Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961, Part 34

Author: Southbridge (Mass.)
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1366


USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961 > Part 34


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Marion Postemski


Ann Marie Giroux


Helen Rowley


Nancy Gobeille


Sally Schauweker


Claire Hart


Roger Steele


Respectfully submitted, MARY ANNA TIEN, Librarian.


STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS For the Year Ending December 31, 1959 Cash Balance, January 1, 1959 $ 2,276.92


34


Number of Volumes January 1, 1959


39,164


Receipts:


Town Appropriation


$23,506.00


Mynott Fund Interest


32.50


Income from Edwards Trust Funds


7,923.31


Received for Books Lost


27.43


Total Receipts


31,489.24


$33,766.16


Disbursements:


Payroll


$22,023.87


Building Expenses


2,682.01


Operating Expenses


950.40


Building Repairs and Maintenance


520.55


Grounds Maintenance


297.90


Books and Periodicals


4,449.15


Book Repairs


57.07


Films


129.07


Equipment


146.85


Total Disbursements


$31,256.87


Transferred to Reserve for Building


Repairs and Improvements


1,000.00


32,256.87


Cash Balance, December 31, 1959


Represented by:


Trustees' Cash


$ 1,461.44


Mynott Fund Interest


47.85


$ 1,509.29


Reserve for Building Repairs and Improvements Balance, January 1, 1959 $ 3,397.56


Add:


Transferred from Operating Account


$ 1,000.00 124.84


Interest Received


1,124.84


Balance, December 31, 1959 on deposit with Southbridge Savings Bank ..


$ 4,522.40


35


Pilsudski Club Book Fund


Balance, January 1, 1959 $ 223.70


Add:


Interest Received


7.28


$ 230.98


Deduct:


Cost of Books Purchased 2.25


Balance, December 31, 1959 on deposit with Southbridge Savings Bank $ 228.73


REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN


Our circulation figures dropped somewhat over the 1958 high. While there was a gain in adult non-fiction, other areas showed a loss. However, they are still substantially higher than the past few years.


The only flaws during the year were the increasingly serious problem of book mutilation and the discontinuance of the children's art classes in the fall for lack of a teacher.


In October the staff regretted the resignation of John O. Martin, Trustee since 1946, who will move to the Southwest. Attorney John J. O'Shaughnessy was appointed by New Eng- land Trust in December to fill the vacancy.


Early in the year the group, "Great Decisions 1959," held its series of meetings in the library. A Great Books Group, formed in the fall, gives promise of a good future. The March 15 issue of "Library Journal" featured our library in a full page advertisement.


To expedite circulation of best sellers, the library sub- scribed to the services of McNaughton Libraries, Inc. Books are rented to the library and received ready to circulate. This makes books in demand more readily available, cuts down on processing and reduces purchases of duplicates to meet tem- porary demand.


National Library Week, April 12-18, was observed under the co-chairmenship of John J. O'Shaughnessy and Mrs. Alex- ander Constantine. With a large committee, they sponsored a speakers' bureau, poster contest, old book contest, newspaper quiz and 13 store displays. The library was flood-lighted dur -. ing the week. Clergymen cooperated with announcements and poster displays within their churches.


During the observance, Paul Roy donated a grocery cart for the use of mothers with small children. Afterwards, Bud


36


The following tabulation indicates the proportion of the cost of the library borne by the tax- payers of the Town of Southbridge.


1959 Budget


Per 1959 Per Cent Expenditures Cent


1960 Budget


Per Cent


Expenses paid by the Town: Appropriation - Regular


$23,506.00


75.2


$23,506.00


75.2


$24,165.00


75.5


Expenses paid by Trust Funds: Edwards Trust


7,750.00


24.8


7,733.37


24.7


7,835.00


24.5


Mynott Fund


17.50


1


$31,256.00


100.0


$31,256.87


100.0


$32,000.00


100.0


During the year, fines and library fees collected by the library and paid over to the Town Treasurer amounted to $1,713.98. If this sum is considered with the foregoing analysis, the net cost of the library to the taxpayers for 1959 is $21,792.02 or 69.7% of the total cost.


37


Canty offered to co-sponsor a booth for the library at the Ex- change Club's Progress Show and the offer accepted.


During the summer the Fifty Star Reading Club observed the admittance of Hawaii and Alaska to the Union. There were 108 members in the junior group and 56 in the senior group. Miss Genevieve Hetu, who had taught in Alaska, entertained the members at one meeting with slides and souvenirs. The Notre Dame Youth Orchestra performed at the final meeting when refreshments were served.


During Book Week in November the annual Creative Writ- ing Contest was held and the librarian was heavily scheduled for stories and book talks in the schools.


The year was significant for the intensive use made by high schools, public and parochial, of instruction by the li- brarian in the use of library materials. This has, of course, brought on another problem - greatly increased use of library facilities with accompanying disciplinary problems.


Wednesday afternoon movies continue to attract appre- ciative children as well as Brownie and Cub Scout groups. The Children's Room is attracting such large numbers after school as to make it difficult to carry on such extra activities. While circulation of materials dropped somewhat, use within the room has increased alarmingly.


During the year the librarian was invited to talk before the Ministerial Association, the National Secretaries' Association, and the Congregation Ben Zion Ohavath. There were two ap- pearances on Esther Costa's "Over the Back Fence," Station WESO.


The librarian attended the American Library Association convention in Washington, D. C., and Bay Path Library As- sociation meetings in Shrewsbury and Hudson. At the latter, she served on a panel discussion on public relations. The Chair- man of the Board of Trustees and the librarian attended the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association meeting at the Publick House in September.


Station WESO, The Southbridge Evening News and the Police Department co-operated above and beyond to make the library run more smoothly. Mrs. Joseph Patry, Mrs. Alexan- der Constantine and Edward Zuiss volunteered many hours of needed help. They are gratefully thanked along with the fine staff and the outstanding Board of Trustees.


Comparative Table of Circulation


Adult


1958


1959


General Works


346


372


Philosophy


637


903


Religion


587


701


Sociology


1,646


2,164


Language


320


358


38


Science


1,297


1,482


Useful Arts


3,115


3,447


Fine Arts


2,301


2,374


Literature


1,821


2,203


History


1,477


1,676


Travel


1,380


1,573


Biography


2,945


3,955


Total Adult Non-Fiction


17,872


21,208


Films


57


15


Current Periodicals


3,425


3,790


Pamphlets


778


593


Foreign Books


218


289


Records


657


252


Sheet Music


19


10


Pictures


83


35


Fiction


29,144


27,426


Total Adult Circulation


52,265


53,618


Juvenile


General Works


207


255


Philosophy


9


8


Religion


266


284


Social Science


1,691


1,596


Language


90


86


Science


1,971


1,875


Useful Arts


1,350


1,271


Fine Arts


693


721


Literature


485


371


History


1,138


907


Travel


887


796


Biography


2,974


2,917


Total Juvenile Non-Fiction


11,761


11,087


Current Periodicals


644


519


Pamphlets


248


138


Pictures


669


769


Fiction - J


11,704


11,802


Fiction - JJ


12,889


11,128


School Deposits


4,977


4,196


Total Juvenile Circulation


42,892


39,639


GRAND TOTAL


95,157


93,257


39


BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE


To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:


The total welfare cost for the year 1959 was $508,648.58 of which $165,947.26 was for medical expenses. The reimburse- ments from the state and federal, refunds and recoveries totaled $384,817.79. The net welfare cost to the town for 1959- $123,830.71.


The total cost in addition to the medical expenses includes: aid in kind, cash grants, salaries, administration expenses, and purchase of equipment.


An average of four hundred ten cases a month were aided during the year 1959, of which two hundred fifteen cases re- ceived medical care.


The medical expenses paid on behalf of these two hundred


fifteen cases were as follows:


Harrington Hospital


$ 38,003.55


Out of Town Hospitals


14,631.91


Doctors


18,699.25


Drug Stores


26,279.75


Dentists


3,816.00


Optometrists


2,200.85


Podiatrists


237.00


Visiting Nurse


2,464.00


Ancillary Services


384.10


Chronic Hospitals


8,687.52


Nursing Homes


50,543.33


Total Medical Expenses


$165,947.26


Expenditures & Reimbursements by Categories


Aid to Dependent Children


Expenditures


Federal & State Reimbursements and Refunds


60,689.93


Net Cost to Town


12,372.67


Disability Assistance


Expenditures


20,857.51


Federal & State Reimbursements and Refunds


16,381.21


Net Cost to Town


4,476.30


Old Age Assistance


Expenditures


329,863.65


Federal & State Reimbursements and Refunds 287,670.74


Net Cost to Town


42,192.91


40


73,062.60


General Relief Expenditures State, Cities & Towns and Refunds


50,546.07 5,604.73


Net Cost to Town


44,941.34


Salaries & Administrative Expenses


34,318.75


Federal Reimbursements


14,471.18


Net Cost to Town 19,847.57


Very truly yours,


HERMAS LIPPE


Chairman


RAYMOND L. BOUCHER


Clerk


JOHN M. BEAUDRY


Third Member


LILIAN G. PROULX


Director of Public Assistance


REPORT OF TREE WARDEN


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my report for the Tree Warden Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1959.


The past year 46 dead trees were cut down and removed. Deadwood and broken branches were pruned out of town- owned trees, and eight stumps were removed. Tree preserva- tive was applied to cavities that needed repainting. 3 trees that were split were braced and cabled.


22 Town-owned trees on Main Street were fed that were hurt by the previous drouths. And to improve the appearance and condition of the trees to enable the trees better to with- stand future attacks by parasites.


With State help 12 dead and diseased town trees were cut down and removed.


The Oak tree on Harding Court was cut down and removed to widen street for snow plowing, and the Maple tree on Sum- mer Street was cut down and removed because the root system raised and destroyed the sidewalk, also damaged adjoining property.


1959 Tree Warden Department


Receipts and Appropriation $3,870.00


41


Salaries and Wages: Tree Warden Labor


$ 458.92 1,142.85


$1,601.77


Other Expenses:


Dump Trucks Hired


$ 280.50


Aerial Ladder Truck Hire 80.00


Chain Saw Hire


141.75


Winch Truck Hire


27.50


Tools and Material (Rope, cable, handled axe, etc.)


68.48


Fed Town-Owned Trees on Main St .:


Salaries and Wages:


Tree Warden


$ 56.55


Labor


96.25


152.80


Other Expenses: Tree Food 147.20


Removed 12 Dead and Diseased Town Trees:


Salaries and Wages:


Tree Warden


$ 159.90


Labor


437.40


597.30


Other Expenses:


Equipment Hire


362.70


Maple Tree and Stump Removal


At Summer Street:


Labor and Equipment


350.00


Oak Tree Removal at Harding Court:


Labor and Equipment 60.00


$3,870.00


Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MASKA Tree Warden


*


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my report for Mosquito Control for the year ending December 31, 1959.


42


598.23


All of Charlton Street lower and swamp areas, Meadow- brook Road, areas between Elm Street and Eastford Road were sprayed for Mosquitoes with a hydraulic sprayer with excel- lent results.


Spraying for Mosquitoes - Labor, equipment and insecticide $830.00


Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MASKA


Tree Warden


REPORT OF THE DUTCH ELM DISEASE


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my report for the Dutch Elm Disease Department for the year ending December 31, 1959.


Thirty-two dead elm trees were cut down and removed. Deadwood out of elm trees on town-owned property were re- moved.


I sprayed town-owned elm trees twice with a hydraulic sprayer, using Malathion and DDT Emulsion. Dormant in the spring to control Elm Bark Beetle, to protect elm trees from beetle feeding all bark surfaces of living elms, that, may be in- vaded by Bark Beetles from infected wood. Summer (Leaf Spray) to protect elm leaves of elms from being fed upon by Elm Leaf Beetle. It feeds on the leaves of elms, and when it is abundant the leaves become brown and fall off. Such defolia- tion weakens the trees, and many valuable elms have been killed as a result of outbreaks of this insect.


Dutch elm disease is probably the most serious shade tree problem facing our community today. The situation is, how- ever, far from being hopeless. Using proper methods can do much to maintain a large percentage of our elms for many years to come.


1959 Dutch Elm Disease Appropriation $3,500.00


Salaries and Wages:


Moth Superintendent $ 132.89


Labor


260.12


Other Expenses:


Insecticide


980.59


Hydraulic Spraying


2,016.00


Chain Saw Hire


36.75


Aerial Ladder, Winch,


Dump Trucks Hired


73.00


43


Misc. Expense: Stamps for elm samples, etc.


.65


$3,500.00


Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MASKA Moth Superintendent


REPORT OF GYPSY MOTH DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my report for Moth Extermination for the year ending December 31, 1959.


Because of the limited amount of funds, for Control and Gypsy Moth suppression and the control and suppression of other public nuisances. I sprayed with Malathion and DDT as many of our town-owned streets as possible. Infestation in sprayed areas has been kept down with good results.


Moth Extermination 1959 Appropriation .. $ 400.00


Salaries and Wages: Labor $ 1.80


Utner Expenses: Insecticide Hydraulic Spraying


78.70


319.50


$ 400.00


Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MASKA Moth Superintendent


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Southbridge Planning Board submits the following re- port for the end of the year, ending December 31st, 1959, in accordance with the General Laws.


During the year the Board met for the regular meetings 48 times and held 3 public hearings, 2 of these were for zone changes and 1 for a sub-division which is still pending condi- tional approval.


The Board was represented at the Regional and Annual Meetings of the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards,


44


of which this Board is a member, as well as the Urban Re- newal Conference in New York City.


MASTER PLAN:


The Town of Southbridge is in great need of a Master Plan, listing existing and desirable proposed public ways, street grades, public places, bridges and tunnels, viaducts, parks, parkways, playgrounds, sites for public buildings and struc- tures, waterways, railroads and other public utilities.


Such a plan is required by law under Chapter 41, Section 81d of the Planning and Sub-Division Control Laws.


The firm of Planning and Renewal Associates of Cam- bridge, Mass., has been contacted as to the setting up of a meeting early in January of 1960 with this Board and Town and public officials for the purpose of setting up this plan.


SAFETY:


The Board will cooperate with any officials in regards for better means and ways of promoting public safety, in this re- spect we are very much pleased in the final completion of widening and installation of sidewalks on Marsh Street.


ZONING MAPS:


Zone maps and regulations on sub-division laws are avail- able at the Planning Board office in Town Hall.


We wish to thank the citizens and all town officials for their cooperation during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


ROLAND A. PONTBRIAND, Chairman


ERNEST A. TREMBLAY, Secretary


LEON F. LIVERNOIS, Investigator


TELESPHORE LIBUDA


MARC ARSENAULT


Southbridge Planning Board


REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Cemetery Committee met and organized on April 1, 1959. Lectance Landry was elected Chairman, Jesse Blackburn, Clerk, and Stavri Yanka as the third member. Seaver Rice was appointed Superintendent.


Jesse Blackburn was forced to resign in July on account of his removal from Town. The Town lost a valuable public spirited official.


Early in April, work was started in cleaning up the ceme- tery; sunken graves were filled and newly seeded; grave stones


45


were straightened where needed; gravel roads were graded; fertilizer and grass seed were spread and in May the mowing of grass was started and continued on a two-week schedule un- til late in October.


The committee purchased new equipment, consisting of a 750-Watt Onan Electric Generator, two Stanley Grass Trim- mers and various small tools. A new double board floor was installed in the barn, replacing the one which had been there for over fifty years.


A plot of land at the junction of Diamond and Ridge Ave- nues was given to the Southbridge Fire Department for its use in erecting a granite memorial in honor of its deceased mem- bers. This monument was dedicated with suitable ceremonies on Memorial Day.


Despite Police patrol and supervision by Cemetery per- sonnel, an unusual amount of vandalism was experienced, caused principally by children using the premises for a play- ground; many trees and shrubs were damaged and some fine old slate grave stones were desecrated.


A record number of new lots were sold during the year. Development of new areas will have to be undertaken in the near future.


The Committee wishes to thank the Selectmen and other Town officials for their courteous assistance in our problems. Superintendent of Highways, Joseph Benoit, has been especially helpful in granting the use of the snow removal equipment for clearing the roads and the use of the compressor for opening up frozen ground for burials.


Respectfully submitted,


LECTANCE J. LANDRY, Chairman STAVRI B. YANKA


Cemetery Committee.


REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Town Hall, Southbridge, Mass.


Sirs:


I hereby submit my annual report for the year ending De- cember 31st, 1959.


The wiring permits issued were as follows:


New Buildings


Remodeling and Additions to Already Erected Buildings .


20 61


Additions to Old Wiring 75


New Services 50


Oil Burners 55


Electric Ranges


45


46


Electric Hot Water Heaters


44


Washers


58


Dryers


57


Air Conditioners


62 59


Miscellaneous


Inspections While Work in Progress


712


Recommendations to Change Wiring


92


Respectfully submitted,


ARTHUR J. ENO,


Inspector of Wiring


REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


I wish to submit the following report of the work accom- plished by the Engineering Department for the year 1959.


NEW CONSTRUCTION PLANNED, LAID OUT, INSPECTED


1. Walcott Street Sewer Repair -


Charles F. Chase


Complete


2. Oliver Street Reconstruction - Ciesla Bros., Inc. Complete


3. Cole Avenue Drain - Duff's Const. Co. Complete


4. Dresser Street Drain - Duff's Const. Co.


Complete


5. Glover Street Reconstruction - Stanley J. Kaitbenski Complete


6. Air Raid Warning System - Brookside Electric Not Complete


7. Alumni Field, Field House - Palmerino & Son .. Complete 8. Alumni Field, Chain-Link Fence - Cyclone Fence Complete


9. Airport - Frank J. Shields, Inc.


Complete


10. Marsh Ave. Reconstruction - Frank J. Shields, Inc. Complete


11. Armory Lane Drain - Highway


Complete


12. West Street Sidewalk - Highway Not Done


13. Orchard Street Reconstruction - Highway Complete


14. West Street Drain - Highway


Not Done


15. Caron Street Sidewalk - Highway Not Done


16. Park Street Reconstruction - Highway Complete


17. Old Sturbridge Road Drain - Highway Complete


18. Woodycrest Ave. Drain - Highway Not Complete


19. Everett Street Sidewalk - Highway Not Complete


20. School Street Sidewalk - Highway Not Complete


47


Disposals


203


21. Hudson Ave. Drain - Highway


22. Litchfield Ave. Drain - Highway


23. Swimming Pool - Filling, Grading, Sand - Highway


24. Mechanic Street Resurfacing - Highway


Complete Complete


Not Complete


Complete


NEW STREETS LAID OUT


Armory Lane Brentwood Drive Coolidge Avenue


Cottage Lane Morris Street


SURVEYS


West Street Drain Hamilton Street Drain


North & Crystal Streets Sewer


Coolidge Avenue Sewer


Mechanic Street School Sewer - Grades


Westwood Parkway Sewer - Grades


Sewer Installation on Crystal Street


Westwood Parkway - Grades


Proulx Ave. - Street Lines and Grades


Langlois Ave. - Street Lines and Grades


Fiske Street - Street Lines


Bellevue Ave. - Grades


South Street - Street Lines


Crystal Street - Reconstruction


Summer Street - Reconstruction


Franklin Street - Reconstruction


Eastford Road - Sewer Line - Lulli's House


Airport Land Taking Morris Street Field


Grades at proposed School Site - Dresser & Cole


Drainage at 882 Charlton Street


Loomis Property - Charlton Street


Little League Diamond - Dresser Street Field


INVESTIGATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS


1. Articles for Annual Town Meeting


2. Articles for Special Town Meeting


3. House Numbers - 42


4. Westville Dam - Land Taking from Town


5. Check Town Infirmary Land


6. Randolph St. Area Information for Housing Authority


7. Court Cases - Buchelli


8. Meeting with Chamber of Commerce - Re .: Parking 9. Voting Precincts Maps


10. Check Flooding on Hartwell Street and Eastford Road


11. Worcester Street Drain - On State Highway


12. Plans for Planning of New School (for Mr. Skinyon)


48


13. Traffic Study Plans


14. Zoning Changes (Trahan Bros.)


15. Plan of Main and Old Sturbridge Road


16. Pleasant Street Chapter 90


17. Airport Loam to Athletic Fields


18. Sewer Line on Durfee Street to former Wells Home


19. North Woodstock Rd. - Armor Coat Conditions (Chap. 90)


20. Thomas Street Sidewalk - Accident location


The construction of the Airport this year required 1657 man hours or the equivalent of 2 months' continuous working time for each person in the Department. This also includes two months of clerical work.


The number of construction jobs voted was considerably more than last year and the amount of construction given to the Highway Department which was not completed shows that too much work was allocated to the Highway Department.


Difficulty is experienced by the Engineering Department in supervising the construction work, due to the number of jobs working at one time; we have no control of the sequence and timing of each job. At times we have as many as six jobs going on at one time which means that with a personnel of four persons, we cannot give 100% supervision of each job.


During the coming year, the construction of the Westville Dam will require considerable time of the Engineering Depart- ment to coordinate all conditions of land taking, road relo- cations, including drainage and grades.


Again this year, all work was done with the full coopera- tion of the Highway Department and the Board of Selectmen, which resulted in better work and a great saving to the Town of Southbridge.


I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of your Board and other Boards, Committees, and Departments, for their cooperation during the year.


Respectfully submitted, HENRY A. RACICOT, P.E. Town Engineer


REPORT OF DEPT. OF CIVIL DEFENSE


l'o the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:


The year 1959 has been a busy one for your Department of Civil Defense ... for not only were the regular programs and schedules maintained but the entire administrative work of the Sector 3C office had to be carried on since the lack of funds closed that office insofar as our local contacts were concerned.


49


This duty fell mostly on the Director and my Deputy. This has meant that in addition to maintaining regular office hours every Monday evening in the Town Hall, a regular schedule of visits to the Area 3 office in Westboro and the State Headquar- ters in Natick had to be set-up ... as these offices are open only from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, the Director, or his repre- sentative, has to "get out of work" on the each scheduled visit or as special need demanded. This required real sacrifice and I do hope that the State Agency will be able to re-open the Sec- tor offices in the near future.


One good thing did come out of the closing of the Sector organization . .. the opportunity for the local staff to become familiar with the multitudinous details that must be taken care of in the processing of Surplus Property - Recurring Charges - Matching Funds - and the reports required by the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization and the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency.


In addition to the regular office hours on Monday evenings, we have had the Control Center open each Friday evening. While the Rescue Room has been used each Tuesday and on Wednesday and Thursday for class sessions from ten to twenty weeks as the course required. The office has been opened for test problems and test alerts and stand-by alerts whenever the O. C. D. M. or the M. C. D. A. has issued orders.


General training classes were held for volunteers in com- munications, medical and staff sections in ten and twenty-week courses. Special training was given to a six-man team at the MCDA Training Center in Topsfield in both Basic and Light Duty and Heavy Duty Rescue Techniques. Also given at Tops- field were courses in Industrial Protection and Civil Defense, Mass Feeding Techniques and Staff Orientation Classes. In every course our workers attended they have received com- mendation for their interest and participation.


Our Auxiliary Police unit is taking Course 10.2 Interme- diate Auxiliary Police under the leadership of a certified MCDA Instructor, Chief Edgar Campbell, Auburn Police Department.


The Director and Staff Officers have attended conferences, seminars and training sessions on national, regional, state, area, and local levels. They have been, thus, able to keep abreast of the current problems and the current thinking as to their solutions at all levels.




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