USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1932 > Part 5
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Signed, DANIEL H. BURKE
PATRICK H. MAHONEY CHARLES T. WALLS
Assessors' Report, 1932
The Assessors have assessed the sum of $281,023.96 upon the Polls and Property subject to Taxation in the Town of Rockland and have committed said sum to the Collector for collection.
Number Polls assessed
2416
Number assessed Old Age Assistance 2431
Value Real Estate assessed $5,745,964.00
Value Land assessed 1,550,255.00
Total value Real Estate including Land
$7,296,219.00
VALUE PERSONAL PROPERTY
Value of Stock in Trade
$174,240.00
Value of Live Stock
13,325.00
Value of Machinery
270,348.00
Value of All Other Personal
337,878.00
Total Value Tangible Personal Property $795,791.00
Total Valuation, Real and Personal
$8,092,010.00
Town Appropriations
$315,621.69
County Tax
16,193.11
State Tax
12,187.50
State Parks and Reservations
16.96
Hospital Tax
· 325.00
State Highway Tax
1,212.50
Old Age Assistance
2,431.00
103
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Water Dept., (used in estimated receipts) Overlay
29,400.00 7,039.40
Total
$384,427.16
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Demands
$319.24
Interest
8,765.50
Licenses
585.50
General Government
161.67
Memorial Library
353.00
State Aid
1,088.00
Veterans' Exemption
246.89
Miscellaneous
942.62
Charities
7,942.75
Income Tax
24,732.50
Corporation Tax
6,883.14
Railway and Telephone Tax
798.37
Gas and Electric Tax
2,184.44
Trust Company Tax
270.66
National Bank Tax
17.64
Excise Tax
13,000.00
Highway Appropriation Offset
7,189.61
Water Board
2,797.79
Schools
6,720.39
Old Age Assistance
102.28
Industrial School
35.00
Highway Moth Tax
3.00
Collector's Receipt
443.05
Fines
4,832.00
Poll Tax
Old Age Assistance
2,431.00
Total Estimated Receipts
$122,246.04
29,400.00
104
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Total Amount to be raised on property
262,181.12
Tax Rate per thousand
$32.40
Number of Automobiles assessed
2,094
Value of Automobiles
433,020.00
Number of Persons, Partnerships and Cor-
porations
2,071
Number of Dwellings
1830
Number of Cows
112
Number of Horses
30
Number of Swine
90
Number of Fowl
3569
Value of Fowl
$3985.00
Number of Acres
5624
AMOUNTS COMMITTED TO COLLECTOR
Real and Personal
$262,181.12
Poll Taxes
4,832.00
Old Age Assistance
2,431.00
Excise Tax 11,215.84
December Assessment on Property
277.02
December Assessment on Polls 58.00
December Assessment, Old Age Assistance 29.00
Total
$281,023.96
Signed, JOSEPH B. ESTES, NORMAN J. BEALS, ANDREW SHANAHAN,
Assessors of Rockland.
Report of Tree Warden
To the Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen:
There was a large number of trees cut down, mostly maples and elms.
We trimmed many of the shade trees and also trimmed the corner trees.
There are a lot of trees which should be cut down, and that are dangerous but the lack of funds prevents us from doing it.
I recommend a larger appropriation.
Respectfully submitted,
TIMOTHY TWOOMEY, Tree Warden
Report of Board of Health
The Board of Health herewith submits its annual re- port for the year 1932.
The number of cases reported to this Board is as fol- lows :-
Scarlet Fever
32
Measles
72
Whooping Cough
15
Mumps
1
Diptheria
1
Lobar Pneumonia
5
Dog Bite
2
The general health of the people was never better.
Scarlet Fever has been quite prevalent throughout the Eastern part of the State and we found it rather difficult to control. Almost as soon as one nest was subdued an- other source of infection would appear in the town. Trans- portation is so easy these times it is very difficult to keep free of Scarlet Fever.
The heavy rains in September and October flooded the districts of Stanton Street and East Vernon Street and it was necessary to go to considerable expense in draining these places.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH H. DUNN, M. D., JOSEPH FRAME, M. G. FITZGIBBONS,
Board of Health
-
Report of Chief of Fire Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit to you the annual report of the Fire Department for the year 1932 and recommendations for the year 1933.
MANUAL FORCE AND APPARATUS
We have in the Department at present a Chief, Deputy Chief, two permanent men, and thirty-eight call men.
The apparatus consists of one 750 gallon La France triple combination pump with a forty gallon chemical tank. I would recommend that this chemical tank be changed to a booster tank, doing away with any chance of the chemical leaking out and destroying hose, as the tank is directly over the hose body. One La France city-service ladder truck and one La France combination. Both of these trucks are equipped with forty gallon chemical tanks.
The department has about four thousand feet of re- liable two and one-half inch hose, and about six hundred feet of chemical hose. We should have about five thousand feet of two and one-half inch hose, but as we have not bought any since January 1929, which is four years ago, and also some of it is ten or twelve years old and will not stand pump pressure, we will have to buy new hose this coming year.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The Fire Alarm System consists of one two-circuit switch board and storage batteries. One motor generator
108
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
set to charge batteries, one compressed air whistle, two tower bells, one indicator box, one traffic signal system, one universal transmitter box and wheels, forty fire alarm box- es, ten tappers and about twenty-five miles of wire. We will have to rebuild the fire alarm system on Howard Street during 1933 and also new cross arms will have to be put up in numerous sections of the town.
FIRES AND ALARMS
In the past year we had 155 calls, forty-eight bell alarms, 107 still alarms or telephone calls, and also seven calls from State Watch Towers to investigate smoke seen in various parts of the town. Of the forty-eight bell alarms eighteen were false which cost the department about three hundred dollars. We had two calls for the Inhalator but as the persons had been in the water too long it was almost useless to use it, but the Firemen with help from the Elec- · tric Light Company, worked on the bodies until the Doctor said it would be useless to try any longer. We had twelve chimney fires, ten auto fires and three out-of-town calls. Also one call on the A. D. T. System to take care of sprink- lers at the Rockland Welt Company which had let go, flood- ing part of the factory.
In taking care of these fires there were laid 9,400 feet of 2 1-2 inch hose, 2,350 feet of 1 1-2 inch hose, 1,120 feet of chemical hose, 1,130 gallons of chemical used, 15 gallons of foam, 7 quarts of pyrene, 6 pounds of Sambo and 9 fussee, also 792 feet of ladder raised. The triple combination pumped twenty and one-half hours. It also pumped four- teen hours to help clear a drain on Everett Street.
For the year 1933 I recommend $10,300.00 for Fire Department Maintenance, and $1,000.00 for new fire hose.
In concluding this report I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Chief and members of the Police Department
109
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
and also the men from the Electric Light Company for their cooperation and help which has been most generously given during the past year. I also wish to thank the mem- bers of the Fire Department who voluntarily gave their services the night of July Fourth and also for their willing response to call of duty.
Respectfully submitted,
C. P. INKLEY, Chief
REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit to you my annual report as Forest Fire Warden for the year 1932:
This Department took care of forty-seven grass and woods fires during the year.
None of the woods fires were of a serious nature but the grass fires are becoming almost a nuisance. Most of them are caused by carelessness and this expense could al- most be eliminated if people would only secure a permit. All people securing a permit to burn are given instructions on how to take care of the fire before they are allowed to burn. It is a State law that all persons having an out-door fire must first secure a permit from the Forest Fire Warden and it is only in your cooperation that these fires can be reduced.
Owing to the nominal expense of this department the past year we have been able to buy 400 feet of 1 1-2 inch hose with gates and nozzles.
For the year 1933 I would recommend that $1,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the prevention and extin- guishing of forest and grass fires.
Respectfully submitted,
C. P. INKLEY,
Forest Fire Warden
Report of Gypsy Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
This makes the fourth year that we have not found a brown tail moth nest. They have evidently disappeared from this section.
The gypsy moth infestation is about the same as it has been the last three years. Most of the nests we found were in the residential section. Very few nests in the woods. I recommend an appropriation of $500.00.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. SHAW, Moth Sperintendent
Report of Highway Surveyor
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I have completed the work under the various highway appropriations as far as the money was available.
I was not able to do the work on the West Water Street sidewalk of on Liberty Street owing to the Town's lack of funds. No Tarvia was put on for the same reason.
Respectfully submitted, RODERICK MACKENZIE,
Highway Surveyor
Report of Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the Police Department of the Town of Rockland for the year ending December 31, 1932.
NUMBER OF ARRESTS
Year
177
SUB-DIVISION
Male
Female ..
Assault and battery
10
1
Auto violations
29
0
Breaking and entering
8
0
Circulating false alarm of fire
4
0
Concealing leased property
2
1
Default
2
1
Delinquents
2
0
Disturbing the peace
1
1
Drunkenness
46
1
Employing minors
1
0
Fish and game laws
1
0
Fraud
2
0
Illegal transportation of liquors
2
0
Inebriate
1
0
Insane
4
0
Keeping and exposing liquors for sale
9
0
Larceny
22
0
2
0
Illegal possession of liquors
112
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Lewd and lascivious persons
1
1
Misaplication of funds
1
0
Missing persons
2
0
Neglected children
1
1
Non-payment of wages
1
0
Non-support
10
0
Runaway children
2
0
Selling leased property
1
0
Trespassing
1
0
Un-natural act
1
0
Using an automobile without authority
1
0
Total
170
7
Males.
.170
Females
7
Total
177
MISCELLANEOUS
Automobile thefts investigated 5
Automobiles recovered
7
Auto accidents investigated
45
Complaints investigated
482
Adults reported missing
2
Fires discovered
1
Number of arrests for out-of-town police
8
Stores found unlocked
28
Hospital cases emergency
2
Emergency messages delivered 10
Summons served for out-of-town police 25
-
The Police Department started operation in 1932 in con- formity with the sum appropriated for police service the preceding year. At the annual Town meeting in March 1932 the Town appropriated $8580; sixteen (16) per cent less than the previous year. The Finance Committee re-
113
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
commended the above sum for a four man department. It was voted as the sense of the Town meeting that the sum appropriated be for a five man department as in previous years. A reduction of salaries was the only means by which this could be done and the department, I believe, has operated in a most efficient manner and the appropriation was not exceeded. Also, it has been necessary for nearly the entire work of the department being performed by the regular members of the force, as there was but a small amount that could be applied to special police service.
The regular members of the force are on duty eight hours a day, seven days a week, for a total of fifty-six (56) hours weekly. Also the members have been obliged to respond to calls for special service necessitating many hours extra on several occassions. I believe that the members of the department should be provided with one day off occas- sionally and am now working out a plan to put this in effect without impairing the efficiency of the department in any way.
In brief detail, the regular work of the department is as follows:
The business section from Poole's corner to south of the railroad tracks in Union Square, is patroled 24 hours daily. Patrol 1 starts duty at 6:30 A. M. and continues until 2:30 P. M. In addition to patrol on Union Street and East Water Street as far as the railroad station the officer on this patrol looks after the younger school children cross- ing the streets to and from their classes. Patrol 2 starts at 2:30 P. M. and continues until 10:30 P. M. The duties of the officer on this patrol is similiar to that on Patrol 1. At 10:30 P. M. the regular night patrolman starts his duties and is assisted by one additional officer until 6:30 A. M. The two officers on this patrol have full responsibility of protecting the business district from fire and theft. Al- so, the officers on the night patrol use the police car to patrol the outlaying sections of the Town. This patroling of the
114
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
more distant parts of the Town has proved advantageous in many ways. The police car averages 22 miles each night of the week and gives a ready means of response to any section of the Town. It is possible to receive the service of the department in a very brief time any moment of the day or night. If one telephones the department and re- ceives no answer (in emergency calls) the telephone opera- tor should be notified and she will flash the police red light and the officer on patrol will answer immediately. With the many varied duties of the department and one officer on patrol all day, and two officers all night, it is im- possible for one to be present at the station the 24 hours of the day.
The department has rendered invaluable aid to motor- ists both local and out-of-town who have met with slight mishaps. The officers have also assisted, many times, in communicating with local people who could not be reached for emergency calls and has endeavored to give the best possible service at all times.
During the year 1932 there was not a single major crime in Rockland. Also, I am pleased to call attention to the big decrease in the lesser offenses against the law. We are most fortunate in the small number of cases of breaking and entering and I believe that this lessening of number of this particular crime is brought about, largely, by the night patrol in cruising about all outlying sections of the Town.
A nuisance in Rockland and many other communities for several years has been the large number of needless false alarms. The Police Department in cooperation with the Fire Department officials arrested four youths for sounding a false alarm and they have been prosecuted and ordered by the court to reimburse the Town the expense incurred.
115
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Traffic continues to be a problem in Rockland as well as every other community. We had one fatal accident during the year, and this was in no way occassioned by any lack of precaution on the part of the Town. Rockland has an unusually large amount of traffic for it's size, and motor- ists, as well as pedestrians, should cooperate with the de- partment to avert accidents at all times by giving first con- sideration to safety.
Requests from residents in regards to safety measures in the locality of their homes have been carried out wherev- er possible.
Painting of traffic markings on the streets has proved a big aid and this will be continued the coming year.
Recommendations
I recommend that the present Police system be main- tained the coming year as providing a maximum of service at a minimum of expense. The system has proved success- ful since its adoption three years ago, and will, I am sure, continue to do so.
In making up the estimate for the Police Department I have paid strict attention to the need of economy. The estimate of $8655 is $75 more than was appropriated last year yet it is $1585 less than the amount appropriated in 1931. The estimate presented is as low as possible and still retain an efficient service, the value of which is appar- ent to all. Many improvements are possible, especially in traffic work, but only at additional expense, which should not be incurred this year.
In concluding the report of the department I wish, in behalf of the officers and myself, to mention the kindly assistance of the members of the Board of Selectmen, Judges and Attachees of the Second District Court, County and State officials, executives and operators of the local
116
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
telephone exchange, and newspapers, which have, at all times, been of great help in our work. As Chief of the department I wish to commend the officers, each one of whom has endeavored to give the Town efficient service at all times.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE J. POPP, Chief of Police
Auditors' Report
We have audited the books of the various departments of the town including those of the treasurer, tax collector, town clerk, sealer of weights and measures and the school and water departments and have found them to be correct with all vouchers properly accounted for.
The balance reported by the treasurer has been recon- ciled with the statement furnished by the Rockland Trust Company.
Respectfully submitted,
H. C. SMITH, Chairman, C. ELMER ASKLUND, LEO E. DOWNEY,
Auditors
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I have, with my standard weights and measures, tested and sealed all weighing and measuring devices which I have jurisdiction over.
I have also made inspections and weighing of merchan- dise which is put up for sale and for delivery. I have also retested all gas meters. The inspection and resealing of these measuring devices is an important item after sealing.
I make an inspection of all stores in town that have weighing devices at least once a week. Computing scales need the most attention as in many cases I have found them incorrect. Pedlars increase yearly, and I make sure all
" have proper licenses. The town receives refunds from these licenses.
The duties of a Sealer of Weights and Measures in- crease yearly. My duties are under State and Town regu- lations.
Below is an itemized account of the work I have per- formed for the year 1932:
SCALES
Divice
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Condemned
Platform over 5,000 lbs.
1
3
:
00 .
·
Platform 100 to 5,000 1bs.
21
44
8
1
Counter 100 lbs. or over
. .
4
· ·
. .
119
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Counter under 100 1bs.
8
46
. .
Beam 100 1bs. or over
1
1
. .
Beam under 100 1bs.
. .
2
..
Spring 100 lbs. or over
4
17
. .
1
Spring under 100 1bs.
18
53
1
3
Computing under 100 1bs.
27
58
1
..
Personal weighing
. .
12
1
. .
Perscription
. .
5
·
. .
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
.
386
1
Apothecary
. .
54
. .
. .
Metric
62
..
. .
CAPACITY MEASURES
Liquid
201
11
Dry
..
7
. .
. .
AUTOMATIC MEASURING DEVICES
Gasolene Pumps
.
43
5
. .
Gasolene Meters
11
38
..
. .
Kerosene
. .
7
. .
. .
Oil Measuring Pumps
. .
55
30
5
Quantity measures on pumps
56
279
. .
Vehicle Tanks
. .
1 (3 compartments)
Cloth measuring divice
..
LINEAR MEASURE
45
. .
Yard Sticks
Total units sealed
22
Weighing and measuring devices adjusted
147
Weighing devices not sealed
47
Weighing devices condemned
1424
1
1
120
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Sealing fees returned to Town Treasurer
Unpaid sealing fees for 1932
$133.50 .03
REWEIGHING AND REMEASURING
Number Tested
Number Correct
Over Weight Under Weight
179
91
3
85
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD J. INKLEY,
Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Town of Rockland Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I wish to state there was installed 21 complete bath rooms, 4 sink and wash tray combinations, 17 wash tubs, 20 flush closets, 17 sinks, 2 urinals, 86 inspections, 65 investi- gations and 5 bath tubs.
E. S. KEENE,
Plumbing Inspector
Report of Trustees of Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture 1932 Rockland
During the past year the Extension Service has been called upon to fill a more important place in Plymouth Coun- ty than ever before. Narrow margins of profit have made the best farming practices of utmost importance, hundreds of families have turned to agriculture as a help toward their support. Homemakers have felt more than ever the need to buy foods and clothing to the best advantage and to make the most satisfactory use of materials at hand.
The Extension Service has been called upon increasing- ly by those feeling the pressure of present conditions to teach methods by which established farmers may continue to make a profit, new men entering the field may avoid unnecessary mistakes and families may use their resources to the best advantage. Boys and girls, through member- ship in 4-H clubs, have learned to assist in meeting the prob- lems of their parents and have found pleasure and profit in doing so.
During the year 7300 different people received advice and help frim the Extension Service. 711 meetings were held with a total attendance of 24,222. 77,099 circular letters were mailed. 5103 telephone calls received. Farm and home visits totaled 1227 and office calls 1243. There were 531 women enrolled in homemaking projects and 1352 boys and girls in the 4-H clubs. These clubs held 1215 meetings with a total attendance of 20,430.
The following report tells briefly some of the ways in which this work directly affected the citizens of Rockland. Its results can not be readily expressed in figures.
122
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Personal visits were paid by the county agent to farm- ers in town to give individual help or advice on a variety of agricultural subjects. An increasing number of people in town are doing some agricultural work as a help toward their living and a large percentage of these have been reach- ed with advice or information from the Extension Service. The agricultural mailing lists contain the names of 63 men, who receive letters and circulars giving suggestions on pest control, spraying, crop production or poultry or livestock management. The many meeting and tours arranged by the Extension Service were frequently attended by Rock- land people.
Home Demonstration Work
Forty women attended the series of meetings in food selection and preparation. Ninety homemakers also par- ticipated in the child development, canning, and other home programs by attendance at meeting or through our letter - service.
4-H Club Work
4-H club members enrolled in the dairy, poultry and garden clubs this year. The dairy club members met monthly with the Plymouth County 4-H Dairy Club. The County leader meets with the poultry club members and also visits each one.
The Rockland Kiwanis Club sponsored a contest for the 4-H garden club members in this district, offering prizes to the best garden in the towns of Rockland, Abington and Hanover·
The county club leader met with the garden club mem- bers in the spring and a committee from the Kiwanis Club visited the club members during the summer.
Signed, JAMES D. MAHONEY,
Director of Town of Rockland
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS
Bequest
Cemetery
Balance Jan. 1, 1932
Deposited During Year
Income
Expended
Balance Dec. 31, 1932
Sarah J. Spence
St. Patricks
$400.00
$6.00
$6.00
$400.00
Henry Lyons
St. Patricks
100.41
2.25
2.66
100.00
Jeremiah Leahy
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Mary J. Spence
St. Patricks
410.00
9.22
19.22
400.00
Margaret Smith
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Patrick McCaffrey
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
104.79
James H. O'Connell
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Gallagher-Driscoll
St. Patricks
242.09
5.44
11.34
236.19
Chester Ford
St. Patricks
443.09
9.96
10.00
443.05
Mary Gallagher
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Catherine McIntyre
St. Patricks
205.00
4.61
9.61
200.00
Daniel Sullivan
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Patrick Cullinane
St. Patricks
76.87
1.71
3.58
75.00
George Hatch
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
James Crowley
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Margaret D. Quinlan
St. Patricks
205.00
4.61
9.61
200.00
Daniel Crowley
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Bridget Conway
St. Patricks
118.41
2.65
5.00
116.06
Patrick O'Hearn
St. Patricks
51.25
1.14
2.39
50.00
Daniel H. Lynch
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
.
.
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
123
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS-Continued
Bequest
Cemetery
Balance Jan. 1, 1932
Deposited During Year
Income
Expended
Balance Dec. 31, 1932
Nicholas O'Donnell
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
James Maguire
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Ellen Sullivan
St. Patricks
51.25
1.14
2.39
50.00
Katherine E. Crowley
St. Patricks
205.00
4.61
9.61
200.00
Michael Sullivan
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
William McGrath
St. Patricks
104.29
· .
. .
4.29
100.00
Catherine E. O'Brien
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Thomas Russell
St. Patricks
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
Timothy Kelliher
St. Patricks
153.75
3.44
7.19
150.00
Mary Samuels
St. Patricks
209.26
4.70
13.96
200.00
William B. Burke
St. Patricks
50.41
1.12
1.53
50.00
Thomas J. Lynch
Holy Family
128.12
2.88
6.00
125.00
Jeremiah Santry
Holy Family
205.00
4.61
9.61
200.00
Antonio B. Rogers
Holy Family
102.50
2.29
4.79
100.00
John W. Cullinane
Holy Family
128.12
2.88
6.00
125.00
Mary E. Kelley
Holy Family
102.50
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