USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1936 > Part 47
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The parking problem in Rockland has for many years. been of a serious nature, especially Friday and Saturday nights; the Selectmen with this department have cer- tain recommendations which they have investigated and. expect that changes will be made to remedy this situa- tion to some extent.
Again I take pleasure in giving the thanks of the en- tire department to the Town and County officials and to the many citizens who have given valuable assistance when at an opportune time. As Chief of this department I am appreciative of the excellent work of the regular and special officers, all of whom have labored to give the:
215
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
finest service; and to the Finance committee who after consideration approved of the appropriation asked for by this department.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE J. POPP, Chief of Police
Report of Forest Fire Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Forest Fire Warden for the year 1939.
The Forest Fire Department answered 103 calls for fires during the year 1939. On August 13, 1939 we had a very serious fire on the corner of Forest and Wey- mouth Streets, which was caused by carelessness, and cost the town a considerable amount of money to exting- uish.
Many people are having out-of-door fires without per- mits, which they are required to secure according to law.
For the year 1940 I recommend an appropriation of $1,700.00 in order to take care of the balance of the payroll due the Firemen for the year 1939.
Respectfully submitted,
CLYSON P. INKLEY, Forest Fire Warden
Report of W. P. A. Sponsor Agent
To the Board of Selectmen:
The W. P. A. has closed the year 1939 with completion of all work voted by the town in its annual meeting which. the regulations would permit.
Due to the application of many changes enacted into law by the last session of Congress there have been slight interruptions in the operation of W. P. A. work at various. times making it all-in-all a somewhat hectic year.
The invoking of the eighteen months continuous assign- ment law being the cause for dismissal was undoubtedly the most sweeping and least understood. The impres- sion was given that the workers would be laid off for a period of thirty days, in reality it was a discharge and the worker was obliged to go through the complete pro- cedure of a new case. On account of this law there are persons in Rockland who were laid off in August and. have not been reassigned as yet by Boston Headquarters. This in itself has been the cause of increasing the town welfare burden for which purpose it has been generally understood the W. P. A. was operated to reduce.
Another change in the operation of the W. P. A. the past year is in the assignment of persons to work which is now carried on direct from Boston Headquarters with- out local request and is the cause of furthur complica- tions.
Another new law is the increase of sponsor contribu- tions to a minimum of twenty-five percent of the total project which has eliminated the availability of many former worth while projects and curtailed the source for- new projects. £ It is hoped that the new Congress will. enact or amend the present legislation to overcome these
217
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
handicaps in the efficient operation of the W. P. A. from the federal and local angle.
The largest project operated in 1939 was a continua- tion of the installation of permanent sidewalks. The program adopted in 1938 of the cement curb and bitumin- ous walk on at least one side of practically every street in town and both sides of streets leading from the busi- ness section was continued. Installation has been made upon forty-three streets in the town the past year making a total of 7 2/3 miles at a cost to the town of $19,512. The federal government has contributed for sidewalks 1500 bags of cement with a value of $1,018.75.
Other projects operated during the year included Vital Statistics, High School Sewer, Water Mains, Emerson Street Bridge, Wright's Brook Drain, Hurricane Cleanup, High School Drive, Engineering Survey, Reed's Pond Im- provement, Pre-School Unit, Sewing, Housekeeping Aide, Recreation and Commodity Distribution. With the ex- ception of the Pre-School, Sewing, Housekeeping Aide, Recreation and Commodity Distribution, which expenses have been carried by W. P. A. General Fund, the sponsor expense has been very near $7,000.00.
The year 1939 opened with 354 on W. P. A. payrolls and closed with 289. The smallest number to receive W. P. A. checks was the week of August 23, to 30, 1939 when 207 persons were on the payroll. The largest num- ber working was the week ending March 15, when 393, were employed. The largest W. P. A. weekly payroll was $6,659.44. The payroll for the year was in excess of $200,709. This figure brings the total pay checks in Rockland since August 1, 1934, when the federal emer- gency relief act went into operation, in excess of $980,559 close to a million dollars.
Last August the W. P. A. Headquarters were moved to the Gladstone Block with the Town Offices. This has worked to advantage as it has centralized all inside
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SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
projects with added working room and more accessible to the public.
During the past year the W. P. A. has been called upon for volunteers for blood transfusions and the response has been very gratifying. Over fifty men have been charted for "type of blood," and fifteen men have given transfusions.
In common with municipalities throughout the state the Recreation Project under the supervision of Norman Crosby has made rapid progress in attendance and in scope. Particularly noticeable is the interest manifested by the young people which will undoubtedly have an in- fluence on their social standing in the years to come.
The Housekeeping Aide Project under the supervision of Miss Lois Williams and Miss Meredith O'Hara, has given 12,240 work hours assistance to families in Rock- land. This is one of these projects that does a world of good that cannot be publicized.
The sewing Unit in Mckinley School Building under the supervision of Miss Helen Purcell has continued its good work and has made a variety of garments totaling 12,931 peice which includes nearly five thousand girl's dresses and three thousand men's shirts, that have been distributed to the needy.
The Commodity Distribution division, in charge of Mr. John J. Bowler assisted by Mrs. Lillian Ransford, has operated smoothly and more expediously in its new quart- ers in the basement of the Gladstone block. It has dis- tributed 19,312 pieces of clothing and 25,056 cans and. 314,563 pounds of food articles to Rockland families.
It is with regret that I understand that Mr. Roderick Mackenzie will not be our Higway Surveyor in 1940, as I will greatly miss his advice and cooperation. His assis- tance has been a vital factor in the operation of out-door projects.
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TOWN OF ROCKLAND
In meeting the many sudden changes and new laws in relation to the operation of the W. P. A., I am deeply indebted to Mr. John M. Brennan, Mr. Loring Jacobs and Mrs. Muriel Godfrey, district Federal supervisors, for their co-operation and assistance.
For the coming year I would suggest a continuance of the permanent sidewalk program that has proved so bene- ficial. Also the widening of many streets by the treat- ing of the gutters on each side with bituminouus surfac- ing giving about eight feet of additional travelled way. The rebuilding of Exchange Street should be included for the program for 1940 to safe-guard the town from damages.
Respectfully submitted, FRED M. RYAN, Sponsor W. P. A. Agent for Rockland
Report of Highway Surveyor
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
I wish to report that all of the work covered by the va- rious appropriations granted to the Highway Department has been completed.
This work included making necessary repairs to various streets, putting on tarvia, and cleaning out catch basins and drains. During the year a number of sidewalks were completed in various sections of the town as W. P. A. projects.
Two bridges were constructed on West Water street in co-operation with the state and county.
RODERICK MacKENZIE, Highway Surveyor
Report of Trustees of Memorial Library
The trustees of the Memorial Library submit the fol- lowing report for 1939:
Two improvements were made in the interior of the building. Lighting in the north reading room being in- sufficient, three new lights with 500 watt bulbs were in- stalled. The librarian's office was fitted with Venetian. blinds.
Of interest to the patrons of the library were the ex- hibits. The excellent one of the art department of the schools was noteworthy, as was Mrs. Joseph Lelyveld's collection of dolls.
The continuing interest of the Rockland Woman's club in the library was shown by its gift of five dollars and a membership card. The trustees thank the club, and also the Garden Club and others who have contributed books.
By the death of Mr. W. G. Holbrook a vacancy occurred in the position of janitor. This was filled by the election of Mr. E. H. Totman, who had been substituting with entire satisfaction during the illness of Mr. Holbrook.
Income from the trust funds was paid out as follows :
Hattie Curtis Fund
$ 13 67
Zenas M. Lane Fund
15 00
Alice L. French Fund
12 26
Everett Lane Fund
2 32
Charles Edwin Vinal Fund
25 16
Mary A. Spence Fund
12 70
Sarah J. Spence Fund
7 74
John W. Rice Fund
10 06
John A. Martin Fund
3 15
Mothers' Mutual Improvement Society Fund
1 33
$103 39
221
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
These withdrawals left on deposit in the Rockland Sav- ings Bank, December 31, 1939:
Hattie Curtis Fund
$500 20
Zenas M. Lane Fund
500 56
Alice L. French Fund
500 32
Everett Lane Fund
100 25
Charles Edwin Vinal Fund
1 000 15
Mary A. Spence Fund
500 25
Sarah J. Spence Fund
300 51
John W. Rice Fund
400 18
John A. Martin Fund
100 16
Mothers' Mutual Improvement Society Fund
50 11
The terms of Francis F. Geogan and Emma W. Gleason expire in 1940.
An appropriation of $4650 plus the dog refund of $407.04 is recommended for 1940.
FRANCIS J. GEOGAN,
JOHN B. FITZGERALD,
BURTON L. CUSHING,
EMMA W. GLEASON,
ANNIE E. McILVENE,
EMILY F. CRAWFORD,
Trustees
Librarians Report
To the Trustees of the Rockland Memorial Library :
The sixty-first report of this library is herewith sub- mitted.
A total of 60516 books and magazines have been loaned for home use.
The average monthly circulation, 5043. The average
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SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
daily circulation 206. Largest number delivered in one day, 387. Smallest numbered delivered in one day, 69.
Received for fines, reserved books, sale of cook books, subscriptions from non-residents, old magazines and books, $356.
Number of books added by purchase (including re- placements), 421. Number of books presented, 35. Num- ber of books worn out and missing 120. Number of books rebound, 48. Number of books in library December 31, 1939, 21,436.
Character of books loaned: Literature 4 per cent ; his- tory and travel 4 per cent; biography, 3 per cent; miscel- laneous (adult) 6 per cent; fiction (adult) 53 per cent; fiction (juvenile), 15 per cent; miscellaneous (juvenile), 6 per cent; magazines 9 per cent.
The Public Library has doubtless meant more to many of our people, the past year, than ever before. It is use- ful to so many different people in so many different ways. The very process of reading, through the impetus it gives the mind, enriches the quality of public thought and adds to the sturdiness of the town character. However, it is sometimes hard to make the public realize this and thus give the support that should go with it.
One of the greatest pleasures of writing reports is the opportunity for recording the library's thanks for the generosity of its friends during the year. Outstanding was the specialized books on gardening from the Rock- land Garden Club, and the generous amount of money from the Rockland Woman's Club from which we pur- chased one of the highlights of the year, "Masterpieces of Art."
We also make acknowledgement of and express cordial thanks for other books and pamphlets of value to the li- brary.
223
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
The public demands bring about changes in our periodi- cals, and from our point of view a more scholarly qual- ity is in demand.
All the latest books are not available nor are even a small part of them on hand exactly when we wish them, but the reserve priviledge is well patronized, and we bor- row from neighboring libraries if the demand warrants.
Our reference department has increased its demands, and many of the reserved books for reference are kept in the stack room. From here we search through the books, with the student, showing him the best technique in locating references with the least, possible expenditure of time. Also in the children's room the reference work has been busy, and very often all the chairs about the tables will be filled with boys and girls from the Junior High school busily working on school assignments.
During book week the Library puts forth an effort to become better acquainted with its patrons and to pre- sent to them at least a few new books of the season. An exhibit somewhat different from those we have had in former years was the display of dolls, loaned by Mrs. Joseph Lelyveld. Coming from all over the world fitted in well with the theme for book week, "Around the world with books."
Displays of various kinds for young and old create an atmosphere of informality. Our Bethleham scene at Christmas was noted, the "World's Fair" posters and es- pecially the splendid exhibit of the art department of the schools, which could hardly be credited to pupils of their age.
We also gave the new books a chance to prove their worth against old time favorites by having an exhibit of the latter from time to time, since these books have not so good a shelf location as we might wish.
Magazine files have been used more than ever before
224
SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
to answer questions on government, legislation and for- eign and domestic political affairs. With political, econ- omy and social history being made daily, current material plays a much greater part in reference work than writ- ings of the past. In these times of fast moving and mo- mentous world events the demands of the general reader as well as of the student require all the reference know- ledge that can be gathered.
Many favorable comments have been passed upon our new lights in the north reading room. This room now is in a condition to attract and serve the public in increas- ingly better manner.
Early in the year Girl Scouts visited the library in con- nection with one of their projects, learning the system of classification, cataloguing, and use of reference books. Later your librarian visited the High School library to offer a few suggestions to the new student workers. We were also glad to have one of the grade schools visit our library, with their teacher. Many of these children had never before been to the library, but since their visit many have taken out cards and become regular borrow- ers.
Our whole demand for books is affected by what is happening today at home and abroad, and our library must attempt to be an impartial provider on as many new questions and problems, now before the public, as pos- sible. Our citizens are concerned with government and the library should do much to foster that interest.
I have tried to give all a voice in the library's policy, and I have felt that each one considered that the main- tenance of the good name of the library is a part of his responsibility.
Respectfully submitted,
LIDA A. CLARK,
Librarian
Assessors Report 1939
The Assessors have assessed the sum of $318,987.90 upon the Polls and Property subject to taxation in the Town of Rockland and have committed said sum to the Collector for collection.
Number of Polls assessed 2691
Value Real Estate assessed $5 647 855
Value Land assessed 1 540 045
Total Value Real Estate including land
$7 187 900 00
VALUE PERSONAL PROPERTY
Value of Stock in Trade
$ 172 640 00
Value of Live Stock 14 755 00
Value of Machinery 34 225 00
Value of all other Personal
447 781 00
Total Value Personal Property
669 401 00
Total Valuation Real and Personal Property 7 857 301 00
Town Appropriations 406 765 08
Appropriations from Available Funds 79 715 91
State Tax
24 660 00
Underestimate 1938 State Tax
12 330 00
County Tax
14 518 60
Underestimate County Tax 1938
30 90
Hospital Tax
60 00
State Parks and Reservations 452 62
Overlays
15 216 23
Auditing Municipal Accounts
454 54
State Parks and Reservations Underestimate 1938 27 32
226
SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Tuberculosis Hospital
4 427 35
$558 658 55
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Income Tax
25 410 62
Corporation Taxes
12 259 69
Motor Vehicle Excise
15 872 33
Licenses
5 190 00
Fines
124 80
General Government
335 50
Health and Sanitation
645 00
Charities
24 071 49
Old Age Assistance
30 898 08
Schools
2 602 88
Libraries
340 00
Water Department
29 500 00
Tax Costs
284 83
Interest
6 940 36
Veterans Exemptions
241 78
Refund Compensation Policy
527 90
Chapter 504 Acts 1939
13 737 94
Poll Taxes
5 382 00
Appropriations from Available Funds 85 715 91
Total Estimated Receipts $260 081 11
Total amount to be raised on Property
298 577 44
Tax Rate Per Thousand $38.00
Number of Motor Vehicles and Trailers assessed 2519
Value of Motor Vehicles and Trailers $488 945 00 Number Persons assessed on Personal Estate only 197 On Real Estate only 1812
On both Personal and Real Estate 110
Total Number of Persons assessed 2119
Number of Dwellings 1887
227
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Number of Cows
82
Number of Horses
14
Number of Yearlings, Bulls, etc.
8
Number of Swine
101
Number of Fowl
7450
Number of Acres
5745
AMOUNTS COMMITTED TO COLLECTOR
Real and Personal
$298 577 44
Water Liens
741 84
Poll Tax 5 382' 00
December Assessments on Polls 12 00
Excise Tax
14 274 62
Total
$318 987 90
Respectfully submitted,
NORMAN J. BEALS, DENNIS L. O'CONNOR,
JOSEPH B. ESTES,
Board of Assessors
Report of Committee to Revise and Re-draft By-Laws of the Town of Rockland
Your committee appointed to revise and re-draft the By-Laws of the Town of Rockland has been in correspon- dence with towns of comparable population and has se- cured copies of the By-Laws of said towns.
We find in all but one of the towns contacted, that like ouselves, there has been no revision of By-Laws for the past thirty years or more.
In that one town, Ludlow, Mass., a special committee made a most exhaustive study and presented to their town in 1937 a very complete and up-to-date set of By-
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SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Laws which up until the present time have failed of ac- ceptance by the voters of that town.
Because of the detail and study necessary to properly present to the town By-Laws which would be adequate and acceptable to the voters we respectfully request that we be given further time to prepare our re-draft and re- vision to be reported at some future town meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS J. GEOGAN, Chairman HARRY S. TORREY, DENNIS L. O'CONNOR, JAMES P. KANE, RALPH L. BELCHER, Secretary
Committee
Report of Infirmary
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
I hereby report the activities which have taken place during the year 1939.
We have taken care of twenty-seven inmates during the year, the youngest being four months and the oldest eighty-nine.
Three deaths have taken place, all men.
At the present time we have fourteen inmates, twelve men and two women.
Respectfully submitted,
EARL W. WYATT, Supt. of the Infirmary
-
Report of the Board of Sewer Commissioners for the Year 1939
The State Board of Health still keeps bringing to our at- tention the fact that the Town of Rockland should have a System of Sewerage and their engineers have from time to time called on this Board in furtherance of this fact.
Early in the year Sanitary conditions at the Junior- Senior High school building were not satisfactory and Plans of the system as approved for installation were fur- ished the School Committee at its request.
Mr. E. Worthington of Dedham, the Engineer who as- sisted in securing the Federal Grant for Sewer System here in 1938-1939 has not yet been paid for his services in that connection and has requested us to bring this to the attention of the town.
When he presented his bill to the Town a year ago, the Selectmen had no specific funds for this project and upon consultation with Town Counsel notified him that they could not pay this bill. This Board feels that Mr. Wor- thington is entitled to his pay as it was largely due to his services and suggestions that we received the Federal Grant of One Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Dollars ($162,000.00) Altho the Town refused this grant, Mr. Worthington was successful on his part for the town. "The laborer is worthy of his hire."
Again in October conditions were such at the Junior- Senior High School building that at the request of the School Superintendent, the State Board of Health was asked for advice and suggestions to help us care for un- satisfactory conditions. The State Board sent us their Regional Engineer, Mr. Doggett. He, with Mr. Brennan, Regional Federal Engineer, made examination of prem-
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SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
ises, filter bed, etc. They were to take up the matter with the State Board of Health.
On Dec. 22nd, last, we lost our esteemed fellow member and friend Chairman Frederick Hall who had served as chairman of the Board for fifteen years. His death was a personal loss to use and to the entire community as well. A man of integrity and ability, a willing worker and a faithful friend, we hold his memory in higest esteem.
At a joint meeting of the Sewer Commissioners and Board of Selectmen, Neal J. Lioy was chosen to act as Sewer Commissioner until his successor be chosen at the March Meeting.
Respectfully submitted, GILES W. HOWLAND, CHARLES M. HINES, NEAL J. LIOY, Sewer Commissioners.
In Memoriam
FREDERICK HALL
Chairman of Sewer Commissioners
A faithful and capable town officer, an upright and valuable citizen. We regret his passing and honor his memory.
Board of Sewer Commissioners
Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
I have with my standard weights and measures tested and sealed all weighing and measuring devices which I have jurisdiction over also several scales for private use.
Inspections and weighing of merchandise which is put up for sale and delivery were also made, also all gas met- ers were retested. The inspection and resealing of these measuring devices is an important item after sealing.
Frequently inspections of all stores in town that have measuring devices are made. Computing scales need at- tention as in most cases they are found to be incorrect. I see to the fact that the pedlers and transient vendors laws are enforced and make sure all are properly licensed. The town receives the fund from these licenses.
The oil meters on oil trucks are another item which have to be checked more carefully on account of the in- creasing sale of oil.
I have co-operated sincerely all year with the Division of Standards and Necessities of Life.
The duties of a Sealer of Weights and Measures in- crease yearly and I am on call at all times. My duties are under State and Town regulations.
Following is an itemized account of the work I have performed for the year 1939:
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SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
Platform over 5000 lbs.
Platform 100 to 5000 lbs.
19
40
2
Counter 100 lbs or over
1
3
Counter under 100 lbs.
6
34
Beam 100 lbs. or over
1
Beam under 100 lbs.
1
Spring 100 lbs. or over
4
9
Spring under 100 lbs.
14
46
2
Computing 100 lbs. or over
Computing under 100 lbs.
20
57
Personal Weighing
1
11
Prescription
4
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
8 319
Apothecary
48
Metric
42
CAPACITY MEASURES
Liquid
4 5 Liquid over 1 gal.
AUTOMATIC MEASURING DEVICES
Oil Meters
1 7 1
Gasoline Pumps
4 3
Gasoline Meters
8 63
2
Kerosene Pumps
10
1
Oil Measuring Pumps
19
19
Quantity Measure on Pumps
4 58
co Adjusted
A Sealed
Not Sealed
Condemned
58
233
TOWN OF ROCKLAND
Cloth Measuring Device Yard Sticks
2
32
Molasses Measuring Devices
1 1
TOTAL UNITS SEALED
Total units sealed 878
Weighing and measuring devices adjusted 89
Weighing and measuring devices condemned 10
Weighing and measuring devices not sealed
35
Sealing fees returned to Town Treasurer $114 52
Due to Treasurer 20
REWEIGHING AND REMEASURING
Number correct
213
Number tested
254
Over wight
5
Under weight
36
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD J. INKLEY
Report of Inspector of Animals and Stables
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals and Stables, for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Number of Stables inspected 36
Number of Cows inspected
123
Number of Swine inspected 403
Number of Goats inspected
6
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SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Number of Sheep inspected
1
Number of visits made in inspections 111
Number of Dogs quarantined 15
Number of visits made to premises of quarantined animals 75
Respectfully submitted,
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