USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1941 > Part 5
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Regarding bill boards, there is still one illegal board in Fairhaven. Why this board has not been removed is an enigma. The board still has faith in the future.
In closing this report, the Board encourages attendance at it's meetings and hearings, and we thank the townspeople for the interest and encouragement so often manifested. We look witlı optimism into the future and are confident that Fairhaven will continue to be the fine town in which to live, not alone because of it's orientation, it's possession of fine buildings, but because of the home protection of it's citizens by a wise and safe zoning and planning program.
Yours Respectfully, V. O. B. Slater, Chairman, G. A. Steele, Secretary, H. L. Candage, William Tallman, H. G. Crowell, G. W. Mercer, S. Bates Coy, C. R. Dugdale.
Report of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Board of Fire Engineers herewith presents its annual re- port for the year 1941.
The Board organized on May 1, 1941 with the following members and officers comprising the Board for the fire year 1941- 1942; Edward G. Spooner, Chief; Charles H. Lawton, Ist Asst. Chief; Abram H. Durfee, 2nd Asst; Audell W. Monk, 3rd Asst. and Chairman of Board; William T. Hernon, 4th Asst. Chief and Alexander Price, Jr., Deputy Chief.
On May 12, 1941 the Board visited the various stations of the Department and formally organized the members of the call companies for the fire year.
During the year this Department responded to 40 Box Alarms and 213 Still Alarms; 253 runs in all. These figures are for fire calls answered and do not represent other emergency calls, complaints and many calls from the Acushnet Fire Tower res- ponded to and handled without the dispatch of units of firefight- ing apparatus. A net increase of 89 calls is noted over the total calls for the preceding year which amounts to 18 more Alarms and 71 more Still Alarms, or an increase of 65% over the total for 1940. The reason for this increase was unquestionably the extremely dry year which invariably presents greater hazards and more fire problems.
Chief Spooner reports the following applications, inspec- tions and permits actually granted during the year :
46 Oil burner and oil storage, power type
31 Oil burner and oil storage, smaller household type
11 Fireworks, retail
2 Kerosene, retail
5 Gasoline, retail
Sixty eight specific and recorded complaints and investiga- tions were made and reported by the Chief, the nature of which
105
were illegal delivery of fuel oil, oil burner illegally installed, smoke nuisance, escaping illuminating gas, inspection of fire ex- tinguishers, basement fire hazards and many other causes for investigation too numerous to mention here.
The hydrant system on Sconticut Neck Road was placed in service during the year. Although we have been required to use the system for fire but once, on December 15th, actual use on that occasion demonstrated to us that the volume and pressure from hydrants along the main road were very satisfactory. An ample water supply is further expected when the system is ex- tended to the side roads as anticipated. It is timely to note here that a substantial reduction and saving in insurance rates has been experienced by residents within the distance prescribed by insur- ance companies.
The three stations owned by this Department are reported to be in good condition. Apparatus and equipment is also in good condition and is being properly maintained.
Regular practice sessions of the Department have been maintained as customary during the summer season or from May to September. Extra practice sessions were added during the winter for the schooling of more recent substitute members and for the two auxiliary firemen classes, senior and junior members, classes that were organized during the latter part of the year due to the national emergency. The senior auxiliary unit is comprised or adult members and the junior. auxiliary unit of High School seniors and other young men of about the same age.
ike rairhaven Protecting Society, organized a little more than a year ago is developing into a very helpful auxiliary unit. Members of this Society have responded to numerous fire calis during the year and have rendered useful service for which aid we extend our appreciation.
During the latter part of the year another Red Cross First- aid course class was commenced at the Central Fire Station and has been weil attended. This course will extend into 1942 and it is expected that upon completion of this course another class will immediately be started.
Due to national defense activities training and development of firemen and auxiliary members have been accelerated. An ap- peal was made for volunteers to receive firefighting training and this was met with a fair response. More men are needed however,
106
and it would be gratifying to this department to have more citi- zens enroll for this training and become familiar with the work of the Department, its equipment and the proper handling of same, both in regards to peace-time firefighting and in the event of en- emy attack. This training would be helpful in two ways, in co- operative assistance to the Fire Department and secondly, in con- veying helpful knowledge to members of one's own family.
During the month of August it became necessary to re- arrange the personnel of this Board due to the passing of the late Deputy-Chief. Accordingly, Charles H. Lawton was elected to serve as Deputy-Chief; Abram H. Durfee, Ist Asst; Audell W. Monk, 2d Asst. and Chairman of the Board and William T. Her. non, 3d Asst.
In conclusion we desire to pay tribute to the memory of two of our members who spent many useful years of their lives in the service of the Fire Department of this Town; Nathaniel D. W. Westgate, a permanent man at Hdqrs. Station for many years who passed away in July, and Deputy-Chief Alexander Price, Jr. who passed away in August.
Respectfully submitted,
AUDELL W. MONK, Chairman EDWARD G. SPOONER, Chief CHARLES H. LAWTON ABRAM H. DURFEE
Board of Fire Engineers.
In Memoriam
NATHANIEL D. W. WESTGATE
Died, July 16, 1941
ALEXANDER PRICE, JR.
Died, August 18, 1941
REPORT OF ALARMS, VALUES, LOSSES AND INSURANCE DURING THE YEAR 1941
Total Value of Property Involved
Total Damage
Insurance Valuation
Insurance Loss
Month
Buildings
Contents
Buildings
Contents
Buildings $ 92,000.00
Contents
Buildings
Contents
January
$ 88,100.00
$ 10,500.00
$ 118.95
February
23,200.00
18,410.00
10.00
21,000.00
9,500.00
March
2,600.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
April
13,300.00
9,800.00
187.30
210.00
16,700.00
7,300.00
187.30
10.00
May
17,350.00
12,300.00
1,078.30
510.00
23,200.00
7,800.00
1,078.30
10.00
June
20,800.00
13,500.00
25.00
25.00
18,000.00
11,500.00
July
1,350.00
205.00
August
61,200.00
23,500.00
3,725.00
17,500.00
16,500.00
22,000.00
25.00
17,500.00
September
200,500.00
10,000.00
10.00
200,000.00
10,000.00
October
5,250.00
2,500.00
250.00
5,000.00
2,500.00
November
2,200.00
3,050.00
25.00
110.00
3,000.00
2,000.00
100.00
December
22,550.00
13,000.00
2,920.00
1,500.00
25,700.00
7,800.00
2,160.00
1,000.00
'Total
$458.700.00
$119,560.00
$8,544.55
$19,865.00
$424,100.00
$191,400.00
$3,564.55
$18,620.00
Grand Total
$578,260.00
$28,409.55
$515,500.00
$22,184.55
Insurance loss on buildings
$3,564.55
Insurance loss on contents
$18,620.00
Uninsured loss on buildings
4,980.00
Uninsured loss on contents
1,245.00
Total damage to buildings
$8,544.55
Total damage to contents
$19,865.00
Total Fire Loss $28,409.55
$250.00 100.00
Per Capita loss for 1941-$2.58
$
8,000.00
$ 113.95
cf.
Assessed value of buildings totally destroyed Exposure loss (partial damage) Department responded to 40 Box alarms and 213 Still Alarms during the year $5.78-Loss per hundred dollars EDWARD G. SPOONER Chief of Fire Department:
Report of Superintendent of Fire Alarm
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Fairhaven, Mass.
Gentlemen :
During the past year we have added two miles of new wiring and construction on Sconticut Neck with two additional street boxes; thus covering the new water mains in that district. This has made a very great saving to the insurance rates in that section.
Also, we have replaced our over-age storage batteries in the fire alarm with brand new type, higher capacity cells, good for the next ten or twelve years.
Cards have been distributed to householders in all outlaying districts that have telephones, with instructions, in case of fire, that will, from a signalling machine situated at fire headquarters, bring the fire department to their doors.
We also are arranging to have red signal lights over fire alarm boxes; that will call attention to these boxes at night time, in case of fire.
The fire alarm system has been equipped and arranged for an air raid warning.
The usual repairs and maintenance have been kept up in a most satisfactory manner, as I have had very efficient help in this matter this year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON A. HACKER
Supt. of Fire Alarmı.
Report of Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen :
The Building Inspector respectfully submits the following report for the year 1941 :
There were 259 permits applied for and passed by the In- spector. The estimated cost of this building was $178,797.00. This against 219 permits and the estimated building cost of $116,165.00 for 1940. The department collected the sum of $244.00 for applications to build, against $183.00 in 1940. This was for 44 new dwellings at $5.00 each and 24 new garages at $1.00. There were 14 summer cottages and 9 garages, restored or rebuilt at no building fee. An article passed by the Town Meeting Members after the hurricane, makes this last lawfull. No charge may be made on any application to build, other than for new dwellings or garages.
Following is a list of applications acted upon by the In- spector :-
40 new dwellings; 24 new garages; 4 new dwellings with garages attached; 4 barns, 25 henhouses; 55 additions; 43 alterations; 2 boat shops; 10 tool sheds; 2 wood sheds; 2 repairs after fire; 1 relocation; 1 shellfish house; 1 bathhouse; 1 vegetable stand; 1 planning mill; 10 storage sheds; 1 receiving shed; 1 bank building ;. 1 silo; 7 buildings were razed.
Title and Scope
Section No. 1. These by-laws shall be known and cited as the Building laws. No Building, structure or part thereof, shall here- after be constructed and no building or structure now or hereafter erected shall be razed or built upon except in conformity with the provisions of these Building Laws. Nor shall plumbing, gas- piping, drainage, heating, wiring or ventilation be installed or al- tered in any building except in conformity herewith.
Plumbing Inspection
There were 187 Plumbing Permits issued from this office for the year 1941.
111
All Plumbing Permits will be issued from the office of the Building Inspector in the future.
This office deeply regrets the passing of the Plumbing In- spector, Richard T. Thatcher. His pleasant personality and his attention to detail connected with his office and the competent manner in which he attended to his duties, makes his loss felt each day.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED J. TRIPANIER
Building Inspector
Report of Inspector of Animals
To: The Honorable Board of Selectmen
The Board of Health
And Citizens of the Town
Under the suppervision of the Livestock Disease Control, and in cooperation with the Board of Health.
Inspected are : 784 grade cows, 61 purebred cows, 140 young grade cattle, 33 young purebred cattle, 21 grade bulls, 6 purebred bulls, 42 goats, 232 swine, and 1 sheep. Number of places in- spected is 107.
I find that while the animals in all are healthy, there are yet a few that have been somewhat neglected. Some farmers ne- glected to brush their cattle, and there are signs of barn itch. The director has suggested that such places be quarantined until the cattle have been cured.
I have quarantined twelve dogs for biting; and sent one dog's head to the Laboratory for examination.
There has been no cases of Rabies.
I take this opportunity to ask the people of the town, in cases of dog bites, not to dispose of their animal until after their release from quarantine, as it makes an added expense both to the town and to the owner of the animal.
Yours truly,
SAMUEL C. BARRETT,
Inspector of Animals.
Report of Inspector of Slaughter
373 Alden Rd. Fairhaven, Mass. January 1, 1942
The Honorable Board of Health Fairhaven, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending January 1, 1942 during which time I made the following inspec- tions; 44 hogs, 9 cows, 5 sheep and 4 calves.
'Respectfully submitted,
HENRY STEVENS,
Slaughter Inspector.
Report of the Shellfish Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
Approximately 8820 bushels of Quahogs were taken out of the Fairhaven waters from April Ist, to December 31, 1941 inclu- sive. They brought the fishermen $1.00 to $4.00 per bushel or an average of $2.50 per bushel. This does not include Quahog's taken from contaminated areas for planting. There was approx- imately 1000 barrels of Quahogs taken from contaminated areas by the Silver Shellfish Co., and Meunes Shellfish Co. for which the fishermen received an average of $3.30 per barrel.
On account of demand for labor a less number went fishing but during the period 17 to 25 men were fishing daily. From April 1st. to December 31, 1941 there were 61 Quahog Licenses issued. Our shores have an abundance of clams and quahog's which will be ready for digging in the spring.
I have to date distributed 220 regulation state 2 inch shell- fish rings. Rings can be had by making application. By having a ring you are secure in that you can make measurement in case of any doubt as to size of clams and quahogs in accordance with law. Prosecutions were as follows:
Two for shellfish law violations. One quahog dredger from out of town. One for removing scallops out of season.
The Scallop crop this year was poor. There were plenty of seed and 1200 bushels were harvested bringing $3.00 per bushel. It is safe to say that a large amount of this seed should have been cared for. Little Bay is the only area where scallops could be taken this year. This is a restricted area for hand fishermen. In this area I arranged to move into safe water 21 bushels of seed scallops. With a little available money I could have moved 200
115
bushels. In the Power boat areas there were not sufficient scal- lops this year to pay to drag but there is prospect for 1942. Front April 1st. to December 31, 1941 there were 71 scallop permits is- sued and 15 helper permits.
Approximately 24000 pounds of Lobster was taken from Fair- haven waters by Fairhaven Lobstermen and sold at an average of 25 cents per pound. From April 1st. to December 31, 1941 there were 10 licenses issued.
Respectfully submitted
JOSEPH B. GOULART
Shellfish Inspector
Report of Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The system has forty one members with eight on retirement at the present time.
Income 1941
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1941
$8846.08
Contributions from members
2263.51
Appropriation of Town
6792.00
Interest Received
221.14
$18,122.73
Disbursements
Pensions Paid
$4909.10
Refunds
745.36
Expenses
310.37
5,964.83
Cash on Hand Dec. 31, 1941.
$12,157.90
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. GREENE, Chairman CLAUDIA I. SCHILLER WILLIAM D. CHAMPLIN
Fairhaven Board of Retirement.
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending Dec. 31, 1941 during which time the following devices were tested and sealed or condemned. Scales
Adjusted
Sealed 44
Not Sealed
Condemned
Platform
14
19
13
Counter Platform
1
8
2
Counter
8
53
1
2
Beam
1
3
Spring
30
77
3
4
Computing
26
45
1
6
Personal Weighing
2
10
Prescription
3
Weights
Avoirdupois
45
372
2
Apothecary
16
Metric
5
7
Measures
Liquid over 1 Gal.
4
24
6
Liquid Measures
96
Dry
15
Fuel Baskets
4
Oil Jars
1
Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
2
1
Stops on Pumps
7
24
Gasoline Meter Systems 28
49
1
5
Tank Truck Meter Systems 1
2
Oil Pumps
1
18
22
Kerosene Pumps
8
21
2
2
Grease Pumps
6
1
1
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
5
Totals
181
905
53
41
Sealing fees collected and turned into
Town Treasurer $109.12
-
118
Number of Reweighing of Goods Ready For Sale.
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Beans
107
86
20
1
Bread
158
140
18
Butter
150
124
16
Charcoal (in paper bags)
27
4
23
Coal (in paper bags)
55
20
11
24
Confectionery
35
35
Dry Commodities
154
119
13
22
Flour
49
40
7
2
Fruits and Vegetables
71
28
27
16
Grain and feed
66
52
1
3
Lard
36
36
Meats and Provisions
53
32
5
16
Number of Inspections
Paper or fibre cartons
58
Pedlers Licenses
28
Milk Jars
118
Marking of
Bread
309
Food Pkgs.
92
Coal in paper bags
82
Charcoal in paper bags
11
Kindling wood in paper bags
117
Wholesale milk cans
93
Pedlers scales
2
Ice scales
5
Junk scales
3
Oil jars
207
Other inspections
46
Number of tests made
Retest on gasoline devices after sealing. 34
Mfrs. Sealed milk jars
16
Approved paper cartons
13
119
I wish to thank all the various officials for the support ex- tended to me during the past year.
Appropriation recommended for 1942 as follows:
Salary
$530.00
Transportation
180.00
Equipment & Supplies
45.00
Tel., Postage, Printing
10.00
Convention & Travel
25.00
Sealers Helper
10.00
$900.00
Respectfully Submitted CHARLES P. THATCHER
Sealer of Weights & Measures.
Report of the Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
There have been no browntail moths on the trees this year, but there have been a number of gypsy moths, both on street trees and on private property, and also a large number of tent caterpillars. I have treated these with creosote and have sprayed a large number of wild cherry trees to eliminate the tent cater- pillars.
I recommend an appropriation of $300 for the department in 1942.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN JARVIS,
Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
All street trees throughout the town have been sprayed, as well as a large number on private property, to safeguard our shade trees. As there is a critical period during which elins must be sprayed to save the foliage from the elm leaf beetle, both the town spray rig and one hired from a private contractor were placed in use during this period so that the elms could all be sprayed within ten days.
In view of the prevalence of the beetle this year, all English elms, which are more subject to injury from this cause than the American elms, were given a second spraying, by the town equip- ment, about a month later. As a result of this extra care given the elms, the leaves remained on the trees until October this year,
121
instead of falling off in August, as happened in 1940 when insuf- ficient funds for proper spraying were available.
The shade trees in all parts of the town have been trimmed. and cared for, and 150 young trees have been planted.
I am asking $2,500 for spraying, trimming and care of trees in 1942. To this must be added $1,000 for the removal of dan- gerous trees, several of which are on Main street, another on Green street and three more on Walnut street. These dead trees are very dangerous to the public at large and the Board of Selectmen has received letters from property owners in regard to the hazards involved.
I recommend an appropriation of $3,500 for the care of trees in 1942.
Respectfully submitted, . JOHN JARVIS,
Tree Warden.
Report of the Board of Health
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
The Board of Health hereby submits the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1941.
The Board has held periodical meetings during the past year. The office has been open every morning from nine until ten o'clock, unless the executive office was making inspections or carrying on other duties connected with the Board. Mr. Clarence Terry, a member of the Board, has been available in the Asses- sors, office during the remainder of the day.
The garbage has been collected, as usual, in a most satis- factory manner. All complaints have been quickly investigated and corrected. 1
The following diseases dangerous to public health have been reported and investigated :
Infantile Paralysis
1
Chicken pox
38
Dog bites
12
Meningitis
2
Influenza
3
Pneumonia
4
Measles
16
Mumps
35
Scarlet fever
1
Eye infections
4
Tuberculosis
6
Whooping cough
44
166
The quarantine regulations have been revised this past year. Copies of the new regulations have been distributed to the school
123
department, nurses and doctors. There have been 62 places card- ed and released and 172 inspections made.
During the year we issued 73 burial permits, 2 pasteurization licenses, 4 alcohol licenses, 4 oleo and 3 ice cream licenses, 75 milk licenses and 2 massage and bath licenses.
We have had 19 patients at Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital and 1 patient at Lakeville State Sanitorium during the past year. There have been 24 tuberculosis contacts x-rayed. The Chadwick Clinic, sponsored by the state, held its annual check-up for High School students. Thirty-four pupils were ex- amined, 31 were improved, 29 were x-raved and 9 were dis- charged.
A Well-Child Conference, also sponsored by the state, was also held this year. Seventy children were examined and recom- mendations for their care were sent to their family physicians. This past summer 2 girls and 4 boys were sent to the Bristol County Health Camp. In the Board of Health Clinic 171 child- ren were immunized against diphtheria and 106 were vaccinated against smallpox.
Our sanitary engineer checked 48 wells and 4 samples of sea water for contamination.
Mrs. Horne and Mrs. Howland were appointed acting agents of the Board of Health.
The Board wishes to express its deepest regrets on the pass- ing of Mr. Richard Thatcher whose invaluable aid will be sadly missed.
The Board also wishes to express its appreciation to the community nurses, and the police department for their co-opera- tion and assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, F. A. SILVEIRA, JR., M. D. Secretary and Exec. Officer. C. E. P. THOMPSON, M. D. CLARENCE TERRY
Report of Health Nursing Service
To the Board of Selectmen,
Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
At a recent nursing convention, the theme of which was "Nursing in a Democracy", it was stated that this theme was cho- sen because we cannot have the kind of citizenship we want in a democracy without health. It is the responsibility of a democra- tic society to see that all individuals are given medical care re- gardless of their ability to pay.
As in other years, the townspeople voted to appropriate a sum of one thousand dollars ($1000.00), for the purpose of hiring public health nurses for services where needed. Of the 2565 visits made, the appropriation paid for only 1458, therefore the remaining 1106 are free visits. Classification of the visits are as follows:
Town Patients
259 Visits
Communicable Diseases
148
.,
Child Welfare
1823
Tuberculosis
635
Total
2565 . .
This appropriation sends nurses into the homes wherever sickness dwells or wherever parents need help to develop a better understanding of their children and their needs for protection and security. Also, keeping track of the reported cases of tubercu- losis and being sure that all contacts are examined regularly.
24 tuberculous contacts have been taken to hospitals for Xrays and examinations. As far as is known, all active cases are hospitalized and all contacts except for a few who refused have been examined. These latter present our "problem cases", be- cause it is so hard to impress them with the importance of regular check-ups for all persons who have been exposed to tuberculosis.
125
From the sale of Christmas Seals, 6 children were taken to Bristol County Health Camp where they had supervised play, well planned meals and regular rest periods, which resulted in greatly improved physical condition.
One of our greatest responsibilities as public health nurses is to help in the promotion of complete reporting of communi- cable diseases, by interpreting to the families the need for accu- rate records. Prevention through innoculation has been urged. Bedside nursing care has been given when necessary and instruc- tions to prevent further infection.
The child welfare service emphasizes the care and develop- ment of the infant and pre-school child and the relationships between his physical, emotional and social health. These visits are especially important because during the pre-school period, the child is particularly susceptible to the communicable diseases and also, the foundations of his physical and mental health are being built.
Assistance was given at the following clinics held under the supervision of the Board of Health :
Child Welfare Conference - 70 pre-school were examined. Diphtheria Toxoid Clinic - 171 children were innoculated. Vaccination Clinic - 106 children were vaccinated.
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