USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1922-1926 > Part 12
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We wish to thank the citizens for their loyal support and the firemen for obedience and good work.
JOSEPH E. DUCHENEAU. Chief. GEORGE W. LAUGHNANE. LOUIS LAMOTHE, WILLARD JJ. CLAFLIN, JOHN J. HOGAN. Clerk.
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
Permits to keep and sell explosives and maintain garages:
Fire Works 25
High Explosives 22
Maintain Garages 170
INSPECTIONS
Hotels and Boarding Houses 14
Tenement Houses 672
Garages 300
JOSEPH E. DUCHENEAU. Chief.
REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WADEN
-
In my report for this year compared with last year it will be seen that the number of fires ahnost doubled. This is to be regretted and must not continue.
The forest fire department will use all means in its power to prevent forest fires.
The carelessness of some people must be stopped.
Balance from last year $112.55.
I recommend an appropriation of $800.
I :hank the people for their good will and ask their co-operation to the end that forest fires in this vicinity will be prevented as much as possible.
JOSEPH E. DUCHENEAU,
Forest Fire Warden.
REPORT OF AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT
INVENTORY
1 ambulance
$5000 00
2 spare tires 50 00
6 blankets 12 00
3 pillows
3 00
6 sheets
10 00
10 pillow cases
10 00
12 towels
6 00
$5,091 00
In rendering the report of the ambulance department for the year 1924. I will say that the appropriation for last year was $500 and the balance left was $175.20. We have had the care of this department almost five years and very little repairs or supplies have been parchased in that time.
This year we expect to overhaul and paint the machine and re- commend $600. We made 86 trips.
JOSEPH E. DUCHENEAU.
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Southbridge,
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith for your consideration my report for the fiscal year ending December 31. 1924. The organization of the Police Department at the close of the fiscal year was as follows:
PATROLMEN
Andrew M. Higgins
Joseph Morin Thomas Dodd
Pierre A. Cormier
Patrick Donnelly
Arthur Murphy
Joseph Paquin
Felix W. Lusignan
Daniel Blute
Alfred Tetreault
Alpherie Duplissis
Alfred Lariviere. Sub.
Ovila Martin
JANITOR AND ASSISTANT LOCKUP KEEPER
Louis Peloquin
CONSTABLES
Ulric Brault Patrick Donnelly
Andrew M. Higgins Alfred Lariviere
Duties performed by the Police Department during the year expiring December 31. 1924. Total number of arrests 399; arrest on warrants 104: arrests without warrants 295; males 368; females 31; Minors 41: residents 277; non-residents 122.
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OFFENCES
Drunkness 182; Violations of the Automobile Laws 68; disturb- ing the Peace 23; Non Support 20; Gaming and violations of the Lord's Day 8: Assault and Battery 6: Larcency 15; Assault with a dangerous weapon 3; Peddling without a license 12: Illigitimate Children 5; Keeping unlicensed dogs 1; Polygamy 1; Selling at- tached property 1: Vagrant 4: Fishing without a license 4: Carrying a dangerous weapon 2; Inmate at a disorderly house 3; Keeping a gaming nuisance 3; Neglected children 4: Forging a check 1; As- sault with intent to rape 1; Arrest to return to U. S. Navy 1; Ma- licious mischief 1; Being present at a game on the Lord's day 2; Assault on female child 7; Using profane language 1; Breaking and Entering 3: Assault 5; Operating Automobiles under the influence of liquors 7: Securing woman for immoral purposes 1; Defacing a Building 1; Contempt of Court 1: Cruelty to animals 1; Default of bail 1; Conspiracy 1: Violation of the food laws 3: Violation of pro- bation 3; Concealing mortgage property 2: Lewdness 3; Violations of the liquor laws 6; Stubborn child 10: Manslaughter 1; Keeping a disorderly house 3: Fornification 3: Having stolen goods in his pos- session 3; Giving a false fire alarm 1.
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Fined 138; Committed to the House of Correction 30; Given suspended sentences 41; Probation 26: Filed and Costs 63; Released on drunkness charge 66: Discharged 10: Committed to the Worces- ter State Hospital 9; Held for outside police 5; Held for Grand Jury 5; Committed to the Department of Public Welfare at Boston I; Defaulted 3; Committed to the State Farm 2.
OCCUPATION
Laborers 172: No position 45; Chauffeurs 15; Farmers 18; House wife 4; House keeper 4; Salesmen 11: Machinists 6; Mer- enants 6: Mill hands 27; Knife maker 7: Glass worker 7; Engraver 1; Clerks 12; Cigar Maker 1; Woolsorter 1: Inn keeper 2; Foreman
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2; Peddlers 15; Tinsmiths 3: Steamfitter 1; Blacksmiths 2; Drafts- men 1; Barbers 3: Contractors 2; Baker 3: Painters 12: Carpenters 6: Attorney 1: at School 8; Cook 1: Butchers 2; Jeweler 1; Tailor 1: Mason 1.
MISCELLANEOUS
Goods stolen and recovered $6684.00 : Goods stolen not recovered $252.00: Automobiles stolen and recoverd 8; Money lost and recov- ered $155.00; Stray horses returned to owner 5; Number of lights reported out during the year 257; number of accidents investigated 139: Dogs killed 35: Cats killed 5: Defective places reported in the streets 13: Attendance of officers at dance halls 63; Injured and siek persons assisted 14: Lost children restored to parents 6: Lost dogs restored to owners 11: Messages delivered 21: Persons located 12; Cases of destitution investigated 13.
In conclusion it is with pleasure that I extend in behalf of the Police Department and myself to the Honorable Board of Selectmen and other town officials, our most sincere thanks for their kindly consideration during the past year, and trust that the accomplish- ment of the Department have been such as to repay them for their interest.
Respectfully submitted,
ULRIC BRAULT,
Chief of Police
Southbridge. Mass., December 31. 1924.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
- To the Citizens of Southbridge :
I respectfully submit my report from November 30, 1923 to November 30, 1924.
Adjusted platform scales over 5000 pounds 7
Sealed platform scales over 5000 pounds 9
Condemned platform scales over 5000 pounds 1
Adjusted platform scales under 5000 pounds 6
Sealed platform scales under 5000 pounds
127
Non sealed platform scales under 5000 pounds
3
Condenmed platform scales under 5000 pounds
1
Sealed slot weighing scale 9 All other scales adjusted 7 330
All other scales sealed
All other scales condemned
13 5
Number of weights adjusted
Number of weights sealed
Number of weights condemned
Number liquid measures sealed
Number linear measures sealed
Number linear measures condemned
Oil and molasses pumps sealed
Oil and molasses pumps condemned
Gasoline pumps sealed
Articles tested, adjusted, sealed and condemned
1913
Inspection of Hawkers and peddlers
21
Inspection of Milk Wagons 2€
Inspection of Ice Dealers 23
1086 25 120 41 2 66 S 39
Inspection of Junk Dealers
2
73
Inspection of Ice Wagons 53
Inspection of Wagon and Truck Scales
Inspection of Paper Cartons 19
Inspection of Baled Hay 44
25
Inspection of Flour in Bags 94
Inspection of Butter in Print
173
Inspection of Dry Commodities
57
Inspection of Provisions
106
Inspection of Bread
309
Inspection of Milk Jars
1391
Inspection of Gasoline Pumps 20
Inspection of Marked Food Packages 507
Total of Inspections 2850
During the last year the Town Wagon scale situated on God- dard Street being inadequate and out of order has been removed from its proper location. Arrangements have been made with the Mckinstry Ice Co., situated on Dupaul Street, to use their scale until such time that the Town will select a proper location and select a scale with more capacity which should be done without any delay
Some incorrect scales have been seized and condemned during the past year and are held at the Sealer's office.
The police department is very vigilant to protect the public against hawkers and peddlers who undertake to sell without a license. During the past year several were arrested and paid a fine.
During the last year the fees from Hawkers and Peddlers pro- duced $220 to the benefit of the Town.
The Sealer's fees collected during the last year and paid to the treasurer amount to $175.28.
The inventory of the Sealer's department which was done on
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December 4th, by the former sealers Fred G. Adams, Eugene Gabree and the town sealer, has given the amount of $1266.75, of whien a copy has been returned to the Director of Standards and the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
FELIX GATINEAU. Sealer.
i
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
> the Hon. Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Southbridge:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Dec. 31. 1924.
With the time and appropriation at my disposal I have not emed it wise to attempt any systematie repairing on the trees of e town, but rather have concentrated my efforts to those things solutely essential for the safety of the public, and the good of the ees. The work, therefore, has consisted of the removal of dead, ingerous or diseased trees of which there were eight ; two mapses ud one elm tree on Hamilton Street, one large elm on Mill Speci. te large oak on Morris Street. one large maple on Eastford Road, id two ash trees on Dresser Street.
The remainder of the time has been used in removing hanging anches and broken stubs left on the trees since the ice storm of veral years ago, and the clearing up of low, overhanging branches at interferred with the proper lighting of our streets and were menace to the travelling public.
I wish to commend in this report the attitude taken by the rious publie utility companies who have wires running through the Wni trees. Their officials and men have co-operated with me in ery way; their euts have been made properly and treated; they Ive refrained from using climbing irons on smooth bark trees. and ey have only done such cutting as has been absolutely necessary r the clearance of their wires.
I wish also to thank the various town officials and also the citi us who have been of aid to me both by their co-operation and sug- stions.
Respectfully submitted,
W. A. DOUCETTE. Tree Warden, Town of Southbridge.
REPORT OF TOWN FORESTRY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
In a report submitted last year by the committee appointed f the purpose of investigating the feasibility of establishing a Tow Forest, it was stated "that our investigation had centered in tl selection of a desirable acreage in close proximity to the center ( the town," which we had been advised would later become availab for this purpose. Later developments, however, proved that our al ticipations were not to be realized, and our efforts are now bent i another direction.
Our search will be continued until such time we locate a d sirable site. and one that is procurable at a reasonable sum. Unt that time we shall be unable to offer any recommendations for tì establishment of a Town FORESTRY DEPARTMENT.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. PETTES, Chairman, OSWALD J. LALIBERTE, SAMUEL L. IDE,
Town Forestry Committe
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge :
Committee organized with Wm. C. Lunan. Chairman: Hector T. LeClair, Secretary. the other member being George Silk. .
Special Committee appointed at the Annual Town Meeting con- isting of the Park Commissioners, together with E. Benjamin Arm- trong and James A. Christensen.
The sum of $6,500.00 was appropriated at the Annual Towu Meeting to continue the improvements, already started, on the Dresser Street Athletic Field and Playground, and also the improve- nents of Riendeau Park per article as set forth in the Town Warrant.
The sum of $430.00 was expended on Riendeau Park for grad- ing. Deeding, Painting Fence and a New 56-foot Steel Flag Pole was erected. The lawns on both this plot and that of the Spanish War Veterans Monument were kept in good condition thruout the season.
For the Dresser Street Athletic Field and Playground bids were sent out for the following: 2.500 cubic yards of Filled Graded in Place : 500 cubic yards of Loam Graded in Place : 20 cubic yards of Plain Cement Concrete; 150 Lineal feet of Ditch reshaped and rock filled.
Four bids were received and the contract was awarded to F. X. Laliberte and Son, they being the lowest bidder.
Not much of the loam was found to be of any worth and the Committee deemed it advisable and appropriate to do as much fill- ing in as we had money at our disposal.
78
We filled and graded in place 5,000 cubic yards. dug. reshape and roekfilled 300 lineal feet of ditch and also constructed a perma nent Cement Bridge 10 feet wide by 12 feet long.
Any citizen knowing the condition of this five aere plot a few years ago will appreciate the work that has been done so far.
A Municipal Athletic Field and Playground is a necessity an is considered an Asset and not a Burden to a Community, by th Medical Authorities of the Country. Laws are being made and hav been enacted in many states of the Union and Federal Laws are o the way that will compel Towns and Cities to have them, the same a we have the Schools of today. When those come we will have our ready.
To continue the work this year. 1925. an appropriation of $8,50 should be made and with this sum the Field can be put in conditio: so that it can be used this year.
All the work that is being done is under the supervision of ou Town Engineer, Thomas McGovern, and each job must be OK'd by him before being accepted by the 'Special Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM C. LUNAN, Chairman. HECTOR M. LECLAIR. Secretary, GEORGE SILK,
Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
Vital Statistics for the year ending December 31. 1924.
Number of marriages 150
Number of deaths 179
Number of births 398
Number of dogs licensed in 1924
Males
496
Females
Breeders
Respectfully submitted.
WILLIAM W. BUCKLEY. Town Clerk.
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
The Board of Assessors submit the following report for the ypar ending December 31. 1924:
Appropriations Voted March 11. $423186 92
Special Town Meeting July 1924
2000 00
State Tax 21900 00
State Highway Tax 678 50
Auditing Municipal Accounts 853 55
County Tax 17801 00
Overlayings
4200 73
-$470620 70 470620 70
Total Appropriations
Transfer from E and D. Account $25000 00
Estimated Revenue 80000 00
105000 00
Total Amount to be Raised by Taxes for the Year 1924 . $365620 70
Valuation Real Estate April 1. 24 7935950 00
Tax on Real Estate $238078 50
Valuation Personal April 1. 1924.3950940 00
Tax on Personal 118528 20
Polls Assessed 4507 at $2.00 each 9014 00
Total Valuation April 1, 1924 .. 11886890 00
Total Taxes Assessed April 1. '24. .
365620 70
Sewer Apportionments and Inter- est 51 26 Total Warrants to Collector. Aug. 23. 1924 365671 96
Additional Assessment Dec. 20, 1924 Valuation Real Estate $14145 00
82
Tax on Real Estate
$424 35
Polls Assessed, 97 at $2.00 each ... 194 00
Warrant to Collector December 20,
$618 35 1924
Total of Warrants to Collector for 1924 $366290 31
Total Valuation Dec. 31. 1924. 11901035 00
Rate of Tax per Thousand. 30 00
Respectfully Submitted.
BENONIE A. BOUCHARD, WILLIAM H. McGILPIN. PHILEAS F. X. CASAVANT, Board of Assessors.
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
To the Citizens of Southbridge:
1924 TAXES
ASSESSORS' WARRANT $366.290 31
Collected to December 31. 1924 and turned
over to Treasurer $321,327 23
Abatements to December 31. 1924 678 90 322.006 13
Balance Outstanding January 1. 1925
$44,284 18
App. Sewer Assessments 1924
48 32
Committed Interest on App. Sewer Assesment
2 44
Outstanding January 1. 1925
$51 26
Sidewalks Assesments 1924
2,123 05
Collected to December 31. 1924 and turned over to Treasurer
448 92
448 92
Balance outstanding January 1, 1925
$1.674 13
1923 TAXES
Balanes uncollected of 1923 Taxes and re- committed to me March 10. 1924. . .
$28,961 30
Payment to Treasurer to December 31. 1924 $18,038 15
Cash on hand December 31, 1924
15
Abatements to December 31. 1924
1.344 49
Tax Titles Adjustment
19 80
10 00
19.412 59
Balance ourstanding January 1. 1925
$9.548 71
81
App. Sewer Assesments 1923 recommitted to me March 10, 1924 190 05
Committed Interest on App. Sewer Asses- ments
31 36
$221 31
- Collected to December 31. 1924 and turned
over to Treasurer 200 38
Abatement to December 31, 1924 20 93 221 31
1922 TAXES
Balance uncollected of 1922 Taxes and re- committed to me March 10, 1924
$7.437 76
Collected to December 31, 1924 and turned over to Treasurer 6,804 98
Abatements to December 31. 1924
155 81
Taxes on Alex Langevin property bought by Town (Town meeting vote March 1924, Art. 12) 239 55
Tax Titles
12 46 7,212 80
Balance outstanding January 1, 1925 $224 96
1921 TAXES
Balance Uncollected of 1921 Taxes and re-
committed to me March 10, 1924
16 50
Collected to December 31. 1924
16 50 16 50
I desire at this time to thank the Citizens and Town Officials for their co-operation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
LEON J. DELAGE,
Collector of Taxes.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of Southbridge:
In making our report for the year 1924. we feel that through the period of depression which has affected the whole country we have been more fortunate than most of the cities and towns in this State. The total amount of money expended has been less than in 1922. Although the factories are not operating a full schedule we are assured that the prospects are brighter then for some time.
A great deal of work has been done in 1924 to remedy defects in children wheih in future years would make them a burden to the community. Although the return from money thus expended will not show for some time we believe that we are helping to make the future generation more sure of being self-supporting.
The Mothers' Aid division is accomplishing its object ; namely, keeping a mother and children together without pauperising them. We feel that this is an important part of our work and we are en- couraging that department mothers receive this aid when necessary.
At our Almshouse we have the smallest number of inmates in the history of the Town. there having been an average of nine throughout the year. The buildings and equipment are in excellent condition due to the interest taken by the Warden and Matron Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Pavant, who have been appointed for another year. The only extra expense in connection with the Ahshouse this year will be a fire escape which has been ordered by the district police. We have made inquiries and after due consideration have awarded the contract to a local concern.
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We have appointed no Town Physician but are allowing each family to have its own doctor and have made an acceptable schedule of prices with them.
We wish to thank the Town Officials with whom we have come in contact for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
NARCISSE PELOQUIN, GEORGE H. HARTWELL, Jr., HENRY ROBIDA.
Board of Public Welfare.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Te the Honorable Board of Selectmen : -
The Board of Health. Alfred J. Peloquin, Philias S. Caron and Dr. Joseph G. E. Page, organized as follows: Alfred J. Peloquin, Chairman : Philias S. Caron, Secretary, and Dr. Joseph G. E. Page. Physician.
Following are a list of deaths in town for which burial permits were issued :
Chickenpox 1
Diphtheria 1
Pulmonary Tuberculosis 3
Tuberculosis other forms
Disease of Heart
17
Premature Birth
6
Accidental
3
Other Diseases
35
Anterior Poliomylitis
1
Lobar Pneumonia
6
Broncho Pneumonia 6
Bronchitis
3
Nephritis
6
Cancer
18
Diseases of Brain
18
Still-born
12
Suicide
2
Ill-defined
8
Total 148
88
1
January
19
February 11
March 15
April
13
May
16
June
9
July
10
August
10
September
11
October
12
November
8
December
14
Total 148
Males
80
Females
68
Total
148
The statistics show that sanitary conditions have been excep- tionally good in Southbridge for the past year.
These figures however, probably are not absolutely accurate. We want to warn the public that contagious diseases must be reported to the Board of Health, by the physician in attendance, if there is one, or by some member of the family, who takes the responsibility of the case. Novertheless we certainly have been very fortunate in having so few cases of contagious diseases. Following is a list of diseases reported during the year.
Anterior Poliomylitis 1; Diphtheria 9; Lobar Pneumonia 13: Scarlet Fever 23; Pulmonary Tuberculosis 11; Other forms Tuber- culosis 3; Chickenpox 5; Measles 4; Mumps 20; Typhoid Fever 2; Whooping Cough 4. Total 95.
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Tuberculosis still is claiming quite a few victims. Our clinic has done all in its power to control those cases and dispose of them for the good of the patient and the community at large.
We cannot emphasize too much the importance of that free «linie, held every Monday afternoon from 5 to 7 o'clock in the Town Jlall Building, with a physician and nurse in attendance. All per- sons who through contact or otherwise, might have been exposed to this disease are welcome to that elinie, and a thorough examination is made of all cases.
The Board recommends that the Town creet and maintain a Sanitary Station, as provided under Chapter 111. Section 33. of the General Laws, as follows:
"In every city, and in every town having a population of over ten thousand, when in the opinion of the board of health. public ne- cessity requires it, there shall be established and maintained by the town in some convenient places, at or near the business center, one or more sanitary stations, with separate water-closets for the use of each sex. Their number and location shall be determined by the board of health."
The Board of Health believe a good location would be on land now owned by the town near the Police Station on Main and Foster Streets.
The necessity of a place where the public, especially the mer- chants could dispose of their rubbish became acute in the fall,, and after consideration and careful investigation, the Board decided to hire a plot of land on Harrington Street. Fairlawn District, for that purpose and to hire a man to have charge of same. This plot will be available for five or more years.
The collection and disposal of garbage still remains a perplex-
90
ing subject. We believe that some improvement has been made the past year, but to keep this work up to a high standard means more expense. We feel that the men doing this work should at least get as much pay as those working on the highway. It now takes most of the time of two men who have to furnish a horse each, for this work. The tenants can help by not throwing tin cans, ete into the pail.
The Dental Clinic for school children has been open for eight months in the year and as the report of the Nurse which follows, will show, is doing fine work, which will be in evidence more as the years go by.
Very respectfully,
ALFRED J. PELOQUIN, PHILIAS S. CARON, JOSEPH G. E. PAGE, M. D.,
Board of Health.
1
1
91
BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT'S REPORT
Tc the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present to you my report as your agent for he vear ending December 31, 1924.
As stated in former reports the work has been of a routine na- cure. Complaints of almost every description have been received and after being investigated have been abated.
The co-operation of the public in the work I think increases and he advise of past years in the matter of cleaning vards and then keeping them in a sanitary condition has been observed by me in my espections, yet there are those, and generally they are the large ten- ·ment owners, who do not seem to co-operate with the tenant. I vish to bring this to the attention of the public. for many complaints coming to this office should be taken up directly between the tenant and landlord, and settled there, and by so doing the hard feeling would not exist that does when the complaint comes to this office, und an order has to be given either to the landlord or tenant.
Houses have been placarded for contagious diseases and in gen- ral quarantine has been observed, although there has not been any pidemies. The rules of quarantine should be kept. and in this way void them.
As more laws are each year enacted. more statistics and reports are required, and the work of the office increases. Fortunately we have a Public Health Nurse who takes charge of most cases of dis-
92
cases and gives good advice and instructions along sanitary liz and her work is commendable.
In closing I wish to thank the public and my superiors for ma ing the work of this office pleasant.
Respectfully submitted, ALBERT R. BROWN, Agent.
93
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Fontlemen : I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the ear 1924.
The past year has been exceptionally free from contagious dis- ase. It's a record worthy of praise, and we hope it's a step toward he direction of preventive medicine.
Preventing a disease rather than curing it is the by-word of the modern physician. The Board of Health is the agent broadcasting his doctrine.
Bearing the above fact in mind. as much instruction and advice s possible was given to persons caring for patients who were strick- en with contagious diseases. Strict precaution with isolation 01 quarantine was always recommended in cases of reportable disease.
Number of visits to Scarlet Fever cases 51
Number of visits to Diphtheria case, 17
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