USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1922-1926 > Part 7
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One thirty by three and one half tire
10 00
$1229 00
Number of Fires 17
In submitting my report for this year, will say that indifference on the part of the people with cigarettes and lighted matches is the principal cause of most forest fires, and respectfully suggest a little more caution.
Balance from last year was $463.60 and recommend $800.00.
I want at this time to thank the public for their hearty co- operation and will strive to merit a continuation of the same.
JOSEPH E. DUCHENEAU,
Forest Fire Warden
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, 1923. The organization of the Poice Department at the close of the fiscal year was as follows:
CHIEF
Ulric Brault
PATROLMEN
Andrew M. Higgins
Ovila Martin
Pierre A. Cormier
Joseph Morin
Patrick Donnelly
Thomas Dodd
Joseph Paquin
Arthur Murphy
Daniel Blute
Felix Lusignan
Alpherie Duplissis
JANITOR AND ASSISTANT LOCKUP KEEPER
Louis Peloquin
CONSTABLES
Ulric Brault
Andrew M. Higgins
Patrick Donnelly
Felix Lusignan
Duties performed by the Police Department during the year ex- piring December 31, 1923. Total number of arrests 375 ; arrests on warrants 115; arrests without warrants 260; males 364; females 11; minors 53 ; residents 307 ; non-residents 68.
66
OFFENCES
Drunkenness 113: Gaming and Violations of the Lord's day 63; Violations of the automobile laws 39; Track walking 22; Assault and Battery 19; Disturbing the peace 17; Non-support 16; Larceny 14: Assault with intent to rob 1; Assault with a dangerous weapon 1; Keeping Gaming nuisance 6; Violation of liquor laws 5; Illegitimate children 3; Stubbornness 2: Insane 8; Breaking and Entering 2: Violation of game laws 2; Neglected child 1; Violation of tobacco Jaws 2; Manslaughter 1; Lewd cohabitation 3; Selling mortgage property 2; Concealing mortgage property 2; Cruelty of animals 6; Open shop on the Lord's day 1; Carrying a revolver 3; Violation of the medicine laws 1; Indecent exposure 1; Keeping disorderly house 2; Fornication 1; Breaking probation 1; Escaping jail 1; Having stolen goods in his posession 1; Giving false fire alarm 1; Run away from home 1.
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Fined 158; Committed to House of Correction 22; Committed to Worcester State Hospital 8; Given suspended sentences 33; Put on probation 28; File and Cost 44; Releases on a drunkness charge 73; Discharged 16: Held for outside police 4; Held for Grand Jury 5; Run away return home 1.
OCCUPATION
Mill-hand 18; merchants 17; chauffeur 14; farmer 22; house- wife 6; salesman 2; machinist 3; knife maker 2; barber 1; glass worker 12; carpenters 2; jeweler 1; foreman 2; clerks 5; engraver ter1; masons 2; at school 7; laborers 175; painters 16; teamster 2; printer 2; cigar maker 2; Inn holder 1; chiropractor 1; solicitor 1, U. S. Navy 1; harness maker 1; baker 5; firemen 5; no position 45.
MISCELLANEOUS
Number of lights reported out during the year 318; number of
67
doors found unlocked and reported 51; number of accidents re- portod and investigated 128; dogs killed 17; cats killed 7; defective places in the street reported 7; attendance of Officers at dance halls 39 : horses found cast 2; injured and sick persons assisted 17; lost children restored to parents 5; lost dogs restored to owners 7; mes- sages delivered 38; people located 17; electric wires reported de- fective 3; value of property reported lost or stolen and recovered $2178.54.
In conclusion it is with pleasure that I extend in behalf of the Police Department and my self to the Honorable Board of Selectmen and other town officials. our most sincere thanks for their kindly considerations during the past year, and trust that the accomplish- ments of the Department have been such as to repay them for their interest.
Respectfully submitted,
ULRIC BRAULT, Chief of Police.
Southbridge. Mass., December 31, 1923.
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK
Vital statistics for the year ending December 31, 1923.
Number of marriages 160
Number of deaths 175
Number of births
412
Number of dogs licensed in 1923.
Males
416
Females
Breeders 1 67
4
Respectfully submitted
WILLIAM W. BUCKLEY, Town Clerk.
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
The Assessors of the Town of Southbridge submit the following report for the year 1923.
Appropriations voted March 13, 1923
$381392 27
Appropriations voted July 27, 1923 45613 40
State Tax 26230 00
State Tax on 4401 polls at $3.00
13203 00
County Tax
15929 00
State Highway Tax
341 33
Auditing Municipal Accounts
534 41
Overlay
4125 52
Total Appropriations $487421 93
Transfer from E. and D. account $27000 00
Due from State Income Tax general
10227 00
Due from State Income Tax
School Fund 8263 00
Estimated Revenue
43510 00 89000 00
Total anmount to be raised by Taxes for the year 1923 $398421 93
Valuation Real Estate April 1, 1923 $7636980 00
Tax on Real Estate. 252021 01
Valuation Personal, April 1, 1923 3769530 00
Tax on Personal 124395 92
Polls assessed 4401 at $5.00
22005 00
Total Valuation April 1, 1923. $11406510 00
Total Taxes assessed April 1, 1923
$398421 93
Sewer Apportionments and Interest 53 70
Total of Warrants to Collector Sept. 1 1923. . $398475 63
70
Supplementary Assessment Dec. 20. 1923
Valuation Personal
$12000 00
Tax on Personal
$396 00
Valuation Real Estate
6065 00
Tax on Real Estate
200 15
- Polls assessed, 14 at $5.00
70 00
Warrants to Collector Dec. 20, 1923 $666 15
Total of Warrants to Collector for 1923
$399141 78
Total Valuation Dec. 31, 1923
11424575 00
Rate per Thousand $33 00
Respectfully submitted
PHILEAS F. CASAVANT, WILLIAM H. McGILPIN, BENONIE A. BOUCHARD,
Board of Assessors.
REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
-
To the Citizens of Southbridge
I have endeavored during the past year to give the town the most efficient and economical administration and in part I feel that I have succeeded. The only department that shows more money ex- pended than was appropriated is the General Highways. The reason for this is that the roads in some places had become in such con- dition that repairs were imperative in order to prevent possible ac- cidents. The appropriation for Highways is inadequate if the roads are to be kept in good condition. Additional traffic caused by the general use of automobiles in all lines of business as well as for pleasure demands that the roads be kept in constant repairs and dirt roads cannot be maintained withont constant attention.
Two new stretches of sidewalks were built during the year : one on the easterly side of Goddard Street, the other on the easterly side of Pine Street. Special appropriations for this work were voted. The repairs on sidewalks were extensive. Sidewalks on High. South. Chapin, Elm. Central and Main Streets we repaired and the town's sidewalks are now for the most part in good condition.
The Mechanic Street Bridge which was in poor condition was rebuilt and should last many years.
I have taken an inventory of the town's tools and machinery and have submitted a record of it to the Town Treasurer.
RECOMMENDATION
I wish to recommend for the coming year that the town pur- chase a power scraper to replace one that has become obsolete. My department is greatly in need of this equipment and I am sure that it would mean a considerable saving to the town if this could be acquired. The cost of such a scraper would be about $1200. As it is
72
at present, three pairs of horses are required to draw a scraper and covers an average of about three miles a day. It is estimated that a power machine will cover about ten miles a day, which as can be seen would effect .considerable savings to the town, as no horses would be required and it would be operated by one man only. I am sure that such a scraper would greatly increase the efficiency of my department, and hope the citizens will approve the purchase.
I extend my thanks to all who have gladly co-operated with me in my work.
The financial statement of my department is shown on the fol- lowing page.
Aime Langevin spent from March 6 to 8 inclusive. $368 47
Cost of Mechanic Street Bridge $1562 26
Cost of removing snow and ice $3520 13
Contract was made with Arthur Genereux for Pine Street
Sidewalk for $1900.00 from appropriation of $2200.00 Balance left $300 00
EDMOND RICHARD,
Highway Surveyor.
1
APPROPRIATIONS
EXPENDITURES
Help
Teams
Mise.
Total
Balance
Highways ..
$15000 00
$5992 00
$2274 29
$6733 71
$15000 00
General Cleaning ...
6400 00
4263 17
1210 37
895 72
6369 26
$30 74
Permanent Roads
.
10000 00
3022 30
971 26
5868 05
9861 61
138 39
Sidewalk Repairs
5500 00
2416 61
584 06
2474 74
5475 41
24 59
Bridges
2300 00
683 10
15 00
1515 75
2213 85
86 15
Railings
500 00
247 60
175 77
423 37
76 63
Oiling Streets .
2000 00
1939 30
1939 30
60 70
Goddard St. Sidewalk
1200 00
428 00
52 50
456 30
936 80
263 20
Pine St. Sidewalk ...
2200 00
1900 00
300 00
$45100 00
$17052 78
$5107 48
$20059 34
$42219 60
$680 40
...
-
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
1923 TAXES
Collected to December 31, 1923 $350499 12
Assessors' Warrant $399193 78
Abatement to December 31, 1923 1779 69
$352278 81
Balance outstanding January 1, 1924. . $43150 10
1922 TAXES
Balance uncollected January 1. 1923 $45959 70 Collected to December 31, 1923 $34581 33
Abatements to December 31, 1923 75 84
Balance outstanding January 1, 1924
11302 53
Balance outstanding January 15. 1924 10799 28
1921 TAX
Balance uncollected January 1, 1923 $8236 23
Collected to December 31, 1923 $6351 37
Abatements to December 31, 1923 1640 50
$7991 87
Balance outstanding January 1, 1924 $244 36
Balance outstanding January 15, 1924 $188 11
76
1920 TAX
Balance uncollected January 1, 1923
$356 47
Collected to December 31, 1923 $24 64
Abatements to December 31, 1923 331 83
$356 47
1919 TAX
Palance uncollected January 1, 1923
$5 33
Collected to December 31. 1923
$4 33
Abatements to December 31, 1923
1 00
$5 53.
Respectfully submitted,
E. E. GABREE, Collector for the Town of Southbridge ..
THE REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
To the Citizens of Southbridge :
In making our report for 1923, we believe we are able to report a vast improvement of conditions in general. We have several fami- lies who through no fault of their own are dependent on this depart- ment, but with the local factories operating on full tinie schedule the prospects for the year 1924 are brighter than for several years. Our Mothers' Aid department is accomplishing just what the law intended to, namely keeping families together though the provider has been taken away. The Almshouse is in first class condition, and this board have been fortunate in being able to retain Mr. and Mrs. Joseph N. Payant as warden and matron.
In 1923 the board did not appoint a town physician but has allowed each family to have their own physician at a fixed price agreed on with the local doctors. We wish to take this opportunity to thank each physician for their co-operation. To the other depart- ment heads with whom we have been associated we wish to express our appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE MATTE, Chairman GEORGE H. HARTWELL, Jr., Clerk NARCISSE PELOQUIN, Visitor.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To 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: Dr. Joseph G. E. Page, Physician, monthly meetings have been held during the year.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Following are the contagious diseases reported to the board during the year, from reports from several different sources we feel that there are many cases that do not come to the attention of the board, those who have no doctor and for other reasons, there is not any reason for not reporting these cases, as the law plainly states that the doctor or the householder, that means the parent or guard- ian, must report cases of contagious diseases to the Board of Health.
The non reporting of a slight case of diphtheria, measles or mumps will spread the disease and may at any time start an epi- demic in the schools, a light case when infecting another person may be fatal to that person.
The Board would ask the co-operation of the physicians and parents in this work.
Chickenpox 16
Diphtheria 30
Epidemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.
1
Opthalma Neonatorium 9
Lobar Pneumonia 1
Measles 12
Scarlet Fever. 13
79
Pulmonary Tuberculosis 7
Typhoid Fever 10
Whooping Cough 15
German Measles 1
Mumps
23
Total.
238
Following are deaths in town for which permits to bury have been granted and are shown in months, sexes and diseases :
Diseases of Heart 24
Diseases of Brain. 12
Cancer
9
Lobar Pneumonia
4
Bronche Pneumonia
13
Bronchitis
2
Tuberculosis
5
Diabetis
1
Nephritis
.5
Premature birth
10
Measles
1
Tubercular Meningitis
1
Still-Born
S
Cerebro Spinal Meningitis
1
Diphtheria
3
Typhoid Fever
1
Accidental
1
Ill Defined 6
All other Diseases 36
Total 143
Males 64
Females 79
Total
143
80
January
23
February
S
March
12
April
14
May
14
June
11
July
7
August
9
September
1
October
9
November
15
December
14
Total
143
AMBULANCE
The Board recommends that the ambulance be placed entirely in the care of the Fire Department. Much credit must be given this department for the service and care in the past but we believe that a divided authority will in time bring about differences that will im- pair its work. In looking over the records of trips made since the machine has been under our care we find that less than 5 per cent are Board of Health cases, therefore, we feel that it is not strictly a Board of Health measure, and would ask that the appropriation be left in the care of the Fire Department.
GARBAGE
During the year the Board purchased two water tight wagons for the collection of garbage at a cost of $300 each ; these have meta covers and we hope they are correcting a nuisance which has beer objectional to the public in the past. Garbage collection remains a perplexing subject and although conditions are better, yet we think that the coming year wil see more improvement. The Board asks for the hearty co-operation of the people in this work.
81
DENTAL CLINIC
The Special Committee appointed to establish a Dental Clinic performed their work and on October 1, 1923, turned over the clinic to the Board of Health as the law requires this work to be under this department. $832.03 was expended for equipment, which the den- tists have found complete enough for this work. $223.73 was ex- pended to repair the room, install the plumbing and cover the floor with linoleum, and $144 was paid to the dentist for services. A de- tailed report of the work of the clinic will be found in the report of the nurse, Miss Houle, who is in attendance.
The Board thinks that this work which is of a preventive na- ture will in a few years be seen in the health of the children. The Board again would ask for the co-operation of the public in this work.
TUBERCULOSIS CLINIC
Another preventive work that we do not think is being appreci- ated. is that of the Tuberculosis Clinic, which is open each week in the town hall building with a physician and nurse in attendance. Any one not feeling as though they could afford a doctor should visit this clinic if they have symptoms of tuberculosis, as an early diagnosis is the preventive work of this clinic. The hours are Mondays from 5 to 7 o'clock in the afternoon.
During the last year unexpected expense has been met with a small balance left in our appropriation of $10,100. In the budget for the coming year, in looking ahead to the usual expenditures as now seen, we would recommend the sum of $9.750. This is a reduc- tion of $450 from last year with the added expense of $500 allowed. for the dental clinic or an actual reduction of $850 from last year.
ALFRED J. PELOQUIN, PHILIAS S. CARON. DR. JOSEPH G. E. PAGE,
Board of Health.
٢
82
REPORT OF AGENT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Health :
In rendering my rearly report as your Agent I wish to thank the Board for their hearty co-operation in the task of making the work of the past year pleasant and also thank the public for the part they have taken in making the town cleaner and healthier.
The work has been of routine nature; visits being made to all parts of the town and where nuisances found, taking the subject up direct with those concerned. when it has almost always been abated without making formal complaints or sending written notices. In some cases letters have had to be sent to accomplish the result looked for, but in no case have the courts been called upon for action.
Again I must ask the tenants to keep the garbage separated from other rubbish in the back yard, if they wish to have the gar- bage taken by the town teams, this is the most common nuisance and is the fault of the individual tenant rather than the owner of the large tenement buildings, although he gets the notice to clean up. A garbage can of metal, covered with a metal cover for each family will. I think, relieve this situation.
Houses have been placarded for contagious diseases and in most cases quarantine has been observed, which has tended to keep the town from any epidemic.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT R. BROWN,
Agent
83
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year 1923. A
The oral examination of the school children revealed an amaz- ing number who needed some sort of dental attention. Wtih that fact in mind, a dental clinic was organized, under the direction of the Board of Health. The clinic is held in the Town Hall Building every Monday and Tuesday morning from 8:45 to 11:45. The dentists of the town will contribute time in turn to this clinic. For the present the dentists are trying to care for the children in the first three grades, who come to the clinic with a written permit from parents or guardian.
Number of children who reported to clinic 218
Number of children who had teeth cleaned 162
Number of extractions 112
Number of fillings 29
Number of treatments .5
Special attention was given to the children at St. Mary's school who were 10% underweight.
In children underweight generally means malnutrition due to insufficient food, too little rest or sleep, over exercise, a lack of ventilation in sleeping apartments, which destroys the appetite, or in some physical defect such as adenoids or enlarged tonsils.
84
This group of children have been weighed three times during the school year, and the following tables show that the majority of children have gained.
School
Enrollment
June
Oct.
Dec.
St. Mary's
Grade I and II
38
5
3
0
Grade III and IV
31
3
0
0
Grade V
23
7
4
2
Grade VI
30
1
0
0
Grade VII and VIII
25
2
0
0
Total
147
18 or 12% 7 or 5% 2 or 1%
A physical examination of all the pupils was made by a physi- cian accompanied by the nurse. Notes were made of his recom- mendations and notices were sent to parents followed by a personal call from the nurse.
Number of children examined ' 147
Number of visits for correction of defects 48
Number of defects corrected .25
All class rooms at St. Mary's school were visited and inspected several times per month.
Number of class room inspections .30
According to the usual schedule the Tuberculosis Dispensary has been opened every Monday afternoon and evening from 5 to 7 p. m. Any person suffering from tuberculosis in any form is invited to attend the clinic for examination by the physician in charge and also receive some beneficial advice.
Number of patients examined at Dispensary 36
Number of tubercular visits on active cases .92
85
Number of tubercular visits on quiescent cases 63 Number of visits on suspicious cases 15
Number of visits on contacts .26
Follow-up reports on all cases of Tuberculosis were sent to the State Department of Health, and a monthly report on cases ex- amined in the Dispensary.
Number of follow-up visits on Tuberculosis cases .. ... 16
Strict precaution with isolation or quarantine was recom- mended in cases of reportable diseases. The co-operation of the public in this matter will help a great deal to eliminate disease and prevent an epidemic.
Number of visits on Scarlet Fever cases 50
Number of visits on Typhoid Fever cases 40
Number of visits on Diphtheria cases 48 Number of visits on Influenza cases 2
Respectfully submitted.
MARGUERITE C. HOULE. R. N.
86
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Honorable Board of Health :
I hereby render my report for the year ending December 31, 1923.
As your inspector I have issued 71 licenses to sell milk, 11 were granted to sell in stores and 60 to pedlers. There was also 3 licenses granted to sell oleomargarine in stores. I have collected the sum of $37.00, which the Town Accountant's report will show was turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The Department of Public Health through its inspectors have again this year collected samples and made analysis of the milk, as this department does not have the necessary equipment to do the work, which I think should be added to the town's property, then the work could be done nearby and, more quickly.
The samples have been found to be of good quality with only a few exceptions and that mainly in added water to the milk.
All stores handling milk, cream or oleomargarine must get a license from the Inspector of Milk each year. these licenses all ex- pire by law on May 31, of each year, and must be renewed.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT R. BROWN,
Inspector of Milk.
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health :
I hereby submit my report as Plumbing Inspetor for the year ending December 31, 1923.
The following fixtures have been installed during the year in houses classified below :
Water closets 142: sinks 112: bath tubs 99: bowls 100; urinals 2: soda fountains 3: cellar drains 1 : wasntrays 21.
These were installed in 17 single houses: 12 two-tenement houses : 12 three-tenement houses: 2 four-tenement houses: 1 six- tenement house: 1 club house: 2 factories: 1 gas station: 1 police station and 23 old buildings, (where additional fixtures were installed).
I have made 68 water tests and 80 final inspections on the above work. There have been 20 new houss connected with the sewer and 14 new houses and 1 old house connected with cesspools during the year.
Respectfully submitted.
ALBERT R. BROWN. Inspector of Plumbing.
88
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I have the honor of submitting to you my report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the year ending December 31, 1923.
Whole number of carcasses inspected
407
Number of carcasses of beef inspected 54
Number of carcasses of veal inspected 75
Number of carcasses of swine inspected 278
Number of carcasses of swine condemned 2
Number of carcasses of beef condemned .5
Whole number of carcasses condemned 7
The causes for condemning car'cases are as follows : Beeves-tuberculosis. Swine-tuberculosis and tumor.
Condemned carcasses have been destroyed according to law.
Respectfully yours,
JOHN HALPIN,
Inspector of Slaughtering-
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE LIBRARY
TRUSTEES OF JACOB EDWARDS LIBRARY
George Grant
Fred E. Corbin
Louis O. Rieutord
Henry Tetrault
For the Town
Francis L. Chapin John E. Paige E. B. Armstrong
For the Fund
LIBRARIAN Ella Miersch
ASSISTANT Mabel W. Plimpton
JANITOR Ronaldo di Bonaventura
LIBRARY HOURS
Week days, except January 1, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. 10 to 12 a. m .. 2 to 5:30, 6:30 to 9 p. m.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Jacob Edwards Library :
GROWTH
During the year 835 volumes were added, of which 361 were re-
90
placements of worn out books. 278 volumes were discarded, so that there are now 25,322 volumes in the library.
Among the books added, the popular "Outline of Science," "Out- line of Literature," "Outline of Art," call for special attention. These are not meant for the specialist, but (like Wells' Outline of History") are written for the general reader who wishes to broaden his horizon. A number of biographies of men who are, or have been prominent in American public life, should be of interest to everyone, Charnwood's "Roosevelt," Whitin's "President Coolidge," Davis' "The Iron Puddler," Ford's "My Life and Work," "Letters of Franklin K. Lane," Strauss' "Under Four Administrations."
REGISTRATION
A new registration of readers was begun in July to verify ad- dresses and straighten out mistakes in numbers. etc. 2,140 names have been registered since July. This number includes only a part of the number who have used the library since that date, as many families prefer to use one card, since they can take as many books as they wish on one card.
CIRCULATION
The circulation of books for home use was 56.641, which is a bit more than the number circulated last year. For about a year the circulation was lower than it had been, since August it has been steadily rising and in the last three months has been even larger than in the slack business season of 1921. Some of this increase is undoubtedly due to the printed lists of the books bought from Janu- ary, 1922 to August, 1923. These lists called the attention of many people to not only particular books, but to kinds of books which they could find in the library. One of the greatest difficulties of the library is to make our townspeople realize that no matter what subject they are interested in, the library has material on that subject, or if asked will buy material on that subject. The library is owned by the pco- ple of the town, why does not every citizen inspect his property at least once a year?
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