USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1932 > Part 2
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a case no results can be expected. That the Chief should be on the job at all times, and that he should delegate all investigation to his officers so that he could be available to all who wish to talk to him only about their particular trouble. That members of our force are receiving large amounts of "graft", that they are having trouble in keeping their current household bills paid.
The only complaint which the Board feels it is justified in considering as non-political, or not arising from dissatisfaction due to personal treatment, real or fancied; is the complaint that Mr. Francis is running a one-man department, and refuses to allow his officers to act in his absence.
It must be realized that for years our department was a one man department. One man built it up. He carried the in- creasing load ( for years, almost alone. Like any of us he is human, has his personal failings, and makes mistakes. We must judge whether his very valuable knowledge of the habits and failings of our residents, the unlimited effort and time he seems too willing to give, his really exceptional record, his qualities of patience and good judgment, outweigh his several minor fail- ings which he and all of us admit, and which we are correcting with good results.
Many now complain that Mr. Francis can not be reached by phone at any time as for the past twenty years. We have told him that he must not attempt to personally settle every matter. He is following orders, with the result the omission of this part of a "one man department" is a cause for complaint from those who still insist on doing business with the "Chief" alone.
Complaints come that "we can't find out anything about what is being done". It is a very good rule of the department that no one talks without specific authority from the top. This may be over done or it may cover up lack of results at times. It still is a very good method to follow. A loose tongue usually causes our greatest trouble. Too many people are too interested in other people's troubles.
Along that line is the complaint that for the money we spend we show too few arrests and convictions. A fine look- ing record and much glory can be had by a long list of arrests. We are glad to admit that the Department is not run on the "Tell it to the judge" principle. If a man or boy makes a mistake, the head of our department prefers to spend the time and effort on "local probation" in an attempt to keep him from making another. A court record is avoided, thus adding considerable more weight to the "probation", as well as costing less in grief, shame and actual money for all concerned. This
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system is saving many of the families in town much grief and trouble, and on that score alone we feel a fine service is being done. Credit rather than criticism is deserved. The County does not want prisoners, and in fact refuses to take some that we would like them to have. The Town also does not care to support the dependents of prisoners, we have load enough, and would prefer that they behave and support their families.
The Board can assure the Town that in Mr. Francis' absence, the officer in charge has full authority to proceed in an emergency. Investigation of complaints along this line leads to the opinion that investigation may not have proceeded along just the lines thought advisable by the complainant. With jobs at a premium, and a police job considered a plum, this Board does, and the public should, consider that many com- plaints as to ineffieciency, wrong method, etc. are too strongly flavored with something else beside holy interest for the Town's welfare.
The Board is constantly at work to correct faults in every department. We feel that progress is being made in the Police Department. They are over-worked, but doing a good job. Unless you desire less protection in the way of patrol, we can see no way of cutting the expense of this department except by a salary reduction straight thru.
WILLIAM TALLMAN, THOMAS W. WHITFIELD, F. EBEN BROWN, Selectmen, Town of Fairhaven.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Board, due to the long continuous agitation to force a change of Town policy as regards the Fire Department, has been particular to review all information available pertaining to our own Department and to other Fire Departments of like situation. We are unanimous in the opinion that there should be no change in policy as regards either the housing or manage- ment of this Department.
We have a Department which is not criticised for its per- formance, and whose morale still remains high in spite of several years of "political" and mistaken criticism regarding both the cost of, and the extent of, protection given.
Total cost for 1932 was $18,808.18 including all Fire Alarm work and $3,000.00 toward the new pumper. Net operating
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costs for Fire Department as expended by the Engineers was $15,079.29, returning over $420.00 balance. We can find no town affording anywhere near the protection for a like amount of property whose cost is not considerably higher than ours. We believe we are receiving a high type of service no greater than our needs demands at a very low price. We feel that it is not advisable to cut either the service or the price paid.
Mr. Spooner's service, about which most of the controversy seems to center imposes upon him the following obligations : (Agreed cost to Town $8,C72.CO).
(1) Houses six pieces of apparatus.
(2) Contracts to provide drivers for three major pieces on twenty-four hour service.
(3) Provides, light, heat, telephone service, and water.
(4) Keeps the six pieces of apparatus clean.
(5) Provides sleeping quarters and office space.
(6) Provides an enclosed battery room for Fire Alarm power.
(7) Provides space for compressor for whistle.
(8) Provides space for pool room for men.
It might be considered that this personal services as chief should be added to the above list. His pay as chief is $150.00 per year. He may also act as one of his own drivers when not otherwise engaged. He received an additional $67.00 during 1932 for still alarm work, but we know that the major part of his time for some years has been devoted to the Fire Department to the detriment of his Garage business. It is because of his interest, work, and ability to hold the respect and full coopera- tion of the men in the Department in the face of demoralizing · criticism, that we still have a good fire department.
We note that a full time Chief in other Departments usually receives a fairly sizeable salary. Mr. Spooner has functioned as a full time chief. Beside his duties on routine Department affairs he must :
(1) Inspect installations and removals of, gasoline storage. oil storage, oil burners, and issue permits for same. He makes on an average of three inspections per permit granted, and received in pay $1.00 per permit. No permit granted, no dollar. 87 permits for year 1932.
(2) Inspect and issue permits for sale of fireworks.
(3) Issue permits for dynamite use, storage, or purchase.
(4) Inspect for general fire prevention, rubbish accumulation,
etc., both routine and upon complaint.
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(5) Issue rubbish and brush fire permits and inspect upon complaint. (Neighborhood feuds cause a lively business at times).
(6) Assist in sprinkler inspections by Underwriters.
(7) Act as Forest Fire Warden.
(8) Assist in Fire Alarm maintenance.
(9) Supply detailed reports of all fires to State, and assist the State wardens in all investigations of fires and installations within the Town limits.
The eliminating of the Oxford Station and Company (Hose 2) would save $631.13, divided as follows: Regular pay $525.00 (7 men in company), Still alarm pay 1932: $61.00, Light, heat and station repairs : $55.13. The Company has almost a 90% attendance record, and acts as an important unit in the response and cover-up plan under which the department operates. The Underwriters do not advise its elimination until we have a large pumper in the North end, and stations in East Fairhaven and on Sconticut Neck. This company responds direct to fires in north end and some centre alarms. Covers Central Station on East Fairhaven and Neck fires and certain centre alarms. Neither the Engineers nor the Board consider the elimination of this Company safe or advisable.
The elimination of call men or the cutting down of the number of drivers furnished under contract might certainly reduce the annual net expense to the Town, unless such a move would increase our insurance rates, or thru lack of immediate sufficient apparatus and man power, allow a small fire to be- come a big one with a resultant large loss.
If he is quick, one man with a bucket of water, except in cases of explosion or oil fires, might expect to stop almost any fire as it starts; (And it might here be mentioned that the numerous range oil installations are not decreasing our hazards in town.) Without the man and the bucket of water at the right time, the only limit to a fire is determined by the combus- tibles in range and the available force to combat the spread. We can see and know the value of the combustibles we should protect, we know that coverage by fire insurance is shrinking and the risks are increasing. We can only use our best judg- ment and the judgment of those who are considered competent on such matters, in advising how much protection we should provide. The Foundry fire showed us that we had enough, but none too much, under favorable circumstances. The escape from a large loss was barely avoided, cold weather or a mistake in handling would have been disastrous. Our well-considered
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advice is that there be no reduction in the amount of fire pro- tection.
Considering the fact that beside the personal risk involved, each fireman spends at least twenty-five of his seventy-five dollars per year on equipment, insurance and gasoline, we do not advise a reduction in the rate of pay. Any saving of this kind should only come as a voluntary movement-42 hours at bell fires and 58 hours drill was the service rendered in 1932. Still alarm time cost $724.00, $278.50 of which went to men serving under contract with Mr. Spooner but who are regular firemen, and desirably so. A vote of the Town Meeting requires that all regular firemen serving at stills shall receive $1.00 per hour. The vote can be altered.
If you have suffered thru this report written to give you an understanding of the facts involved, we trust that you will think and act to the mutual benefit of the Town and the De- partment.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM TALLMAN, , THOMAS W. WHITFIELD. F. EBEN BROWN,
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
The Board organized on February 8, 1932 as follows : William Tallman, Chairman, Claudia Schiller, Clerk.
The Board has furnished much information as to problems and conditions both at the various Special Town Meetings and thru the press, and we assume that no interested person in Town is without a general idea of the difficulties experienced during the past year.
The expense burden for relief of all kinds totals $92,334.33 for the year, $34,488.08 above the year 1931. This means that $6.60 of our tax rate or twenty cents of every tax dollar had to be expended for relief.
The Board has made every effort to keep disbursements down to as low an amount as would afford the population in need sufficient food, fuel, clothing and shelter. The amount per person per week set up as an average has been lowered, and will average one dollar for food allowance. Fuel, shoes, cloth- ing, medical and hospital care are furnished as required in addition to food allowance. Rents have not been paid except in cases of eviction by legal process, or other extreme circum- stances. Each case is considered separately and disbursements made in accordance with family condition found.
The Board hears personally each new or recurring case in addition to the routine investigation by the clerk and visitor, and check up by the nurse and police. We have repeatedly requested the co-operation of the citizens in this matter of investigation, requesting reports when there is any suspicion of. unwarranted aid being given.
Some co-operation of this kind has been given, and we are grateful. Re-investigation after such reports has almost in- variably shown that any conditions placing the case as doubtful were already known to the Board, and that the facts in the case had been exaggerated by rumor. Reports have been treated as confidential, but a full report as to the facts found is available to the complainant after re-investigation.
The Board is of the opinion that we have very few cases of unwarranted aid. Many applications are not granted, but somne that we consider doubtful must be granted and are watched accordingly. In general the Board feels that the great majority
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of our citizens who are receiving assistance have accepted aid as a last resort. They are just good citizens in trouble, and the Board ha's made every effort to treat them accordingly.
The request of the Town thru the Board that all able bodied heads of families receiving assistance work a reasonable amount of time each week on public improvments, has been met with willing response with few exceptions. Much has been accom- plished with this labor under the direction of Mr. Whitfield. A detailed report is to be found in his report as Superintendent of Streets.
The requirements for Soldiers Relief have added consider- ably to the expenditures. Rulings by the State Bureau in charge require a somewhat higher per person rate of disburse- ment than is given to Welfare cases. The request to work on public improvements has not been made in veteran cases, any requirement of this kind being considered illegal.
Action of this Board as a Board of Old Age Assistance has been as conservative as State Regulations will permit. The Board delayed disbursements in 1931 until December. During the year 1932 the number of cases have steadily increased to a current roll of 43 persons, with a total expenditure of $7,203.56. No cases were discontinued, but 2 cases were closed by death. Unless conditions change appreciably or the law is modified, we will require $15,000.00 for the year 1933.
As yet the Legislature has made no provision for the financial support of Old Age Assistance except by adding an additional dollar to every poll-tax. Fairhaven collected and paid to the State $3,149.00 from polls. Some time next year an un- known portion of this money will be returned to us. The cur- rent yearly disbursements are a direct tax on real-estate. The poll-tax assessment becomes a loan to the State for a year or so, without interest. When re-payment is made the State expense for the Old Age Bureau has been deducted, together with a further deduction as a contribution to any cities or towns whose expenditures may have been on a more lavish scale than ours.
I think this Board has had no greater pleasure amid its many unpleasant duties, than when we can grant this aid in the case of a deserving elderly person who from circumstance would otherwise spend his remaining years in distress of mind and body.
The law was intended for the relief of such mental and bodily distress, but was not intended to become an avenue by which relatives of such aged persons might rid themselves of the moral and financial obligation with regard to the aged members of their family.
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Perhaps because of a misunderstanding of the purpose of the law by some, and an aggravated condition of general dis- tress, we have had to contend with numerous cases in which we felt that the family obligation had been forgotten in the mis- taken belief that the payment of a dollar poll, or the legislation itself, relieved the family of a moral and financial obligation which the State would now assume.
That this unfortunate reaction to a well-intended law is Statewide, is evident from the unanimous action of the State Association of Selectmen urging repeal. This action taken after a year and a half of attempted administration was based on criticism as outlined above. Repeal, we believe to be less desir- able than modification. We would sincerely regret the hard- ship which would be occasioned by repeal at this time. The demand for repeal may result in modification.
Present indications do not lead the Board to believe that our expense for relief purposes will be lower for 1933 than for last year. Continuation of the present demand will require an increased expenditure. Data on the major items are given herewith :
Department
1930
1931
1932
1933
Welfare
$29,146.23
$43,850.51
$64,635.18
$60.000.00
Infirmary
7,633.08
6,999.98
6,282.89
5,500.00
Mothers Aid
1,837.36
1,756.55
1,840.26
2,500.00
Soldiers Aid
3,200.98
3,913.46
11,127.91
12,000.00
Old Age
326.13
7,203.56
15,000.00
The Board feels indebted to, and desires to extend the thanks of the Town to Mr. Whitfield who has willingly assumed direction of the Welfare labor projects as a part of his Highway duties. He has announced his retirement from the responsibi- lities of our Highway management when his term expires, and the Town will lose a manager with a long and enviable record of achievement.
WILLIAM TALLMAN, Chairman, THOMAS W. WHITFIELD, F. EBEN BROWN,
Board of Public Welfare.
Report of the Infirmary
During the year 1932, there was a total of fourteen (14) inmates at the Infirmary. This number varied, there being as many as eleven (11) at one time, and as few as nine (9) at another. At the present time, there are ten inmates, equally divided between men and women.
There are two senile cases which require constant care. One of these is in bed part of the time, and the other is a woman who is paralized and in need of continual attention. One patient required more care and treatment than we could give, and was taken to Tewksbury. Four are under the care of the town physician practically all of the time. There has been but one death.
Most of the inmates are physically unable to work, but there is one woman who helps with the general housework, and another who assists in the kitchen. There is also one man who is useful in and about the barn.
There have been no repairs this past year, other than shel- lacing the floors, painting the walls of two rooms occupied by inmates, and also the kitchen and pantry. This work was all done by ourselves. Through the cooperation of the Board of Public Welfare who supplied the labor, we had an excellent garden and raised vegetables, consisting mainly of potatoes, for our own use. We also supplied 1,340 quarts of milk, together with some vegetables for needy Welfare cases.
We employ one man who has been given charge of the barn, garden and lawns. This man also helps inside when neces- sary, giving baths and generally caring for the men. There is one maid who cares for the laundry and does the cooking. An- other maid cares for the rooms, and in addition helps with the laundry and nurses the sick. The loyalty and faithfulness of the help, particularly the work of the second maid is most com- mendable, and deeply appreciated.
We are very proud of the fact that every cow at the In- firmary passed the tuberculin test, and the appearance and condition of our stables were highly commended. The State sign is so posted that anyone driving into the yard cannot fail to see it.
At both Thanksgiving and Christmas, a good turkey dinner was served, but we were obliged to omit the usual Christmas
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gifts of clothing. The inmates received baskets of fruit from the Ladies Aid Society of the Centre Methodist Church, as well as gifts from the King's Daughters.
Further recreation is provided the inmates in the form of reading matter. The Evening Standard-Times and The Fair- haven Star is provided, while the Christian Science Monitor is given by friends.
We are always glad to welcome any of the town's people who care to visit us, and we extend a cordial invitation to all to do so.
There follows a brief recapitulation :
AGES OF INMATES
Between 80 and 90 2 women, 3 men
Between 70 and 80
1 woman
Between 60 and 70
1 woman, 2 men
Between 50 and 60
1 woman
RECEIPTS 1932
Sale of produce
$ 98.45
Board
159.00
Telephone
2.00
$259.45
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH ELDRIDGE,
Matron.
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RECEIPTS
GENERAL REVENUE
Taxes
Current Year
Poll
$ 4,552.00
Real Estate
237,264.91
Motor Vehicle Excise
10,491.90
Old Age Assistance
2,609.00
$254,917.81
Previous Years
Poll
$ 816.00
Redeemed Tax Titles
15,933.12
Real Estate
75,314.37
Motor Vehicle Excise 1929
136.48
Motor Vehicle Excise 1930
685.03
Motor Vehicle Excise 1931
2,729.25
Old Age Assistance 1931
327.00
95,941.25
From State
Income
$36,077.42
Corporation
8,720.85
Trust Co.
19.50
Bank
25.44
Highway, Chap. 112,
Acts 1931
10,410.56
55,253.77
Licenses and Permits
Junk
$ 15.00
Quahog
308.00
Building
256.00
Pool
36.00
Milk
79.00
Scallops
461.50
All other
247.00
1,402.50
Fines and Forfiets Court Fines
184.26
Grants and Gifts
County Dog Licenses
1,466.25
-$409,165.84
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COMMERCIAL REVENUE
1
General Government
Town Hall
$ 960.00
All other
15.00
$ 975.00
Protection of Persons and Property
Police
Board of Cow
$ 8.00
All other
2.81
Fire
Sale of old material
20.00
Permits
101.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
126.53
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth Extermination
25.00
Other Protection
6.50
289.84
Health and Sanitation
Health
Tuberculosis
$ 1,676.97
Dental Fees
52.45
Vaccination Fees
14.50
1,743.92
Sanitation Sewer Connections
794.16
Highways
Sale of old material
$ 17.30
Sale of Gas and Oil
262.03
Sidewalks and Curbings
50.50
329.83
Charities
Infimary
Sale of Produce
$ 98.45
Board
159.00
All other
2.00
259.45
Board of Public Welfare
Reimbursements from
Individuals
$
48.25
Cities and Towns
5,472.49
State
4,551.84
Mother's Aid
605.79
Old Age Assistance
1,873.42
12,551.79
r
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Soldiers' Benefits
State Aid
$ 820.00
Military Aid
97.50
Soldiers' Relief
20.92
938.42
Schools
Vocational Aid to Industrial
Schools
$ 3,362.06
Tuition
7,342.27
Sale of Books & Supplies
191.5+
All other
3.15
10,899.02
Special Assessments Sewers 448.97
Interest
Deposits
$ 417.41
Taxes
3,104.25
Redeemed Tax Titles
1,526.34
Sewers
99.94
5,147.94
Trust Funds
H. H. Rogers Elementary Schools
$ 4,895.47
H. H. Rogers High School
26,299.96
Edmund Anthony Fund 429.50
James Ricketts Fund
61.42
Hannah Chadwick Fund
21.47
Pease School Fund
324.60
Julia A. Stoddard Fund
990.26
33,022.68
Municipal Indebtedness
Temporary Loans in Anticipa- tion of Revenue $370,000,00
Fire Engine Loan · 3,000.00
373,000.00
Public Service Enterprise
Union Wharf
Rentals
$ 1,497.85
Wharfage
89.00
Rental of Fish Sheds
84.00
1,670.85 ..
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Refunds
Departmental
$
882.97
Interest on Revenue Loan
5.29
888.26
$442,960.13
852,125.97
Cash on Hand January 1, 1932
21,862.88
$873,988.85
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PAYMENTS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SELECTMEN'S DEPARTMENT
Salaries and Wages. -
Selectmen
Clerk
$ 1,500.00 1,300.00
$2,800.00
Other Expenses
Stationery and Postage
$ 193.85
Printing and Advertising
548.10
Travelling Expenses
77.83
Telephone
147.61
Office Supplies
72.94
All other
43.54
1,083.87
$ 3,883.87
TREASURER'S DEPARTMENT
Salaries and Wages
Treasurer
$ 2,100.00
Clerks
1,076.00
3.176.00
Town Clerk's Expenses
296.00
Other Expenses
Stationery and Postage
$ 124.34
Printing and Advertising
20.85
Travelling Expenses
5.26
Telephone
111.55
Office Supplies
125.48
All other (Bond $210.)
308.86
696.34
4,168.34
TAX COLLECTOR'S DEPARTMENT
Salaries and Wages
Collector
$ 1,800.00
Clerks
1,078.50
Tax Title Expense
Filing Disclaimers
100.00
Notary Fees
94.75
Recording Fees
813.40
Advertising
149.17
Fees-Tax Title Deeds
664.00
1,821.32
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Other Expenses
Stationery and Postage
$ 400.36
Printing and Advertising
509.35
Office Supplies
67.35
All other (Bond $420.)
472.78
1,449.84
6,149.66
ASSESSOR'S DEPARTMENT
Salaries and Wages
Assessors
$ 3,000.00
Assistants
290.50
Clerk
1,300.00
4,590.50
Other Expenses
Plotting Plans
$ 45.95
Stationery and Postage
20.15
Printing and Advertising
66.70
Travelling Expenses
214.25
Telephone
84.40
Office Supplies
226.22
All other
9.50
667.17
5,257.67
ELECTION, REGISTRATION AND TOWN MEETING EXPENSE
Salaries and Wages
Registrar's
$ 272.00
Election Officers
723.00
Clerk
149.80
All other
365.20
1,510.00
Other Expenses-Election and Registration
Stationery and Postage $ 43.42
Printing and Advertising
884.12
Meals
135.30
Travelling Expense
22.84
All other
32.00
1,117.68
Town Meeting Expense
121.05
2,748.73
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LAW DEPARTMENT
Town Counsel Special Attorneys Photograph's
$ 386.88
131.00
12.00
529.88
PLANNING BOARD
Stationery and Postage
$ 8.30
Advertising
1.87
All other
4.50
14.67
BOARD OF APPEALS
Stationery and Postage
$ 7.50
Advertising
18.25
25.75
AUDITORS
Salaries
$ 250.00
250.00)
SAFETY COUNCIL
Printing and Advertising
$ 54.67
54.67
TOWN HALL
Salaries and Wages
Janitors
$2,165.00
All other
97.00
2,262.00
Other Expenses
Fuel
$ 1,146.04
Light
842.43
Janitors' Supplies
192.90
Repairs
621.33
Insurance
976.60
Water
25.47
All other
60.37
3,865.14
6,127.14
37
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Salaries and Wages
Chief
$ 2,760.01
Patrolmen
6,640.28
Special Police
4.146.45
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