USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1945 > Part 6
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8
28
14 Frances Edna Forsythe Bangs
53
4
27
15 Corrado Bonfanti
58
11
27
15 Horace Wilbur Currier
77
2
23
18
Mary Jane Homan Barnard
86
18
22 Susan E. Lepper
84
-
17
22
Harry Dinsmore Greene
57
4
14
23 Carrie Augusta Brownell
79
8
6
23 Robert Paul Dillon
-
-
27
24 Lena M. Clark
52
9
13
26
Ralph Vinton Greenleaf
58
11
8
27 Eugene Walter King
70
1
15
Dec.
2 Maude Belle Kimball
66
10
10
3 Arthur Willey Hutchins
84
10
2
3 Laura Josephine Mansfield
92
8
4
4 Marguerite Frances Hennardy Fuller
87
5
25
-
-
1 Chiara Croce Palmerino (DeFilippo)
73
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
Date of
Death
Name
Years
Months
Days
5 Edith Bancroft Woodman
72
9
12
6 Philomena Romano
62
7
4
6 Elizabeth B. Hughes (Gayton)
65
2
6
8 Charles Clinton Ball
65
11
5
8 Richard Edward Barrett
64
5
2
9 Ezra Strong
86
-
25
11
Arthur Louis Roberts
61
11
6
13 Eunice M. Pinkham
85
11
24
14 DeSharis
Stillborn
15 William Harvey Lewis
67
6
16
16
Mary Abbie Jane Potter Veale
5 min.
17 Charles Lewis Sampson
67
1
-
21 Mabel Helen Sullivan
45
9
21
22 Ann L. Demond
65
4
5
24 Nellie Foster Haley
71
8
8
29 Giovanna Salvati
82
10
26
31 Meryl Randall
-
-
4
31 Alice R. Turnbull Dearborn
95
4
9
31 Mabel F. Wetherbee
76
8
18
79
7
16
1
74
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Dog Licenses
Total number of Licenses
1,160
624 Males @ $2.00
$1,248.00
93 Females @ $5.00
465.00
326 Spayed Females @ $2.00
652.00
2 Kennels @ $50.00
100.00
1 Kennel @ $25.00
25.00
1 Breeder's License @ $10.00
10.00
1 Transfer @ $.25
.25
38 Tags @ $.10
3.80
112 Military and Naval - FREE
Total to Town Treasurer
$2,504.05
Town's Fee
$ 213.45
Balance, less County expenses for damages, etc., to Lucius Beebe Memorial Library.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
624
175 Fishing Licenses @ $2.00 $ 350.00
185 Hunting Licenses @ $2.00
370.00
88 Sporting Licenses @ $3.25
286.00
48 Women's and Minors' Fishing Licenses @ $1.25
60.00
8 Minor Trapping Licenses @ $2.25
18.00
9 Trapping Licenses @ $5.25
47.25
6 Duplicate Licenses @ $.50
3.00
2 Special Non-Resident Fishing @ $1.50
3.00
2 Non-Resident Fishing @ $5.25
10,50
18 Resident Fishing - FREE
87 Resident Military and Naval Sporting Licenses - FREE
Total $1,147.75
Paid Division of Fisheries and Game $1,018.50
Town's Fee to Town Treasurer
129.25
A TRUE RECORD:
Attest: CHARLES F. YOUNG, Town Clerk.
Total number of Licenses issued
75
REPORT OF STATE AUDIT
Report of State Audit
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS AND TAXATION DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS STATE HOUSE, BOSTON
November 2, 1945
To the Board of Selectmen, Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Wakefield for the period from May 1, 1943, to May 31, 1945, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell
Director of Accounts
Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston Sir
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Wakefield for the period from May 1, 1943, the date of the previous examination, to May 31, 1945, and report thereon as follows:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked for the period covered by the audit.
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined. The receipts, as recorded, were check with the treasurer's books and with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town, while the payments were checked with the treasury warrants and with the books of the treasurer.
The appropriations as listed from the town clerk's records of town meetings, as well as the transfers from the reserve fund authorized by the finance committee, were checked to the town accountant's ledger. The ledger accounts were analyzed and a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the town as of May 31, 1945, was prepared and is appended to this report.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The cash book additions were verified, the recorded receipts were compared with the town accountant's books, with the records of the
76
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
several departments collecting money for the town, and with the other sources from which money is paid into the town treasury. The payments were checked with the treasury warrants authorizing the treasurer to dis- burse town funds and with the accountant's ledger.
The cash balance on May 31, 1945, was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit and by verification of the cash in the office.
It is again recommended that all salary checks be either distributed by the treasurer to the payees or mailed to them by him whenever personal delivery is impracticable, since no person other than the treasurer or his duly appointed assistant has the legal authority to make payments on behalf of the town.
The payments on account of maturing debt and interest were verified by comparison with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securi- ties and coupons on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of the trust, investment, and retirement funds in the custody of the treasurer were examined and listed, the income being proved and all transactions verified.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined and checked in detail. The amounts added to the tax title account were compared with the collector's records and the accountant's books, and the tax titles on hand were listed, reconciled with the accountant's ledger, and checked with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The attention of the treasurer is called to Section 50, Chapter 60, General Laws, which requires that he institute proceedings for foreclosure of rights of redemption on tax titles as soon as such proceedings are author- ized by Sections 62 and 65, Chapter 60, General Laws.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked in detail. The taxes, assessments, and water charges outstanding according to the previous examination, and all subsequent commitments, were audited and checked. The recorded collections were checked with the treasurer's and the accountant's books, the abatements as entered were verified by comparison with the assessors' records of abatements granted on taxes and assessments and with the records of the water commissioners authorizing water abatements, while the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger accounts.
The outstanding tax, assessment, departmental, electric light, and water accounts receivable were further verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the outstanding accounts as listed are correct.
The assessors' records of abatements granted were examined and re- conciled with the collector's commitment books and with the accountant's ledger.
77
REPORT OF STATE AUDIT
The records of assessments apportioned were examined and the appor- tioned assessments not due were listed and reconciled with the accountant's deferred revenue accounts.
It was necessary to do a great deal of detailed checking in order to prove the apportioned assessments not due, and it is recommended that the assessors prove all apportionments to be added to the tax levy with the accountant's control sheets before committing them to the collector.
The records of departmental accounts receivable were examined and checked. The recorded payments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's cash book, the abatements and disallowances were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the town accountant's ledger accounts.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen, town clerk, building inspector, and the health department were examined, and the payments to the State and the town treasurer were verified.
The records of cash collections by the sealer of weights and measures and by the police, fire, school, library, cemetery, and all other departments in which money was collected for the town were examined and checked. The payments to the town treasurer were verified and the cash on hand in the several departments was proved by actual count.
The records of deposits for sewer connections were examined and checked. The recorded deposits, the transfers to the town to cover the cost of work done, and the amounts refunded were verified and proved with the treasurer's and the accountant's books.
The books and accounts of the municipal light department were examined and checked. The consumers' accounts were examined and checked to the departmental controls. The controls were analyzed and checked with the departmental ledger accounts and with the town account- ant's ledger. The recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer as shown by the treasurer's and the accountant's books, and the outstanding gas, electric light, and sundry accounts receivable as of June 30, 1945, were listed and reconciled.
The municipal light department ledger was examined, and a trial balance proving the accounts to be in balance was taken off and checked with the town accountant's ledger.
The guarantee deposit account was checked with the cards on file, and the cash balance on June 30, 1945, was verified by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank and by examination of the savings bank book representing the investment of the deposit account.
Schedules showing the transactions and condition of the Donnell Wel- fare Fund and the various library funds in the custody of the Wakefield Trust Company were compiled from the semi-annual reports filed by the trustee.
The surety bonds furnished by the several town officials for the faith- ful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
78
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's, the tax collector's, and the town clerk's cash; summaries of the tax, assessment, tax title, departmental, municipal light, and water accounts, as well as tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust and retirement funds.
While engaged in making the audit, co-operation was received from all the town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.
A TRUE COPY:
Attest: CHARLES F. YOUNG, Town Clerk.
79
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
Report of Selectmen
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield:
We herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the Board of Selectmen for the year ending December 31, 1945, together with the reports of the several departments under our control or supervision.
The Board, consisting of William R. Lindsay, William G. Dill, L. Wal- lace Sweetser, Herbert D. Anderson and Richard M. Davis, organized March 6, 1945, by electing Richard M. Davis, Chairman and William G. Dill, Secretary. Charles C. Cox was appointed Clerk.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Fire Department - Herbert D. Anderson
Police Department - L. Wallace Sweetser Moth Department - William G. Dill Highway Department - Richard M. Davis Traffic -L. Wallace Sweetser
Town Hall - William R. Lindsay
Lafayette Building - William G. Dill
APPOINTMENTS
Town Counsel -John I. Preston.
Wire Inspector - Fred D. Graham.
Fire Inspector - Fred D. Graham.
Dog Officer - George A. Bennett. Lock-up Keeper-John G. Gates. Board of Appeals, 3 years - William C. McKie.
Soldiers' Relief Agent - John Findlay.
Burial Agent and Agent Care of Soldiers' Graves - John Findlay.
Fence Viewers -Frank D. Mackay, Dennis F. Regan, Gaston E. Loubris. Superintendent Moth Department - John A. Landry.
Superintendent of Streets (Acting) - Robert B. Mackenna.
Janitor, Town Hall - William O'Brien.
Night Janitor, Town Hall - Thomas E. Giles.
Janitor, Lafayette Building (Acting) - Adelbert R. Iram.
Building Inspector - Joseph W. MacInnis.
Compensation Agent - Joseph W. MacInnis.
Registrar of Voters, Three Years -Edmund W. Sliney.
Custodian Town Farm Buildings - Jerry J. Peck.
Sweetser Lecture Committee -- Harry I. Reed, Ed V. Yeuell, Charles J. Peterson, Thomas F. Kenney, Charlotte R. Fitz, Dr. George E. Potter, Edward A. Rich. .
80
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Inspector of Animals - George A. Bennett was nominated subject to the approval of the State Division of Livestock Disease Control. Constable -- Harold R. Anderson.
Licenses granted by the Selectmen for the sale of alcoholic beverages for the year 1945 were granted to the following, subject to the approval of the State Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission:
City Hall Liquor Store (Israel Blank), 6 Water Street.
Jeffrey's Package Store, Inc. (John Jeffrey, President), 354 Main Street. Palumbo's Annex (Ignazio Palumbo, Jr.), 37 Albion Street.
S. Tine & Sons, Inc., 38A Water Street.
Receipts from these and other licenses granted during the year 1945 are shown in the Town Accountant's report.
Reports of the various departments under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen containing complete information, will be found under proper headings elsewhere in this issue. All departments of the town gave full co-operation and service in their respective capacities, even though handicapped in many instances for the wherewithal to fulfill their duties.
The Chairman expresses his appreciation to the other members of the Board, and town officers, who have given helpful assistance during a busy and eventful year.
Chief of Police John G. Gates returned to active duty early in March, after a few months' hospitalization. During his enforced absence Walter E. Peterson, Acting Chief, carried out the duties of this office superbly. Much credit goes to the members of the police department for their loyal support during these days of too few men to cope with a sizeable task.
The Board voted to go on record as favoring several acts of the State Legislature, namely Senate Bill No. 216 and House Bill No. 684 concerning "The Boston Port Authority Bill," thus supporting our moral obligation to New England and her future. Voted vacation for town employees return- ing from War Services, covered by Chapter No. 447 Acts of 1945. Voted to approve, and later ratified by special town meeting vote, Chapter No. 723 Acts of 1945 was adopted setting up a Department of Veterans' Services.
As provided in Chapter No. 708, Section No. 11, Acts of 1941, the Board held a joint session with the Town Clerk, Moderator, and appointed an Acting 'officer, Dr. Charles E. Montague, to fill in during Dr. Robert Dut- ton's absence in the Armed Services.
Notices were received from the County Commissioners relative to relo- cation of lines on Cordis Street, the northeast corner of Church and North Avenue, and the northeast corner of Albion Street and North Avenue.
A joint meeting was held with the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, and building inspector. A general discussion of changes to improve Build- ing and Zoning By-Laws covered the subject at hand.
A committee of three was appointed to investigate possibilities for a new Highway Garage and Police Station, two desirable needs for current public services. This preliminary study found its way into the delibera- tions of a committee of nine appointed by the Moderator at the March
81
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
town meeting which is due to report at the Annual town meeting in March, 1946.
The Board held a joint conference with the Water and Sewerage Board members. Enlightment as to retarded progress in carrying out much needed sewerage extentions was gained. A special town meeting voted necessary funds to complete engineering of non-sewered parts of the town. Funds had been previously denied for this essential work some years ago.
In conjunction with members of the Board of Health, a tour of the police cells and basement of the town hall was made, disclosing the need for a modern, properly-equipped police station.
Several major events took place. On April 12, 1945, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt passed away. A special committee of officials and citizens arranged a memorial service and paid tribute to the deceased President. Later came the days every heart was yearning for-V. E. Day and V. J. Day-bringing fighting to a halt on two extreme fronts. These days were properly observed.
On June 17, 1945, at 3 P.M., a solemn service of dedication took place at the Moulton Playground. Trees were planted as a living symbol to those boys of the West Side who have given their lives during World War II.
Exercises commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the first steam rail- road service between Boston and Wakefield were held at the Upper Station July 4, 1945.
The Town Hall auditorium was gifted by the presentation of a State flag. This, through the generosity of the "Greenwood Junior Women's Club."
Your Board has collaborated with adjoining towns in discussing "Met- ropolitan Area Planning." Later an occasion concerning the "United Nations Organization," and possible location of it in Massachusetts, at the nearby Fells. Wakefield has been kept to the front on such matters per- taining to her welfare.
An article was drawn up and passed in a subsequent town meeting vote to provide three associate members, appointed by the Selectmen, to the Board of Appeals.
A beneficial measure, desired by many town employees, was the setting up of "Blue Cross" membership through a payroll deduction arrangement. The Board members endorsed this measure and helped make it a reality for all town departments.
Colonel Edward J. Connelly was chosen administrator of the Veterans' Services in Wakefield. With a substantial background of veterans' affairs, and a committee of professional non-salaried men, this desirable service is now being rendered to returning service men and women. An able secre- tary assists in the tasks of this department.
The means of traveling throughout Wakefield has been consummated by permitting the Hudson Bus Lines to operate in the Greenwood, Junction and West Side of our town. The Board feels it has filled a long desired need for a great many people. It also had in mind the economy and welfare of a large growing town.
82
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Prompt action at the proper time assisted in retaining the services of our local O. P. A. office here in Wakefield.
The bone of contention regarding directional travel on Albion Street remains as heretofore. Properly parked cars, no overtime parking, has straightened out this matter very well. Foster Street has been made one- way, aiding materially in the flow of traffic.
To better cope with snow storms in the future, a rule was adopted start- ing our crews and equipment out at three inches accumulation of snow.
On October 16, 1945, the Board voted to terminate the services of Chief Frederick D. Graham, who had been formally retired the previous year, but held over for the duration of emergency. Captain Clifford E. Jacobs was appointed to become Chief of the Fire Department effective October 20, 1945. We are fortunate to have the services of such able men in this field of protection of property and life. Fitting testimonials were provided in honor of these men.
The Board of Selectmen, organizing from time to time, as a Board of Survey, has approved the plans of the following streets, subject to con- struction upon approval by vote of the citizens at town meeting; Davidson Road, Outlook Road, Crosby Road, Sherman Road and Aborn Avenue exten- sion. Cutter Street, Willow Street and White Circle have been completed. Wolcott Street is nearly completed and work is under way on Morgan Avenue, to be completed in the spring of 1946.
A survey has been made to remedy, if possible, the numerous traffic accidents at the interesction of Vernon and Lowell Streets. A committee has been appointed to discuss the matter with the State Department of Public Works.
Members of the Board have attended numerous social functions during the year, bringing to them the greetings of the town and encouraging them in their particular social, business and civic work. These in reality are the motivating forces that make growth for Wakefield.
The foregoing report partially covers the progress of your 1945-1946 Board of Selectmen.
RICHARD M. DAVIS L. WALLACE SWEETSER
HERBERT D. ANDERSON WILLIAM G. DILL WILLIAM R. LINDSAY
Selectmen
83
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
Report of Chief of Police
-
January 1, 1946
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit to your Honorable Board, the reports of the doings of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1945. Number of arrests
322
Number of arrests on warrants
9
Number of arrests without warrants
189
Number of arrests on default warrants
0
Number of arrests on capias
3
Number of summons served
121
Male
300
Female
22
Residents
182
Non-Residents
140
FOR THE FOLLOWING CRIMES, VIZ:
Arrested for other officers
19
Assault and battery
5
Assault with a dangerous weapon
1
Automobile Laws, Violation of:
Allowing improper person to operate
1
Failing to stop on signal of officer
1
Improper plates
3
Mechanical signal, not stopping
20
Failing to keep to right of way
1
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating after suspension of license
3
Operating - Failing to slow down at intersection
5
Operating so as to endanger
4
Operating - Speeding
5
Operating under the influence
13
Operating with defective brakes
1
Operating without a license
2
Operating without official inspection
31
Parking violations
24
Operating - Uninsured car
3
Operating - Unregistered car
3
Using without authority
7
Breaking, entering in the nighttime with intent to commit larceny
1
84
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Children:
Delinquent
1
Neglected
1
Truancy
1
Non-support
1
Delinquency, contributing to
1
Drunkenness
105
Insane
12
Labor Law violations
3
Larceny
21
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
1
Lewdness
1
Loitering
1
Malicious mischief
1
Runaway girls
1
Safe Keeping
9
Threatening to assault with a dangerous weapon
1
Violation of probation
3
Wilfully and maliciously injuring Town Property
2
Wilfully and maliciously burning a building
2
HOW DISPOSED OF
Appealed
4
Continued
7
Defaulted
2
Delivered to other officers
24
Discharged
1
Dismissed
4
Fines imposed
142
Grand Jury
1
House of Correction
10
Insane Hospital
12
Lancaster - Suspended Sentence
2
Lyman School
3 1 35
Placed on file
Probation
10
Released
29
Restitution
1
Shirley School
2
State Department of Public Welfare
2
State Farm
4
State Prison
1
Suspended Sentence to House of Correction
17
Suspended Sentence to Lyman School
4
Suspended Sentence to Shirley School
1
Suspended Sentence to State Farm
3
Middlesex Training School
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
85
AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT
29 @
$ 5.00
$ 145.00
74 @
10.00
740.00
11 @ 15.00
165.00
5 @
25.00
125.00
1 @
35.00
35.00
17 @
50.00
850.00
2 @
75.00
150.00
3 @ 100.00
300.00
TOTAL
$ 2,510.00
MISCELLANEOUS REPORT
Accidents reported
325
Amount of lost property recovered
$
2,022.27
Amount of property left outside of stores and cared for
$ 111.00
Amount of stolen property recovered
$ 13,934.00
Bicycles found
9
Broken wires reported
6
Buildings found open and secured
397
Burglary
4
Complaints and cases investigated
1,824
Dead and stray cats reported
50
Dead bodies cared for
11
Defects in gas pipes reported
1
Defects in streets and sidewalks reported
64
Detail for public assemblages
168
Dog bites reported
31
Dogs killed
41
Electric light poles blown down
1
Fires discovered and alarm given
12
Fires discovered and extinguished without alarm
5
House lights reported out
48
Lanterns put on dangerous places
7
Lights found burning in buildings
45
Lost children cared for
32
Lost dogs found and returned to owners
118
Medical Examiner cases
11
Obstructions removed from streets
2
Officers at fires
212
Persons missing
48
Posting notices
45
Rescued from drowning
11
Runaway boys cared for
10
Runaway girls cared for
4
Serious sickness signs put out
7
Sick and disabled people assisted
80
86
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Street lights not burning
102
Water running to waste
13
Wires burning trees
10
Legal papers served in town
136
Legal papers served for out-of-town police departments
203
Number of duty calls
56,877
Number of light department duty calls
1,722
Number of Ambulance Cases
382
Miles covered by Ambulance
4,356
Miles covered by Car No. 1
51,713
Miles covered by Car No. 2
8,727
Miles covered by Motor Cycle
2,212
Money collected for fines imposed by the court
$ 560.00
Money collected on non-support cases
3,076.17
Money collected for restitution
198.78
Money collected for revolver permits issued
47.50
Money collected on ambulance cases
336.00
Money collected for bicycle registration plates
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