USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1903-1905 > Part 40
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Voted. That a vote of thanks be extended to the modera- tor.
Voted. To dissolve the meeting.
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Selectmen's Report.
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF WAKEFIELD :
The Selectmen respectfully submit for your inspection a general resume of the business transacted, and the work ac- complished for the municipal year ending January 31st, 1906.
The reports of the several departments and committees under our control and supervision may be found embodied and made a part of our report.
ORGANIZATION.
The board organized March 9, 1905. Thomas G. O'Con- nell was elected chairman and George W. Abbott, secretary. Charles E. Walton was re-appointed clerk.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Street Department . Frank T. Woodbury
Fire Department
Levi Flanders
Military Department
Nath'l E. Cutler.
Police Department
George W. Abbott
Town Hall
Thos. G. O'Connell
APPOINTMENTS.
Town Counsel
M. E. S. Clemons
Supt. of Streets
H. O. Peckham
(W. E. Cade
Fire Engineers
E. S. Jacob
H. G. Brockbank
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Forest Firewards
T. F. Ringer S. T. Parker [Jesse C. Edmands
Chief of Police
Harvey M. Coffin
Night Watch
Jas. A. McFadden Edwin F. Poland
Constables
Harvey M. Coffin H. A. Simonds Frank H. Robinson
Inspector of Milk
Josiah S. Bonney
Collector of Milk Samples
Inspector of Animals
H. A. Simonds Palmer Corbett H. A. Simonds
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Registrar of Voters for 3 years
James F. Curley
Janitor, Town Hall .
Rufus F. Draper
Lockup Keeper .
Harvey M. Coffin
POLICE OFFICERS. FOR SPECIAL DUTY.
James A. McFadden
Eugene P. McDonnell
Edwin F. Poland
H. A. Simonds
Henry DeRoach
A. D. Oxley
James J. Kennedy
George O. Russell
Arthur H. Gould E. A. Tyler
John A. Meloney
George E. Donald
Roy D. Jones
Harry P. Alden
William R. Barry Thomas A. Thrush
Andrew A. Magee
George H. Dean
Emil Nelson Frank H. Robinson
Joseph A. Flockton Jeremiah J. Garvin J. Havelock Gates Frank A. Nelson George H. Potter Patrick J. Maloney
Edward McDuffee
Charles G. Drury
Lewis E. Carter
Rufus F. Draper
Calvin E. Townley
James Hurtin
H. G. Brockbank Lincoln S. Taintor
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MEASURERS OF WOOD AND SURVEYORS OF LUMBER- L. E. Bennett, W. C. Crocker, A. A. Mansfield.
WEIGHER OF COAL AND MERCHANDISE, AND MEASURER OF WOOD-C. O. Anderson.
SUPT. FOR SUPRESSION OF GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTHS-W. W. Whittredge.
COMMITTEE ON SWEETSER CHARITY LECTURES-Alfred C. Thompson, James H. Kimball, Edward J. Brett, Eugene P. McDonnell, Charles H. Howe.
LICENSES GRANTED.
AUCTIONEERS' LICENSES-G. H. S. Driver, W. J. Mel- vin.
INNHOLDERS' LICENSES-M. L. Mahoney, Hotel North- rup.
JUNK DEALERS' LICENSES-J. Horrivitz, Maurice Levine, John Taylor, Michael Holden, Peter Anderson, Hyman Barron, Daniel J, Sweeney, M. Avenstein & Co.
PEDLARS' LICENSES-J. W. S. Brown, A. M. Woodman, B. Holmes, E. L. Young, L. E. Alward, A. A. Garfield, H. E. Upham, George W. Quint, Jr., Peter Anderson, L. J. Towne, W. F. Barrett, Jeffrey Robbins, Charles A. Clas- sen, C. O. Moores, Francis W. Champagne, H. E. Abbott.
VICTUALLERS' LICENSES-Ernest Mortimer, C. H. Chee- ver, Solon Walton, H. T. Mitchell, Will H. Wiley, Emma Rosson, W. H. Lee, Harry L. Berry, G. A. Dodge.
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.
On August 31st the resignation of George H. Dean, police officer was received and accepted.
On Nov. 2nd the resignation of Joseph M.Gilmore, deputy inspector, precinct 2, was received and accepted. George F Leach was appointed to fill the vacancy.
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J. H. Carfrey was appointed a member of the Sweetser Lecture Committee, to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- tion of A. C. Thompson.
A joint meeting of the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor was held on April 13th to fill the vacancy on the Board of Overseers of the Poor, caused by the death of our es- teemed and honored fellow-citizen, Mr. William A. Cutter. A. G. Anderson was elected to the vacancy.
DRUGGISTS' LICENSES.
The board voted not to grant any sixth class druggists' licenses.
Chief of Police Coffin when appointed was instructed to see that all violations of law were properly enforced.
MILITARY .
This much prized arm of our municipal life still enjoys the distinction, so long and well deserved, of being in the front ranks of the military of our state. In times of peace it is hard to hold the enthusiasm of individual members to the point of efficiency, but Co. A under the marked leader- ship of our gallant Capt. J. H. McMahon and his soldierly officers, continues to hold the prestige so long enjoyed.
The R. L. G. has a warm place in the hearts of the citi- zens of Wakefield, and may well be added to the list of the many attractions our town so richly provides. Capt. Mc- Mahon thinks there is nothing too good for the boys, and knows how to keep them interested. Entertainments and social gatherings are freely mingled with the sterner duties of the soldier, and are a large factor in keeping the ranks filled.
Some needed repairs have been made on the armory the past year. The new law of 1905, governing. care and ren- tal of armories, favorably affects our town, giving us an in-
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crease of $80 per year in rent, and reimbursing the town for cost of heating and lighting, in all a saving of about five hundred dollars.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF, STATE AND MILITARY AID.
These are the sequences from our great war; and are every day reminders of the sacrifices so generously made in the time of our nation's peril. Many of our town's "bene- ficiaries" realize more fully as the years come and go, the value of the help so freely accorded to them. It is our duty and should be our pleasure as well, to make our soldier beneficiaries feel that their "services" are fully appreciated, and that they are sure in their declining years, of that care and help they so truly deserve.
Many new applications for relief have been made during the past year and as far as possible all have been visited and made to feel that their interests are being closely looked after by the committee on military representing the board of Selectmen.
To the credit of the soldier or his widow, there have been noted but a few instances of undue selfishness or greed when applying for the town's bounty, and so far as possible an equitable adjustment has been made in each individual case.
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
Since the dedication of our soldiers' monument it has oc_ curred to many of our townspeople that a fitting tribute to the memory of the woman who made it possible for us to enjoy this beautiful shaft could be well expressed by secur- ing from the government if possible mementos of the great Civil War, and in accordance with this idea the Board of Se- lectmen, through their committee on Military, have enlisted the good offices of our Congressman, Ernest W. Roberts,
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and made application to the government, for the loan or gift of 4 brass cannon to be placed one at each of the four corners of the monument. Mr. N. E. Cutler, committee on military, has been in active communication with Con- gressman Roberts, who, after much delay, finally secured a list of all the available ordnance at the several navy yards of our country, and in a recent letter writes as follows :
House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. December 19, 1905.
Mr. N. E. Cutler,
Committee on Military, Wakefield, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I have today learned from the Navy Department that a number of 20-pound brass Howitzers are now on the way from Mare Island navy yard to some point on the Atlantic coast. Having in mind the desire of Wakefield to secure four brass cannon for the soldiers' monument, I have taken the liberty of filing a request with the Secretary of the Navy, that when the guns arrive, four of them be designa- ted for use in your town. If the request is granted by the Secretary of the Navy I will try to have the guns delivered at the Charlestown Navy Yard, in order to save the town as much expense as possible.
Very truly yours,
ERNEST W. ROBERTS.
Further communication with Congressman Roberts throws a little doubt upon the government being able to comply with our full request, as the following letter will show :
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Washington, D. C, Jan. 13, 1906.
Mr. Nathaniel E. Cutler,
Wakefield, Mass.
Dear Sir :
In further answer to your favor of Jan. 3d, I beg to say the department can give me no assurance at the present time that our request for four cannon will be granted. There is an intimation, however, that you may get some out of the consignment. The department cannot now give me any particulars concerning the guns, but will be able to do so when they arrive on the Atlantic coast. As soon as I hear more definite news I will communicate it to you.
Very truly yours,
ERNEST W. ROBERTS.
PERAMBULATION OF TOWN LINES.
The town lines between Saugus and Wakefield were per- ambulated by the Selectmen of the respective towns on Oct. 17, 1905, in conformity with law, and all monuments and bounds found to be in good order and condition.
DRINKING FOUNTAIN.
The Selectmen have caused to be erected on Main street, near Oak street, Greenwood, an elevated iron drinking fountain for the accommodation of man and beast, to replace the old town pump, formerly located at the intersection of Main and Oak streets.
This pump had served the public's accommodations for years.
With the installing of the Main street sewer the supply of water in the well had become depleted, and practically
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exhausted, and later was filled up and abandoned during the Main street widening.
The town is indebted to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for a donation of $20.00 contributed toward the expense of installing this fountain, the condition of the gift being that the following words should be inscribed thereon, " Blessed are the Merciful," which has been ful- filled.
The work of installing was performed under the super- vision of the Water Department, at cost of construction.
PROTECTION AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS.
Upon complaint of citizens the Board requested the offi- cials of the Boston and Maine railroad to maintain a flag- man, or other sufficient protection, to safeguard the public against danger at the Lowell street crossing of the B. & M. R. R., until after the departure of the 9 o'clock, P. M. in- ward freight, and emphasizing the importance and necessity of immediate action. As a result of our efforts an electric bell and gong has been installed at this crossing to give pro- per warning of the approach of trains.
TOWN HALL.
The Town Hall remains in substantially the same condi- tion as a year ago.
An inspection of the building shows that the interior is in need of a thorough renovating. The interior will need paint- ing in the near future.
Extensive repairs of this kind cannot be met from the reg- ular hall appropriation, which merely covers the cost of running expenses, with a small margin allowed for absolutely needy and necessary repairs. Work of this nature should be met by special appropriation.
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We are advised by the committee appointed by the town to purchase new seats for the hall, that they will be installed on or about March 1st. It is unnecessary to state that the generosity of the taxpayers in providing comfortable seats for our citizens, who frequent the hall for social or other purposes, will be highly appreciated.
An electric light has been installed over the south en- trance door, which offords a much better lighted entrance, both to the hall and the streets adjacent.
Petitions and Hearings.
HAWKERS' AND) PEDLARS' FEES.
Upon petition of the Wakefield Merchants' Association a hearing was held on March 16 in reference to increasing the fee for hawkers' and pedlars' licenses, granted to non-resi- dents, and to consider the enforcement of the collection of the excise tax on trading stamps.
The association was represented by its president, Mr. F. E. Cox and Mr. J. R. Reid.
We find that the regulation of fees for hawkers' and ped- lars' licenses is controlled by general law, as provided in Sect. 10, Chap. 65 Revised Laws, and is therefore beyond the province of this Board.
As advised by the Town Counsel the enforcement of the collection of the excise tax on trading stamps is likewise be- yond our jurisdiction and control.
BURNT, DILAPIDATED AND DANGEROUS BUILDINGS.
Upon complaint of citizens two hearings were ordered held in reference to the removal or disposal of two burnt, di- lapidated and dangerous buildings.
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One, the property of Maurice Hayes of Marblehead, situa- ted on the westerly side of Melvin street. The other the property of Miss Clara Brown, situated on the northerly side of Franklin street.
In each case the buildings were disposed of before the date set for the hearings had arrived.
The Hayes' building was destroyed by fire on July 4th, and the Brown building torn down and removed by direc- tions of the owner.
NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH CO.
There have been four petitions presented by the New Eng- land Telephone & Telegraph Company for rights in our streets to locate and relocate poles for maintaining wires. Hearings have been held as required by law, after due notice to owners of abutting property. The petitions have all been favorably acted upon. Each grant containing the con- dition that the company reserves space for one cross arm at the top of all poles for any or all municipal purposes re- quired by the town, poles to be suitably painted and set op- posite the boundary lines of lots, where possible.
NEW STREET.
One petition has been received for the laying out of a new town way, beginning at a point about two hundred feet east of the junction of New Salem and Salem streets, and running northerly to Lowell street.
Without passing upon the question of public convenience and necessity the Board declined to recommend to the town the laying out of this way, owing to the large outlay of money the town would be called upon to make to properly build the street, which seems unwarranted at this time in view of more urgent and necessary work. Land damages would also be asked by at least one abutter.
The petitioners were given leave to withdraw.
43 Street Railways.
The franchise granted to the Boston & Northern Street Railway Co. in the year 1901 to double track, straighten and widen Water street from Main street to the Saugus town line expired on Oct. 3, 1904.
The work was not carried out within the prescribed time limit contained in said grant.
The Selectmen of last year granted the company an ex- tension of one year's time from Oct. 3, 1904, with every as- surance from the company that the work would be com- pleted by Oct. 1st, 1905, which the company has failed to do.
The company for obvious reasons did not ask for a second extension of time this year.
The Board is of the opinion that this valuable right in our streets should remain in the possession of the town until such time as adequate, and substantial assurance is given the town that the work will be carried through to completion.
HEARINGS FOR PERMISSION TO RESTRICT TRANSFERS BE- FORE RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS.
There have been two extended hearings on petitions of the Boston & Northern St. Ry Co. to the railroad commis- sioners for permission to restrict transfers.
The first was to restrict transfers on the side lines, the effect of which, if granted, as the commissioners say, would amount to discrimination, and for that reason the petition was denied.
The hearings on this petition covered several months and were attended by the members of the Board. The citizens of the town were represented by the Town Counsel and the Board.
The second petition was to get permission to restrict the use of transfers generally, which after several hearings was
P
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granted. The company has made some restrictions, with which the public are familiar, but has left the fare from the square to Malden square unchanged.
These hearings were attended by the Board and the Town Counsel acting for the public.
PROTEST FROM WEST SIDE RESIDENTS.
A petition was received from citizens residing in the westerly part of the town requesting the board to take such action as would compel the Boston and Northern Street Railway Co., as successors to the Reading, Wakefield and Lynnfield Street Railway Co., to conform to the provisions of their franchise under date of October 3, 1901, relative to the operation and maintenance of tracks and service on what is now known as the Chestnut and Prospect St. line in Wakefield.
In this franchise the company agrees to run its cars from 7.45 o'clock a. m. to 10 o'clock p. m. Sundays. Other days from 6 o'clock a. m. to 10 o'clock p. m., not less than twice each hour each way.
The company adopted a new schedule of running time, which went into effect on Wednesday, November 8, 1905, on this line, thereby violating the provisions of their fran- chise in two ways. First-Only one trip each hour, each way, is now run. Second-The service does not commence until 7 o'clock a. m. daily.
The protesters contend, in which contention the board strongly concurs, that public convenience and necessity ro- quire a full compliance with the provisions of said fran- chise.
The board requested the Town Counsel to submit to them his written opinion as to the legal status of the franchise provisions, and upon receipt of same the following letter, together with the Town Counsel's opinion, was ordered sent
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to the officials of the Boston & Northern Street Railway Co.
Wakefield, Mass, Nov. 23, 1905.
To the Boston & Northern St. Ry. Co., as successors to the Read- ing, Wakefield and Lynnfield St. Ry. Co.
Boston, Mass.
Gentlemen :
We desire to call your attention to your violation of that part of your contract with the town of Wakefield, under date of Oct. 3, 1901, by which you agree in consideration of the franchise then granted to you, to run your street railway cars on the Chestnut and Prospect St. line, so called, not less than twice each hour each way on week days from 6 o'clock a. m. to 10 o'clock p. m. and on Sun- days from 7.45 o'clock a. m. to 10 o'clock p. m. The violation of · your obligation and contract causes great inconvenience to the pub- lic and has given rise to a serious and general protest by the people, not only in the Park section, but throughout the town, and we re- spectfully request that the rights granted under the afore mentioned franchise be immediately restored.
We herewith call your attention to the advice and ruling of our Town Counsel, to whom was referred the subject matter of this request.
OPINION OF THE TOWN COUNSEL.
To the Board of Selectmen,
Town of Wakefield.
Gentlemen :
Complying with your vote of Nov. 16th, relating to the Street Railway location grants, I would advise you that the condition in- serted in and made a part of the location grant to the Reading, Wakefield and Lynnfield St. Ry. Co., Oct. 3, 1901, the successors to said company being the Boston & Northern St. Ry. Co., requiring cars to be run twice an hour each way on the route to the corner of Prospect St. and Park Ave., was authorized by the Street Railway company then existing and enforceable by application to the court. I consider the condition to be in law and effect a regulation and by
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an amendment (Chap. 376 of 1905) a penalty for violation is pro- vided, not exceeding $500.00 for each violation.
As the regulation was in effect and legal at the time of passage of Chap. 376 of 1905, the present requirement that regulations be approved by the Railroad Commissioners, does not effect its validity, new regulations will have to have their approval.
I therefore advise you that your board may prefer complaints for past violations, and by bill in equity ask the court to compel an observance of the conditions referred to.
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. S. CLEMONS, Town Counsel.
Trusting your honorable company will see the right and justice of this demand and restore the privileges so recently withdrawn. We beg to remain,
Yours very truly, CHARLES E. WALTON, Clerk of Selectmen.
Following is the reply sent by the company, which is self-explanatory :
Boston, Dec. 4, 1905.
Mr. Chas. E. Walton, Clerk. Board of Selectmen, Wakefield, Mass.
Dear Sir :
Yours of the 23d ultimo, together with a copy of the opinion of the Town Counsel, relative to the number of cars operated by this company, on Chestnut and Prospect streets, Wakefield, received and noted. Owing to the absence of our counsel from this city, I was unable to reply definitely sooner.
This company is satisfied as to the legality of its action in changing the schedule on the streets referred to, and will not volun- tarily increase it unless the business will justify such increase.
Very respectfully, P. F. SULLIVAN, President.
Boston & Northern St. Ry. Co.
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Upon receipt of the above communication the board voted Dec. 7th, to instruct the Town Counsel to take such legal steps as may be necessary to enforce the conditions of said franchise.
The matter is now in the hands of the Town Counsel.
METROPOLITAN PARK.
The apportionment of the cost and maintenance has been fixed for the next five years by a special commission, who after several days of hearings adopted as a fair basis, the valuation of the municipalities except in the case of boule- vards, in which case they placed 50 per cent. on the Com- monwealth, 12 1-2 per cent. on the Metropolitan district and the remaining 37 1-2 per cent. on the municipalities as per valuation. The above methods were contended for by Wakefield and other towns.
MYSTIC RIVER BRIDGE.
After hearing counsel representing the municipalities in- volved, the same Commission made no special award against Wakefield, which therefore will pay only as a part of the Metropolitan Park District.
CHARLES RIVER DAM AND BASIN.
The same Commission after hearing the evidence, report- ed to the Court that the work had not progressed sufficiently to enable them to make an award.
.
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Legal Department.
This important department of our town affairs has been under the control and supervision of M. E. S. Clemons, Town Counsel. His services have been invaluable, both to the Town and its Official Boards, who are obliged, in pursuit of their various duties, to frequently call upon him for counsel and advice.
Ability, promptness, courtesy and efficiency have character- ized the work of this department throughout the year.
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), Robert H. Heyer, Thomas L. Harris, Peter Corbett (defend- ed by insurance company), Thomas McDonald, (defended by insurance company), Mariana Mansfield, Emma F. Doyle, Susan C. Pentz, Jennie M. Brown.
Actions of contract .- Allison V. B. Norris, Conway Con- tracting Company, Daniel A. Dorey, Frederick J. Cushing, Wakefield vs. American Surety Co.
Other pending cases .- Four petitions for revision of street widening awards; six petitions to test validity of sewer as- sessments; Arthur G. Walton, et al., petition for revision of award for taking for sewer.
Cases disposed of since last report.
City of Somerville vs. Town of Wakefield (2 cases) ; dis- posed of April 12, 1905, by the "entry of neither party."
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H. A. Hanscom Co., settled for $1675.00, Feb. 10, 1905. (See Sewer Commissioners' Report for details.)
William Crowley, trial and verdict for town in lower court. Appealed and settled for $ 50.00.
Barbara Miller, Henry F. Miller, Edwin C. Miller ; "entry of neither party."
Petition of Boston & Northern to R. R. Commissioners for authority to revise fares and transfers. Denied. Second petition of same. Granted.
Metropolitan Park Assessments. (See Selectmen's Re- port.)
Mystic River Bridge Assessments. (See Selectmen's Re- port.)
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. S. CLEMONS,
Town Counsel.
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Fire Department.
The department is managed in a very satisfactory and economical manner by an able and efficient chief and two assistant engineers. It is in a most excellent condition both as to apparatus and stations, and its members have at all times performed all that could be reasonably expected of them. No serious fires have occurred during the last year, yet we should not overlook the fact that the liability from year to year does not grow less, and it is for the interest of the Town to have the equipment in first class condition at all times. The recommendation of the engineers advis- ing the purchase of a combination wagon is by vote of the town now in the hands of a competent committee, who will report at the annual Town Meeting as to the advisability of the town purchasing one. The grand success in towns by the large saving of water damage by the use of the chemical at- tachment is reason enough for the town to give the same its serious consideration.
There have been seventy-three applications for building permits, aggregating an amount of $157,000, all of which have been investigated, and on recommendation of your committee have been granted.
The earnings of the department horses have been the larg- est since the town purchased them, and no small amount of credit is due Supt. Peckham for his hearty co-operation with the engineers in giving at all times the town horses the preference for the town work. The engineers have by this showing not only been able to keep within their appropria- tion, but will be able to turn over to the town a substantial unexpended balance.
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