USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1956 > Part 4
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62
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my annual report of the Police Depart- ment for the year 1956.
Arrests made by the State Police in Dighton during the year:
Fe-
Male
male
Breaking, Entering & Larceny (Day)
1
Operating to endanger
2
Speeding
10
Adultery
1
1
Lewdness
1
Drunk
9
1
Being concerned with setting up and promoting lottery
1
Possession of lottery tickets
1
Operating w/o license in possession
1
Passing view obstructed
2
Refusing to stop for police officer
2
Operating under influence
2
Transporting general commodities on the Lord's Day 2 Non-support 1
Arrests made by the Dighton Police Department :
Drunkeness
19
2
Non-Support
1
Driving to endanger
4
Assault & Battery
2
Begetting
1
A.W.O.L. from Navy
1
Drunken driving
5
Driving without registration on person
2
Driving without license
1
Vagrancy 1
63
ANNUAL REPORT
Accidents reported :
1. Persons injured 27
2. Fatalities 2 Breaking and entering
2
Attempted break
1
Juveniles :
The juvenile situation in the Town of Dighton is good. There were 15 complaints received during the year. All were of a minor nature. They were investigated and taken up with the children's parents and no court action was necessary.
Reserve Officers:
Reserve Officers were assigned to relieve me on my days off. They were also assigned to various other posts when needed; such as the Taunton Dog Track, Agricultural School, Elementary and High Schools for dances, games, etc. They patrolled the Town over the long Halloween week-end and no reports of malicious damage were received. This is due in part to the work of the Parent Teachers Association in having parties, etc. for the children. I hope this practice continues.
Traffic :
Although many complaints have been received about speeding on the various roads in the Town, there is a noted improvement in the traffic situation. A constant patrol has been maintained on the main roads, and a uniformed Reserve Officer has been stationed at various intersections during the late afternoons. This has helped to alleviate the situation to a great extent.
The parking situation in the vicinity of General Bronze is very good at this time.
I wish to state here that Mr. Leonard and Inspector White of the Registry of Motor Vehicles have been very helpful to the Police Department throughout the year. Also, that the State Police of the Rehoboth Barracks, under the direction of Sgt. Benoit, have been most cooperative in furnishing assistance when needed.
64
ANNUAL REPORT
Dog Track :
The Taunton Dog Track operated for a period of fifty nights, with an average attendance of 8,000 persons per night. During this time there were no traffic accidents reported while persons were enroute to and from the Track. The Reserve Officers were commended for the efficient way they performed their duties at the Track and on their various traffic posts by the Track Management.
The Town of Dighton received an award from the Registry of Motor Vehicles in recognition of no fatal accidents for the year 1955.
In conclusion I wish to thank the citizens of Dighton for the cooperation and courtesy extended to the Police Depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES A. CARLSTROM, Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
I am pleased to report that the harbor of the Town of Dighton has shown a large increase in its use by the pleasure boatmen as a place to moor and enjoy their boats.
The Taunton Yacht Club has added a power tender to its facilities, which had made it feasible to locate moorings farther from the Club than was previously practical.
The presence of the barge ashore below Dighton Rock Park, and the barge ashore across the river on the State Park Land has been a source of considerable worry to the yachtsmen using our harbor as a mooring location. If these barges should break loose at a time of extreme high water, they could damage the fleet as well as some of the homes and shore facilities along our harbor front.
Respectfully submitted, ARNOLD B. SHAW, Harbor Master
65
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF TOWN HISTORIAN
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1956, I have continued study of Dighton town meeting records from 1791 to 1810, the period of the exodus of many citizens to the better farm lands of New York and Ohio and the occupation of their homes by laborers and women spinners.
I have spent much time in arranging for proper preserva- tion of the large collection of clippings and historical material collected by Mrs. Frank Horton and contributed by her daughter, Miss May Horton of Providence. Among others who have contributed interesting material are Police Chief Carlstrom, Mr. Norman Bowen, Mrs. Esther Bowden and Mr. Walter Hamilton.
In working toward a worthwhile celebration of Dighton's 250th anniversary, I am aiming at the following :
1. A complete account of the history of Dighton.
2. Erection of signs pointing out places of interest.
3. Continued improvement of the Town Cemetery on the site of the first meeting house, the burial place of many distinguished citizens.
4. Continued protection of the Council Oak.
5. Restoration of District Number Two School House, now standing in the Unitarian Cemetery and its re- moval to a convenient location. This school house, built in the early 1800's was last used as a school during the summer session of the year 1870, with Miss S. B. Phillips teaching 54 pupils, and it still contains the teacher's desk and a few pupils' desks.
6. Some provision for the housing and care of valuable historical articles.
Forming a society of interested people to further this program has been suggested. I recommend that this be done.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN H. LANE, Town Historian
66
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
To the Townspeople of Dighton:
The major Civil Defense accomplishment this year was the completion of the project to get radios for all the fire trucks of the Town.
Under way now is a project for some sort of rescue vehicle under the matching funds program.
The Civil Defense program both Statewide and Nation- ally is very well organized now and is quite complex. It remains for the towns and cities to bring their organizations up to stength, and, this, the Civil Defense department of your town hopes to do this year with the whole-hearted cooperation of every citizen of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD H. HAMBLY, Civil Defense Director
LIBRARY REPORT
To the Selectmen of the Town of Dighton:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1956.
Total circulation of books and magazines 10,694
Adult books 5,073
Juvenile books
Magazines 4,965
656
Number of persons using reading room
818
Collected in fines
$43.20
New books added during the year
233
Respectfully submitted,
HELENA CHAMBERLAIN, Town Librarian
67
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Board of Selectmen:
I received complaints of dogs in the following categories :
Annoying Live Stock 3
Dead Dogs in Roads 10
Dog Bite Cases 5
Injured Dogs
6
Lost
5
Strays 16
All of the above were taken care of to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN MEDEIROS, Dog Officer
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
I have tested, adjusted and sealed the following: 20 scales-7 adjusted. 5 weights. 14 automatic measuring devices-1 adjusted. 16 capacity measures.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD B. HATHAWAY, Sealer of Weights and Measures
68
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF INSPECTOR FOR THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Board of Selectmen
Dighton, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The following is a report of the work done by me during the year 1956:
Butter Fats
Bacteria Counts
Coliforms
January
13
13
2
February
10
10
4
March
15
15
April
28
31
4
May
29
30
3
June
16
16
July
15
21
August
12
12
September
11
11
October
19
24
November
20
20
11
December
18
18
10
206
221
34
Follow-up work was done in all cases where high bacteria counts called for investigation.
I have inspected all establishments selling food in the Town of Dighton. In some cases alterations and different handling methods were requested by me, and these requests were granted and all in charge cooperated.
I inspected and approved 31 sewerage disposal systems, and made return inspection in some instances.
A number of nuisance complaints were investigated by me, and, for the most part, the nuisances have been abated.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY G. CRAPO
69
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Board of Selectmen:
The report of the Inspector of Animals for the year 1956 is as follows :
I visited and inspected 47 barns and found the following number of animals :
Cows
320
Heifers
79
Bulls
2
Horses
13
Steers
2
Sheep
93
Swine
12
Goats
2
The animals appeared healthy and the barns for the most part were clean. The inspection book was mailed to the Division of Livestock Disease Control, 41 Tremont Street, Boston on December 11, 1956.
Respectfully submitted, LESTER M. BRIGGS, Inspector of Animals
TREASURER'S REPORT
Balance in Treasury December 31, 1955
$157,827.98
Total Receipts in 1956
565,920.24
723,748.22
Selectmen's Warrants in 1956
605,205.85
Balance in Treasury December 31, 1956 See Auditor's Report.
$118,542.37
Respectfully submitted, PERCY B. SIMMONS, Town Treasurer
70
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Dighton :
In compliance with the rules as set forth by the Massa- chusetts Department of Public Health, a program for the Polio Clinic was set up by Mrs. Bowden and Dr. Souza which was very efficient. Over 800 shots were administered to those eligible. We appreciate this response that the public has shown in accepting this service.
On April 1, 1956 the Board adopted Sanitary Regulations, setting forth the requirements for the purpose of providing adequate drainage and leaching area for cesspools and septic tanks.
In view of the poor drainage in many sections of the Town and the type of soil not suitable for good leaching of sewage, it was felt that minimum requirements should be adopted as recommended by the State Board of Health in order to assist and protect the home-owner and also the busi- ness concerns.
After adoption of the Sanitary Regulations, the Board approved the appointment of our present Milk Inspector also as Sanitation Inspector, to take care of the inspections as required by the Board.
Copies of the regulations may be obtained by contacting the Selectmen's Office.
We are very much pleased with the condition of the Town Dumps. At various times gravel has been brought in and spread, so the townspeople could drive to the edge of the dump to discard the refuse, and with but few exceptions, they have been cooperative.
We wish to express our appreciation to Mrs. Bowden, Dr. Souza and all others who assisted in our public health service.
Respectfully submitted, EARLE M. SMITH,
Chairman, WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES,
CLAYTON H. ATWOOD, Board of Health.
:
71
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of Dighton :
Administrative procedures in public assistance were re- vised considerably during the year 1956. Effective as of January 1, 1956, Chapter 728 of the Acts of 1955, authorized a new budgetary item for Old Age Assistance to be known as Transportation Allowance, which resulted in an increase of $2.50 a month for all recipients covered by the amendment. Cost of Living increase of 5.07 per cent was granted in Aid to Dependent Children, Disability and Old Age Assistance cases effective as of July 1, 1956. One of the amendments of the Social Security Act provided for an increase in Federal participation on public assistance payments. Effective as of October 1, 1956, Federal reimbursements were increased to 50 per cent of the money expended in a given month, which is not in excess of $60.00 plus $9.00 per month per case in Disability Assistance and Old Age Assistance categories. In Aid to Dependent Children the amount of Federal matching for the needy relative and the first child is the same, and amounts to 50 per cent of the money expended, which is not in excess of $32.00 per month each, plus $5.50 per month for each recipient. The amount of matching for each additional child is 50 per cent of the money expended not in excess of $23.00 plus $5.50 per month for each additional child. Another Social Security change which provides benefits for women at age 62 is of some financial assistance, and has decreased amount of aid in 1 case to date. Chapter 653 of the Acts of 1956, which became effective on November 7, 1956 extends the benefits of Old Age Assistance to non-citizens who have resided in the United States for twenty years. Two cases have been approved for assistance under this change; 1 case trans- ferred from General Relief, and the other from Disability Assistance.
Aid to Dependent Children category aided 7 cases, repre- senting 23 persons. Town appropriation was $4,500.00, with total expenditures amounting to $7,019.49. The sum of
72
ANNUAL REPORT
$3,938.63 was spent from town appropriation and $3,080.86 from U. S. Grants, leaving balances of $561.37 in the town appropriation and $102.02 in U. S. Grants.
Disability Assistance aided 7 cases during the year. Town appropriated $4,000.00 and total expenditures amounted to $5,379.07. From the town appropriation, the sum of $2,503.44 was expended and $1,000.00 was transferred to Gravel Roads account, leaving a town balance of $496.56. U. S. Grants ex- penditures amounted to $2,875.63 with balance of $184.86.
Old Age Assistance aided 42 cases during the year. Town appropriated $30,000.00 and expenditures amounted to $41,- 636.65. From the town appropriation, the sum of $23,396.83 was expended, and $4,200.00 was transferred to other depart- ments, leaving a balance of $2,403.17 in the town account. U. S. Grants expenditures amounted to $18,239.82, this ac- count overdrawn by forty-four cents. Case load consisted of 7, with legal settlement in other cities and towns, for which reimbursement to be received is $870.06. Other cases included 9 recipients having no settlement, for which full reimburse- ment is received from Federal and State participation, and 28 cases were Dighton settled. The sum of $654.81 was paid to other cities and towns for Dighton settled cases. Medical expenses were considerably lower than anticipated, which accounted for the substantial town balance in this appropria- tion. One Lien was released, without satisfaction, due to interest in real estate being valued at less than exemption.
General Relief aided 20 cases, representing 55 persons, with total expenditures of $8,500.28. Town appropriated $7,000.00 and $1,500.00 was transferred from the Old Age Assistance account, to meet the needs of this department. Account overdrawn twenty-eight cents. The sum of $2,858.88 was paid to other cities and towns for Dighton settled cases. Case load increased over the previous year, and consisted of 5 cases with legal settlement. in other cities and towns, for which reimbursement to be received is $3,691.61. Other cases included 11 with no settlement, for which full reimbursement is to be received, as well as 6 town cases which were aided under this category of relief.
73
ANNUAL REPORT
Appreciation is expressed to the personnel of the State Department of Public Welfare, District Office, and the Bureau of Accounts, for assistance and courtesies rendered to this department.
The Christmas Fund donation of $500.00 by the Taunton Greyhound Association is gratefully acknowledged and ap- preciated.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES, Chairman, CLAYTON H. ATWOOD, EARLE M. SMITH, Board of Public Welfare.
BELLA M. BOUCHER, Social Worker.
REPORT OF COMMUNITY NURSE
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen :
The Salk Vaccine Program started in 1955 by the National Foundation of Polio was completed in February, 1956. This included 104 children of the first and second grade age group. The Salk program organized and given by the State of Massa- chusetts was started in Dighton in March. First injections of the vaccine were given to 468 children up to 15 years of age and pregnant women. The second clinic was held in June and another in July for those who were eligible for the program but had not taken advantage of it previously. In October and November, the 15 to 19 year old age group was included in the program and they were given first and second injections of the vaccine. A total of 802 babies, children, teen-agers, and pregnant women took advantage of this program.
At the Annual Immunization Clinic, held in April and
74
ANNUAL REPORT
May for the prevention of Whooping Cough, Diphtheria, and Tetanus, 153 children received injections. Twenty-three children were vaccinated against Small-pox at the Pre-school Clinic.
One new case of Tuberculosis was reported and this patient was hospitalized for treatment. One patient was readmitted for further treatment and one death was recorded from this disease.
Chicken-pox was very prevalent in the spring months. In late summer and continuing until the end of the year, many cases of mumps were noted among school age children.
My daily work included bedside nursing, baby care, treat- ments, and injections of various kinds. Transportation was furnished for patients to doctors' offices and to hospitals. The ambulance was used when it was necessary.
I attended the monthly Board meetings of the Bristol County Mental Health Clinics and the Health and Welfare Workers' monthly meetings which were both held in Taunton.
Two in-service courses were offered by the State Depart- ment of Public Health. The first series of eight lectures on Cancer was held at the Taunton Visiting Nurses Association Office during April and May.
The second course included lectures of Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy. These sessions were held at the Lakeville Sanatorium during October and November. I attended as many of these lectures as my work would allow.
I wish to thank the many townspeople who gave so generously of their time to assist me in conducting the various clinics and other phases of the Health program in Dighton. I also wish to express my thanks to the members of the Board of Health and Town Officials for their support and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER BOWDEN, R. N., Town Nurse
: 75
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Of The Town of Dighton, Massachusetts For the Year 1956
At the organization meeting of the Dighton Planning Board on March 14, 1956, it was unanimously voted to hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday eve- nings of each month, except July and August. This policy was carried out through 1956.
Six plans were presented for approval of the Planning Board during 1956. Of these, all six were considered as not requiring approval under the provisions of the Subdivision Control Law.
The Dighton Planning Board is a member of the South- eastern Massachusetts Regional Planning District and of the Southeastern Massachusetts Economic Conference. Delegates from the Dighton Planning Board have attended every meet- ing of these organizations.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. PHILLIPS, Chairman,
WILFRED A. HATHAWAY, Secretary,
ERNEST H. ATWOOD,
LESTER M. BRIGGS,
MANUEL V. MOTTA.
DOGS LICENSED IN 1956
The following dog licenses were issued during the year:
Male
262
Female
29
Spayed 82
Kennel
9
382
76
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' AGENT
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Annual Report for the year 1956 is herewith submitted:
During the year Veterans' Benefits aided 7 cases, repre- senting 23 persons. Cases consisted of 1 Veteran of World War I; 3 Veterans' and families of World War II; 2 parents of Veterans of World War II; and 1 Korean Veteran and family.
Expenditures for assistance amounted to $4,170.95, item- ized as cash grants, $3,658.70; emergency grocery orders, $85.00; and medical expenses, $427.25. Administrative ex- penditures amounted to $215.00, leaving a balance of $614.05 in appropriation of $5,000.00.
The sum of $1,546.20 was received from the State for reimbursements for assistance rendered, however since pay- ments are in arrears, it is anticipated that an additional sum of $500.00 will be received in the near future.
Respectfully submitted, THEODORE BOUCHER, Veterans' Agent
1
77
ANNUAL REPORT
AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Citizens and Taxpayers of the Town of Dighton:
Herewith is a report of the financial transactions of the Town of Dighton for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1956.
Classification of Treasurer's Receipts for 1956
Cash Balance as of January 1, 1956 $157,827.98
Received from Town Collector :
1952 Personal Taxes $ 129.00
1953 Personal Taxes 123.00
1954 Personal Taxes 73.80
1954 Real Estate Taxes 1,000.14
1955 Poll Taxes 10.00
1955 Personal Taxes 431.28
1955 Real Estate Taxes
31,600.04
1956 Poll Taxes
1,732.00
1956 Personal Taxes
22,548.96
.
1956 Real Estate Taxes
149,625.96
$207,274.18
1954 Motor Vehicle Excise 136.39
1955 Motor Vehicle Excise 3,274.20
1956 Motor Vehicle Excise 22,138.01
25,548.60
Tax Titles
997.27
Interest on Taxes :
Real Estate
906.68
Personal Property
46.03
Motor Vehicle Excise
30.07
Tax Titles
143.86
Poll Tax
.38
1,127.02
Total Collector's Receipts 234,947.07
78
ANNUAL REPORT
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Hurricane Relief
924.08
Income Tax 7,725.66
Meals Tax 1,024.48
Corp. Tax-Business
33,786.71
School Aid-Ch. 645
11,792.02
School Aid-Ch. 70
42,000.00
Vocational Education 5,412.49
School Transportation
23,331.73
School Superintendency
2,426.62
Child Welfare Tuition
1,064.00
English Speaking Classes
13.00
Temporary Aid &
Transportation
1,199.65
Teachers' Retirement Board
122.71
1955 Flood Emergency
846.44
131,867.59
Departmental Receipts :
Town Nurse
66.00
Sealer of Weights, Measures
31.40
Police Department :
Telephone Calls
30.40
School Department :
Sanitary Fund
59.28
Check Returned
1.70
Vocational Labor and Materials 80.80
Vocational Production
Fund
2,384.90
Lost or Damaged Books
27.40
Broken Bulbs
2.50
Broken Windows
7.00
Vocational Tractor
25.00
Lost Tools
8.70
Book Fines-
Public Library 84.73
2,809.81
79
ANNUAL REPORT
General Government:
Sale of Town Maps
2.80
Cash Books for Districts
27.75
Lost Key
1.00
31.55
Town Clerk :
Dog Licenses
861.60
861.60
Departmental Revenue :
Aid to Dependent Children: From State 2,315.07
Disability Assistance :
From State
1,210.75
Disability Assistance Administration
136.20
Old Age Assistance:
From Cities
402.00
From State
18,313.72
Town Elms 105.00
Public Welfare:
From State
264.20
From Cities and Towns
1,574.87
Veterans' Benefits :
From State
1,546.20
Board of Health :
From State
1,176.21
Street Department :
Gravel Roads 264.32
27,308.54
School Department:
High School Tuition
20,638.50
Vocational Tuition
6,183.00
Elementary Tuition
150.00
Telephone
83.04
27,054.54
80
ANNUAL REPORT
Dighton-Berkley Bridge 44.32
Special Town Dump
1,628.00
Aid to Highways Revenue:
Chapter 81-State 8,015.95
Chapter 90-Maintenance :
State
1,699.92
County
1,699.92
Chapter 90-Dighton-Berkley
Bridge Maintenance
State
277.53
County
277.53
Chapter 90-Williams Street
State
5,784.56
County
2,892.28
20,647.69
U. S. Grants :
A.D.C. Administration
468.52
D.A. Administration
272.39
O.A.A. Administration
870.33
A.D.C.
2,981.20
D.A.
2,873.36
O.A.A.
15,781.42
Smith-Hughes Fund
909.50
Total U. S. Grants
24,156.72
Grants and Gifts :
Fire and Police Dept.
Specials
16,232.32
Special Light Account
66.00
Christmas Fund
500.00
16,798.32
Licenses :
Advertising Costs
20.87
Alcoholic Beverages
1,900.00
Auto Dealers
10.00
81
ANNUAL REPORT
Beer and Wine
250.00
Cabin
1.50
Common Victualler
65.00
Denatured Alcohol
4.00
Garbage Permit
1.00
Gasoline Storage
6.50
Ice Cream Manufacturing
5.00
Hawkers
8.00
Junk
35.00
Lord's Day
42.00
Milk
11.00
Oleo
2.50
Oyster Bed Privilege
75.00
Pistol and Firearms
20.00
Sausage Manufacturing
5.00
Temporary Beer and Wine
4.00
Entertainment Licenses
75.00
Building and
Alteration Permits
256.00
Permit for Sign
1.00
Permit to open Road
1.00
Skeet Shoot Permit
2.00
Oil Burner Permits
1.50
2,802.87
Miscellaneous :
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
316.45
Charles S. Chase Trust Fund
27.68
Road Machinery Fund
2,774.00
3,118.13
Civil Defense Check Returned 1,632.40
1,632.40
County of Bristol :
Dog Fund
570.28
Court Fines
89.30
Boarding Dogs
138.50
798.08
82
ANNUAL REPORT
Elementary School Cafeteria :
Comm. of Mass.
5,230.61
Daily Receipts 16,387.24
21,617.85
High School Cafeteria :
Comm. of Mass.
2,815.69
Daily Receipts
10,133.55
12,949.24
High School Athletics
1,614.30
1,614.30
Federal Withholding Tax
30,123.51
30,123.51
County Retirement
3,108.11
3,108.11
Total Receipts for 1956
$565,920.24
$723.748.22
83
ANNUAL REPORT
Classification of Treasurer's Expenditures for 1956
General Government:
Selectmen :
Salaries
$2,000.31
Office Supplies
77.64
Printing, postage, etc.
174.93
Mileage, lunches
150.55
Telephone
109.25
Advertising
13.98
All Other
46.60
-$
2,573.26
Assessors :
Salaries
2,400.00
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