USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1931 > Part 6
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26
at
$ 5.00
$ 130.00
157 at
10.00
1,570.00
61 at
15.00
915.00
3 at
20.00
60.00
11 at
25.00
275.00
4 at
35.00
140.00
35 at
50.00
1,750.00
1 at
60.00
60.00
3 at
75.00
225.00
6 at
100.00
600.00
4 at
150.00
600.00
$6,325.00
MISCELLANEOUS REPORT
Amount of stolen property recovered
$3,941.90
Amount of lost property recovered
5.00
Accidents reported
201
Bicycles found
2
637
,
637
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
69
Buildings found open and secured
185
Broken wires reported
2
Complaints and cases investigated
735
Detail for public assemblages
618
Detail for private assemblages
23
Defects in street and sidewalks and reported
76
Defects in gas pipes and reported
1
Defects in water pipes and reported
9
Defects in hydrants and reported
2
Dogs killed
3
Dead bodies cared for
6
Fences blown down and reported
1
Fires discovered and alarm given
2
Fires extinguished without alarm
3
Electric light poles blown down and reported
1
Lost children cared for
36
Lost dogs found and returned to owners
9
Lanterns in dangerous places
237
Liquor search warrants served
4
Medical examiner cases
6
Obstructions removed from street
5
Officers at fires
124
Posting notices
58
Runaway boys cared for
6
Sick and disabled people assisted
34
Street lights not burning and reported
322
Wires burning trees and reported
3
Water running to waste
9
On duty calls
43,322
Telephone calls
13,978
Legal papers served for out of town police departments during the year
206
I have collected $793.00 in non-support cases and I have paid the same by check.
Miles covered by the Ford car
31,001
66
66
66 Buick car
14,795
66
Ambulance 1,661
66
66
Motorcycle
5,572
(Preston)
66
66
66 Motorcycle
1,086
(Griffin)
I shall repeat what I said a year ago-the town is free from serious crime. Also that we have one of the cleanest towns in the State of Massa- chusetts.
DISCIPLINE
Has been the very best and I want to thank each and every member of this department for the manner in which they have performed their duty.
1
70
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
RECOMMENDATIONS
I shall not make any recommendations this year. I do not think it is the proper time.
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Honorable Board of Selectmen for the kind interest manifested by them in all matters pertaining to this department during the year.
To Mr. Eugene J. Sullivan, Committee on Police, my sincere thanks for his kindly advice during the year.
To every other person who has in any way assisted this department, you have my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. POLLARD, Chief of Police.
71
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Report of Chief of Fire Department
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1931, with total alarms and losses on same as near as is possible to obtain.
APPARATUS
There are at the present time seven pieces of apparatus in this department.
One Triple Combination purchased from the Seagrave Co., and put in service July, 1924. This piece of apparatus is equipped with a 750-gallon centrifugal type pump, 1250 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 80-gallon water tank, 200 feet of 34-inch hose, ladders, stretcher, 2 types of cellar pipes, and much other various equipment.
One Double-bank 75 foot Aerial Truck, purchased from the Seagrave Corp., and put in service December, 1928. It is equipped with water gun with 3-inch hose attached to aerial ladder; carries 379 feet of ladders, 80- gallon water tank, 200 feet of 3/4 -inch hose, stretcher, life net, oxygen tank for resuscitation work, Baker water gun; together with various other equipment necessary.
One Pierce-Arrow Squad Car put in service 1926. Equipped with 1100- gallon water gun, 1000 feet of 11/2-inch hose, adapters, nozzles, etc., making this piece of apparatus efficient for the many uses called for.
One White Combination put in service 1920. Equipped with 1000 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 35-gallon chemical tank, 250 feet 34 -inch hose, salvage covers, ladders, 4 types of extinguishers, and much other equipment.
One Pierce-Arrow Combination put in service May, 1927. This piece of apparatus was built for a reserve piece to replace such other pieces of apparatus of its type as may be out of service, and has proven its value a number of times since being placed in service. Equipped with 1000 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 52-gallon water tank, booster pump, 200 feet of 34-inch hose, ladders and other necessary equipment.
One Buick Chief's car purchased in 1929, which has proven a valuable asset to the equipment of the department.
One Triple Combination at the Greenwood Station purchased from the Seagrave Corp. and put in service July, 1929. It is equipped with 1200 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 200 feet of 3/4 -inch hose, 600-gallon capacity water pump, 80-gallon water tank, ladders, salvage covers, cellar pipe, and much other equipment necessary for Fire Department work.
There has been added to the equipment of this department, two oxygen-type masks, which will be carried on the apparatus. I feel that these masks will prove to be a valuable addition to our equipment and may be the means of saving human lives. These masks are used in places
72
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
where there is a deficiency of oxygen in space to be entered, in encounter- ing ammonia, sulphur dioxide fumes, and other poisonous gases.
During the year the department has responded to 313 alarms divided as follows: 227 still alarms and 86 box alarms.
Estimate of property endangered $133,720.00
Loss on same
26,696.74
Insurance on same
129,916.00
Insurance paid on same
24,191.74
Transit value
20,900.00
Transit loss 95.00
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Honor- able Board of Selectmen for the interest manifested by them in all matters pertaining to this department.
To Mr. Leander M. Clark for the hearty co-operation given by him as Committee on Fire Department during the past year.
To the various other Town Departments who have rendered valuable assistance to this department during the past year.
My thanks are also due to the officers and members of the Fire De- partment for the prompt and faithful discharge of their duties.
To the Department Physician, Dr. Curtis L. Sopher, for his valuable aid to members injured in the discharge of their duties.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED D. GRAHAM,
Chief of Fire Department.
73
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Report of Inspector of Wires
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932. Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report as Inspector of Wires in com- pliance with the vote of the Town, 1922.
There was a total of 532 inspections made. All defects found were made to conform with the National Code.
Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF FRED D. GRAHAM, Wire Inspector.
Report of Forest Warden
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
During the year there was a total of 140 woods and grass fires. Respectfully submitted,
CHIEF FRED D. GRAHAM, Forest Warden.
74
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Health
The report of the Board of Health is herewith respectfully submitted.
The community has been fortunate in the incidence of contagious disease as shown by the accompanying table, particularly so as to Infantile Paralysis, which was more than usually prevalent in Northeastern United States, and as to Diphtheria, which was the lowest we have had in many years.
There were 362 cases of contagious diseases reported for the year ending December 31, 1931, which are classified as follows:
Tuberculosis
12
Scarlet Fever
59
Typhoid Fever
7
Diphtheria
2
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis
1
Lobar Pneumonia
19
Infantile Paralysis
1
Measles
215
Whooping Cough
17
Influenza
2
Mumps
4
German Measles
3
Chicken Pox 20
Middlesex County is now fully launched in the care of adult tubercu- losis in a county hospital. The new hospital at Waltham, built at a cost of over two million dollars, is in full operation and most of our patients have been transferred to it from other institutions. The present financial arrangement is that the town or individual pay $12.25 a week, and the balance of the cost goes into the county tax levy. If the town pays the bill, the state refunds $5.00 a week. For several years past the county has provided for these patients and the cost has been assessed in the county tax, consequently we now have to provide for that in our budget, which will be offset by a reduction in the county tax. However, the town has been assessed for its share of the cost of the hospital, and it is likely that the total outlay for tuberculosis will be materially increased. The hospital is complete and fully planned and equipped for the modern treatment of the disease, and we hope the results will justify the expense.
SEWERS
Extension was made in Sweetser and Court and Central Streets, where it was much needed; also a short extension in Broadway, and in Evergreen Street.
The principal work was in a section of the Water Street area, including Wiley Place, Spring Avenue, a portion of Water Street, and Perham Street. The number of home connections in this district was very gratifying. Sufficient funds were left from the appropriation to construct a section
75
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
in Salem Street from near Vernon Street to Pleasant Street. This was much needed and the number of home connections was good.
COLLECTION OF GARBAGE
Judging from the number of complaints the collection has been the best since the present method has been used, and is in the main satis- factory. Due to an accident of one of the trucks, we have unpaid bills to the amount of $84.46.
In the present condition of affairs we do not recommend the estab- lishment of a Dental Clinic this year, though the need is greater than ever.
We commend the activities of the Food Inspector and Milk Inspector. His monthly reports are on file at the office and open to inspection.
CHARLES E. MONTAGUE, M. D., Chairman
CHARLES W. DeWOLF, M. D. WESLEY S. GOODWIN, Secretary
Report of Plumbing Inspector
Board of Health:
I herewith submit the following report for the year 1931.
Number of permits granted
134
Number of fixtures installed
630
Divided as follows:
Bath tubs
91
Lavatories
118
Closets
120
Sinks
111
Wash Trays
106
Boilers
80
Showers
2
Urinals
2
I have made 234 inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART, Inspector of Plumbing
76
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Tuberculosis Dispensary Report
To the Wakefield Board of Health:
The annual report of the Tuberculosis Dispensary is herewith re- spectfully submitted.
The Tuberculosis Dispensary is open the first and third Friday eve- nings in the month from 8 to 9, and the second and fourth Tuesday afternoons from 3.30 to 4.30.
We have examined at the dispensary during the year, patients dis- charged from sanatoria, contact cases, suspicious cases of tuberculosis, and a number of underweight children. One hundred and two examina- tions were made of sixty patients.
A certain amount of follow-up work has been done for these groups of patients. The control of tuberculosis, like the control of any other infectious disease, is to be found in the control of centers of infections. Tuberculosis has been called a house disease. Visits to the homes of the tubercular patients therefore are a definite step in effective control. Instructing all members of the family concerning the danger of infection, arranging for examination of children and also adults exposed to the disease, and hospitalization of the active cases are all effective ways of reducing the spread of tuberculosis.
Sixteen children and four adults were taken to North Reading Sana- torium for examination and X-ray, during the year 1931.
We have at the present time thirteen patients in the different insti- tutions. Three in the new Middlesex County Sanatorium, two at Rutland State Sanatorium, one at North Reading, one at Lakeville, one at Tewks- bury State Infirmary, one at Peabody Home in Newton, two at Essex Sanatorium, and two at the Veterans' Hospital in Rutland.
We have had twelve new cases of tuberculosis reported in the year 1931, and four deaths.
Respectfully submitted,
IRA W. RICHARDSON, M. D., Dispensary Physician NELLIE B. RUSSELL, R. N., Dispensary Nurse
77
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
Report of Inspector of Milk and Food
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Milk and Food for the year ending December 31, 1931.
This year, I am glad to report, has been one of marked progress in the local milk business. The care and distribution of the milk supply was never carried on under better sanitary conditions.
Approximately 80% of the product being marketed in Wakefield today is either pasteurized or from tuberculin-tested herds. Upon 240 samples of this supply taken for analyses during the year, the average proved well above standard.
Outstanding improvements worthy of mention in this report have taken place in some of our dairies.
The plant of C. W. Spear has been reconstructed and modern equip- ment installed. This place for its size rates high among the milk distribut- ing dairies of this section.
A new milk house has been constructed at the dairy of Mr. Hanson on Salem Street. It is a distinct addition to our equipment and assures of a better and sanitary handling of the farm's output.
A pasteurizing plant of large capacity is at present being installed on
ยท the premises of E. W. Hancock on Main Street. When completed and licensed by the Board of Health, all the milk from this source will be pas- teurized under local inspection thereby contributing a greater measure of safety to the milk consumed in Wakefield.
It is a wholesome sign that people are beginning to realize that the best milk for them to buy is milk raised and marketed under their own eyes, and under local inspection.
The food situation in Wakefield remains about the same as last year. Special attention has been given to canned goods as sold over the counter, as well as meats of the sausage class composed of mixed ingredients. Complaints have been fewer this year than in previous years. All have been investigated and acted upon by me.
The following is a detail of licenses issued:
$42.50
Retail Milk Licenses issued-85 @ 50c Dealers' Milk Licenses issued-27 @ 50c
13.50
Oleomargarine Licenses issued-17 @ 50c
8.50
Ice Cream Mfg. Licenses issued-4 @ $1.00
4.00
Pasteurizing Licenses issued-2 @ $10.00
20.00
$88.50
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE E. DOUCETT,
Inspector of Milk and Food
78
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Health Officer
To the Board Health:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1931.
The work of the Health Officer has been of the usual nature.
A great many complaints come to this office; many have no founda- tion, but all complaints have been investigated.
I have made 373 visits, all of which had to do with health matters. Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART, Health Officer
Report of Slaughter House Inspector
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Slaughtering from Novem- ber 15, 1931 to December 31, 1931.
There were 204 pigs, 2 cows, 11 calves and 4 sheep killed. All found in good condition.
Respectfully,
MELVIN W. BROWN, Inspector of Slaughtering No report of the inspections made by Palmer Corbett is available.
79
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
Report of Inspector of Buildings
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Dear Sirs and Madam :-
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1931. Number of permits issued
182
Decrease 29
For the following purposes:
Single Dwellings
50
Decrease
6
3
Two-Family Dwellings Decrease
14
Garages for 1 car
52
Decrease
10
Garages for 2 cars-same
29
Filling Stations
6
Increase
5
7
Orchestra Stage and Loud Speaker
1
Miniature Golf Club House
1
Hen Houses Increase 3
2
Miscellaneous Purposes
26
Inspected the erection of ten signs fastened to buildings and overhang- ing sidewalks.
210 Inspections made
25 Elevators inspected
$297.50 Building permit fees collected and paid to Town Treasurer. Decrease, $36.00.
Thirty-five Lodging House rooms inspected, found safety ropes in fair condition, fire escapes and exits as required.
Approximate estimate of costs as submitted by applicants
$307,235.00
1930 $377,890.00
Decrease
$ 70,655.00
Zoning Law
I was obliged to refuse permits in seven cases not conforming to Zoning Law. Two cases were settled by Town changing Dwelling to Business Districts. Five cases were settled by Board of Appeal. One case refused, applicant made changes conforming to Zoning Law, permit granted. Four cases Zoning Law varied on account of undue hardship, permits granted. Respectfully submitted,
FRANK J. HENKEL, Building Inspector.
5
Fire Replacements
Dwelling Alterations and Additions Decrease 10
80
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the following report for the year of 1931:
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Platform scales over 5000 1bs.
1
11
Platform scales under 5000 lbs.
45
96
1
Counter scales 100 lbs. or over
2
7
Counter scales under 100 1bs.
5
46
1
Beam scales under 100 1bs.
5
Spring scales 100 lbs. or over
17
1
Spring scales under 100 lbs.
15
50
4
Computing scales 100 lbs. or over
2
9
2
Computing scales under 100 lbs.
30
91
5
Personal weighing machines
9
Prescription scales
6
Avoirdupois weights
21
575
Apothecary weights
37
Metric weights
22
Liquid measures
59
Fuel baskets
2
Gasoline pumps
28
86
Gasoline meters
6
28
1
Kerosene pumps
1
1
Quantity measures on pumps
75
468
Yard sticks
2
Fees-$200.53.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES J. DEVLIN, Sealer.
13
81
REPORT OF WORKINGMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Report of Compensation Agent
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Dear Sirs and Madam :-
There have been thirty-seven (37) employees injured during the past year, who have received medical attendance. Decrease, 10. Part expense of same for doctors' bills received $ 347.00
Compensation paid eight (8) employees 1,496.57
Total Expenditures $ 1,843.57 A detailed statement of expenditures may be found in Town Account- ant's report.
14 Employees injured, Sewer Department
5 Employees injured, Water Department
14 Employees injured, Highway Department
2 Employees injured, Moth Department
2 Employees injured, School Department
Numerous attendances and hearings before Accident Board on two (2) cases pending last report.
One Water Department case settled by award of $169.71.
The other Sewer Department case object discontinuance of Compensa- tion, doubtful liability, heard by woman member of Board; decision against Town. An appeal to Board, adverse to Town. Expense of this case to date, $1,177.00. A third case pending.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK J. HENKEL, Compensation Agent.
Report of Sweetser Charity
Rosa B. Cutler, in account with Sweetser Charity:
To balance on hand, January 1, 1931
Dr. $336.97
April 22, 1931-Received from Treasurer of Sweetser Lecture Committee 323.96
February and August, 1931-Received dividend from Wakefield Savings Bank 14.10
July 9-Received refund 5.00
$680.03
Cr. By disbursements $335.90
January 1, 1932 balance
$344.13
ROSA B. CUTLER, Treasurer.
82
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Sweetser Lecture Committee
Receipts
Town of Wakefield Lecture Fund Advance Sale:
$425.00
By W. H. S. and Lafayette School Students
$243.00
By Item Office, Six Season Tickets at 75c 4.50
By L. L. McMaster, 26 Season Tickets at 75c
19.50
By Bonney & Dutton, 17 Season Tickets at 75c
12.75
By Greenwood Pharmacy, 14 Season Tickets at 75c
10.50
By Wilkinson Store, 1 Season Ticket at 75c
.75
Door Sales:
60 Season Tickets at 75c
45.00
612 Single Admissions at 25c. (plus 1 cent extra)
153.01
$914.01
Expenditures
Lectures:
Arthur H. Merritt
$ 62.00
Chester Scott Howland
75.00
Bradford Washburne
150.00
Harvey Hadlock
87.00
Alton Hall Blackington
90.00
Printing and Advertising
91.40
Police and Firemen's Services
20.00
Joseph W. MacInnis Emergency Call on wires
2.00
Postage, Telephone and Miscellaneous
6.15
Letter Heads and Envelopes
6.50
Balance to Sweetser Charity,
Mrs. Rosa B. Cutler, Treasurer 323.96
$914.01
JOHN F. WHITE,
J. WILLIAM O'CONNELL,
VERNON A. ROACH,
CHARLES J. PETERSON,
E. V. YEUELL,
CYRUS M. DOLBEARE,
Sweetser Lecture Committee, 1931
83
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
Report of Town Counsel
Wakefield, Mass., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wakefield, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is my report as Town Counsel for the year 1931.
There are pending against the town for alleged highway defects ten actions, and two actions in equity relating to zoning by-laws. There is also a petition for damages for sewer taking.
The Merino case (falling on sidewalk) settled at trial for $100.
Six Shanahan cases tried (gas poisoning). Five verdicts for $50. One for $2,000.
One action by town to recover for gas pipe settled for $50.
Tax title in Supreme Court (Moll case) finding for Moll.
Suit by town for damage to police auto pending.
Three cases without suit for highway defects settled for $50, $150 and $150 respectively.
Decision on the Winship vs Henkel et al case was handed down in January, 1931, sustaining the building inspector in ruling certain property a farm and building permit proper.
I have appeared for the town in several Land Court cases, generally involving the lines of the highway.
I have attended practically all meetings of the Board of Selectmen, and many of the Water and Sewer Department, and have been consulted by them on various matters. Have drawn lay-outs, takings, and drawn many deeds and releases.
I consider the agreement* between the Heywood-Wakefield Co. and the Town, which the latter ratified December 28, 1931, relating to the water rights in Crystal Lake and their conveyance to the Town for the deduction in the electric rates to the company to be a very favorable contract and of historical importance so I append a copy of same for the Town. Nego- tiating the same and drafting the papers took considerable of my time in two months.
Compensation cases have taken some time but not as much as usual. Respectfully submitted,
M. E. S. CLEMONS.
*HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD CONTRACT
THIS INDENTURE made in duplicate this 28th day of December, 1931, by and between the HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD COMPANY, hereinafter called the Company, and the INHABITANTS of the TOWN OF WAKE- FIELD, hereinafter called the Town.
WITNESSETH:
That WHEREAS the said company is successor to the Wakefield Rattan Company and the said town is successor to and assignee of the Wake- field Water Company; and
84
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
WHEREAS the said Wakefield Rattan Company and the said Wake- field Water Company by an indenture made the fourth day of April, A. D. 1885, by the terms thereof set forth certain obligations and rights of the parties thereto in and to Smith Pond, formerly so-called, now known as Crystal Lake, and upon the stream running therefrom, and a dam main- tained at or near the outlet of said pond into said stream, and to certain rights in and to the waters of said pond and stream and to the use thereof, and to the use by said Wakefield Water Company and its successors of the waters of said pond:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the release hereinafter con- tained and other considerations paid by and moving from said Town of Wakefield to said company, the said company doth hereby release, remise, grant and forever QUITCLAIM unto said Town all its rights, title, and interest in and to said Crystal Lake, formerly called Smith Pond, in said Wakefield, and to the waters thereof, the dam and gate house at the outlet thereof and to all rights of flowage in said lake and over land abutting said lake and land abutting said brook between said lake and Water street, and hereby releases the said town from each and every obligation on its part to be performed as successor to the former Wakefield Water Company, as set forth in said indenture above referred to, dated April 4, 1885, reserving only to the said company, however, all its right, title and interest in the waters of said brook as a riparian owner thereon, which rights are reserved to the company, its successors and assigns, but subject always to the right of said Town to control and use all the waters of said lake.
In consideration of the foregoing release and grant by the said com- pany to said town, the said town hereby agrees with the said company that from and after January 1, 1932, the MINIMUM OR DEMAND CHARGE for electric current and service specified in a contract between said company and said town dated January 31, 1923, shall be that which the energy charge or current consumption as per meter reading shall require, except the minimum charge shall be for 75 K. W. during the remaining time of said contract, which contract is to remain in force except as the demand charge is altered hereby. Upon the permanent discontinuance by said company of the use on its premises of electricity under said contract, or notice that it desires to terminate the same, the said town hereby releases said company from all obligations under said contract thereafter.
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