USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1903-1905 > Part 21
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HEARINGS AND PETITIONS.
There have been eight petitions presented by the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, asking to locate and relocate poles and to lay conduits. Hearings have been granted after due notice had been given to the abuttors, and with the exception of Yale avenue, their requests have all been granted.
The Town of Lakeville's hearing, held at State House, April 27, relative to Great Ponds and their supervision by the State Board of Health, was attended by the chairman and Rep. G. M. Poland. The committee, after a two days' hearing, decided not to restrict the State Board of Health supervision over the Great Ponds and water supply of our State.
November 17 there was a hearing before the Legislative Sewerage Committee, acting under a resolve of the Legis- lature of 1904, introduced by Rep. G. M. Poland. Wake- field's interests were fully represented, and her right to an
47
equitable adjustment of the expense of her trunk sewer was ably presented by our town council, M. E. S. Clemons, and other town officials. The report of this committee has been made, and is adverse to the contention made by the town and her interests.
On December 28 the subject of State roads was discussed by the Board. As a result, N. E. Cutler, chairman, and John A. Meloney, committee on streets, were appointed a committee to arrange for a hearing before the Massachu- setts Highway Commission. A conference was secured for Thursday, January 5, at which time N. E. Cutler, chair- man, J. A. Meloney, Representative Poland, and Superin- tendent of Streets Mr. Cutter, were present, when a State road for Wakefield was considered. After much discussion and comparing of notes, and listening to the plans of the commissioners, and suggestions that were made, that a sec- tion of State road running from Wakefield to Salem, through Lynnfield and Peabody, if petitioned for, would be consid- ered, it was decided to postpone the hearing for three weeks, and we were asked to secure the attendance of those inter- ested at this adjourned meeting. The towns and cities through which the road, if built, will run, all signified their willingness to do all in their power to secure the building of this road.
This section, if secured and completed, will eventuate in a continuous State road from Wakefield to the city of New- buryport, passing through Beverly and Beverly Farms. Wakefield has been long suffering and expectant, waiting to secure a section of State road. The route above outlined, if built, will give us about two miles of State highway with- in our boundaries, and a pleasant drive into Essex County. Owing to the severity of the weather and the bad roads, Peabody and Salem were not represented at this hearing, and a furthur postponement of one week was agreed upon, to be held February 2, at 2 p. m.
¢
48
Feb. 2, 1905 .- The adjourned hearing before the Mass. Highway Commission was held this afternoon. Wakefield's interests were looked after by Nathaniel E. Cutler, John A. Meloney and Thomas G. O'Connell, representing the board of Selectmen. The town of Lynnfield was represented by Geo. M. Roundy, chairman of the board of selectmen. Peabody by Andrew N. Jacobs and Frederick Cullen. Mayor Wallace of Beverly was also present. After a full discussion, and the claims of each town were fully presented, the committee took the matter under advisement, to report their conclusions as soon as considered by them.
On Aug. 11, a petition was presented to your board signed by E. K. Bowser, Esq., and others, calling the Rail- road Commissioners' attention to the inequalities of fares demanded by the Boston & Northern Street R. R. Co., from Malden to Wakefield. At a later meeting of the board a conference was held with Mr. Bowser, and on Sept. 1 the board petitioned the Railroad Commissioners, with a view of securing a more equitable adjustment of the fares noted,- it costing 5 cents more to board the cars at the Fells for Wakefield, than from Malden square. A hearing was held, and while the contention was not denied, the commissioners decided that the rates established were not oppressive or unreasonable, and gave the petitioners leave to withdraw. The case for the petitioners was ably presented by our town counsel.
On Nov. 3, a letter received from the fish and game commissioners (in answer to a petition from your board, asking to have Lake Quannapowitt stocked with edible fish), stated that they had complied with the request, and that the lake had been stocked with rainbow trout, which when full grown attain a large size, ranging from 4 to 8 pounds. The usual restrictions on fishing were imposed, and our fish commissioners were instructed to see that strict
49
compliance with the laws were enforced, a copy of which has been printed and posted about the lake.
On Nov. 3, a petition having been received from resi- dents of Yale avenue and vicinity asking for better and safer facilities for getting on and off the electric cars on North avenue at the junction with Yale avenue, it was voted to refer the matter to the chairman to take up with the street railway officials, with a view to allowing passen- gers to board and leave the cars on the east side of the street, (the west side at this point being deemed unsafe to be so used.) The street railway company readily granted the petition and instructed the conductors to open the gates and allow passengers to board and leave the cars as asked for.
Legal Department.
This department has been directly under the control of our town council, M. E. S. Clemmons, Esq., and it is needless to say, many matters have been turned over to him, and have received his prompt and efficient attention. The amount and character of his work will be found in his detailed report, showing that every year there is an increas- ing demand for his services.
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT.
TO THE HONORABLE, THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF WAKEFIELD.
Gentlemen :- The following list represents the cases in which the town is a party, and unless otherwise stated the town is defendant, the name of the plaintiff alone being given.
Actions of tort : Mary L. Maxwell.
Johnsons (3 cases.)
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Robert H. Heyer. Thomas L. Harris.
Peter Corbett (defended by insurance company.)
Thomas McDonald (defended by insurance company. ) Mariana Mansfield. William Crowley.
Actions of contract :
City of Somerville (2 cases.) Allison V. B. Norris. Conway Contracting Co. Daniel A. Dorey. Frederick J. Cushing. H. A. Hanscom Co. Wakefield v. American Surety Co.
Other pending cases : Four petitions for revision of street widening awards.
Six petitions to test validity of sewer assessments.
Arthur Walton, et. al., petition for revision of award for taking for sewer.
Cases disposed of since last report :
Caroline N. Wood, action for abatement of taxes, finding in superior court for the defendant.
Sarah Darling, action for revision of street widening award, settled out of court for amount awarded.
Patrick McLaughlin, tort, settled by insurance company. Charles Corbett, tort, for injury to horse, settled.
In the matter of revision of transfers, etc., pending be- fore the R. R. Commissioners at the time of last report, relief was denied.
There has been a hearing before the same commission the past year on the matter of fares and transfers from Revere Beach. Relief denied.
Claims of Charles W. Stephens for injuries from defect on highway, settled with his administratrix.
51
The H. A. Hanscom Co. case has been heard by an auditor and is now to be tried.
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. S. CLEMONS, Town Counsel.
Police Department.
The accompanying report is so full and comprehensive that there can be but little added to interest and instruct our people. The recommendations are practical and logi- cal, and we recognize the disinterested advice given to the town by one whose life, study and profession enables him to speak authoritatively, as worthy of our serious thought and attention.
CHIEF'S REPORT.
WAKEFIELD, MASS., Feb. 1, 1905.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :-
Gentlemen :- I have the honor to submit to your hon- orable board a report of the doings of the police department for the year ending Jan. 31, 1905.
There have been 149 arrests made, of which 139 were males and 10 females.
Number of arrest warrants served, 46.
For the following causes, viz :- Assault and battery, 23
Breaking and entering and larceny,
·
5
Carrying concealed weapons, . 1
Cutting grass on land of another,
2
Disorderly house,
1
Disturbing the peace,
6
Drunkenness,
49
Evading payment of railway car fare,
1
Insane, ·
4
52
Keeping an unlicensed dog,
3
Keeping and exposing liquor for sale,
1
Liquor nuisance,
9
Larceny,
9
Mutual assault,
2
Non-support,
.
3
Promoting a lottery,
1
Setting forest fires,
2
Truancy,
1
Trespass of fowl,
1
Threats,
1
Vagrancy,
11
Violation of the Town By-Laws.
Collecting junk without license,
1
Rude and disorderly behavior,
.
7
Building bonfire in street,
1
Throwing snowballs,
1
Doing business, on the Lord's day,
2
Keeping open shop, 66 66
1
Total,
149
DISPOSED OF AS FOLLOWS :
Bound over to the Superior Court and furnished bail, 1
Committed to the House of Correction for non-pay- ment of fine, 13
2
Committed to the House of Correction and appealed, Committed to the House of Correction, . ·
3
State Farm, ·
8 4
66 Danvers Insane Hospital,
1
66 Middlesex County Truant School, 1
3
Discharged by order of court,
17
Defaulted, · ·
9
Fined and appealed,
.
.
6
Hospital for Epileptics,
Continued for trial 2, continued for sentence 1,
53
Fined and paid,
37
Nol pros, 5
Placed under bond to keep the peace,
2
Placed on file,
37
Amount of imprisonment in House of Correction
imposed during the year, 140 days
Amount of fines imposed by the court, $841 00
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
Accidents reported,
7
Broken wires reported,
1
Break in water pipes reported,
4
Complaints received and investigated,
194
Disturbances suppressed without arrest,
15
Defects in streets reported,
13
Dogs killed,
10
Escorts furnished,
3
Fires extinguished without alarm, .
13
Horses found cast and loose in stables,
7
Injured and sick persons assisted, .
4
Lights furnished for dangerous places,
11
Liquor search warrants served,
8
Lost children found, 10
Runaway boys secured and returned home,
.
1
Stolen property reported, value,
$200 00
Stolen property recovered, value, . $316 00
Store doors found open and secured,
138
There have been 430 dogs registered and licensed during the year.
LIQUOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
There have been ten liquor search warrants procured from the court during the year and served. Of this num- ber nine raids were successful, and as a result on June 3,
5
Search warrants for stolen property served,
54
a warrant was issued for Madame Franciska. She was arrested for keeping a disorderly house (a place resorted to for the purpose of prostitution and drinking.) She was found guilty at the District Court and fined $50; she appealed and at the Superior Court pleaded guilty, and was later defaulted.
July 12, a warrant was issued for Dominic Cardello for keeping a liquor nuisance ; he was tried, found guilty and fined $50. He appealed and after a trial at the Superior Court he was again found guilty and fined $100, which he paid.
August 3, W. C. Jordan, William J. Brown, and Henry M. Goodwin were summoned to court on the charge of keeping a liquor nuisance at the Jordan Pharmacy on Main street ; Brown and Goodwin assumed proprietorship of the place and they each paid a fine of $50. The case against Jordan was nol prossed.
August 10, Ralph L. Gamaldo, of 26 Water street, was arrested for keeping a liquor nuisance ; after a trial he was found guilty and fined $100, which he paid.
August 18, Dennis Murphy, house off Green street, near Main, was arrested for keeping a liquor nuisance, and at the District Court he pleaded guilty and paid a fine of $50.
August 29, Rose Blake, on Elm street, and Albert Taylor were arrested for keeping a liquor nuisance. At court Rose pleaded guilty and claimed that she was the sole proprietor of the establishment. The court continued her case for sentence and she was defaulted. The case against Taylor was nol prossed.
November 9, Jonathan B. Hennigar was summoned to court to answer to the charge of keeping and maintaining a liquor nuisance and pleaded guilty, and on the promise to never again sell liquor, his case was continued for sentence.
Dec. 9, a search warrant was served on John Cross, 110 Water street, and 300 gallons of wine in 7 barrels
55
seized, and on the same date a warrant was served on Joseph Sullo, 61 Valley street, and 50 gallons of wine and 20 gal- lons of cider seized.
Owing to the large quantity seized, the matter will be heard at the superior court.
Dec. 31, a warrant was served on Ralph L. Gamaldo, 26 Water street, and 20 bottles of lager beer, 1 quart of whis- key and 2 quarts of port wine were seized.
Gamaldo was arrested on the charge of keeping and ex- posing liquors for sale and pleaded guilty, and upon his signing a written agreement to keep within the laws, and especially the liquor law, while he remains a resident of Wakefield, he was fined $50, to be paid Feb. 4, 1905.
There is no question but what 8 out of every 10 cases brought to the attention of the police is caused directly by liquor.
That evidence can be procured and convictions obtained, has been amply demonstrated, but no person can, be he ever so alert, wholly eradicate this evil. The business can, however, be reduced to a minimum with no great effort.
In the gathering of evidence we have not at any time employed outside help, the evidence has been collected in all cases by members of the police department, and in the prosecution of the various cases at court we have not engaged counsel but have prosecuted our own cases.
The amount of fines imposed for the violation of the liquor law was $450.00.
The number of arrests for drunkenness the last eight years is as follows: 1897, 56; 1898, 72; 1899, 63; 1900, 46; 1901, 61; 1902, 54; 1903, 52; 1904, 49.
There have been seized during the year the following assortment of liquors :
500 bottles of lager beer.
328 bottles of ale.
44 gallons of whiskey.
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401 gallons of wine.
1 pint of brandy.
1 pint of rum.
pint of creme-de-menthe.
THE TRAMP QUESTION.
So much has been said and so little done on this subject to relieve this long suffering community, that perhaps it is not best to say too much on this matter, but we have been asked so many times as to what methods are applied that perhaps it would be well to give you some facts regarding this class of people.
These people should, to my mind, be handled through the police and the poor departments, and they should work together on this subject for the best interests of the town ; this has not always been done.
In the first place charity begins at home, and to handle this question you cannot let sympathy overrun better judgment, as has been done, but you can by common sense and business methods reduce this element from the thousands you have been having to less than a hundred.
You cannot with justice invite this wandering fraternity to partake of the hospitality of your poor department for a night and have them turned loose early in the morning to annoy the good housewife and in turn have complaint after complaint lodged with the police about their conduct.
If it is the duty of the poor department to lodge these people without question, it is also their duty to see to it that the citizens of the town are not annoyed by them.
The experience that was had by many places last winter with some of this class should be an everlasting lesson to any community to use the greatest precaution about harbor- ing this class, and the many breaks and robberies and at least one murder were easily traced to the door of those hobos who first put up at night at the local tramp house in
57
order to get next to local conditions and movements of the local police.
With these facts in view the overseers of the poor called your chief of police to confer with them and see if by a united effort the town could not be gotten rid of this unde- sirable element, and as a result of that meeting, on the 12th of December the police took charge of the putting up the tramps without additional cost to either department. A slip was printed with the following questions which were asked of each person that applied for lodgings ; the questions are as follows : What is your name? How old are you? Where were you born ? Your home is where ? When were you there last? Who did you work for last? When? How long? Where did you stop last night, and for the three preceeding nights ?
As a result of these questions and investigations as to their truthfulness, numerous arrests were made for vagran- cy, so that now no tramps have desired to stop in your tramp house since December 13, 1904.
The tramp has found out that the police are determined to make it warm for them and are giving the place a wide berth.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Complaint has been made on several occasions during the year in regard to Sunday picnics, and of trouble on other days at what is known as Rosson's Grove.
Large parties from other places hold gatherings there without the knowledge of the proper authorities and without license, making police interference at times necessary.
That such conditions may not again arise, I recommend that the town accept the provisions of chapter 102, sections 178, 179 and 180 of The Revised Laws of Mass., relating to picnic groves, thereby giving the selectmen authority to grant licenses and make such rules and regulations as they deem proper for the management of the same.
58
It is a well known fact that on some of the principal streets of the town that the awnings are so low that they are an obstruction, and a person of medium stature cannot pass under without rubbing them, which on rainy days is a very great nuisance I would recommend the adoption of the following by-law :
No person shall establish or maintain over any part of any street any awning or shade, unless the lowest part of the same shall be at least seven feet above the street, and unless the same shall be securely fastened to a building.
The police department consists of a chief of police, with a night watch of two men, officers James A. McFadden and Edward F. Poland, and in regard to the night watch, I wish to state that two more faithful or conscientous men never donned a uniform and they have performed their various duties with honor to the town and credit to themselves.
Besides the above, there is a list of some 18 or 20 special police officers. of which a very few only are obtainable in case of an emergency during the day.
Some of them should never receive a commission, and more care should be used in the selection of these men who by virtue of the office, are given almost unlimited powers.
A police department is one of the most essential things in any community ; to it is intrusted the care and moral welfare of the community and by it the moral condition of the com- munity is represented.
The primary duty of a police officer is to prevent crime and failing this to procure its punishment.
For this purpose he is invested with broad powers and may perform any act consistent with the rights of others and with the exercise of a sound discretion on his part.
But it should be understood that neither the state nor the municipality whose officer he is assumes any responsibility for his wrongful action.
59
Physical and mental ability and moral character should be considered and politics eliminated.
The town has year after year neglected to provide suitable police protection for its inhabitants, and I want to simply repeat what other chiefs have often told you, that is, the town should have at its command a police department, I will not enter into detail in this matter, but I will say this, however, that no man who has the best interests of this town at heart can help but see that this is true.
I would recommend that the town adopt so much of chap- ter 19 of the Revised Laws as relates to the appointment of police officers under the civil service ; and that you have a police department to consist of five patrolmen, and a chief, and that for the maintaining of such a department the sum of $5500.00, together with the court fines, be appropriated. I would also recommend that not over four special police be assigned for the extra police work and that in the appoint- ment of all specials the right to carry fire-arms and billies should be discouraged.
In conclusion I wish to thank your honorable board for the kindly assistance and advice given me during the year.
To his Honor Judge Bruce, and his assistants Judges Libby and Sweetser, and also to the Clerk of the District Court, William N. Tyler, and his able assistant, Wilfred B. Tyler, I wish to extend my sincere thanks for the kind and courteous treatment accorded me throughout the year.
To the special police officers who have contributed to the success of this department, you have my thanks.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS O. D. URQUHART, Chief of Police.
JAMES A. MCFADDEN, Acting Chief of Police.
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Fire Department.
No department is deserving of more praise than that of our " fire laddies." Their services when called have been prompt and efficient, and their report shows attention to business in every detail. Fire losses have been compara- tively small during the past year.
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
To THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
Gentlemen : - The Board of Fire Engineers herewith pre- sent their annual report, giving the details of the force of the department, and apparatus, records of the fires which have occurred during the year ending January 31, 1905, with losses and insurance as nearly as can be ascertained ; also the financial report of the department.
APPARATUS AND MEN.
The force of the department is as follows :
One second-class Silsby Steamer. Engineer, E. I. Pur- rington ; assistant engineer, A. D. Jenkins ; driver, H. C. Ayscough.
Steamer Hose Wagon, carrying 800 feet of 2 1-2 inch cot- ton hose, 2 extinguishers and emergency box. Captain, F. F. Anderson ; lieutenant, James P. Keefe ; driver, William H. Tyzzer, and eight men.
Hook and Ladder Truck, carrying 1 58-ft., 1 50-ft. and 2 16-ft. extension ladders ; 1 35-ft., 1 25-ft., and one 18-ft., straight ladders ; 1 20-ft. and two 15-ft. roof ladders ; 2 ex- tinguishers, 1 door opener, 2 plaster hooks, 3 pitch forks, 3 brooms, 3 shovels, 2 squeezers, 2 Johnson pumps and pails, 1 - Eastman deluge set and holders, 6 Eastman nozzles, 2 bars, 1 life net, 1 chisel, 2 hay hooks, 1 saw, 2 case hooks, 200 ft. rope, 5 axes, 1 screw driver, 1 cellar pipe, 50 ft. 1-inch rubber hose and connections. Captain A. W. Smith ;
61
lieutenant, R. H. Horne ; driver, G. W. Hutchinson, and twelve men.
James H. Carter Hose, carrying 600 ft. of 2 1-2 inch cot- ton hose. Captain, T. H. McMahan ; lieutenant, Henry Fay, and eight men.
Volunteer Hose, carrying 600 ft. 2 1-2 inch cotton hose. Captain, C. H. Pope ; lieutenant, George Zwicker, and eight men.
Greenwood Hose, carrying 800 ft. 2 1-2 inch cotton hose, 2 extinguishers. Captain, Charles E. Classen ; lieutenant, George E. Branch ; driver, James P. Goodhue, and four men.
Montrose Hose, carrying 600 ft. 2 1-2 inch cotton hose. Lieutenant, C. E. Buxton, and five men.
There is also a jumper at the Poor Farm, carrying 600 ft. of cotton hose, being manned by the residents when needed.
There is also one supply wagon and four pungs.
FIRES.
During the year the department has responded to 37 box alarms and 23 still alarms. This, we believe, is the largest number in the history of the town. We are pleased to re- port small losses.
RECORD OF FIRES.
Monday, Feb. 1, still alarm, 7.55 p. m. House owned by Mrs. Mary Regan, occupied by Richard Jeffrey. Value of building, $800. Loss, $250. Insurance, $500. Value of contents, $200. Loss, $30. Insurance, $500. Cause, incendiary.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, box 36, 2.35 a. m. Henhouse corner of Emerald and Vernon streets, owned by Mrs. Mary Bald- win. Loss, $25. No insurance. Cause, probably from stove.
Thursday, Feb. 11, still alarm, 7.30 a. m. Small fire in greenhouse, corner of Pine street and Francis avenue. Loss small. Cause, thawing out water pipes.
62
Saturday, Feb. 13, box 27, 10.30 a. m. Dwelling 34 Church street, owned by W. D. Deadman, occupied by Chas. Voltz. Value of building, $1800. Loss, $242. In- surance, $1500. Value of contents, $800. Loss, $219. In- surance, $500. Cause, children playing with matches.
Tuesday, Feb. 23, box 48, 12.12 p. m. Chimney fire 41 Main street. No loss.
Tuesday, Feb. 23, still alarm. Chimney fire 36 Lake street.
Friday, March 11, box 8, 11.02 a. m. Dwelling owned by Thos. Welch, Herbert street. Value of building and contents, $1000. Loss $75. Insurance unknown. Cause, probably from chimney.
Thursday, March 26, box 14, 1.22 p. m. Dwelling 864 Main street, owned by W. F. Newall, occupied by G. A. Merrill. Value of building, $3000. Insurance, $2500. Loss, $50. Value of contents, $1500. Insurance, $1500. Loss, $50. Cause, chimney.
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