,6703/4 bus. How could one expect a large scallop crop with conditions like that? This year in some locations the scallops were 1% destroyed; other 3/4. and in a very few locations not at all.
Being employed by the State Department of Con- servation and having local knowledge of conditions on
121
our shellfish areas, this work is in my line and my aim is to do all I can for what I consider is for the good of the people.
Thanks for your cooperation. Also Mr. Erhard, Shellfish Officer for his assistance.
Estimated Shellfish production for 1952 -
- $16,050.00.
Respectfully submitted,
E. EVERETT ELDRIDGE
(In charge of Town Shellfish Interests)
Report of the Wharf Department
MAINTENANCE OF WHARF PROPERTY
Appropriation for 1952
$475.00
Total expenditures 470.32
Balance
$4.68
REPAIRS TO SHORT WHARF
Appropriation for 1952 $480.00
Paid Dennis Mahoney and Sons, per contract 480.00
Balance
$0.00
INSURANCE ON LONG WHARF AND MIDDLE WHARF
Appropriation for 1952 $200.00
Paid William Clegg for $10,000.00 policy $200.00
W. F. JENNEY,
Wharf Commissioner
Following are names of those hiring space at the wharves. All bills for 1952 not paid by April 1, 1953 will mean forfeit of space.
WHARF BILLS FOR 1952
Wharfage 4-1-52 to 4-1-53
John MaKuch $8.00
Stanley Sterling 5.00
Norman Dexter 5.00
123
Frank Linhares
5.00
Hudson Hardy
5.00
Frank Pimental
8.00
Milton Haskell
5.00
Ira Hiller
8.00
Joseph Reilley
5.00
Joseph Mello
8.00
Enoch Winslow
8.00
John T. Doran
8.00
Arthur Kennedy
3.00
W. F. Jenney and E. Wilber
5.00
E. Alves
2.50
Winter Storage 1952 - 1953
Walter Pratt
2.00
Capt. Geo. Dentz
2.00
Sidney Hubble
2.00
Skiff Wharfage 4-1-52 to 4-1-53
No.
1 Charles Marvin
2.00
2 F. D. Wertz
2.00
3 Dr. A. P. LeClair 2.00
4 Orum Kerst
2.00
5 Edward Wilber
2.00
6 W. F. Jenney
2.00
7 Harry Erhard
2.00
8 Marshall Ross
2.00
9 Charles Avilla
2.00
10 Albert Furnans
2.00
11 W. H. Winslow, Jr.
2.00
12 George Eldredge
2.00
13 J. B. Reed
2.00
14 Russell Chase
2.00
15 F. Rowland
2.00
16 Walter Pratt
2.00
17 Geo. Bradley
2.00
124
18 Edwin Perkins
2.00
19 Antone Faria
2.00
20 21
Emily Perry
2.00
O. P. Nash
2.00
22
Joseph Hammond
2.00
23 24
25
Albert Rebello
2.00
26
1
27
28 Harold Mahoney
2.00
29
Joseph Tripp
2.00
30 Ed. Walsh
2.00
31 Alden Kinney
2.00
32
J. Farley
2.00
33 Dave Moore
2.00
34 Harold Vokes
2.00
35 John Murphy
2.00
36 James Scott
2.00
37 James Maury
2.00
38 Charles Whalen
2.00
39
Robert Leonard
2.00
40
William Campbell
2.00
41 Albien Stone
2.00
42 C. Harju
2.00
43 D. Morgan
2.00
44
W. Longmore
2.00
45 Charles Boyd
2.00
46 Harry Downing
2.00
47 Frank Morse
2.00
48 Orum Kerst
2.00
49 Lewis Kline
2.00
50 D. Couet
2.00
51 Anthony Pelson
2.00
52 Earle Underwood
2.00
53 Bob Jones
2.00
54 Milt. Smyth
2.00
125
55 Frank Cooper 2.00
56
Hathaway Oil Co., Gas pump
$6.00
Norman Gingras, Float
10.00
Val Henshaw, Fish Market
75.00
. I should like to express my appreciation to the following for help and cooperation given me during the year. The Board of Selectmen, the Highway Supt. and his Department, the Police Chief and his Depart- ment, and the Superintendent of the Water Depart- ment and his men. I also want to publicly express my appreciation to all those using the wharf property and who have aided in keeping it clean and orderly.
Early this last summer a new and longer line was put in for skiffs west of the Short Wharf with 15 additional spaces on it for tying up skiffs. This ad- ditional space took care of about all those on the waiting list at the time. A few have been added to the list since then but it is still quite well taken care of.
The work on the Short Wharf consisted of paint- ing up some of the East side and completely rebuilding about 40 ft. of it. This next year I hope to complete pointing up the East side and raising the top along the East side to a rough grade equal to the West side.
We enjoyed a fine summer with many boats visit- ing our town and a great many visitors at the wharves all through the summer. Early in August the Junior Championship races for the New England Beetle Cat Association were sailed in Mattapoisett Harbor with 19 Yacht Clubs represented.
On July 27th the Improvement Association Regat- ta brought out a large fleet of boats. Races were sail- ed in the Harbor with the larger boats racing far out into the Bay and back. A large crowd turned out for
126
this event which we hope is going to be an Annual affair.
On August 7th the New York Yacht Club arrived in the Harbor after racing up from Newport. The fleet was large and combined with the Square Dance crowd the wharves were really crowded with specta- tors. Each Square Dance brought out a large crowd of dancers and spectators, and all enjoyed an evening of fun and dancing at the finest outdoors dance area in New England.
Over Labor Day Week End the Mattapoisett Pow- er Squadron was Host to the 14 District of the U. S. P. S. The wharves were really crowded with boats and lots of new friends who said they had a wonder- ful time at Mattapoisett and hoped to come here again soon, and we hope they do. We enjoyed having them here and found them to be very kind, courteous and most pleasant to meet. No finer group has ever visited our Harbor and we hope they will return soon. The local Power Squadron is growing by leaps and bounds and so is the interest in boating along with it. If there is anything that I as Wharf Commissioner can do to further the interest of Boating here, please don't hesitate to tell me and I will do all that I can.
Respectfully submitted,
W. F. JENNEY,
Wharf Commissioner
HARBOR MASTER'S REPORT - 1952
To the Board of Selectmen, Mattapoisett, Mass.
As per the vote of the Annual Town Meeting I was appointed Harbor Master March 15, 1952 and sworn in April 14, 1952.
Three guest moorings were placed in the harbor and during the summer were used a great deal. Our
127
means of identifying the guest moorings seems to have found favor with the United States Power Squadrons and has been suggested as a universal identification for all such moorings. They are identified as fol- lows: Spar with white background and one 2 inch black stripe around it is for Class A or class 1. Spar with two 2 inch black stripes, class 2. Spar with three 2 inch black stripes, class 3.
On the pickup line is a metal tag giving the scope and weight of mooring. Next year I hope to add one more guest mooring which I believe will be all we need for sometime to come.
I should like to once again caution boat operators against excessive speed through anchorage areas and near docks. You are responsible for damage to others caused by your boat.
Appropriation for 1952
$95.00
Paid
93.94
Balance
$1.06
Respectfully submitted,
W. F. JENNEY,
Harbor Master
Mattapoisett Housing Authority
The Mattapoisett Housing Authority was created under Section 261 to 262 inclusive, of Chapter 121 of the Tercentenary Edition of the General Laws, as amended and Chapter 200 of the Acts of 1948, as amended.
Construction was started in December, 1949 at the site chosen bordering on Acushnet Road. The project was accepted for occupancy and tenants be- gan occupancy on June 1, 1950, at which time the project was named Homestead Court by the members of this Authority.
On October 1, 1950, this Authority issued $120,- 000. in bonds, with interest at 13/4%, payable over a period of forty years.
During the first fiscal year ended September 30, 1951, the average monthly rent was $35.41 and there were no tenant charges during this period.
During the second fiscal year ended September 30, 1952, the average monthly rent was $38.75 and there were five vacancies during this period.
The records of the Authority were audited by Auditor's Department of the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts from January 31, 1951 to March 31, 1952.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MONTHLY MEETINGS SECOND FISCAL YEAR
October 8, 1951: This Authority paid the Town of Mattapoisett the sum of $282.50 as a payment in lieu of taxes which represents 5% of the shelter rents received during this period.
129
November 9, 1951 : The By-Laws of the Authority were amended to have the regular monthly meet- ings on the first Monday of each month and the annual meeting on the third Monday of March.
January 7, 1951: The Annual Report of the Execu- tive Director was approved. Approved the budget for the second fiscal year.
January 27, 1951: Received notice that two tenants planned to vacate during January and February. Requested $3,000. as the annual contribution from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
February 3, 1952: Russell Thompson selected as ten- ant for house No. 8.
March 9, 1952: James Giles selected as the tenant for house No. 10.
March 20, 1952: The following members of this Au- thority were elected to the office as indicated :
Ralph LeBaron, Chairman
Charles Marvin, Vice-Chairman
Roscoe Barstow, Treasurer
John Rafael, Assistant Treasurer
Oscar St. Jacques was re-appointed by the Chair- man of the State Housing Board as the State Ap- pointed Member of the Authority, other members being elected at the regular Town elections.
Russell Thompson was appointed Executive Direc- tor of the Authority by the members of the Au- thority.
June 1, 1952 : Part I of the Management Program was amended to increase the maximum admission lim- its to $3,650. for families of less than three minor children and $3,900. for families with three or more minor children. The rent schedule and the
130
maximum occupancy limits were also adjusted ac- cordingly.
Francis Kelley was selected as the tenant for house No. 2.
June 2, 1952 : Final payment of awards and expenses in connection with land acquisition was made.
September 8, 1952: Harland Nash was selected as the tenant for house No. 6.
September 20, 1952: Bids received on construction and erection of storm doors and windows.
October 6, 1952: Contract for storm doors and win- dows signed.
There were other meetings of this Authority on the following dates :
April 7, 1952
May 5, 1952
May 11, 1952
August 4, 1952
There was no meeting held during the month of July, 1952.
During the month of December, 1952, this Au- thority paid to the Town of Mattapoisett the sum of $226.79 as a payment in lieu of Taxes for the second fiscal year. Total payments to the Town of Matta- poisett (excluding water services) amount to $509.29.
Respectfully submitted,
For the Authority
RUSSELL E. THOMPSON,
Executive Director
Mattapoisett Free Public Library
SECRETARY'S REPORT
Circulation for 1952
Non-fiction
3,757
Fiction
12,672
Periodicals
749
17,378
Weekly average
323
Books per capita
8
Registration
New borrowers
164
Total registered
957
Books added by
Town appropriation
380
Gifts
16
396
Books discarded
262
Number of volumes in Library
11,357
Fines paid to Town Treasurer
$149.41
The 1952 circulation of books has taken another marked jump. 2,156 more books and magazines were borrowed than in the previous year.
Bookmobile service still continues but the borrow- ing of special books has been greatly curtailed because of the lack of a shipping clerk at the Division of Library Extension in Boston. We miss this service. Miss
132
Keith, Librarian of the Bookmobile, has tried very hard to fill our orders from the shelves of the Fall River Public Library.
The fifth grade from the Center School comes in two divisions once a week on Fridays. The classes there are now so large that it became necessary to dis- continue this service to the sixth grade.
The Christmas celebration was not as gav as usual. Because of the mysterious disappearance of the Christmas Tree lights which belong to the Mattapoisett Improvement Association, the tree was not decorated and the carol singers did not come out. However, the annual Christmas Story Hour was held for the small children with Mrs. Winfield Jenney in charge, and the Librarians served tea and coffee to all who came in on Christmas eve.
The Scouts have been very helpful this year. The Girl Scouts are always faithful in keeping the glass door of the Bulletin Board polished and the Boy Scouts under Mr. Charles Marvin's direction scoured the steps, the facing and the door which were badly defaced by the Hallowe'en revelers.
The Library has received a very interesting gift from Mrs. Charles S. Hamlin - a silver vase which is a replica of a Japanese water carrier. In 1917 when the Viscount Ishii came to present the Samurai sword to the Town of Fairhaven he and his wife were guests of the Hamlins. The Viscountess brought this vase to Mrs. Hamlin.
Other gifts of books and magazines were received from Animal Rescue League, Mrs. M. Correia, Joel Delano, Mrs. A. E. Fuller, Mr. J. H. Holmes, Mr. W. N. Johnson, Mrs. J. D. Lannon, Mr. Ralph LeBaron, Mrs. C. R. Marvin, Mr. Donald Marvin, Mattapoisett Book Club, Mattapoisett Grange, Mattapoisett Improve-
133
ment Association, Mrs. N. F. Monahan, Miss Grace Pengilly, Mr. George Purrington, Mrs. R. Taylor, Mrs. John Washburn, Warren West, Mr. E. D. Wilson.
The Library Hours are from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
JAMES R. MAURY.
Secretary
Treasurer's Report
Received :
Town Appropriation
$2,400.00
Dog Fund
408.47
$2,808.47
Paid :
Dorothy L. Fox, services
$1,008.00
Dorothy L. Fox, supplies and expenses 55.92
Sarah W. Hiller, services 44.00
Marjorie L. Bailey, services
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