Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1961, Part 3

Author: Dighton (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1961
Publisher: Dighton (Mass. : Town)
Number of Pages: 134


USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1961 > Part 3


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Pleasant St.


Dighton


Bedford St.


No. Dighton


School St.


No. Dighton


36


ANNUAL REPORT


JURORS DRAWN DURING 1961


January 4, 1961


Persis Chase, Main St., Dighton, Compressor Operator. George Carvalho, Main St., Dighton, Farmer.


Francis O'Connor School St., No. Dighton, Journeyman Electrician.


Albert Reed, Pleasant St., Dighton, Farmer.


January 25, 1961


Leslie W. Horton, Williams St., No. Dighton, Construc- tion Equipment Operator.


March 6, 1961


James Hodson, Spring St., No. Dighton, Tool Grinder. Edward Grace, Milk St., Dighton, Laborer.


Dorothy Miller, Somerset Ave., No. Dighton, At Home. John Ingham, School St., No. Dighton, Retired Watchman. Emma Duarte, Williams St., No. Dighton, At Home.


March 29, 1961


Kenneth Holmes, Horton St., No. Dighton, Cashier.


April 26, 1961


Eleanor Cummings, Lincoln Ave., No. Dighton, At Home. William Sandager, Williams St., No. Dighton, Product Engineer.


May 8, 1961


Gertrude Gray, Wellington St., No. Dighton, At Home.


May 18, 1961


Roger Costa, Center St., No. Dighton, Shipper.


September 6, 1961


William Andrews, Wellington St., No. Dighton, Soil Con- servation Service.


37


ANNUAL REPORT


October 4, 1961


Walter Miller, Somerset Ave., No. Dighton, Stationary Fireman.


Thomas K. Webster, Somerset Ave., Segreganset, Textile Worker.


November 1, 1961


Joseph Carvalho, Tremont St., No. Dighton, Laborer.


November 29, 1961


Inez Andrews, Wellington St., No. Dighton, At Home.


LICENSES ISSUED DURING 1961


The following licenses were issued during 1961; All Al- coholic Club License (2) ; All Alcoholic Common Vuctualler License (2) ; All Alcoholic Package Store License (2) ; Auto- mobile Dealer's License-Class I (1), Class II (5), Class III (2); Cabin License (1), Common Victualler's License (14) ; Denatured Alcohol License (5) ; Gasoline & Fuel Oil Storage (1) ; Junk Collectors (3), Auctioneer's License (4) ; Ice Cream Manufacturer's License (1) ; Garbage Permits (3) ; Renewal Gravel Permits (6) ; Entertainment on the Lord's Day Licenses (4) ; Oleomargarine Licenses (9) ; Milk Licenses-Store (16) ; Vehicle (9) ; Oyster Bed Privileges (1); Temporary Wine & Malt Beverages (5) ; Building Permits-New Construction (19) ; Alteration (47) ; Sanitation Permits (26) ; Sausage Permit (1) ; Lord's Day Licenses (15), Permits to Demolish (11), Trailer Permits (7), Moving Permits (3).


A dog racing meeting license to conduct a dog racing meeting was issued to the Taunton Greyhound Association, Inc. beginning Aug. 28 to Sept. 9, 1961 and also beginning Sept. 18 to Oct. 31, 1961. A dog racing meeting license was issued to the Rehoboth Fair, Inc. beginning Sept. 11 to Sept. 16, 1961.


38


ANNUAL REPORT


ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS


Our annual report to the citizens of Dighton for the year 1961 is as follows:


Appropriations


To be raised by taxation


$613,408.20


To be taken from available funds :


Voted in 1960


$ 1,866.75


Voted in 1961


61,904.21


63,770.96


Deficits due to abatements


in excess of overlay


323.20


State Taxes


5,801.20


County Tax and underestimates


17,857.14


Tuberculosis Hospital assessment


6,257.19


Overlay


19,574.90


Amount to be raised


$726,992.79


Estimated Receipts


Income Taxes


$67,154.58


Corporation Taxes


37,416.00


Old Age Tax


1,461.94


Mottor Vehicle & Trailer Excise


51,150.26


Licenses


3,178.28


Fines


157.00


General Government


270.06


Protection of Persons & Property


58.75


Health & Sanitation


456.93


Highways


108.27


Charities


9,143.41


Old Age Assistance


17,646.64


Veterans' Services


2,542.29


School


31,984.49


Libraries


37.90


Interest


490.19


39


ANNUAL REPORT


State Assistance for


School Construction


11,792.02


Farm Animal Excise


176.43


Transferred from available funds


63,770.96


Total Estimated Receipts


$298,996.40


Net amount to be raised by taxes


$427,996.39


Number of Polls-1102


Taxes assessed on Polls


$2,204.00


Value of Personal


Property $554,465.00


Taxes assessed


on Personal


46,575.06


Value of Real Estate


4,514,492.00


Taxes assessed


on Real Estate


379,217.33


Total Valuation


$5,068,957.00


Total Taxes


$427,996.39


Tax Rate-$84.00 per M


Total number of persons assessed


1.183


Number of acres of land assessed


125,537


Number of dwelling houses assessed


963


Number of businesses assessed


45


Value of exempt property


35,762.19


Stock in trade


55,975.00


Machinery


26,700.00


Livestock


490.00


All other tangible personal property


471,300.00


Value of land


677,215.00


Value of buildings


3,837,277.00


Farm Animals Assessed General


$5 Excise


Number of horses


7


Number of cattle


209


Yearlings : steers


2


7


Number of sheep


16


1


Number of fowl


5150


Taxes assessed on Motor Vehicles and Trailers-$56,589.26


40


ANNUAL REPORT


North Dighton Fire District


Appropriations


$31,041.00


To be taken from available funds


4,000.00


State Taxes 105.17


Overlay


358.52


Gross amount to be raised


$35,504.69


Estimated Receipts


24,151.24


Transferred from available funds Total estimated receipts


4,000.00


$28,151.24


Net amount to be raised by taxes


$7,353.45


Value of Personal


Property $29,075.00


Taxes on Personal $136.65


Value of Real Estate 1,535,477.00


Taxes on Real Estate


7,216.80


Total Valuation


$1,564,552.00


Total Taxes


$7,353.45


Tax Rate-$4.70 per M


Dighton Electric Light District


Appropriations


$3,965.00


State Taxes


50.72


Overlay


178.99


Gross amount to be raised


Estimated receipts


$4,194.71 $1,000.00


Net amount to be raised by taxes


$3,194.71


Value of Personal


Property $312,560.00


Taxes on Personal


$500.10


Value of Real Estate 1,684,125.00


Taxes on Real Estate


2,694.61


Total Valuation


$1,996,685.00


Total Taxes


$3,194.71


Tax Rate -- $1.60 per M


41


ANNUAL REPORT


Dighton Water District


Appropriations State Taxes


$44,050.00 251.36


Overlay


762.09


Gross amount to be raised


$45,063.45


Estimated receipts


$21,032.20


Net amount to be raised by taxes


$24,031.25


Value of Personal


Property $319,460.00


Taxes on Personal


$3,514.06


Value of Real Estate 1,865,190.00


Taxes on Real Estate


20,517.19


Total Valuation


$2,184,650.00


Total Taxes


$24,031.25


Tax Rate-$11.00 per M


Respectfully submitted,


HAROLD M. MENDOZA, Chairman HOWELL S. CARR LEO T. PIVIROTTO


Board of Assessors


DOGS LICENSED IN 1961


Males


257


Females


30


Spayed Females


104


Kennels


8


Total 399


TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT


1958


1959


1960


1961


Personal Property


Outstanding December 31, 1960 Commitment


$123.90


$377.92


$46,575.06


Added Interest


7.03


3.20


.40


Total


130.93


381.12


46,575.46


Paid Treasurer


130.93


190.98


45,929.50


Balance Due December 31, 1961


None


190.14


645.96


Total


130.93


381.12


46,575.46


Real Estate


Outstanding December 31, 1960


4,027.21


18,319.72


Commitment


379,217.33


Refunded Abatements


164.00


Added Interest


210.73


227.56


35.52


Total


4,237.94


18,711.28


379,252.85


Paid Treasurer


3,788.93


10,454.93


349,933.06


Tax Title Account


208.58


312.42


658.14


Abatements


110.63


328.00


8,421.42


Balance Due December 31, 1961


129.80


7,615.93


20,240.23


Total


4,237.94


18,711.28


379,252.85


ANNUAL REPORT


42


1958


1959


1960


1961


Poll Tax


Outstanding December 31, 1960 Commitment


12.00


154.00


2,204.00


Added Interest


.15


1.15


90


Added Fees


2.55


19.55


40.15


Refunded Abatements


4.00


Total


14.70


174.70


2,249.05


Paid Treasurer


8.70


66.70


1,885.05


Abatements


96.00


280.00


Balance Due December 31, 1961


6.00


12.00


84.00


Total


14.70


174.70


2,249.05


Farm Excise


Outstanding December 31, 1960


1.88


52.55


Commitment


176.43


Added Interest


.12


1.85


Total


2.00


54.40


176.43


Paid Treasurer


2.00


53.10


114.42


Balance Due December 31, 1961


1.30


62.01


Total


2.00


54.40


176.43


43


ANNUAL REPORT


44


Motor Vehicle Excise


Outstanding December 31, 1960 Commitment Added Interest


$167.97


962.90


5,492.07


13,091.62


56,589.26


1.80


8.23


69.06


Refunded Abatements


783.14


1,137.70


Total


169.77


971.13


19,435.89


57,726.96


Paid Treasurer


25.90


213.07


15,826.66


41,824.65


Abatements


143.87


7.62


2,653.36


3,504.14


Balance Due December 31, 1961


750.44


955.87


12,398.17


Total


169.77


971.13


19,435.89


57,726.96


North Dighton Fire District-Personal


Outstanding December 31, 1960


11.03


Commitment


136.65


Total


11.03


136.65


Paid Treasurer Balance Due December 31, 1961


122.55


11.03


14.10


Total


11.03


136.65


...


1958


1959


1960


1961


ANNUAL REPORT


1958


1959


1960


1961


North Dighton Fire District-Real Estate


Outstanding December 31, 1960 Commitment Refunded Abatements Added Interest


29.67


311.88


7,216.80


5.64


1.88


3.46


.55


Total


31.55


315.34


7,222.99


Paid Treasurer


31.55


240.52


6,875.98


Abatements


7.89


Balance Due December 31, 1961


74.82


339.12


Total


31.55


315.34


7,222.99


Dighton Water District-Personal Property


Outstanding December 31, 1960


36.79


Commitment


3,514.06


Added Interest


41


Total


37.20


3,514.06


Paid Treasurer Balance Due December 31, 1961


34.57


3,453.73


2.63


60.33


Total


37.20


3,514.06


ANNUAL REPORT


45


1958


1959


1960


1961


46


Dighton Water District-Real Estate


Outstanding December 31, 1960 Commitment Added Interest


663.60


1,583.46


20,517.19


35.16


16.35


2.00


Total


698.76


1,599.81


20,519.19


Paid Treasurer


610.62


786.87


18,730.90


Tax Title Accounts


39.11


39.00


61.05


Abatements


19.88


107.80


Balance Due December 31, 1961


29.15


773.94


1,619.44


Total


698.76


1,599.81


20,519.19


Dighton Water District-Water Liens


Outstanding December 31, 1960


57.27


58.90


Total


57.27


58.90


Tax Title Account


57.27


58.90


Total


57.27


58.90


Dighton Electric Light District-Personal Property Outstanding December 31, 1960 Commitment


2.07


ANNUAL REPORT


500.10


1958 1959


1960


1961


Added Interest


.03


Total


2.10


500.10


Paid Treasurer


1.61


495.32


Balance Due December 31, 1961


.49


4.78


Total


2.10


500.10


Dighton Electric Light District-Real Estate


Outstanding December 31, 1960


81.85


180.67


Commitment


2,694.61


Added Interest


4.72


1.91


.36


Total


86.57


182.58


2,694.97


Paid Treasurer


75.75


81.14


2,496.37


Tax Title Accounts


6.20


7.33


8.88


Abatements


8.32


Balance Due December 31, 1961


4.62


94.11


181.40


Total


86.57


182.58


2,694.97


Respectfully submitted,


PERCY B. SIMMONS, Tax Collector


ANNUAL REPORT


47


48


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, 1961.


The department received 78 calls as follows: Automobile fires (2); Automobile. accidents (2); Barn (2); Brush (9); Chemicals (3); Chimney (2); Dump (3); Electric Pole (1); Electric Wire Down (1); Gasoline (1); Grass (27); House (2); Jr. High School (1) ; Leaves (3) ; Mattress (1) ; Mutual Aid to Berkley (1); Rekindle (2); Storage Building (1); Shed (1); Unnecessary calls (5) ; Woods (8).


The following are approximate figures on the amount of materials and equipment used : 76,620 gallons of water, 15,885 feet of booster hose, 12,700 feet of forestry hose, 3800 feet of 21%" hose, 5250 feet of 11/2" hose, 313 feet ladders, 14 hydrants, 4 CO2 Extinguishers, 3 Ansul Extinguishers.


Permits issued: L. P. Gas (10) ; Oil Burner (30) ; Ex- plosives (9) ; Oil storage (1).


A standby was maintained at both stations during the storm of January 20, February 4 and 5, also during hurricane Esther.


The Tank truck was used to great advantage in snow plowing.


The New Fire Station was accepted by Town Officials Saturday, February 25, 1961.


Mutual aid was received by Dighton from Taunton, Re- hoboth and Swansea.


Mutual aid was rendered to Berkley by Dighton.


Two men were injured at a house fire on Tremont St .; they were removed to the hospital in the ambulance, one with a broken ankle and one with contusions.


Civil Defense drill was held with men and apparatus from both stations participating.


49


ANNUAL REPORT


A Christmas Party for the children of the Town was held on Sunday, December 17, at the Elementary School Audi- torium. The party was sponsored by the Fire Department Associations.


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


Respectfully submitted, HARRY F. WILLIS, Chief, Dighton Fire Department and Forest Warden


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, 1961.


During the year the ambulance made 62 runs as follows: To: Morton Hospital, Taunton (31) ; Lakeville Sanatorium, Lakeville (1) ; Dighton Nursing Home (6) ; Truesdale Hospital, Fall River (5) ; Union Hospital, Fall River (4) ; New England Baptist Hospital, Boston (1) ; Bristol County Hospital (1). From: Truesdale Hospital, Fall River (1) ; Dighton Nursing Home (2) ; New England Baptist Hospital, Boston (1) ; Union Hospital, Fall River (1) ; Morton Hospital, Taunton (8).


Patients handled (69) ; Patients administered oxygen (3) ; Ambulance not used or needed (3) ; Accidents (7) ; Patients D.O.A. (1).


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


50


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT


To the Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


I hereby submit my police report for the year 1961.


ARRESTS: Assault & Battery (4) ; Disturbing the Peace (1); Non-Support (4); Mental (3); Breaking & Entering in Night (3); Breaking & Entering in Day (3); Drunk (7); Vagrants (2) ; Begetting (1); Attempted Rape (1); Unarmed Robbery (1) ; Driving to Endanger (6) ; Driving after License suspended (4) ; Carrying Dangerous Weapon (1) ; Unregistered & Uninsured (2) ; Stolen Auto (1) ; Accessory Before & After (1) ; Driving under the Influence (1).


There were 34 warrants served, 43 summons served, 2 missing persons located; 7 ambulance runs, 692 complaints and requests received and acted on, and a few juvenile prob- lems which were handled with no court action with the co- operation of the parents.


Three persons were issued Licenses to Sell Firearms and twelve persons were issued Licenses to Carry.


I wish to thank all Town Officials and the Citizens of the Town for their cooperation in maintaining order. I also wish. to thank Sergeant McGuire and the State Police under his supervision for the assistance they have given me.


Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. MASON, Chief of Police


1


51


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE DIRECTOR


To the Townspeople of Dighton :


During 1961 Dighton continued to be active in weekly communication drills and various meetings.


Dighton Civil Defense participated in National Operations Alert held on Friday and Saturday, April 28th and 29th, acting as relay center for surrounding communities. At this time, town sirens were tested to familiarize townspeople with the "Take Cover" signal. School children were evacuated to their school shelters. On May 22d, a rescue drill was held with the Fire Department which proved very successful.


The Dighton Civil Defense Organization Plan was ap- proved and is on file at Area 2 Headquarters in Bridgewater As a result, the Town of Dighton is able to participate in the Federal Contributions Program. In 1961, through Civil De- fense, the Town of Dighton acquired from Government Sur- plus, the following items: two (2) complete sets of welding and cutting oxygen and acetylene equipment, one (1) electric welder, one 3KW generator, one (1) 15 KW Diesel generator and one (1) Dodge truck. Total valuation of these items is approximately $6,855.50-cost to the Town was approximately $182.00. Also purchased through Surplus was office equip- ment now being used in the Town Office.


Civil Defense Headquarters is now located in a room in the basement of the Junior High School. The Emergency Hospital Unit and Radio Communications have been trans- ferred to this location.


I wish to thank the Town Officials, Police and Fire De- partments, School Officials and teachers for their cooperation ; also the faithful Radio Officers and Civil Defense personnel and any one who has helped in Civil Defense work.


Respectfully submitted, FRED REBELLO Civil Defense Director


52


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE


To the Citizens of Dighton:


Public Assistance is administered in accordance with established rules and regulations of State and Federal govern- ments; in order that the town may receive maximum reim- bursements of funds expended under the various categories of relief.


Aid to Dependent Children cases consisted of 7; repre- senting 18 persons. The Town appropriation of $9,000.00 was supplemented by Federal reimbursements of $3,364.50 which are directly applied to the category ; and in addition, the sum of 1/3 of the total expenditures is reimbursed by the State. Total expenditures for cash and medical care amounted to $9,601.22.


Disability Assistance appropriation was $6,000.00 with total expenditures of $4,734.79. Town appropriation was more than adequate to meet the needs. Total number of 6 cases participated in this category of relief. Federal reim- bursements amounted to $2,194.20, presently based on $42.30 per case count per month. State's share of reimbursement, together with Federal share equals 3/4 of total costs. Town's share is 1/4 of total cost. The sum of $1,620.20 was trans- ferred from Town appropriation to Veterans' Benefits account.


General Relief showed a substantial decrease in case load, aiding 5 cases, representing 21 persons during the year, with only 2 active unemployable cases presently eligible and receiv- ing this category of relief. Total expenditures amounted to $5,893.54, therefore, account showed unexpended balance of $2,106.46. Included in expenditures is the sum of $2,081.49 to reimburse other cities and towns for cases who are legally settled in this town, residing in another city or town where aid was granted. Accounts receivable, due from other cities and towns amounts to $424.52. State reimbursement for aid granted was in the amount of $1,652.85 for cases having no legal settlement. General Relief is non-Federally matched.


53


ANNUAL REPORT


Medical Assistance for the Aged consisted of 9 cases receiving relief with total expenditures of $10,999.01. Town appropriation of $6,000.00 was supplemented by Federal grants amounting to $6,118.49. Federal participation for this cate- gory is 1/2 of total cost of Medical Vendor payments and State reimbursement equals 2/3 of the remainder. Since no settlements are involved in this category of relief; Town pays balance of cost or approximately 1/6 of total.


Old Age Assistance aided 39 cases with total expendi- tures of $39,467.73. The Town appropriated the sum of $22,500.00 from which the sum of $21,633.25 was expended. Federal grants amounted to $17,754.00 to meet financial re- quirements. Federal participation is presently based on flat rate of $49.80 per case count per month. State reimburse- ment for unsettled cases amounts to total balance after de- duction of Federal grant. For cases having legal settlement, State participates in the amount of 2/3 of the remainder, after Federal grant is deducted, and balance is paid by place of settlement. Since legal settlements are involved in this category, amount of refund from other cities and towns, as entered in accounts receivable, amounts to $602.90. In- cluded in total expenditures in addition to cash and medical grants is the sum of $1,509.62, paid to other cities and towns for outside relief.


Expenditures for the administration of Public Assistance amounted to $6,844.62. Federal reimbursements in the amount of $3,052.87 supplemented the Town appropriation of $3,900.00. Federal matching is based on a percentage allocation, which varies quarterly when claims are made. State participation in administrative costs is 25% of all Public Assistance categories, with the exception of General Relief, however not directly applied to the account.


Sincere appreciation is expressed to the State Depart- ment of Public Welfare, District #5, and Bureau of Accounts, for assistance rendered in performing the varied social, economic, and fiscal problems involved in the administrative procedures.


54


ANNUAL REPORT


The generous contribution of $500.00 for Christmas Fund, donated by the Taunton Greyhound Association, is gratefully acknowledged with thanks.


Appreciation in behalf of the recipients, and this depart- ment, is expressed to all Organizations who so generously donated Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets and gifts for the needy.


The cooperation and services rendered by Town Officials, Organizations and Personnel, is acknowledged with sincere thanks.


Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES,


Chairman CLAYTON H. ATWOOD, FRANCIS J. TORRES, Board of Public Welfare


BELLA M. BOUCHER, Director of Public Assistance


REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES


To the Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen :


I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1961.


I have tested, adjusted and sealed the following: 24 scales - 12 adjusted 14 automatic measuring devices


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


55


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH


To The Citizens of Dighton:


The Board of Health in providing health and sanitation service for 1961, spent $4447.60, which is $147.60 over the amount appropriated.


During the past year fifty-two inspections were made by the Sanitation Inspector, Mr. Leo Duffy. These included inspections on new installation, additions and alterations of present cesspools.


The Polio Clinic was held on March 30, 1961 and 457 doses of vaccine were administered to the children and adults of the town.


We wish to extend the thanks of the Board to Dr. Charles Souza and Nurse Mrs. Esther Bowden for the efficient manner in which they conducted the Polio Clinic and Im- munization and Pre-School Clinic.


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


REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER


To the Board of Selectmen:


Boating activity is continuing as a strong pace. Our harbor area is being used to its maximum. The new Boating Laws have helped to maintain an orderly anchorage.


An adequate launching area for the use of the towns- people should be considered.


Respectfully submitted, ARNOLD B. SHAW, Harbor Master


56


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE TOWN NURSE


To the Board of Health:


Gentlemen :


I submit the following report as Town Nurse for the year 1961.


At the immunization clinics held in March, April and May, one hundred ninety four (194) injections were given for the prevention of diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. A polio clinic was held on March 30th during the day and also early evening hours, 425 received shots and 32 others took advantage of this service at the May 11th clinic. I also assisted at polio clinics in Berkley and Taunton. Forty one children received vaccinations against smallpox at a pre- school clinic in May.


There were no epidemics of contagious diseases during the year.


Three new cases of tuberculosis were reported and con- tacts were x-rayed.


Two premature births were recorded.


I took advantage of as many educational meetings as I could, and attended board meetings of the Bristol County Health Association and Massachusetts Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children held in Taunton.


At the annual meeting of the Dighton committee of the Salvation Army, I was appointed welfare chairman. I also served as chairman of the local committee of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.


A neighborhood group of nurses held five meetings during the year, all of which I attended. These sessions help keep us informed of new procedures and latest equipment, as well as what is being done in our nearby towns. One of these meetings dealt with the physically handicapped, which proved most helpful to me at that particular time.


57


ANNUAL REPORT


I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Board of Health for their continuous 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 VETERANS' AGENT


To the Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen :


Benefits were granted to 13 cases, representing 36 persons, who qualified for assistance during the year. Total expendi- tures amounted to $11,620.20, with State reimbursements of $5,172.21.


The Town appropriated the sum of $10,000.00, which was inadequate to meet increased needs for number of Veterans' and dependents, requiring relief; therefore the sum of $1620.20 was transferred from another account to provide for additional needs in the department.


Included in expenditures is administrative expenses, for salary of Agent in the amount of $300.00, and the sum of $20.00 was paid for association dues.


Sincere appreciation is expressed to office of Commissioner of Veterans' Services, for assistance rendered in the per- formance of various administrative procedures.


The cooperation of Town Officials and personnel is acknowledged with thanks.


Respectfully submitted, THEODORE BOUCHER, Veterans' Agent


58


ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE TOWN HISTORIAN


To the Board of Selectmen and the Townspeople of Dighton :


In my report printed in the Annual Report for 1956, I listed six goals for a worthwhile celebration of Dighton's completion of a quarter of a thousand years.




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