USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930 > Part 8
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BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1926
Cash
$ 7,763.51
Taxes, 1922
305.53
Taxes, 1923
2,357.78
Taxes, 1924
8,117.47
Taxes, 1925
45,383.62
Taxes, 1926
106,178.07
a/c Receivable Co. Aid to Highways.
15,000.00
Water Rates
5,624.33
Water Entrances
690.08
Tax Titles
147.51
Loans Authorized
16,000.00
Revenue Loans
$80,000.00
Surplus War Bonus
2,701.14
Overlay, 1924
4,640.70
Overlay, 1925
1,184.61
Overlay, 1926
1,842.09
Water Revenue
6,831.42
Tax Title Revenue
147.51
Excess and Deficiency
55,209.42
Maple and Bridge Street pavement.
29,965.13
Springfield Street School
2,000.00
North Agawam School
5,711.06
Water Maintenance
12,334.82
Water Main Construction
5,000.00
$207,567.90 $207,567.90
32
RECEIPTS GENERAL REVENUE-TAXES
Current Year
Property
$139,891.13
Polls
2,016.00
$141,907.13
Previous Years
Property
$ 95,228.44
Polls
762.00
$ 95,990.44
From State
Corporation $ 5,899.49
Bank
54.36
Income
34,376.40
Soldiers' Exemption
28.52
Trust Co. Tax
67.84
$ 40,426.61
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Licenses $ 1,344.00 $ 1,344.00
FINES AND FORFEITS
Court $ 1,860.00
Sheriff
11.50
Departmental penalties
113.00
$
1,984.50
GRANTS AND GIFTS
From State
Aid to Industrial schools $ 1,036.80
From County
Dog licenses 1,223.92 $ 2,260.72
All Other General revenue.
330.00
COMMERCIAL REVENUE
Privileges
Public Service
$
106.17 $
106.17
33
DEPARTMENTAL
Selectmen
$ 1.00
Collector
95.90
Sealer weights and measures
104.43
Tuberculosis
21.00
Sewer
600.75
Highway
35.00
Reimbursements for relief Individuals
5.00
Other cities and towns
32.29
895.37
Departmental
From State and County for
Aid to Highways +3,962.10
--- $ 43,962.10
Soldiers' Benefits
State Aid
$
96.00
-- $
96.00
SCHOOLS
Tuition and Transportation of State
wards $ 395.57
Other Tuition
250.00
Miscellaneous
339.50
-$
985.07
LIBRARIES
Fines $ 84.26
$ 84.26
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES
Water
Sale of water
$ 19,185.78
Miscellaneous
2,146.00
$
21,331.78
INTEREST
Deposits
$
230.87
On Deferred taxes
6,881.43
34
Cemetery
31.84 818.91 .
Library
-$ 7,963.05
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
Anticipation of Revenue loans $200,000.00
Highway Loan 10,000.00
$ 210,000.00
Premiums received on Highway loan ....
37.00
REFUNDS
General departments $ 10.52
Accrued interest 8.89
$ 19.41
Total cash receipts
$ 569,723.61
Cash on hand January 1, 1927 7,763.51
Total cash and receipts
$ 577,487.12
RECAPITULATION
Receipts for the year 1927 from
General Revenue $284,243.40
Commercial Revenue 2,166.87
From State and County to Aid
Highway construction 43,962.10
Water Department
19,185.78
Other Public Service
2,146.00
Interest
7,963.05
Municipal Indebtedness
Anticipation of Revenue loans 200,000.00 Highway loan 10,000.00
Premium on Highway loan
37.00
Refunds
19.41
Cash on hand
7,763.51
$ 577,487.12
PAYMENTS GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Legislative
Moderator $ 5.00
50.35
Other expenses
$ 55.35
35
Executive
Salaries Selectmen $ 925.00
Printing, stationery and postage ..
5.91
Travel
40.00
$
970.91
Auditing Department
Town Audit $ 50.00
Accounting officer
375.00
Printing, stationery and postage
42.88
$
467.88
Treasury Department
Salaries and wages $ 1,380.00
Printing, stationery and postage
...
75.32
Surety Bond
107.50
All other expenses
33.70
-$
1,596.52
Collector's Department
Salaries and wages
$ 1,515.75
Printing, stationery and postage
.... 138.76
Surety Bond
215.00
All Other
138.30
-$
2,007.81
Assessors' Department
Salaries and wages
$ 2,369.39
Printing, stationery and postage
130.61
-$
2,500.00
Other Finance Office and accounts
Printing
$ 20.50
-$ 20.50
Law Department
Salaries and wages $ 510.00
-$
510.00
36
Town Clerk
Salaries and wages .$ 620.00
Printing, stationery and postage ..
43.54
All other
26.30
--- $
689.84
Election and Registration Department
Salaries
$ 210.00
Printing, stationery and postage
80.56
All other
70.00
-$
360.56
Town Buildings
Janitor Town Halls
$ 175.50
Light
290.79
Repair to Fire building at Feeding Hills
487.00
Repairing Feeding Hills Town
Hall
1,376.85
Insurance on buildings
251.46
All other expenses
1.00
$
2,582.60
Total General Government .... $ 11,761.97
PROTECTION TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY Police Department
Salaries and wages $ 2,823.58
Equipment and repairs for automo- bile
244.01
Gasoline and oil
278.08
All other expenses
162.44
-$
3,508.11
Fire Department
Salaries and wages $ 1,020.00
Repair on truck
36.05
Equipment and repairs
1,642.77
All other expenses
191.60
Fuel
303.70
37
Light 51.97 Maintenance of buildings and grounds
1,180.91
Other expenses
Telephone
33.05
Gas and oil
25.70
Incidentals
20.76
-$
4,506.51
Inspection
Sealer weights and measures
Salary and wages
$ 521.50
Teams
42.67
Equipment
16.36
All other
29.03
$
609.56
Forestry
Insect Pest Extermination $ 313.96
Planting and trimming trees
738.90
Forest Fires
32.50
-$
1,085.36
Total protection, persons and property
$
9,709.54
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health Department
General Administration
Salaries $ 162.50
Printing
.52
Quarantine and Contagious Diseases
Board and treatment 565.00
Medicine and medical attend- ance 25.00
Bacteria tests
60.00
Tuberculosis
Board and treatment
22.29
Hospital Maintenance 455.58
- -
38
Other expenses
Fumigation
4.40
Garbage collection
150.00
Inspection of Animals
Salaries ......
199.00
Other expenses
1.00
Inspection of Meat and provisions 1,006.00
$
2,651.29
Sanitation (Sewers)
Labor $ 715.87
Pipe and fittings
186.45
All other expenses
12.38
-$
914.70
Total Health and Sanitation
$
3,565.99
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
General
Salaries and wages
Pay rolls $ 7,404.45
Teams and automobile hire
316.22
Gravel, stone, tar, etc.
4,128.67
Equipment and repairs
Chevrolet Dump Motor truck
937.00
Road Machine
+50.00
Two Ton Caterpillar Tractor
1,935.55
Oil Pump
5.50
Small Tools
117.37
Tires
225.82
Repairs
323.38
Parts for repairs
13.15
All other expenses
1,027.95
Bridges
Wages
25.00
Repairs and other expenses 194.96
39
Snow and Ice removal Salaries and wages Pay rolls
575.82
Teams and auto hire 281.25
All other
155.30
-$
18,117.39
Construction
Completion lower end of Maple St.$ 1,980.00 From Walnut and Springfield St. to Agawam Bridge 1,874.50
Maple and Bridge St. 40,576.45
Sidewalks and Curbing
1,996.67
School St. pavement
9,954.70
Meadow St. pavement
25,334.05
Total on construction and walks $ 81,716.37
Land Damage
To Luther P. Davis on Drain .... $ 200.00
Georgana Hamblen Property for
damage on Main Street 2,525.65 -$
2,725.65
Repair of Fences on Highways
Paint, lumber, etc.
29.80
Street Lighting
9,300.91
Numbering streets
100.00
State Highway tax
2,356.39
Total Highways
$ 114,346.51
CHARITIES AND SOLDIERS' BENEFITS
Public Welfare
General Administration
Salaries of Overseers $ 225.00
Printing, stationery and postage ....
1.39
Other expenses
50.00
Outside relief by Town
Groceries and provisions ... 442.91
40
Fuel 274.05
Board and care
1,085.00
Medicine and medical attendance. .... Cash aid
239.50
1,391.50
Rent and all other
248.99
Relief by other cities and towns
1,103.32
Other expenses
Clothing, shoes, etc.
82.81
Burial
60.00
Hospital
119.00
-$
5,323.47
Soldiers' Benefits
$
96.00
-$ 96.00
Total Charities and Soldiers' Benefits
$
5,419.47
SCHOOLS
General Administration
Salary of Superintendent $ 4,300.01
Salary of Clerk 1,533.36
Salary of Truant Officer 525.00
Printing, stationery and postage
214.72
Telephone
58.49
Traveling expenses
190.17
Supervisors' salaries
3,560.00
All other General expenses
182.00
$
10,563.75
Teachers' Salaries
High $ 17,153.50.
Elementary'
60,627.70 -$ 77,781.20
Principal's salary $ 2,700.00 $ 2,700.00
Text Books and Supplies
High
Text and reference books $ 1,050.81 All other
1,058.33
41
State Aid
Elementary
Text and reference books 2,687.57 All other
1,957.13
6,753.84 -$
Tuition
Elementary
$ 1,130.63
Vocational
352.50
-$
1,483.13
Transportation
Elementary
$ 6,643.44
$
6,643.44
Support of Truants
.$
7.43
-$
7.43
Janitors' Services
High
$ 1,567.43
Elementary
6,865.96
-$
8,433.39
Fuel and Light
High
$ 1,056.46
Elementary
6,333.65
-$
7,390.11
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds
High
Repairs
$ 502.14
Janitor's supplies
29.42
All other
252.21
Elementary
Repairs
2,659.80
Janitor's supplies
42.94
All other
892.84
-$
4,379.35
42
Furniture and Furnishings High $ 1,106.24 649.02
Elementary
$ 1,755.26
Other expenses
Diplomas and graduation exercises $
69.83
Miscellaneous printing
12.22
All other
50.87
$
132.92
Health
High
$ 200.00
Elementary
1,776.12
-$ 1,976.12
Total Schools
$ 129,999.94
LIBRARIES
Salaries and Wages
Librarians
$ 300.00
Assistants
16.37
Books and Periodicals
Books
1,111.75
Periodicals
14.85
Fuel and light
9.18
Buildings
Furniture
27.60
Repairs
23.58
Other expenses
Stationery and postage
7.92
Printing
1.15
Express
1.48
All other
9.30
Total Libraries $ 1,523.18
43
UNCLASSIFIED
Damage to Persons and Personal Prop-
erty $
1.58
Memorial Day
150.00
Aid to Agriculture
400.00
Printing Town Reports
354.72
Survey for addition to High School lot
106.00
Liability Insurance
393.60
Zoning and Rules Committee
500.00
Grading High School lot
300.00
Tax sale by collector
104.99
State Auditing tax
33.76
- -$
2,344.65
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES
Water Department
Salaries and wages Superintendent
$ 1,404.00
Clerical
500.00
Printing, stationery and postage
171.47
All other
2.00
Maturing Bonds
5,500.00
Interest on Bonds
3,733.75
General
Labor
300.00
Teams
176.39
Pipe and fittings
3,126.63
Equipment
1,441.41
Water purchased
3,221.63
All other
8.79
Service Pipe
Labor pay rolls
1,442.38
Pipe and fittings
869.86
All other
312.35
Total Water Department ...
$ 22,210.66
CEMETERIES
Care of North Cemetery $ 50.00
-___ $ 50.00
44
Interest
INTEREST AND MATURING DEBT
Temporary Loans in Anticipation
of Revenue $ 5,764.88
General Loans
High School loan 9,250.00
Schools 3,786.25
Bridge Loan
2,320.00
Highway Loans
960.00
Sewer Loan
680.00
Total Interest $ 22,761.13
Municipal Indebtedness
Temporary Loans in Anticipation
of Revenue $180,000.00
High School 13,000.00
Other School loans
8,000.00
Bridge Loan 4,000.00
Main St. Highway Loan
6,000.00
Sewer Loan
1,000.00
Total Municipal Indebtedness $ 212,000.00
AGENCY, TRUST AND INVESTMENT
State Tax $ 13,320.00
County Tax 11,733.33
Income Davis Library Fund 783.89
Total Agency $ 25,837.22
REFUNDS
National Bank Tax
$
4.66
-$ 4.66
Total Payments
$ 561,534.92
Cash on hand December 31, 1927 $ 15,885.34
Cash in Public Trust Funds 66.86
Total cash on hand
$
15,952.20
Total cash and payments
$ 577,487.12
45
RECAPITULATION
Payments for year 1927
General Government $ 11,761.97
Protection to Persons and Property 9,709.54
Health and Sanitation 3,565.99
Highway Department 114,346.51
Charities and Soldiers' Benefits 5,419.47
Schools
129,999.94
Libraries
1,523.18
Unclassified
2,344.65
Public Service Enterprises
22,210.66
Cemetery
50.00
Interest and Maturing Debt
Interest
22,761.13
Municipal Indebtedness
212,000.00
Agency Trust and Investment
25,837.22
Refunds
4.66
Cash and Other Public Trust
funds
15,952.20
Total payments and cash
$ 577,487.12
TRIAL BALANCE AFTER CLOSING BOOKS DECEMBER 31, 1927
Cash
$ 15,952.20
Taxes 1923
73.87
Taxes 1924
755.67
Taxes 1925
9,572.33
Taxes 1926
55,596.07
Taxes 1927
110,418.56
Accounts Rec. County and State
Aid to Highways
21,000.00
Schools
32.00
Sidewalks and curbing
652.58
Water Rates
4,635.29
Water Entrances
691.38
Tax Titles
310.00
Revenue Loans
$ 100,000.00
Overlay 1924
3,991.30
Overlay 1925
1,184.61
Overlay 1926
1,842.09
46
Overlay 1927
970.27
Trust Fund Income
66.86
Departmental Revenue
32.00
Zoning and Rules Committee
500.00
Water Revenue
5,326.67
Tax Title Revenue
310.00
Excess and Deficiency
59,052.90
Meadow Street pavement
31,665.95
Land Damage
2,525.65
Libraries
100.00
Grading High School Lot
200.00
Water Maintenance
16,972.95
$222,215.60 $222,215.60
47
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Approp.
Expend.
Assessors
$
2,500.00
$ 2,500.00
Town Buildings
2,000.00
2,582.60
Town Clerk, Treas. and Coll.
2,500.00
2,500.00
'Town Office
4,000.00
3,791.17
Surety Bonds
350.00
322.50
Forestry
1,100.00
1,085.36
Fire Department
4,500.00
4,506.51
Police Department
3,500.00
3,508.11
Health
2,000.00
1,446.29
Highways and Bridges
20,000.00
20,021.69
Schools
130,000.00
129,999.94
Public Welfare
5,500.00
5,323.47
Sealer
600.00
609.56
Inspector of Meats and Animals
900.00
1,205.00
Libraries
1,623.92
1,523.18
State Aid
100.00
96.00
Sewers
1,500.00
914.70
Reserve Fund
1,000.00
567.29
Street Lights
9,500.00
9,300.91
Interest
22,000.00
22,761.13
Debt
32,000.00
32,000.00
Memorial Day
150.00
150.00
Liability Insurance
400.00
393.60
County Aid to Agriculture
400.00
400.00
House Numbering
100.00
100.00
Sidewalks and Curbing
2,000.00
1,996.67
Care of North Cemetery
50.00
50.00
Meadow Street Construction
19,000.00
25,334.05
School Street Construction
10,000.00
9,954.70
Drainage damage
200.00
200.00
Grading High School lot
500.00
300.00
Maple Street Construction
2,000.00
1,980.00
Zoning
1,000.00
500.00
Maple and Bridge Street Construction
44,540.00
40,877.92
48
Treasurer's Report
Year Ending December 31, 1927
Cash on hand January 1, 1927
$
7,764.51
Receipts 1927 569,723.61
Total $577,487.12
Payments 1927 $561,534.92
Cash on hand December 31, 1927
$ 15,952.20
TRUST FUNDS
Whiting Street Fund
On Hand January 1, 1927
Cash
$
1,034.11
Securities
5,500.00
Received
Income from fund
341.29
Premium on securities 20.00
-$ 6,895.40
Paid orders of Trustees $ 243.66
Accrued interest
21.67
Discount on securities
30.00
Safe Deposit box
7.50
On Hand December 31, 1927 Cash
1,092.57
Securities
5,500.00
-$ 6,895.40
49
Desire A. Pyne Fund
On Hand January 1, 1927
Securities
$ 2,000.00
Cash
131.81
Income
91.00
2,222.81
Expenditures
For Worthy Poor $ 37.00
On Hand December 31, 1927 Securities
2,000.00
Cash
185.81
-$
2,222.81
Phelon School Fund
On Hand January 1, 1927
Securities
$ 4,150.00
Cash
624.85
Income from fund
179.23 $
4,954.08
On Hand December 31, 1927
Securities
$ 4,150.00
Cash
804.08
$
4,954.08
Maple Grove Cemetery Fund
Securities on Hand $ 500.00
$
500.00
Davis Library Fund
Income for 1927 $ 825.15
-$
825.15
Expenses
41.26
Paid to F. A. Worthington, Treas. 783.89
-$
825.15
Phelon Library Fund
On Hand January 1, 1927
Securities
$ 500.00
Income
35.02
535.02
-
--- $
50
On Hand December 31, 1927 Securities
$
500.00
Cash
35.02
-$ 535.02
Old Cemetery Fund
Securities on hand January 1, 1927 $
700.00
Income
31.84
-$
731.84
On Hand December 31, 1927
Securities
$ 700.00
Cash
31.8+
-$
731.84
HENRY E. BODURTHA,
Treasurer
51
LIABILITIES, DECEMBER 31, 1927
Fifteen bonds of $1,000, payable annu- ally, Oct. 1, 1928-1942, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4%, water loan $ 15,000.00
Bonds of 1913 water loan, payable $3,500 annually, July 1, 1928-34, to Old Colony Trust Co., at +1/2% . 51,000.00
1916 Schoolhouse loan, $1,000, payable annually, July 1, 1928-34, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4% 7,000.00
1917 Schoolhouse loan, $1,000, payable annually, Sept. 1, 1928-32, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 41/2% 5,000.00
Sewer bonds of 1916, payable $1,000 an- nually, Dec. 1, 1928-43, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4% 16,000.00
Water bonds of 1917, payable $1,000 an- nually, Oct. 1, 1928-42, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 41/2% 15,000.00
High School bonds, $13,000 anuually, Sept. 1, 1928-31; $12,000 anuually, Sept. 1, 1932-41, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 5% 172,000.00
Schoolhouse loan of 1924, payable $3,000 annually, June 1, 1928-30; $2,000, June 1, 1931-44, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 41/4% 37,000.00
Memorial Bridge loan, payable $4,000 annually, Oct. 1, 1928-30; $3,000 an- nually, Oct. 1, 1931-44, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4% 54,000.00
52
Highway loan, payable $2,000 annually, Oct. 1, 1928-33, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 10,000.00
Schoolhouse loan of 1925, payable $3,000 annually, June 1, 1928-40, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 38,000.00
Highway loan of 1925, payable $4,000 annually, June 1, 1928-29, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 8,000.00
Meadow Street loan of 1927, payable $5,000 annually, Nov. 15, 1928-29, to Old Colony Corporation, at 4% .... 10,000.00
Temporary loans 100,000.00
$538,000.00
53
REPORT OF Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and Board of Health
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The needs of this department are influenced by so many different conditions that it is hard to foretell the first of the year what the needs of the twelve months will be.
Twenty-nine families have been aided, some for the entire year and others for a few days only.
Sickness has been the cause of many applying for aid and unemployment another main cause.
We have done better than we expected at one time as we were able to charge other towns and cities for several expensive cases.
HIGHWAYS
During the past year Meadow Street was started with the cooperation of the State and County, and will be finished early this Spring.
This relieves one of our worst streets and is an improvement which will be appreciated by all. Maple and Bridge Streets were completed on the same basis.
We wish to take this occasion to urge upon the voters the advisability of carrying on this permanent highway work with the State, County and Town paying one-third each as long as we can get their cooperation.
Springfield Street from the Agawam Bridge to the inter- section of Walnut Street was torn up and rebuilt; Springfield Street the entire length and Walnut Street were resurfaced, which puts them in good condition for a number of years.
During the year we purchased a new two ton Tractor with a snow plow to go with it, which puts us in good shape for any
54
snow storm which might come. We also got a new road scraper and new truck and have rebuilt the back of the Feeding Hills Fire Station for a garage, which was much needed.
We strongly recommend continuing buying equipment and putting the Highway Department up to date as we have a good start now and in the end it is the only way to keep abreast of the times with the demands which are now made upon our highways.
BOARD OF HEALTH For 1927
We have lived up to our reputation as a good healthful town to live in. We have had a few scattered cases of scarlet fever, diphtheria, chicken-pox, measles, etc., but nothing that could be called an epidemic.
Our tuberculosis cases are always expensive but we have been fortunate as to the number.
Considering all things we have had an exceptionally good year.
GILES W. HALLADAY CHARLES W. HULL JAMES F. KIRBY
Selectmen, Board of Public Welfare, Board of Health
55
Report of the Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit to you the annual report of the Police Department from May 1, 1927, to December 31, 1927, inclusive.
ARRESTS
Assault
4
Assault with a dangerous weapon
1
Alien in possession of fire arms
1
Automobile violations
13
Breaking and entering and larcency
7
Breaking and entering
3
Breach of the peace
3
Cruelty to animals
2
Drunkenness
30
Fugitive from justice
1
Hunting without license
1
Illegal shooting of song birds
2
Insane
1
Larceny
3
Liquor violation
13
Malicious destruction of property
2
Non-support
3
Peddling without license
1
Stubborn child
1
Vagrancy
1
Violation of probation
7
Total number of arrests 100
56
DISPOSITION
Continued day to day
3
Discharged
3
Defaulted
1 2
Filed
Fined
44
House of Correction
3
Lyman School
1
Northampton (Insane Hospital)
1
Joined Army
1 6
Probation
Restitution
8
To other Police
1
Shirley
3
State Farm
5
Suspended Sentences
6
Released
7
Pending
5
Total
100
Total Amount of Fines Imposed. $ 1,893.00
Total Amount turned back to Town Treasury
1,515.00
Restitution
465.00
Defaulted
1,000.00
Value of Stolen Property recovered
150.00
Stolen Automobiles Recovered (5) Value
2,000.00
It is extremely gratifying to me to render this, my first Police Report. I' believe that today the Town is in a fairly clean condition, although there is much more work to be done.
Police work can only be accomplished efficiently through coop- eration, and I take this opportunity to thank the Board of Select- men, the State Police, the Special Police and Public at large for the assistance and cooperation rendered.
In the past season we have had a number of automobile ac- cidents, two of which resulted in fatalities, but in each case the driver has been apprehended and brought before the Courts. We have had a number of cases of Breaking and Entering and Lar- ceny, both in places of Business and Dwelling Houses, but I am
57
pleased to state that these have been taken care of and the Guilty punished.
There is much that should be done on our Highways in the interest of Safety, and I am in hopes that something can be ac- complished along this line the coming season.
Respectfully submitted,
PERLEY J. HEWEY,
Chief of Police
58
Report of Tree and Forest Warden
SHADE TREES
Owing to severe storms and winds the past season we have had several costly jobs in removing broken trees and debris, but fortunately no very heavy damage occurred.
When removing dead and worthless, we replant where nec- essary with new ones and as many more as possible with the funds at our disposal will permit of.
Last season we sprayed our elm shade trees for the first time in a number of years and it made a great improvement in foilage and appearance throughout the season and would advise spraying them again the coming season.
Last year $200.00 was appropriated for this purpose, and although the work cost somewhat more, your servant would rec- ommend the same amount for 1928.
MOTH WORK
Last year your servant in conjunction with State moth men planted several colonies of gypsy moth parasites in the worst infested places. Some planted in 1926 are multiplying and feed- ing on moth caterpillars and we hope eventually will control them, especially in the woodland where our worst trouble will be in the future.
As the young caterpillars are blown by strong winds and car- ried by automobiles, your servant believes it will be almost im- possible to exterminate them. However, we can control them by scouting or parasites or both.
Expense, Moth Work $285.50
Scouting
Spraying 28.46
$313.96
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1928
For Moth Work
$ 300.00
Spraying Shade Trees 200.00
Tree Warden
600.00
$1,100.00
Respectfully sumitted,
EDWIN M. HITCHCOCK,
Tree and Forest Warden
60
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Selectmen of Agawam,
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report of work done for the year.
Articles sealed 531
Condemned 106
Food inspections 153
Correct
73
Under weight
41
Over weight
39
A percentage of under weight (.267%) which is too high. Peddlers have been brought under some control this year; it should be made complete.
I wish to thank our Chief of Police for the help he has rendered.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWIN U. LEONARD,
Sealer of Weights and Measures
61
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
For the Year Ending December 31, 1927
In submitting our annual report we first wish to thank you for the substantial increase in the appropriation which you granted us for 1927.
We were able to do some very much needed repairs on the three Fire Stations. At Feeding Hills a first class heater was installed and is giving entire satisfaction. The exterior of the building was painted two coats, and a sign placed on the building. All of these things have added to the stations an improvement which will last for a number of years. The station at North Agawam was given two coats of paint, and some minor repairs on the heating system were made. Repairs on heater at Agawam Center were also made. At Agawam Center the Station was given two coats of paint both inside and out, and a sign similar to the one at Feeding Hills was placed over the double doors on the front of the building. Following a lead taken by the Feeding Hills Company last year equipment boxes and ladder racks were made and placed on the trucks of North Agawam and Agawam Center. These add neatness to the trucks and also are an aid to efficiency.
New coats were purchased which are greatly appreciated by the men to whom they were issued. And we hope to see the three units of the department so equipped in the near future. 600 feet of 21/2 inch double jacket fire hose was purchased, also 600 feet of 11/2 inch single jacket hose. The firemen who have used this latter size hose are pleased with it and express a desire to see more of it as part of their equipment.
Just a word in regards to Fire Prevention. As far back as records are available, the year 1927 stands out in Big Red Let- ters. More calls were made on the department than ever before.
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While these words might sound bold, many of these calls were for fires that had a motive behind them that was far from honest. Some of these have been proven, others are pending. In one case two attempts were made to destroy a building; the second one accomplished it. Another case, no one we feel sure, con- nected with the dwelling were at fault, but nevertheless it was a total loss when the department reached the scene.
We wish to thank the members of the three companies for the very efficient and unselfish manner in which they have served the Town of Agawam. We suggest the hydrants be installed in the more thickly settled parts of the town. This in time will reduce the amount of hose which will have to be laid to control fires.
This report would not be complete without calling attention to the way in which the men of Company No. 3, Agawam Center, got out and collected a sum of money and purchased a fire siren, which they erected on a tower in the rear of their station. Thanks is also given to the residents of this fire district whose support made this movement a success. The installation of this siren has made it possible for the men in this Company to gather at the scene of a fire much quicker than formerly. While the number of boxes at present is only three it is hoped in time to increase them and possibly install a code system.
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