USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1942 > Part 5
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The records of the town treasurer were examined and check- ed in detail. The recorded receipts were checked to the account- ing officer's books, with the departmental records of payments to the treasurer, and with other sources from which money was paid
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into the town treasury, while the disbursements were checked with the treasury warrants.
The cash balance on September 21, 1942, was proved by re- conciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The payments on account of debt and interest were verified by comparison with the cancelled securities on file and with the amounts falling due.
The savings bank books and securities representing the in- vestments of trust and retirement funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed. The cash balances were reconciled, the income was proved, the transfers to the town were compared with the treasurer's cash book, and the disbursements were verified.
A statement of the transactions and condition of the Henry H. Rogers High School Fund was furnished by the City Bank Farmers Trust Company of New York, trustees, and the annual payment of income to the town was verified.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined and checked. The additions to the tax title account were com- pared with the collector's records, the recorded redemptions, dis- claimers, and foreclosures were verified, and the tax titles on hand were listed, reconciled with the accounting officer's ledger, and checked with the records in the Registry of Deeds.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked in detail. The taxes and assessments outstanding at the time of the previous examination, and all subsequent commit- ments, were audited and proved to the warrants issued for their collection. The recorded receipts were checked with the pay- ments to the treasurer and with the accounting officer's books, the abatements were checked with the assessor's records of abate- ments granted, the taxes and assessments transferred to the tax title account were checked, and the outstanding accounts were listed.
The records of departmental accounts receivable were ex- amined and checked. The reported payments to the treasurer
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were compared with the treasurer's cash book, the abatements were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed.
The outstanding tax, assessment, and departmental accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen, town clerk, building inspector, and the police, fire, and health de- partments were examined, and the payments to the State and the town treasurer were verified.
The surety bonds of the officials required by law to furnish them were examined and found to be in proper form.
The accounts of the sealer of weights and measures, of the wharf and school departments, as well as of all other departments collecting money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked, and reconciled with the treasurer's and the accounting officer's books.
In addition to the balance sheet previously mentioned, there are appended to this report tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax, assess- ment, tax title, and departmental accounts, as well as tables show- ing the transactions of the trust and retirement funds.
For the cooperation extended by the various town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assis- tants and myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE
Assistant Director of Accounts.
94
Report of the Park Commission
To the Citizens of Fairhaven :
The War season of 1942 was reflected in various ways in the Park Department, the increased playground popularity for a longer season being most notable. Considerable wear and tear has been noted but little malicious, and no more than to be ex- pected with normal use and occupation. Essential repairs were a big item but constructive work and replanting were reduced to a minimum. A wet season meant continuous grass cutting from May to October for which the power mower, after a major over- hauling proved efficient. This is more than can be said for the truck of 1928 vintage; a continuous worry since its hurricane sub- mersion.
At Livesey some progress is being made towards supple- menting the W. P. A. project, though nothing like the layout suggested by the Planning Board competition can at present be under taken. The group of maples planted in 1941 are well started; more filling and grading have been done, with some still in progress, looking to a reduction of the ragweed pest and the development of an acceptable ball field.
It has not been feasible to develope further any recreation- al facilities as recommended by the Bingham Survey, but there is satisfaction in reporting an increasing appreciation of privi- leges of the various Parks. Willow and Cooke Memorial are re- served for younger children and quieter retirement, while sever- al special group picnics have been held at Cushman, and Fort Phoenix has been more popular than ever. Requests were granted for the use of Cushman for High School boys in the spring while some repairs were underway at the Stadium, and
95
for the Coast Guard, quartered at Tabitha Inn, during the fall months. Much satisfaction was reported from this source, in finding so available a playfield at command, as it were.
On the personnel side, one man left for a defense job but was replaced by a gardner trained in lawn care. Two workers were employed for full time and a third during the height of the season.
The appended report of the Playground Director speaks for itself.
MABEL L. POTTER, Chairman ARSENE G. DUVAL HAROLD B. DUTTON, Secretary
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Playground Report
To the Members of the Park Board:
Former attendance records were broken with a total registra- tion of over 1400 children at the three play areas maintained by the Park Department. The daily average at Cushman was 188, at Oxford 86 for an eleven weeks season and at the Anthony School 42 for the nine weeks of Tuesday and Thursday opening.
Inadequate equipment at Livesey was supplemented by an entire new section of swings, a giant stride and additional benches for some of the group work. Weekly sports programs, scrap books for Sol-E-Mar Hospital, definite hours for games and story telling, a button club as an innovation; all held interest and at- tention.
School pupils earned civic time for helping in various ways. Eight Girl Scouts gave excellant assistance at the Doll Show and a group of Boy Scouts at the annual Boy's Day. The Misses Bessie Elliot and Priscilla Nunes, senior scouts of North Fair- haven were daily attendents and rendered valuable aid through- out the entire season at Livesey. David Cargill a High School senior assisted daily at Cushman, and at Livesey where he served as supervisor for two mornings a week.
War Savings Stamps were awarded by the Mothers' Club at the 16th annual Doll Show when thirty gaily decorated car- riages competed and were judged by Club members; by Veterans of Foreign Wars and members of the Auxiliary, to winners chosen by their representatives as the Vehicle parade of Boy's Day passed in review; and by the Proprietors of the North Fair- haven stores to the wearers of outstanding costumes in a gala parade of some 100 youngsters at Livesey.
The importance of recreation in this all out struggle can- not be over estimated. War brings anxiety to children as well as to adults and wholesome recreational pursuits may well re- place the "no place to go and nothing to do." More flexible programs in a wide choice of activities are part of the answer to the war time problems.
Respectfully submitted, MABEL OBER DUTTON
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Report of Civilian Defense Special Appropriation Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Fairhaven:
Shortly after the January 1942 Town Meeting, and in ac- cordance with the unanimous vote at that meeting, the Selectmen appointed the following Fairhaven citizens to comprise this com- mittee :
Morris Brownell Raymond T. Babbitt
Samuel C. Barrett
Orrin B. Carpenter Raymond F. Covill Arsene G. Duval
George F. Braley (successor to Mr. Brownell who resigned in May, 1942)
Dr. Harold E. Kerwin - Ex-officio
This committee started immediately to function and at its organization meeting held January 27th, elected Dr. Harold Ker- win as Chairman, and Raymond F. Covill, Secretary.
For the first few months, during the period of organization and training of Civilian Defense personnel, it was necessary to meet every week or ten days, but having passed through this pre- liminary stage, the more recent meetings have been at monthly intervals.
It has been the policy of the committee to recognize all re- quests from the Civilian Defense committee and require bids on all items where the probable expenditure was over $250.00. Joint meetings with the General Chairman and Divisional Chairmen of Civilian Defense were held regularly during the formation and es- tablishment of the Defense organization, upon which occasions the entire setup with all its angles and ramifications were tho- roughly discussed.
Each Department and Division head presented their require- ments to this committee and after general discussion, the request
98
1
was acted upon. In all but a few instances, requests for the pur- chase of needed equipment were granted after considerable thought, discussion, and in some cases, personal outside investi- gation and inquiry by members of this committee had been made.
One of the prime factors in considering the purchase of equipment was the use to which such article might be put after the termination of hostilities. As an example, the Fire Department will have a substantial amount of much needed new hose, an en- larged and more distinct audible alarm system, additional pump- ing equipment fully meeting the requirements of the Underwriters and Motor Vehicles which can be used to replace wornout vehi- cles, or as additional units, whichever is preferable at that time. Other Departments of the Town will benefit similarly as will be noted from the following list of purchases:
Auxiliary pumps for the Sewer Department Two-way Radio equipment (portable) Completely equipped Demolition truck Auxiliary Lighting equipment (portable) Hose for Sewer Department Hose for Fire Department Trailer Pumps for Fire Department Police badges, night-sticks, and whistles Blankets and Stretchers
Ladders, tarpaulins, ropes and rigging equipment
In addition to equipment, this committee has also approved bills for maintenance of Civilian Defense in the form of salaries of janitors of schools where Civilian Defense classes were regu- larly held, Report Center and Town Hall janitors, printing, tele- phone service, electric lights, arm bands, clerical and other various sundry expenses. Also, for a salaried head of Civilian Defense who devotes full time to the project. This last item was in ac- cordance with the recommendation of the last two General Chair- men who were forced to resign because of the rapidly increasing amount of detail and work which was seriously interfering with their private businesses.
The following is a record of the money allocated for items requested by your Civilian Defense Chairmen. In some instances the materials or services have been received, bills approved by both the General Chairman of Civilian Defense and this commit-
99
tee, and subsequently paid. In other cases the contracts have not been completed and therefore no payments made. As stated however, the money with which to pay these bills has been allo- cated by vote and is included in the following list :
Fire Department
$ 5,564.95
Police Department
328.50
Sewer Department
2,665.76
Report Center
1,817.32
Demolition Unit
1,855.33
Communication Division
1,554.28
Auxiliary State Guard
360.00
Canteen Division
164.90
Medical Division
25.50
$14,336.54
This is, of course, only a brief outline of the numerous acti- vities of this committee and is not intended as a full and final ac- counting of the fund entrusted to said committee by the vote of the Town Meeting members. However, the records of the meet- ings of this committee, together with an itemized accounting to date, are available for inspection by any citizen of the Town.
HAROLD E. KERWIN
SAMUEL C. BARRETT
ARSENE G. DUVAL
ORRIN B. CARPENTER
RAYMOND F. COVILL
RAYMOND T. BABBITT
GEORGE F. BRALEY
1.00
Report of Fairhaven Committee on Street and Highway Safety
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
It is a pleasure to report no deaths during 1942, and a sub- stantial reduction in accidents and injuries during the past year.
You will notice, in looking over the yearly table, the 1942 re- cord is the best enjoyed by this community for the past ten years, or since Fairhaven has been a member of the National Safety Council.
The following table sets forth Fairhaven's ten-year record :
Year
Accidents
Deaths
Total Injured
Pedestrians Injured
1933
54
2
97
25
1934
52
3
83
25
1935
47
0
73
20
1936
54
1
96
11
1937
77
0
118
31
1938
79
2
114
10
1939
60
0
85
18
1940
61
0
83
11
1941
65
1
88
15
1942
34
0
48
10
No doubt some of the credit for this excellent showing is due to the rationing of gasoline and tires, although dimout regulations have a tendency to offset some of the rationing advantages. On the other hand, great credit is due to the sincerity and cooperation of a safety-minded public, encouraged by various civic organiza- tions and the fine safety educational system used in our schools.
During 1942 Fairhaven adopted comprehensive traffic rules and regulations with legal traffic and parking signs and bus stops. The adoption of these regulations has long been desired and now they are in force, the results are evident.
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An accident spot map is being kept by the police depart- ment at headquarters and is not only interesting, but is of in- estimable value.
Because of the dimout regulations now in effect, greater care than ever must be used, not only by the driving public, but by the pedestrian as well. And it is to the pedestrian's advantage and safety to walk against the traffic and carry a white handker- chief or similar noticeable object. (Bicyclists should ride with the traffic.)
It is again recommended that steps be taken to enclose the Rogers School playground. This would prevent trespassing dur- ing games and the danger of some youngster's being injured when chasing a ball or some other object into the street.
This report would not be complete without the usual sincere words of gratitude and appreciation to the superintendent of schools and his corps of assistants and teachers, the Fairhaven Post of the American Legion and all other civic and business or- ganizations, and to the street department.
With the adoption of traffic regulations, the vigilance of the police department is being rewarded. And they are to be commended for their continued efforts in the matter of safety on our streets.
Therefore, in closing, let us be mindful that death on the highways can be avoided. An accident is a potential death or worse.
Respectfully submitted
VICTOR O. B. SLATER, Chairman RAYMOND T. BABBITT NORMAN D. SHURTLEFF, Chief of Police
102
Report of the Planning Board
February 8, 1943
Board of Selectmen,
Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
The annual report of the Planning Board for the year 1942 is submitted herewith:
There was one public hearing during the year and the board held six regular meetings.
Although there were not as many meetings during the past year as are usually held, this was not because of any lack of interest, but because every member of the Board was engaged in one or more civic activities doing his share for the successful conduct of the war. When time permits, the Board will take up the im- portant matter of Post-War planning.
The Board once again (for the fifth successive year) with the cooperation of the Supt. of Schools and the High School fa- culty, conducted its worthwhile annual Planning Contest, the 1942 contest being the most ambitious of any of the preceding contests. The subject this past year was "The Prevention of a Conflagra- tion in the Town of Fairhaven." It was assumed that the town had had a serious conflagration caused by sabotage or incendiary bombing. The students had to visualize that three conflagrations had started in different sections of the town. Consideration had to be given to the direction of the prevailing wind and to its vel- ocity. It was then necessary for them to submit a written essay, estimating the area over which the conflagration extended, to- gether with a plan of "reconstruction" which would eliminate the possibility of a similar conflagration in the future. It is hoped that our sixth contest will be held in 1943, as the board feels that such contests are of real value in creating civic interest among our fu- ture citizens. Our contests have created state wide interest and
103
we have been invited to submit the prize winning essays and plans for exhibition at the Mass. Institute of Technology, in Bos- ton.
Regarding the matter of "Billboards," we are pleased to re- port the fine cooperation of the Hathaway Advertising Company.
The lone Public Hearing of the year was held in connection with the matter of re-zoning on petition from the Hathaway- Braley Wharf Co., Inc., of their property starting on the south line of South St. and west line of Main St. The board recom- mended such re-zoning, which change was later voted in Town Meeting.
Yours respectfully,
V. O. B. SLATER, Chairman G. A. STEELE, Secretary WILLIAM TALLMAN H. L. CANDAGE C. R. DUGDALE F. W. MORSE GEORGE W. MERCER H. G. CROWELL
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RECEIPTS
TAXES
Current year
Poll
6,260.00
Personal
31,851.77
Real Estate
289,935.59
Motor Vehicle Excise
19,638.84
Vessel Excise
234.18
347,920.38
Previous Years
Poll
386.00
Personal
7,066.49
Real Estate
57,204.80
Tax Title Redemptions
6,586.99
Tax Possessions
7,892.87
Motor Vehicle Excise
418.70
Vessel Excise
100.00
79,655.85
From State
Income Tax
43,500.00
Corporation Taxes
21,928.89
Meal Tax
626.07
66,054.96
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Liquor
2,625.00
Pedlars
99.00
Sunday
40.00
Pool, Bowling
23.00
Milk
58.00
Auctioneers
4.00
Alcohol
3.00
Sunday Entertainment
70.00
Common Victualer
32.00
Music, Dance
34.00
Shellfish
351.00
Ice Cream
60.00
All Other
94.00
3,493.00
105
FINES AND FORFEITS
Court Fines
132.00
GRANTS AND GIFTS
Federal Government
Old Age Assistance
Aid to Dependent Children
48,972.40 5,592.08
54,564.48
State
Vocational Education
1,439.10
Adult Education
330.00
Highway Fund
19,200.22
Highway, Chapter 90
4,479.94
25,449.26
County
Dog Fund
1,546.87
Highway, Chapter 90
2,363.80
3,910.67
Tax Title Rebates
393.50
Miscellaneous Tailings
8.00
401.50
Dog Licenses, Town Clerk
1,832.80
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Sewers
10.97
Committed Interest
.66
11.63
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Treasurer
50.25
Collector
.91
Selectmen
37.25
Planning Board
5.00
Board of Appeals
14.00
Town Hall
538.45
645.86
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police
262.74
Fire
36.75
Sealer of Weights and Measures
76.03
Inspector of Buildings
97.00
472.52
106
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health
Tuberculosis
1,821.60 41.00
Dental Clinic
1,862.60
Sanitation
Sewer Connections
778.30
HIGHWAYS
Material and Equipment
128.50
PUBLIC WELFARE
Infirmary
Board
390.00
Relief Reimbursements from
State
3,914.76
Cities and Towns
1,900.06
Individuals
29.00
5,843.82
Aid to Dependent Children
State
6,203.97
Old Age Assistance
State
39,913.21
Cities and Towns
1,624.55
41,537.76
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS
State Aid
690.00
Military Aid
30.00
Soldiers' Relief
929.36
1,649.36
SCHOOLS
Tuition State Wards
987.76
Tuition
3,925.86
Sale of Books and Supplies
139.55
All Others
5.13
5,058.30
RECREATION AND UNCLASSIFIED
Parks
10.00
Publicity
150.00
All Other
55.30
215.30
107
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE
Water Department Meters and Pipe
774.91
Union Wharf
Rental of Space
1,300.00
Fish Sheds
200.00
Moorings
50.00
Wharfage
143.25
1,693.25
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
Revenue Loans
227,000.00
INTEREST
Deferred Taxes
2,413.66
Tax Titles Redeemed
1,520.06
Julia A. Stoddard Fund
834.60
James Ricketts Fund
35.76
Hannah Chadwick Fund
12.50
H. H. Rogers Elementary School Fund
3,108.70
Pease District Fund
188.96
Edmund Anthony Fund
250.00
H. H. Rogers High School Fund
16,884.00
25,248.24
TRUST AND INVESTMENT
Andrus Spriit Fund 966.85
REFUNDS
General Departments
328.36
Accrued Interest
518.97
Public Welfare
620.20
1,467.53
Cash on Hand January 1, 1942
67,468.95
972,832.55
108
PAYMENTS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
LEGISLATIVE
Salary of Moderator
25.00
SELECTMEN
Salaries
Selectmen
1,500.00
Secretary
792.07
Clerk
363.08
Other Expenses
Stationery and Postage
113.20
Printing and Advertising
796.69
Travel
123.82
Telephone
66.41
Office Supplies
64.80
Engineering
33.35
All Other
20.25
3,873.67
TREASURER
Salaries
Town Clerk and Treasurer
2,000.00
Clerks
2,088.45
Other Expenses
Certification of Notes
26.00
Office Supplies
386.03
Stationery and Postage
114.24
Printing and Advertising
172.20
Telephone
91.30
Surety Bonds
278.69
Vital Statistics
336.50
All Other
23.00
5,516.41
TAX COLLECTOR
Salaries
Collector
2,000.00
Clerks
1,244.00
109
Other Expenses
Office Supplies Stationery and Postage
39.44
291.98
Printing and Advertising Telephone
426.11
4.75
Surety Bonds
578.32
Tax Title Expense All Other
1.25
5,014.10
ASSESSORS
Salaries
Assessors
3,060.00
Assistants
219.00
Clerk
1,000.00
Other Expenses
Plans
230.00
Stationery and Postage
33.30
Printing and Advertising
416.07
Travel
111.25
Telephone
90.25
Office Supplies
257.65
5,417.52
ELECTION AND REGISTRATION
Salaries
Registrars
1,461.33
Assistants
461.50
Clerk
387.40
Police
135.50
Election Officers
724.00
Other Expenses
Stationery and Postage
17.86
Printing and Advertising
620.56
Office Supplies
176.73
Travel Expense
35.15
All Other
135.44
4,155.47
TAX TITLE EXPENSE
Foreclosures : Legal Services
458.00
4,245.00
110
428.25
Printing and Advertising Auctioneer's Fees
43.72
251.00
Postage
29.98
Office Supplies Telephone All Other
18.25
11.60
11.55
5,069.10
TOWN MEETING EXPENSE
Salaries
Clerks
19.50
Police
32.00
Other Expenses
Printing and Advertising
449.54
Stationery and Postage
35.06
All Other
5.00
Finance Committee
Clerk
150.00
Reports
108.45
799.55
LAW DEPARTMENT
Town Counsel
429.25
PLANNING BOARD
Printing, Advertising
7.25
Prizes
15.00
22.25
SAFETY COUNCIL
Reports
16.50
Stationery and Postage
4.00
Membership fees
35.00
55.50
BOARD OF APPEALS
Advertising
15.50
Salaries
AUDITORS
300.00
111
TOWN HALL
Salaries
Janitors Assistants
1,937.86 44.75
Other Expenses
Sanitary and Laundry Service
61.90
Fuel
1,325.11
Light
766.22
Janitors' Supplies
324.01
Repairs and Replacements
1,058.23
Insurance
358.60
Telephone
17.70
Water
54.10
All Other
35.53
5,984.01
CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM Payments to System 7,805.78
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
POLICE
Salaries
Chief
2,274.28
Regular Officers
5,851.65
Special Police
4,934.20
Clerks
2,884.15
Equipment Maintenance
Automobiles
587.25
Gasoline and Oil
861.17
Equipment for Men
115.66
Additional Equipment
18.55
Other Expenses
Repairs
11.01
Printing, Stationery and Postage
87.18
Telephone
325.29
Office Expense
119.55
All Other
112.57
Radio
Broadcasting
906.73
112
Police Car Purchase Advertising
804.00
5.63.
Ambulance
Storage
20.00
Maintenance and Repairs
13.68
New Police Radio
Advertising
6.25
19,938.80
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Salaries
Engineers
500.00
Permanent Men
7,205.94
Call Men
3,290.13
Still Alarms
481.00
Other Employees
47.33
Equipment, Maintenance and Repairs
Apparatus
706.10
Hose
50.75
Equipment for Men
14.50
Rental of Space
1,712.00
Repairs
8.82
Gasoline and Oil
308.99
Fuel and Light
Fuel
293.74
Light
149.50
Power
24.67
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds
Repairs
50.29
Laundry
36.79
Care of Grounds
1.04
All Other
53.16
Other Expenses
Stationery, Printing and Postage
16.59
Telephone
116.65
Office Equipment
74.65
All Other
25.50
15,168.14:
113
FIRE ALARM
Salaries
Superintendent
360.00
Assistants
182.00
Other Expenses
199.25
Repairs and Equipment All Other
14.14
755.39
HYDRANTS
Rental and Service
8,865.00
INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS
Salaries
Inspector
500.00
Clerk
150.00
Plumber
470.00
1,120.00
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
'Salaries
Sealer
630.00
Deputy
2.40
Other Expenses
Postage
2.32
Printing and Advertising
5.65
Travel
197.07
Equipment
38.54
All Other
.25
876.23
PLANTING AND TRIMMING TREES
Salaries
Superintendent
200.00
Laborers
2,781.00
Other Expenses
Printing
13.25
Tools
30.11
Trees
75.00
Insurance
63.55
Equipment and Repairs
186.06
Insecticide
325.68
114
Water All Other Tree Feeding
19.30
4.50
99.33
3,797.78
INSECT PEST EXTERMINATION
Salaries
Laborers
300.00
TOWN PROPERTY
Repairs
33.39
Water
28.57
61.96
DAMAGE BY HURRICANE
Union Wharf
279.89
BICYCLE REGISTRATION
Equipment and Supplies
144.68
CIVILIAN DEFENSE
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