Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1960, Part 4

Author: Dighton (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1960
Publisher: Dighton (Mass. : Town)
Number of Pages: 166


USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1960 > Part 4


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81.85


180.67


Total


60.79


171.74


3,499.66


Respectfully submitted,


PERCY B. SIMMONS, Tax Collector


ANNUAL REPORT


57


58


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE DIGHTON FIRE DEPARTMENT


To the Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen :


I hereby submit the following report of the Dighton Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1960.


The Department received 85 calls as follows: Automobile fires (5) ; Brush (2); Automobile accident (1); Chimney (6); Chemcial (3) ; Dump (5); Electrical service (1); False alarm (2); Flooded oil burner (1); Leaking acid (1); Leaking oil (1) ; Grass and brush (28) ; Incinerator (1) ; Mutual aid given (3) ; House (5); Greenhouse (1); Lumber (1); Remove Body from sluiceway (1); Tire Burning in road (1) ; Woods (11) ; Remove flag from pole (1) ; Rubbish (2) ; Shed (1).


The following are approximate figures on the amount of material and equipment used: 34,825 gallons of water, 10,150 feet of booster hose, 8,550 feet of forestry hose, 1,400 feet of 21/2" hose, 3,250 feet of 11%" hose, 246 feet ladders, 19 hy- drants.


Permits issued : Bottled gas (12), Oil burners (23), Ex- plosives (9), Gas Tank inspections (4), Volatile fluid storage (1).


A standby was maintained at both stations during the storm and threat of high water on January 3, during the snow storm of March 5, during Hurricane Donna on September 12 and during the severe snow storm of December 12, 1960.


The portable generator was pressed into emergency service during the power loss due to Hurricane Donna.


The tank truck has been set up with a plow rig, and was used to great advantage in plowing out heavily drifted roads during the storm of December 12, 1960.


All radios have been narrowed, pertaining to deviation, as required by Federal law.


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ANNUAL REPORT


At the request of the Berkley Fire Dept., mutual aid was rendered by Dighton at a barn fire January 10, a barn fire February 26, a woods fire October 29, and in Taunton, at a drowning in Mill River on December 28, 1960.


Mutual aid was received by Dighton from Rehoboth Fire Dept. on December 12 and December 21; Swansea Fire Dept. also assisted at house fire on Williams St. on December 21, 1960.


A new station for South Dighton, voted by the people in March, is now in use. The first activity being the voting on November 7, 1960.


An old landmark is to vanish from the Dighton scene as the Old South Dighton Fire Station is to be removed, as Fire Department activities have been transferred to the new sta- tion.


The 50th Anniversary of the Dighton Firemen's Associa- tion was celebrated, and at that time, a mutual aid drill was held and eighteen cities and towns participated.


A Christmas Party for the children of the town was held on Sunday, December 18, goodies, gifts and a ride on the fire trucks was the program of the day.


I wish to thank the Town Officials and the Citizens of our town for the cooperation and assistance they have given the Fire Department and also for helping to keep our fire losses to a minimum during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


HARRY F. WILLIS, Chief, Dighton Fire Dept. and Forest Warden


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT


To the Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen :


The following is the police report for the year ending December 31, 1960.


The following arrests were made by the Dighton Police Department:


Assault & Battery (4), Non-support (3), Malicious Des- truction (2), Statutory Rape (1), Escapee-Mental (2), Drunk (5), Oper. to endanger (2), Armed Robbery (2), Stolen Car (1), Driving under (2), Breaking & Entering in night (4), Breaking & Entering in daytime (3), Aiding in committing of a felony (2), Larceny under $100.00 (1), Lewd & Lascivious (1), Runaway (1), Threat to kill (1).


Summons served (41), Warrants (22), Ambulance calls (11), Emergency for oxygen (4), Missing persons located (5), Accidental death (1), Breaks (9), Stolen cars recovered (2), Gun permits to carry (10), License to sell (3) .


I attended several meetings at various police associa- tions, at which much valuable information was obtained.


I wish at this time to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, all agencies and citizens for their cooperation in maintaining order in the Town of Dighton. I would also like to thank the State Police for their assistance which has been most helpful.


Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. MASON, Chief of Police


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE DIRECTOR


To the Townspeople of Dighton :


Civil Defense continued to be active in weekly commun- ication drills during 1960. School Officials aided by holding Civil Defense Aid Raid Drills, a program we hope to continue, in the schools of Dighton.


Dighton Civil Defense participated in a state wide, three day exercise drill in May, at which time, air raid signals were tested, schools evacuated, road blocks set up and traffic halted. On May 2, 1960 Open House was held at Veteran's Memorial Hall in the evening to acquaint the townspeople with emergency hospital supplies stored there. Unfortunately, only one person was interested enough to attend.


Over the Labor Day weekend, during state wide opera- tion road watch, our Dighton Civil Defense Auxiliary Police assisted in traffic duty.


During Hurricane Donna, in September, auxiliary police and firemen assisted in the evacuating of families living along the waterfront. At this point, it cannot be stressed enough that, although Dighton is well equipped to assist in almost any emergency, more Civil Defense volunteers are needed.


I wish to thank the Town Officials and School Department Heads for their cooperation, also the Civil Defense Radio Officers, Auxiliary Police and Firemen and other volunteers who donate their time to keep Civil Defense organized, so that Dighton may benefit by having an active Civil Defense Organization.


Respectfully submitted, FRED REBELLO,


Civil Defense Director


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE DIGHTON AMBULANCE


To the Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen :


I hereby submit the following report of the service ren- dered by the Dighton Ambulance and the men that operate it, for the year ending December 31, 1960.


During the year the ambulance made 88 trips as follows : To-Childrens Hospital, Boston (2) ; Deaconess Hospital, Bos- ton (1) ; Dighton Nursing Home, Dighton (5) ; Longmeadow Nursing Home (1); Mass. General, Boston (2) ; Morton Hos- pital, Taunton (47) ; Pondville Hospital (1) ; Rosewood Rest Home, Taunton (1); Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, Fall River (1) ; St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River (1) ; Taunton State Hos- pital, Taunton (3) ; Truesdale Hospital, Fall River (3) ; Union Hospital, Fall River (3).


From-Morton Hospital (4) ; Childrens Hospital, Boston (1) ; Davis Park Veterans Hospital, Prov. (1) ; Longmeadow Nurs- ing Home, Taunton (1) ; Pondville Hospital (1); Taunton State Hospital (1); Union Hospital, Fall River (2) ; Patients handled (88); Patients administered oxygen (9); Patients D.O.A. (5); Patients removed by other means, oxygen ad- ministered, patient not moved or D.O.A., ambulance not used or needed (6) ; Automobile accidents (2).


I wish to thank the Officers and members of the Dighton Fire Department who have manned the ambulance during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


HARRY F. WILLIS,


Chief, Dighton Fire Department


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES


To the Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen :


I hereby submit my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1960.


I have tested, adjusted and sealed the following: 23 scales-3 adjusted 15 automatic measuring devices-2 adjusted


Respectfully submitted, DONALD B. HATHAWAY, Sealer of Weights and Measures


REPORT OF THE SANITATION INSPECTOR


To the Board of Health:


Gentlemen :


I herewith submit my annual report as Sanitation In- spector of Dighton for the year 1960.


The following permits were issued:


Building permits :


Alterations and additions


36


New dwellings 18


Demolish existing buildings


15


Trailers 8


Sanitation permits :


Additions to disposal systems


26


New dwelling disposal systems 18


Trailer disposal systems


8


Respectfully submitted, LEO A. DUFFY, R.S., Sanitation Inspector


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE


To the Citizens of Dighton:


The following report for the year 1960 is herewith sub- mitted.


Aid to Dependent Children aided 7 cases, representing 15 persons during the year. Total expenditures of $8,183.54 represents increase of $1,987.16 over previous year, due to increased case load. The Town appropriated $5,000.00 which was supplemented by U. S. Grants. Town appropriation was overdrawn, therefore, $782.04 was transferred from balance in Old Age Assistance account to meet the needs.


Disability Assistance aided 6 cases, with total expendi- tures of $5,455.15. Town appropriated $4,000.00 and balance was paid from U. S. Grants. This category showed very little variation in case load and expenditures over 1959. Balance in Town appropriation was $879.28.


General Relief aided 12 cases, representing 39 persons. The Town appropriated $9,000.00, however, this account showed a balance, due to decrease in case load, as well as expenditures in outside relief. The sum of $1,101.18 was paid to other cities and towns for reimbursement for outside relief and cases with a Dighton settlement, residing out of town. The sum of $6,889.82 was expended for cash, medical and maintenance costs for persons aided while residing in this town, however, approximately $2,700.00 accounts receiv- able are due for reimbursements from other cities and towns for cases having legal settlement outside of Dighton. This category also shows accounts receivable from the State, for approximately $800.00, for cases having no legal settlement in the Commonwealth. The net expense for cases having legal settlement in this town was very small. We are pleased to report that employable persons have not remained on relief for any length of time, as it has been our endeavor to have persons who are physically able to become self-supporting, do so.


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ANNUAL REPORT


Old Age Assistance aided 37 cases, with total expendi- tures of $39,975.18, including $792.76 paid to other cities and towns for outside relief. The Town appropriation of $28,000.00 showed a substantial balance of $3,402.00, due to decrease in case load. U. S. Grants supplemented the Town appropria- tion. Net expense to the Town is considerably low, due to reimbursements by U. S. Grants, which are applied directly to specified account; and in addition, participation from State as well as other cities and towns.


In accordance with Chapter 781, Acts of 1960, the new program known as Medical Assistance for the Aged, has been administered by this department. Four cases have received assistance under this program, with expense of $1,386.01. Federal reimbursements to be received are 50% of total costs. State participation amounts to 2/3 of balance, and the re- mainder a town expense, since there are no legal settlements involved.


Expenditures for administration of Public Assistance amounted to $3,365.75 with total reimbursements from U. S. Grants amounting to $2,695.72. State has participated in administration costs of Disability Assistance since the cate- gory originated in 1951. Chapter 871 of the Acts of 1960, effective October 1, 1960, provides for State financial partici- pation in the amount of 25% for administrative expenditures of the programs of Medical Assistance for the Aged, Old Age Assistance, and Aid to Dependent Children. Thus, there will be State administrative reimbursement of 25% for all public assistance programs except General Relief.


The Christmas Fund contribution of $500.00 from the Taunton Greyhound Association, Inc. was again gratefully acknowledged and received.


Sincere thanks are expressed to the various Organiza- tions, Boy Scouts, and individuals who donated Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets and gifts to needy families.


To the State Department of Public Welfare, District Office #5, and Bureau of Accounts, we express our apprecia-


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ANNUAL REPORT


tion for assistance in the administration of the various cate- gories of relief.


This department is grateful to all Town Officials, Organi- zations and Personnel for the splendid cooperation and services rendered.


Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES, Chairman CLAYTON H. ATWOOD, FRANCIS J. TORRES, Board of Public Welfare


BELLA M. BOUCHER, Director of Public Assistance


PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT


To the Selectmen of the Town of Dighton:


I herewith submit my report for the year 1960:


Total circulation of books and magazines


14,507


Adult books 7,889


Juvenile books 6,618


Magazines 569


Number of persons using reading room 863


Collected in fines $45.49


During the year 297 books were added, 4 of which were gifts. Two sets of encyclopedias, plus a Picture Atlas of the World were placed in the reference section.


Respectfully submitted, EMILY C. PILLING, Librarian


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE TOWN NURSE


To the Board of Health :


Gentlemen :


Four clinics for protection against Polio were held dur- ing 1960. Early evening clinics were arranged so adults could take advantage of this service. Since the beginning of this program, about two thousand have received these protective shots. One hundred and sixty one received in- oculations for protection against diptheria, whooping cough and tetanus. Twenty three children were vaccinated against small pox. We had no epidemics of contagious diseases.


Visits were made to all pre-mature infants. This is a service provided by local Boards of Health for the Massa- chusettts Department of Public Health-Division of Maternal and Child Health Services.


Miss Mildred Foster the District Supervisor, held two meetings with a group of local nurses, both school and public health. At the first meeting in Seekonk, Mr. Vokey of the Bristol County Health Association explained patch testing for T.B. in the schools. In the Fall the second meeting was held in Swansea at the Board of Health office. Merits and disadvantages of the testing program carried on in Westport and Somerset, from the nurses point of view, were discussed, as well as problems common to all, new medications and new phases in daily work.


During the Hurricane in September, I was on duty at the Elementary School-Civil Defense Shelter, where about sixty persons received shelter for six to eight hours. Over a hundred people were fed, some coming in for food after the storm had subsided; coffee was provided for Police, Firemen and all on duty during the storm.


I again served as secretary of the Dighton Unit of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- dren and also secretary of the Dighton Service Unit of the


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ANNUAL REPORT


Salvation Army. As a Board member, I attended meetings of the Bristol County Mental Health Association.


I wish to express my thanks to members of the Board of Health for their support and cooperation and to all who so generously gave their time and help at the Clinics.


Respectfully submitted, ESTHER BOWDEN, R.N., Town Nurse


REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER


To the Board of Selectmen :


Our harbor survived Hurricane Donna of last fall very successfully. It came with such surprise that most of the boats were left on their moorings. Your Harbor Masters are pleased to report that none of the moorings dragged which were holding boats of the size planned for them. The two moorings that did drag, had larger boats on them than they were rated for. Three of the boats that went ashore, cut themselves off due to poor mooring chocks and gear.


The mooring area of our harbor is now being used to capacity, with very few, if any, mooring spots available.


The barge on the opposite shore on state land, still poses a threat to our mooring area if it should go adrift on an extra high water.


The dredged channel is in need of checking and some dredging to maintain the charted depths.


Respectfully submitted, ARNOLD B. SHAW, Harbor Master


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE TOWN HISTORIAN


To the Townspeople of Dighton :


The first item in the town meeting records of Dighton is as follows :


"At a town meeting legally warned in Dighton September the 9: 1712: to tak account of town's Debts


LS d


Mr. Fisher's Salary this present year 50-00-00


Captain Talbot obtaining precink and township 17-18-07


Edward Pall Diating Schoolmaster for the year 1711 05-00-00


Thomas Jones Diating Schoolmaster same year 02-10-00


Leftenant Pitts Diating Schoolmaster same year 02-10-00


Edward Shove making rates for year 1711 00-07-00


Samuel Waldron making rates same year 00-06-00


Joseph Wood making rates same year 00-06-00


Leftenant Pitts 00-04-00


Samuel Whitmarsh


00-02-00


Richard Haskins


00-01-04


Constable Matthew Briggs gathering Mr. Fisher's rates 03-07-06


for building the ferry boat


03-07-06


all voted the day and year above written


Joseph Deane, Town Clerk"


This account may be mildly interesting to you who enjoy studying growth and change in American living, but it be- comes more interesting if you know that Mr. Fisher was the preacher who was hired for his lifetime; that Captain Talbot won a real contest in the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and in Taunton Town Meeting to obtain the town- ship; that Leftenant Pitts, an officer in the Bristol County militia, lost his life in the Indian Wars; that people on the east side of Taunton River might use the town ferry boat free of charge to come to church; that descendants of the men mentioned, are living today in Dighton, Berkley or Taun-


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ANNUAL REPORT


ton, though names are seldom the same. Daughters evidently married and stayed, while sons migrated to the West.


An adequate history must be built on more than town meeting records. Our records are well preserved and are a credit to the town, but town meeting records can merely hint at events and activities.


Some of you citizens of Dighton must have learned from your parents and grandparents, tales of other days in this town. Perhaps you citizens of Portuguese descent know stories of the adventures of your ancestors in settling here. Perhaps someone has information of early industries.


If you have such information, please share it with me sometime before May first. You may be sure that informa- tion that seems trifling to you will probably seem important to your Town Historian.


Respectfully submitted, HELEN H. LANE, Town Historian


REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER


To the Board of Selectmen:


All stray dogs picked up and not claimed by their owners were held for ten days, then turned over to the County Dog Officer.


All dog bites were reported to the proper authorities and owners of dogs were requested to restrain their dog for the fourteen day period.


All complaints were taken care of satisfactorily.


Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. MASON, Dog Officer


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


At the organizational meeting, June G. Hambly was elected Chairman and Wilfred A. Rhines, Clerk of Board. It developed, after several meetings, that Mrs. Hambly was unable to attend on a regular basis due to illness. It was decided by the Board to elect a Vice Chairman, to conduct the meetings until her return. The Board unanimously elected Mr. Milton Kossoi to fill this post.


During the year, all plans presented to the Board were reviewed pursuant to Subdivision Control Law; with ten plans being approved as not requiring Subdivision Control and six signed under the Subdivision Act.


Pursuant to the will of the people as voted at the last Town Meeting, the Board met with the Selectmen to devise a workable prospectus for a House Numbering and Renumber- ing System. Once this was done, both Boards reviewed five proposals submitted by professional planners. It was the decision of both Boards that Blair Associates of Providence, Rhode Island be awarded the contract in the amount of $2,000.00. The sixty day time limit was extended by the Selectmen, due to unforeseen delays.


The Vice Chairman attended both Regional and Federa- tion meetings regularly.


The resignation of Milton Kossoi was accepted in Decem- ber and his term was filled by the appointment of Mr. LeFor- rest, who is to serve until the next regular town meeting.


Respectfully submitted, JUNE G. HAMBLY, Chairman WILFRED A. RHINES, Clerk RICHARD E. BABBITT MILTON HORTON LAWSON LeFORREST Planning Board


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND COMMISSIONERS


Through the efforts of Charles Brooks, the Little League Field was made ready for opening day. We would like to thank Mr. Brooks for the exceptional job he did for the Commission in caring for the North Field and the Little League Field during the season.


1960 was a successful year for the Playgrounds, with good attendance at both play areas and diversified programs that included pet shows, doll carriage parades and instructions in various field games by the Supervisors.


Once again it was possible to send the children to Fenway Park for "Children's Day" and also a side trip to Franklin Park was enjoyed by over 150 children making the trip.


We thank both Supervisors for a job well done, and are looking forward to an even better year to come.


Respectfully submitted, EDWARD ANTUNES, Chairman WILFRED A. RHINES, Secretary DAVID HORTON Playground Commissioners


REPORT OF VETERANS' AGENT


To the Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen :


Assistance was granted to all eligible veterans and de- pendents who applied for benefits during the year.


The Town appropriation of $6,000.00 was inadequate, therefore, it was necessary to transfer the sum of $1,195.00 from another account, to meet the needs in this department. Total expenditures amounted to $7,195.48, for benefits to 9 cases, representing 21 persons, including administrative ex- pense of $334.78.


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ANNUAL REPORT


State reimbursements amounted to $2,542.29. The sum of $423.59 was refunded to the town in accordance with dis- charge of assignment for one case; however, the amount due State is $211.79 or 50% of total refund.


Sincere thanks are expressed to the State Department of Veterans' Services for assistance in the administration of this category of relief. The cooperation of Town Officials is also appreciated.


Respectfully submitted, THEODORE BOUCHER, Veterans' Agent


REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS


To the Board of Selectmen:


The report of the Inspector of Animals for the year of 1960 is as follows :


I have visited and inspected 51 barns and found the following number of animals:


Cows


308


Heifers


95


Bulls


7


Horses


21


Sheep


78


Swine


54


Steers


10


Goats


6


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 St., Bos- ton, on December 28, 1960.


Respectfully submitted, ANTHONY N. SYLVIA, Inspector of Animals


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ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH


To the Citizens of Dighton :


The Board of Health, in providing health and sanitation service for 1960 spent $3,742.74, leaving a balance of $582.26 from the appropriation of $4325.00.


During the summer, the people in this area were deeply concerned over the Polio epidemic in the neighboring State of Rhode Island. The Town conducted four polio clinics in a successful attempt to prevent any outbreak of the disease in Dighton.


We wish to extend the thanks of the Board to Dr. Charles M. Souza and Mrs. Esther Bowden for the efficient manner in which they conducted the Polio and Immunization and Pre- School Clinics.


The Board was able to acquire the services of Mr. Leo Duffy as Sanitation Inspector to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Mr. Clayton H. Atwood. In carrying out his duties as Sanitation Inspector, Mr. Duffy made fifty-two inspections during the year. These included inspections on new installations, additions and alterations of present cess- pools.


Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS J. TORRES, Chairman WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES CLAYTON H. ATWOOD Board of Health


LICENSES ISSUED DURING 1960


The following licenses were issued during 1960: All Al- coholic Club License (2), All Alcoholic Common Victualer License (2),All Alcoholic Package Store License, (2) Automo- bile Dealer's License-Class II (2), Class III (2), Cabin License (2), Common Victualler's License (13), Dancing (1), Day Child Care License (1), Denatured Alcohol License (5), Gaso-


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ANNUAL REPORT


line & Fuel Oil Storage (1), Junk Collector (3), Auctioneer's License (2), Ice Cream Manufacturer's License (1), Garbage Permits (1), Gravel Permits (3), Gravel Renewal Permit (2), Entertainment on the Lord's Day License (1), Oleomargarine Licenses (10), Milk Licenses-Store (14), Vehicles (5), Oyster Bed Privileges (1), Temporary Wine & Malt Beverages (5), Building Permits- New Construction (20), Alteration (40), Sanitation Permits (33), Sausage Permit (1), Lord's Day (13), Permits to Demolish (15), Trailer Permits (8).


A dog racing meeting license to conduct a dog racing meet was issued to the Rehoboth Fair, Inc. beginning Sept. 26, to Oct. 1, 1960. Two dog racing meeting licenses were issued to the Taunton Greyhound Association, Inc., one begin- ning Aug. 27, to Sept. 24, 1960 and the other beginning Oct. 3, to Oct. 31, 1960.




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