USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1878/1879-1882/1883 > Part 18
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Shep-
French, Franklin; Moses Jassha, Shirley; John
ard, Leicester; Adolphus Lagus, Ayer; Bridget Hogan, Webster, who have settlements in the town. Notices from Franklin and Leominster have recently been received that Galen Cook and wife, and Eugene Vane and family are being helped in those towns, claiming that their settlement is in this town-which is not yet determined. This will require early attention from the incoming board.
ALMS-HOUSE.
The number of inmates at the alms-house has averaged 18, the same as last year, and has cost $1.36 per week each, which includes salaries of Superintendent, Town physician, and all repairs of buildings and hired labor. The management of the farm and alms-house under the superintendance of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. F. Northup has been to the acceptance and satisfaction of the overseers, and their services are engaged for another year. We recommend that repairs and alterations be made to the barn by raising the same to provide cellar room and other necessary repairs, and that $1500 be raised for the support of poor at the alms-house and $3000 for outside poor the ensuing year.
The following is the list of inmates at the alms-house during the year :
John Clark,
aged 72
Charles Congdon,
aged 35
John Roan, -
aged 61
Calista Rich, aged 75 -
Thomas Powers,
aged 65
Ellen Powers,
aged 62
Margaret O'Brien, aged 66
Bridget Foley, aged 61
Lucy IIarding, -
aged 51
Catherine Tynon,
-
aged 66
73
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Daniel Ryan,
aged 59
Ann Ryan, -
- aged 57
Esther Sedgwick,
aged 86
Mary Baker, - - aged 81
Jane Brackett, - aged 40
Mary Connelly,
- aged 73
Richard Dwyer, -
- -
aged 25
Obediah Sabin, died April 14, 1881, - aged 84
Mathias Ryan, died Dec. 14, 1881 aged 81
Michael Craney, died Jan. 22, 1882 - aged 27
CASH RECEIVED BY OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
and paid to the Treasurer for the year ending Feb. 28, 1882.
1881
March 12. J. Booth, one warming pan . . 1 50
W. H. Clarke, 3 bushels potatoes 1 80
30. C. A. Paige, 1 barrel apples. 1 00
April 5. Town of Oakham, aid Wm. King
29 00
May 6. Guy Brothers, 58 1b. lard
6 67
18. Ellis & Cook, 10 bushels potatoes.
8 00
19. F. P. Pratt, potatoes and apples
4 40
June
5. H. Hobbs, 1 bushel potatoes
80
A. J. Cummings, 1 peck apples. Marcus Dillaber, 1 barrel apples
15
A. Goodier, potatoes .
50
James Marble, 1 bushel potatoes .
95
C. A. Paige, 1 busbel potatoes
95
21. M. M. Marble, 1 calf . 7 04
20 01
P. H. Carpenter & Co., lard and apples C. A. Paige, potatoes . 45
July
14. Guy Brothers, 27 bushels potatoes
25 65
Sept.
19. Chauncy Brown, 1 calf 6 00
Charles Chase, potatoes 75
Nov.
1. Geo. S. Stone, old iron
50
Amount carried forward $ 117 37
10
1 25
74
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Amount brought forward S 117 37
Nov. 29. F. P. Pratt, potatoes and apples 1 10
H. Hobbs, one half bushel potatoes 40
A. F. Luther, 10 bushels potatoes .
8 00
C. V. Carpenter, 2 1-2 bushels potatoes 2 50
C. V. Carpenter, Clerk 1 bushel potatoes
1 00
M. M. Marble, 54 lbs. hide.
3 75
F. P. Pratt, 2 bushel potatoes
2 00
H. Hoobs, 4 bushel potatoes
4 00
Charles Edmonds, 10 bushels potatoes
10 00
M. M. Marble, 99 1bs. hide
6 93
Jas. Green, 100 lbs. beef. .
S 00
Nelson Vinton, 10 lbs. beef
1 00
H. Walker, 17 3-4 lbs beef
1 24
C. A. Paige, 10 bushel potatoes
10 00
C. A. Paige, cream and milk 47
Dec. 20. J. W. Davis, 1 yoke oxen 170 00
1882.
Feb. 23. Town of Millbury, aid to Joseph Therque 34 00
24. E. B. Cummings, keeping horse, cow, etc. 15 00
P. H. Carpenter. pears
75
Charles Chase, beef
8 00
Henry Wells, beef.
6 5S
E. Northrup, 1 horse rake.
5 00
George Trusedale, 4 bushel potatoes.
4 00
C. V. Carpenter, 2 1-2 bushel potatoes 2 50
F. P. Pratt, 2 bushel potatoes
2 00
425 62
ACCOUNTS DUE THE TOWN.
S. C. Hartwell, for hay. S 10 15
Geo. A. Dresser, cart body. 1 00
Joseph Green, for old iron 5 73
Edwin Bacon, team work and beans 7 50
City Holyoke, aid J P. Brooks 4 75
State Massachusetts, aid Kate Powers 16 00
75
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
ABSTRACT OF INVENTORY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AT FARM.
Class 1. $ 657 00
280 55 2.
3.
259 60
4. .
202 36
5.
170 00
6
334 84
$ 1,904 35
Gain from 1881.
$ 138 40
C. A. PAIGE, S. DRESSER, JACOB BOOTH, W. H. H. CHENEY,
Appraisers.
February 28, 1882.
C. A. PAIGE,
SYLVESTER DRESSER,
JACOB BOOTH.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
FIRE ENGINEERS
OF THE
Town of Southbridge.
(77)
REPORT.
The Board of Engineers herewith respectfully present their annual report :
Little has transpired in the department the past year, the number of fires having been small and damage to property light. A general good feeling has existed throughout the de- partment and all alarms have been promptly responded to. All apparatus, engines, hose, ladders, etc., are in good order and ready for immediate duty.
The Board find deficiency in the water supply in some parts of the town, and would recommend that a reservoir be placed in New Village and one on west side of Globe Village to derive good advantages in case of fire in these localities. The Board consider that the hydrants of the Water Supply Company in the Centre Village amply supply a long felt need in this locality, and are in hopes that during the year a line will be established through High Street.
We recommend the sum of $800 be appropriated for the con- tingent expenses of this department. We also recommend the continuation of the Telephone as an alarm for fire.
FORCE OF DEPARTMENT.
HENRY CADY, CHIEF
AZEL THOMPSON, 1st Asst.
CHAS WILLIAMS, 2d Asst.
J. S. GLEASON, 3d Asst. J. W ROBINSON, 4th Asst. & Clerk.
80
FIRE ENGINEERS' REPORT.
STEAMER NO. 1.
A. H. Cozzens, Foreman;
James M. Marble, Asst. Foreman; Nelson Baker, Clerk;
Joseph Fallows, Engineer; Frank Cady, Asst. Engineer; Geo. W. Cady, Stoker.
Hosemen-J. W. Bowker, Jos. Stewart, Geo. Bartlett, E. L. Gay, John S. Williams, W. S. Felton, Thos. Whitaker, Jr. D. A. Reeves, Chas. Horton.
Frank Cady, Steward.
STEAMER No. 2.
Albert Macomber, Foreman;
J. W. Mckinstry, Asst. Foremau ; C. W. Hall, Clerk;
Calvin Claflin, Engineer; J. Bartlett, Asst. Engineer; Frank Douty, Stoker.
Hosemen-H. A. Bosworth, Geo. Thayer, T. Burns, G. Upham, E. Upham, P. Pottrell, J. Martin, R. Meguil, J. S. Coldrick.
Substitutes-J. A. Ryan, E. Upham 2d.
Geo. Thayer, Steward.
HOOK & LADDER NO. 1.
Geo. V. Moulton, Foreman;
Wm. J. Douty, Asst. Foreman; J. W. Boak, Clerk;
A. Higgins, Thomas F. Miller, L. E. Davis, L. S. Davis, J. Bebo, Geo. Armes, A. Montminie.
Substitutes-Wm. Cooper, M. Dillaber.
HOOK AND LADDER NO. 2.
John Splain, Forcman;
Thomas Thimblin, Asst. Foreman; Thomas Shea, Clerk; J. J. Ryan, Treasurer.
Luke Reilly, Thomas Ryan, John Pendergast, Patrick Pendergast, Michael Breen, Wm. Kelly.
Total number of men 55.
81
FIRE ENGINEER'S REPORT.
SALARIES.
Chief Engineer. $100 00
4 Asst. Engineers, at $25. 100 00
2 Foreman Hose Companies, at $25 50 00
2 Asst. Hose Companies at $20. 40 00
2 Engineers, Steamers, at $100. 200 00
2 Asst Engineers, Steamers, at $25. 50 00
2 Stokers, at $50. 100 00
20 Hosemen, at $15. 300 00
20 Hook and Ladder men, at $15. 300 00
2 Stewards, at $75. . 150
150.00
APPARATUS.
The apparatus consists of two steam fire engines, two hose carriages, two hook and ladder trucks, with ladders, hooks, ropes, etc.
Total amount of hose, thirty-three hundred feet of 2 1-2 inch in service. Thirty one hundred feet of leather hose, two hun- dred feet of rubber.
Four chemical fire extinguishers.
LIST OF FIRES.
May 13. Central Mills Co. brick mill. Loss $50. Cause of fire, friction of machinery. Companies attending, Steamer No. I, Hook and Ladder, Nos. I and 2; Steamer No. 2, stopped by telephone. Apparatus not used.
July 12. Dwelling house owned by F. Dragon. Loss $200; Insurance $2,000 00. Cause of fire unknown. Companies attending, Steamer No. I, Hook and Ladder Nos. I and 2; Steamer No. 2 stopped by telephone.
Oct. 2. Shed, owned by Calvin Claflin. Total loss $200. No insurance. Cause of fire, child with matches. Companies attending, Steamer Nos. I and 2, Hook and Ladder Nos. I and 2. Steamer No. I not used.
11
-- -
8%
FIRE ENGINEERS' REPORT.
Oct. 5. Knife manufactory, owned by Theo. Harrington. Loss $5. Cause of fire, sparks from a burning chimney. Com- panies promptly responded but were stopped on the way.
Respectfully submitted,
H. C. CADY, AZEL THOMPSON, CHAS. WILLIAMS, J. S. GLEASON, J. W. ROBINSON,
Board of Engineers.
1
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TAX COLLECTOR
OF THE
Town of Southbridge.
(83)
UNPAID TAXES.
i
Abbott Joseph
$2 00 Cuddiby Patrick
$2 00
Albee Linus
2 00
Capestrau Joseph
2 00
Aunga Joseph
2 00
Carbeneau Joseph 2 00
Aunga Fred
2 00
Cochlan Thomas 2 00
Breen Patrick
2 00
Chamberlain Lyman D. 2 00
Brown Daniel V.
2 00
Collity Michael
2 00
Bourdean Gilbert
2 00
Caplet Peter 2 00
Bourdean Albert
2 00
Cruff Charles
2 00
Bickerstaff Thomas
2 00
Coburn Otis
2 00
Busha David
2 00
Cutting Edgar
2 00
Beebo Cham
2 00
Caplet Dennis
2 00
Beebo Joseph
2 00
Caplet Peter
2 00
Brown Vernon
2 00
Carbenau Alex.
2 00
*Bowker John W.
2 00
Chamberton A. M.
74 39
Blaine W. H.
2 00
Connell John
2 00
Backume Peter
2 00
Clark Albert S.
2 00
Botetts John
2 00
Densmore A. E.
2 00
Boulton A. W.
2 00
Ducat Edward Jr.
2 00
Barker Chas. D.
2 00
Duchanime Oliver
2 00
Boardman Romaine
2 00
Demerse Colles
2 00
Busha Arnable
2 00
Ducat Joseph
3 07
Busha Gardenas
2 00
Daisy Frank J.
2 00
Busha Alphonse
. 2 00
Daisy Louis
2 00
*Breen Michael
2 00
Delaney Michael
2 00
Bashand John
2 00
Demerse Gregory
2 00
Betram Joseph
2 00
Deslauriers Edward
2 00
Bashand Peter
2 00 Duclo David
2 00
Babcock G. G.
12 46 Derosier Louis
2 00
Clark Chas. M.
2 00 Demevse Cyril
2 00
.
86
UNPAID TAXES.
Dapre Albert E.
$2 00 Lynch Patrick $2 00
Denoi Oliver
Lataille Cyrille 2 00
Donsis Michael
2 00 Lonsway Joseph 19 60
Donnell James
200 Lamoni Felix. Jr.
2 00
Dozebre Thos.
2 00
Laze Otis
1 80
Eccleston Charles F.
Lemoine Paul
2 00
Fanning Joba
2.00
Littleton Michael
2 00
Fanca Joba
Lonsway Frank
2 00
Faac# Peter
2 00
Lorange Louis
2 00
Felix Peter
2 00
Laduke Moses
2 00
Freely Walter
2.00
Loveller Joseph, Jr.
For John
2 00
Loveller Joseph 2d
2 00
Flood Patrick
9 00 Lovelley Louis, Jr.
2 00
Gazion Peter
2.00
Laduke Felis
2 00
Greenwood Henry D.
2.00 Largess David
2 00
Greiner Maximilian
2 00 Lavoie Felis
Gargon James
2 00
Lovelley Michael
2.00
Goodrve Octave
2.000 Lonsway Lewis, Jr.
Ganion Louis
2 00 Lamoine Jancis
2 00
Gervais Peter
Laplante Norhe:
Goodree Joseph
2 00
Lerange Frank
2 00
Gaathier Zavia
Lastapelle John
2 00
Gievar Jobo
2 00 Lara Magoire
2 00
Grevel Locis
2 00 L'homme Michael
2.00
Gazioa Louis
2 00
Lee Same!
2 00
Green Archie
2 00 Leopold Hermidas
2 00
Ganion Peter
2 00 Laskapelle Nelson
2 00
Green Norman G.
3 ST
McGurk Wa
2 00
Hennessy Jobe
2 00
Mozaban Chris.
20
Hancock Daniel
2 50
Montville Louis
2 00
Hennessey Thos.
2 00
Marion Luke
Henry James
2 00 Marchesauls Moses
Higgins Michael
2 00 Morrissey John J.
2 00
Hogan Edward
2 00 MeGrath Elward
2 00
Holmes Fred I.
2 00
McGrath Mail
2 00
Holley C.
2 00 Monaban Micheal
2 00
Hall W. L. D.
2 00
Morrissey James
2 00
Tehasoa A. E.
2 03
MeIntire L J.
2 00
Kelley George
2 00 Manin Nelson
2 00
*Kelley Waa.
Martin Charies
2 00
Lavegea Joseph
2 00 Moziville John
2 00
Levelley Lais
4 SS Mack Jobn
2 00
Goodroe Joseph
2 00 Loonsway Napoleon
87
UNPAID TAXES.
Martin Octave
$2 00
Ryan John J.
$2 00
Martin Henry
2 00
Rivers Louis
2 00
Morse Calvin
2 00
Rivers Ambrose
3 78
Martin Norris
2 00
Richards Fred
2 00
Murphy Michael
2 00
*Riley Luke
2 00
Magmaunt Ignand
2 00
Roberts Godfrey
2 00
Murphy Arthar
2 00
Robideau Antoine
2 00
Martin John
2 00
Robideau John
2 00
Minns James
2 00
Robideau Antoine
2 00
Mahony Franceis
2 00
Simpson Mrs. and daughters 13 47
2 00
Mc Vey Matt.
2 00
Savory Frank
2 00
McKenna John J.
2 00
Savory Frank, Jr.
2 00
Newell Samuel
29 16
Shaw Wm. A.
2 00
Netherwood Daniel est
4 27
Southbridge Button Co. 29 90
Nedoux John
2 00
Spicer Albert
1 43
Nedoux Louis
2 00
Scarbro Thos., Jr.
2 00
O'Mara Wm.
2 72
Sheridan Patrick
2 00
*O'Halloran Wm. 2 00
Simpson F. X.
2 00
O'Brien Jerry
2 00
Sartaine John
2 00
O'Brien Martin
2 00
Scarborough Charles
2 00
Proux Francis
17 68
Stone Julius
2 00
Peppard John
2 00
Trombly Theophile
2 00
Peppard Robert B.
2 00
Thompson L. A.
2 00
*Penderghast P., Jr.
2 00
Thimblin Anthony
2 00
Pelican Lazarus
2 00
Terrio Joseph
2 00
Perrien Joseph
2 00
Tracey Peter
2 00
Peck Richard
2 00
Thompson Charles
2 00
Perron Phillips
2 00
Therique Joseph
2 00
Pelican Peter
2 00
Trelan Moses
2 00
Plante Louis
2 00
Tisdale T.
2 00
Pelican Joseph
2 00
Vincelett Jos.
2 00
Proux Frank
2 00
Welch Michael
2 00
Plouffe George
2 00
Welch John
2 00
Passaro Thomas
2 00
Wesson James
3 07
Penderghast Jobn
2 00
Worcester & Wod
7 48
*Firemen, who have claims against ihe Town for more than enough to pay their Taxes.
- - 7
Martin Henry
2 00
Sayles Jobn E.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
Town of Southbridge.
(89)
12
REPORT.
The close of another year finds the schools of the town ina state of continued prosperity. The classes ready for promo- tion from the various graded schools are on the whole more advanced than any previous ones. This is extremely credit- able to teachers and pupils, for the first term of the year was seriously interrupted by the small pox scare. This advance- ment has not been made at the expense of thoroughness; the pupils show a commendable understanding of the principles they have studied. The far-famed "Quincy method," on a limited scale and in a unostentatious manner, has been in vogue here for some time. Practical rather than showy instruction is aimed at ; original, understanding explanations rather than a mechanical echoing the works of the book.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.
During the year a parochial school has been opened under the auspices of the Notre Dame (R. C.) church. This has taken about 500 pupils from the public schools, four of which have been closed for lack of scholars, and in others the ranks have been decimated. The desire to have their youth brought up in the faith of their church is common to every one-and perfectly proper ; the right to do so is also unquestioned. But we wish our Catholic friends could have found an opportunity for doctrinal instruction as a supplement to the common schools. We believe that a very important educational influence
92
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
comes from the commingling in the public schools of the youth of all races, creeds, and degrees of social standing. Educa- tion is not a mere process to fit persons for buying and selling, for figuring receipts and expenses-it is a preparation for life social, political, esthetic and intellectual, as well as bread earning. And the education that comes from having the chil- dren of all kinds stand side by side in the same class on a perfect equality may be worth as much as the rule of three or decimal fractions. The atmosphere of the school room where the only aristocracy is one of brains, where the raggedest, dirtiest urchin, if his lesson is well learned, "gets above" the well dressed child of pampered luxury, is decidedly healthy and desirable. We need the French, they need us; the benefit is reciprocal; the growing up together of the children broadens and American- izes every one ; separation is liable to contract and beget clan- nishness. One aspect of the case deserves notice that the action of the committee may not be misunderstood. The wisdom of the commonwealth has provided that "no child under ten years of age shall be employed in any manufacturing, mechanical or mercantile establishment," and that "no child under fourteen years of age shall be so employed, except during the vacations of the public schools, unless during the year next preceding such employment he has for at least twenty weeks attended some public or private day school under teachers ap- proved, under section two of chapter forty-seven, by the school committee of the place where such school is kept," and "no child shall be so employed who does not present a certificate made by, or under the direction of, said school committee of his compliance with the requirements of this section." Section two, chapter forty-sever, alluded to above, reads as follows :
School committees shall approve a private school only when the teaching therein is in the English language and they are satisfied that the teaching equals in thoroughness and efficiency the teaching in the public schools in the same locality, and that equal progress is made by the pupils therein in the studies required by law with that made during the same time in the public schools, but they shall not refuse to approve a private school on account of the relig- ious teaching therein.
93
Our duty is clear in the case ; as soon as we have the required satisfactory evidence we are ready to officially endorse the school so far as signing certificates is concerned, until we have it we can not. The law is so explicit that it gives no chance for any exercise of personal feelings one way or the other.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
First Term.
Second Term.
Third Term .*
Weeks. |
Begin
Close
Weeks. i
Begin
Close
Weeks. |
Begin
Close
High,
13 April 10 July 7 12 Sept. 4 Nov. 24 15
Dec. 4
Mar. 29, 283
Grammar,
12 April 3 June 23 12 Sept. 4 Nov. 24 13
Dec. 4
Mar. 16, '83
Intermediate, 12 April
3 June 23 12 Sept. 4 Nov. 24 13
Dec. 4
Mar. 16, '83
Primary,
I I April 3 June 16 12 Sept. 4|Nov. 24 12
Dec. 4
Mar. 9, '83
Ungraded,
II
Mar. 27 June 9 12 Sept. 4 Nov. 24 12
Dec. 4
Mar. 9, '83
*Two weeks' vacation during the holidays, Dec. 22-Jan. 8.
We present below the schedule of terms for next term :
NEXT YEAR.
94
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
HIRING TEACHERS.
It may be interesting for the public to know the rules by which the committee are governed in employing teachers-for . certain definite rules have been in force for some time. The first is to retain teachers as long as they do good and satisfac- tory work. The law requiring teachers to be hired every year, is with us a mere formality. We never dispense with the services of an experienced and capable teacher simply to make a place for some one else. Then there is an equally definite rule for filling vacancies as they occur from resignation or other causes. The committee have an " application book " in which are entered the names of all applicants who pass a sat. isfactory examination, and vacancies are filled from this list in the order of the application, with this exception ; applicants living in Southbridge always have the preference and receive an appointment before those ahead of them on the list who live out of town, due regard being had to the quality of the applicant and the nature of the vacancy. No sensible per- son would want an inferior teacher employed merely from motives of local patriotism ; nor would we be justified in employ- ing a weak female teacher for the winter term of an ungraded school a mile from any boarding place, or in placing an inexpe- rienced petite girl over a school of large, unruly boys.
HYGIENE.
This and the sanitary condition of the school houses have received careful attention from us, but in some cases there are radical defects of construction-improper arrange- ments for lighting, inadequate ventilation, and poorly con- structed closets. The principal outside complaints have been made about the closets of the Main street house. Dry earth and disinfectants have been used, but to no purpose. The boards constituting the sides of the channels from the closets are so soaked that nothing but a radical change will remedy the trouble, especially in the upper stories. The passage ways should be reconstructed; proper water closets and urinals
95
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
constructed, and possibly a connection made with the pipes of the Southbridge water works. There ought in addition to be separate urinals for the boys in the higher schools. The com- mittee have asked for an increased sum for their contingent account in order to make needed changes and improvements.
REPAIRS.
During the past year the committee have expended consider- able in the way of repairs. The town has such a large amount of school building property that a certain small sum should be expended every year to keep it in good condition. The burden will be much less than to wait till everything is badly run down and then expend a very large amount.
IN GENERAL.
While we congratulate the town on its excellent schools, we would not be construed as meaning that they are above criti- cism. Our schools would be better if some one could give his entire time to supervising them. As a step in this direction that would give almost as good returns at a much less expense, we still adhere to the idea of a large centrally located school house, in which should be conveniences for all the higher schools. One master could have charge of the whole building. Again, our teachers by a study of educational publications and the use of good judgment and thought can still further equip and improve themselves for the duties of the school room. If there is one failing common to all young teachers it is in adhering too closely to the printed text book routine, and failing to do suffi- cient to train the perceptive faculties, by which the dry facts of the books can be given life, the school room mide attractive, curiosity awakened and a taste for future study developed. An occasional word upon daily occurring phenomena, a reading lesson upon or oral explanation of some little point of natural philosophy, zoology, or botany, would rest and rouse the young minds, and do an infinite deal of good. Much of the old time dry grinding routine of grammar has already left our schools,
96
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
and its place substituted by much oral instuction. The practi- cal application of grammar by means of English composition is being more and more introduced, and we hope to scon find time for it even in the Intermediate schools. Drawing has received little attention this term. The committee becoming convinced that our schools were going too far in the pictorial, and not far enough in the industrial, work have not filled the vacancy in the position of drawing teacher.
DETAILED REPORT.
PRIMARIES.
The grades of Primaries from which we promote into the Intermediates have done well. The introduction of the Frank- lin series of Arithmetics in the place of Greenleaf's Intellectual has proven a success. Never before have the classes to be pro- moted been more thoroughly fitted. We were much pleased to find the scholars able to give intelligent explanations of the examples put upon the board as well as a clear analysis of the oral examples.
It is in this grade that the foundation is laid upon which the future education is to be built. It is therefore important that the teachers exercise great caution, both in the method of expla- nation and the mechanical execution of the examples. Habits of study and recitation formed here if correct will prove invalu- able, if incorrect of great injury.
The first Primaries have not been as full as last year ; thus giving an opportunity to impart more oral instruction, as well as to give more time to exercises suitable to this grade. Our teachers in these schools are all we could desire. They seem to have a tact requisite to take the little ones and at once interest them so that the school-room is not to them a place to be dreaded, but one to which they love to go. It is no easy task for the teacher to take the child as it comes from its home, and create within it a desire and love for learning ; and hence we have found it more difficult to find suitable teachers for this, than any other grade.
13
98
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
These also have been taught by the same teachers. The Main street Intermediate taught by Miss Ida Douty has been too large for one teacher, and yet she has succeeded in keeping the school up to grade. She is a teacher of great energy, and perseverance. This school owing to the number that are ready for promotion will have to be again divided at the commence- ment of the next school year.
The School street Intermediate taught by Miss Williams has also a good class ready to enter the Grammar school. The River street Intermediate taught by Miss Dillaber has not as large a class as last year. This school is always variable, most of the scholars going from school to mill, and mill to school.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
We have had another year of good work in these schools. The same teachers were continued. Those who are most famil- iar with the method of instruction in this grade will say that the classes have done exceedingly well. The teachers have labored earnestly to give practical instruction, always requiring an explanation of the principle upon which the statement is founded. If the scholar has only the text upon which he is to rely for a knowledge of the study persued he will be quite likely to make a failure of his effort, but if he can find the principle upon which the rule is based, there can be no doubt of an un- derstanding of the text, thus permanently fixing it in the mind in a manner that mere imparted instruction fails to do.
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