USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1902-1903 > Part 22
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326 21
.
POOR WIDOWS' FUNDS.
There are apparently three of these funds, the income of which is available as indicated for the benefit of poor widows.
1. Poor Widows Fund (so called ), $613.11.
Mrs. Mary Cutter (wife of William) died March 9, 1836, and bequeathed by will $200, as follows :
" I give and bequeath unto the Selectmen of the Town of West Cambridge and their successors in said office the sum of two hundred dollars to be by them put out and secured in the name of the Treasurer of said Town on interest ; and the interest arising from said sum I will and order the Selectmen for the
46
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
time being annually to distribute among the poor widows of said Town (not otherwise helped by the Town) in the way and manner they may think most for the benefit of said poor widows."
The original sum has been increased by donations from J. S. Potter and others till it amounted to six hundred thirteen and 11-100 ($613.11) dollars.
This fund is now invested in a Town note given in anticipa- tion of taxes of 1903. The unexpended income is in the Town Treasury and subject to orders from the Selectmen as trustees for purposes indicated.
2. The Pratt Poor Widows' Fund, $5,000.
Mr. Nathan Pratt died March 11, 1873, and bequeathed by will $5,000, as follows :
" I give and bequeath to the Town of Arlington the sum of five thousand dollars for the Poor Widows' Fund." This fund is under control of " Trustees of Pratt Fund," but the income is subject to order of the Selectmen as trustees for purposes indicated.
3. The Martha M. W. Russell Poor Widows' Fund, $1,773.07.
Mrs. Martha M. W. Russell died October 6, 1888, and be- queathed by will, as follows :
" I give and bequeath to the Trustees of the Poor Widows' Fund of the Town of Arlington the balance of principal and in- terest due on Bank Book No. 439 in the Arlington Five Cents Savings Bank in my name, the same to be added to the princi- pal of said fund and the income therefrom to be devoted to the relief of the poor widows of Arlington."
The interest of this fund has never been disturbed until the present year when a portion was used. This fund is under the control of the Selectmen as Trustees, and the income available for purposes indicated.
The fund with unexpended income is in Arlington Five Cent Savings Bank.
47
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
INCOME FROM THE SEVERAL POOR WIDOWS' FUNDS.
The available income from the several Poor Widows' Funds January 1, 1904, is as follows : -
Unexpended income of Poor Widows' Fund (in Town Treasury ) . $162 46 Unexpended income of Martha M. W. Russell P. W. F. (in Savings Bank) 529 46
$691 92
The question has arisen - whether all of the Poor Widows' . Funds are practically one and the same, and whether all the in- come is to be used under the same limitations.
TOWN PRINTING.
The printing for the different departments is of such volume and character that it would seem advisable to have the same done under different arrangements from what has existed here- tofore. Instead of the several departments acting independ- ently in this matter, the printing should be combined and done possibly by contract thus saving expense.
THE ANNUAL TOWN REPORTS.
The annual reports should be printed and ready for distribu- tion at least two or three weeks before the annual Town Meeting. Citizens should have ample time to peruse the reports previous to Town action thereon and in season to insert articles in the Town warrant suggested by said perusal. This necessitates, of course, earlier preparation of official and de- partmental reports.
48
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
To this end, notices were sent out requesting the receipt of all reports by the Selectmen on or before the 16th of January. Quite a number were received at that date but some not till much later. For this reason the Selectmen were obliged to send their own report to the printer somewhat incomplete, not having seen or examined carefully the late reports and thus unable to make possible references or suggestions. All reports should be in before the Selectmen finish their own.
ITEMS.
In some important instances the amount charged to certain items in the Auditor's report does not represent the exact ex- penditure therefor. Particularly is this the case in the highway account.
The total borrowings in anticipation of taxes of the year 1903 aggregate $103,083.36.
Of this $53,083.36 is still outstanding.
The amount of uncollected taxes levied for 1903 is $54,965.22.
The total indebtedness of the Town December 31, 1903, including temporary loans, is $715,647.40, which is $33,618.20 less than a year ago.
The State and County Taxes for 1903 aggregate $17,093.40 which is $3,351.42 more than the year previons.
The Metropolitan Park, Sewer and Water taxes aggregate $24,036.45 for 1903, which is $873.20 more than in 1902.
The Assessors' valuation of Real and Personal Estate May 1, 1903, was $9,820,719, which is an increase of $277,177 over that of 1902.
49
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
The tax-rate the past year was $21 on $1,000 or $1.70 more than for the year previous.
The borrowing capacity of the Town December 31, 1903, (as indicated by the Auditor) is $66,057.53.
EDWIN S. FARMER, GEORGE I. DOE, WARREN W. RAWSON, Selectmen.
LIST OF JURORS.
LIST OF JURORS OF THE TOWN OF ARLINGTON, REVISED BY THE SELECTMEN, JANUARY, 1904.
Adams, Thurber C., Bookbinder. Allen, Abbott, Farmer. Allen, Vinal, Grocer.
Bailey, Jas. A., Retired. Barker, John J., Brass Finisher.
Barker, Simeon, Carpenter. Bartlett, Alfred H., Wholesale Druggist. Bradley, Wm. H., Polisher.
Bradley, Leander D., Hardware. Bennett, John N., Carpenter. Bitzer, Jacob, Piano Case Maker.
Bott, Frank, Wholesale Grocer. Brittain, Frederick V., Salesman. Brooks, Geo. M., Cashier. Butler, Wm H., Commission Merchant.
Butcher, Edw. T., Machinist. Butterfield, Jos. H., Farmer. Bond, Everett P., Clerk. Bucknam, Herman F , Salesman.
Chaffin, Nathan L , Restauraut. Churchill, Elbert L., Coal Merchant. Clark, Geo , Stable Keeper. Connelly, John F., Salesman. Crosby, Roland S., Farmer. Crosby, Edgar, Farmer. Crosby, Charles F., Farmer.
Carter, Charles H .. Salesman. Colbert, Isaac J., Gateman. Colman, Jeremiah, Auctioneer.
Colpritt, James H., Paper Hanger.
Cook, William K., Salesman. Cutter, Edward H , Farmer. Cutter, Charles S., Farmer.
Dale, David T., Rope Maker. Damon, Frederick W., Manufacturing. Davis, Gorham H., Leather. Dewing, Eben F., Asst Cashier. Dodge, Henry D., Engraver. Doughty, Charles H., Lumber. Duffy, James E., Barber. Durgin, Winfield S., Ice Dealer.
51
LIST OF JURORS.
Eaton, Joseph H , Produce. Everhardt, Phillip, Manufacturer. Eveleth, Harlan F., Bookkeeper.
Fessenden, Frank A., Custodian. Fifield, Wallace A., Clerk. Fitzpatrick, Wm. A., Clerk. Finley, John T., Machinist. Foster, Parker H., Printer. Foster, Wm. T., Metals. Fowle, Frederick E., Gentleman. Frost, Frederick O., Farmer.
Gearin, Wm. J., Motorman. Gage, J. Prescott, Real Estate. Gray, John. Bookkeeper. Grannan, Daniel W., Undertaker. Gregory, Harry T., Electrician. Green, Henry J. Teamster. Green, Thos. J., Grocer.
Hall, Geo. H., Carpet Cleaning. Hanna, James, Carpenter. Harding, Theodore P , Banker. Hardy, Charles A., (Moore Pl.) Clerk. Hendrick, Patrick T., Shoe Dealer. Hilliard, R. Walter, Insurance. Hogan, Thomas, Salesman.
Johnson, Clarence E , Fruit and Produce. Jones, William H., Poultry Dealer. Jones, Benjamin G., Salesman.
Kellogg, Wm. D., Broker. Knowles, Alfred H., Plumber
Lane, George W., Gentleman. Lathrop, Philetus C., Retired. Lawson, Arthur A., Manager. Lowe, George H., Contractor. Lyons, John, Farmer. Leetch, John G., Operator.
Mahoney, Jas. J., Clerk. Mann, James R., Bank Clerk. Marden, James A , Retired. Marston, Alfred T., Bookkeeper. Marston, Oran B , Carpenter. McClellan, Geo. W., Expressman. Mead, Sylvester, Marketman. Mead, Jas. M., Farmer. Miller, George H., Jeweler. Miller, Frank H., Jeweler. Moore, Geo. D., Farmer.
52
LIST OF JURORS.
Nourse, William, Gardener. Noyes, Frank V., Insurance.
Patterson, Francis A., Real Estate.
Purcell, Edmund J., Farmer.
Parker, Chias. A., Foreman.
Peirce, Benjamin H., Coal Salesman.
Perkins, Clifford F., Clerk. Perry, John H., Clerk. Prescott, Edwin, Inventor. Priest, Thomas F., Elevator.
Rawson. Herbert W., Seed Store. Reed, Andrew F.
Robinson, John J , Cornice Maker Rowe, Matthew, Grocer.
Sawyer, Geo. A., Carpenter. Scannell, Michael W., Salesman.
Schouler, Wiliard C., Artist.
Schwamb, Carl W., Picture Mouldings. Seale, Archibald, Laborer.
Seaver, Alexander H., Arlington News Co.
Severy, Melvin L , Inventor. Smith, Fred A., Jeweller.
Talcott, Thomas W., Wholesale Woolens. Tappan, Daniel L , Farmer. Thorpe, Wm. H , Superintendent. - Trow, A. Winslow, Dry Goods.
Welch, Thomas F., Cornice Maker. Wellington, Frank Y., Insurance. White, Geo. W., Stone Mason.
"Whittemore, Omar W., Druggist. Whytal, Charles B., Grocer. Winn, Frank P., Real Estate. Winn, William N., Coal Dealer. Wyman, Charles P., Retired. ·Wyman, Joseph P , Salesman. "Wyman, Franklin, Farmer. Wood, William B., Manufacturer.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Arlington :
GENTLEMEN : - I have the honor to submit herewith the an- nual report of the conditions and doings of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1903.
ROSTER.
CHIEF. Alonzo S. Harriman, appointed Chief, May 1, 1894.
PATROLMEN.
Garrett Barry,
appointed 66
November, 1876.
Daniel M. Hooley,
May 1, 1887.
Andrew Irwin,
66
April 1, 1889.
John Duffy,
July 20, 1891.
James E. Whitten,
March 30, 1896.
Charles H. Woods,
March 30, 1896.
Fred E. Smith,
66
April 1, 1889.
Robert H. Fall,
July 8, 1901.
The Chief and two patrolmen are on duty in the day time ; during the night six patrolmen are on duty.
Appropriation .
·
$8,880 00
Expenditures
8,844 30
Unexpended
$35 70
For a detailed statement of expenditures see report of Auditor.
The expenses of the department have been kept to a minimum. No expenses where it could be avoided.
54
CHIEF OF POLICE.
ARRESTS.
Whole number of arrests for the year
127
Males
117
Females
10
Adults
.
108
Minors .
19
Residents
67
Non-residents
60
Foreign born .
46
American born
81
The offences for which arrests have been made are as follows :
Assault .
9
Breaking and entering
5
Common drunkard
.
.
1
Default .
1
Disturbing the peace
11
Drunkeness
45
Escaped prisoner
1
False pretence
1
Forgery
2
Gaming on Lord's Day
2
Larceny .
9
Malicious mischief .
5
Non-support
4
Perjure .
1
Rape
1
Stubborn child
1
Truancy
2
Trespass . .
.
.
14
.
· .
. .
·
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
55
CHIEF OF POLICE.
Violation of Town by-laws
2
Violation of liquor laws
6
Walking upon railroad tracks .
4
LODGERS.
Whole number of lodgers
331
Male
Female
.
.
·
330
Minors
1
Foreign born .
146
American born
185
White
328
Colored .
3
49 less than the year 1902.
MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES PERFORMED.
Accidents reported
34
Buildings found open and secured
29
Cases investigated
.
.
64
Contagious diseases
58
Dead bodies cared for
1
Dead animals found
3
Defective streets and sidewalks
18
Defective water pipes
5
Defective wires and telephone .
45
Defective street lights
1341
Dogs killed
19
Fire alarms
38
Fires extinguished without alarm
7
Lanterns hung in dangerous places
13
Lost children cared for ·
.
14
Notices for Board of Health .
.
58
.
331
Adults
.
.
.
.
·
0
.
127
.
56
CHIEF OF POLICE.
Notices to delinquent dog owners
220
Sick and injured persons cared for
.
8
Street obstructions removed
4
Search warrant served ·
6
Stray teams cared for
12
PROPERTY REPORTED STOLEN AND RECOVERED.
Amount of property reported stolen . $638 75
Amount of property recovered
· 547 25
Amount of property reported lost
94 00
Amount of property reported found .
· 102 00
COURT RECORD.
Number of days in attendance at Third District Court 136
Number of persons paying fines
45
Committed for non-payment of fines
15
Discharged
20
Default .
7
Placed on file .
10
Probation
6
State Farm
4
State board outside poor .
1
Turned over to other officers
.
6
To The House of Good Shepard
.
1
To The House of Correction
5
To Grand Jury
5
To the Reformatory
1
To the Truant School .
.
.
.
1
Total
127
·
.
.
.
.
·
.
.
.
.
NO-LICENSE LAW.
During the past year, as in former years, a determined effort has been made to suppress the illegal sale of liquors.
57
CHIEF OF POLICE.
Six cases of violations of the liquor law have been presented to the Court : Four (4) convictions, two (2) discharged. Three hundred dollars ($300) were paid into the Court for liquor fines. This will be paid to the Town Treasurer.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I again recommend that an increase of one officer be made to the force. I find that it is actually necessary to have an officer in the station at all hours of the night. The many calls by telephone and otherwise, necessitate that an officer must be there to receive and answer such calls. On December 1, 1903, I made a change by taking one of the night officers from his route and detailing him for night duty in the station Hours of duty from 7 P. M. until 7 A. M. Thus it leaves two officers to cover three routes. Therefore, I recommend an appoint- ment of one more officer to fill the outside vacancy.
I also recommend, and hope, that a horse will be provided for the ambulance and general use of the department. The many calls for the ambulance the past year show that some- thing must be done. At times it was almost impossible to procure a horse for immediate use. The ambulance has not only been used by the department but by many of the phy- sicians of the Town in removing sick persons to the different hospitals.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding this report, I desire to thank your Honorable Board and all others that have assisted me in the performance of my duties. Also, I would thank the members of the depart- ment for the prompt and efficient manner in which they dis- charged their duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ALONZO. S. HARRIMAN.
Chief of Police.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : -
GENTLEMEN : - I respectfully submit my annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1903.
ALARMS.
The department has answered 70 calls, 38 of these being bell, and 31 still alarms, one for assistance out of town, and one second alarm, making a larger number than heretofore, while our fire loss is small in comparison with the number of fires. This is owing principally to the promptness of the de- partment in arriving at the fires while in their earliest stages. The alarms were as follows : -
January 14. Box 46, 3.37 A. M.
Head House, Thos. Hill, 42 Dudley street. Value building, $50; loss, $5. Value contents, $50; no loss.
January 18. Box 54, 6.35 P. M.
Shed, rear Union Hall, Park avenue. Owned by Circle Associates. Value; $50; loss, $25. No insurance.
January 25. Box 47, 8.44 A. M.
Dry-House, Theo. Schwamb Co., 1171 Massachusetts avenue. No fire.
January 26. Still, 7.15 A. M.
Chimney, L. F. Perkins, 2 Eastern avenue.
January 27. Box 25, 10.40 A. M.
N. E. Consolidated Ice Company. No fire. Overheated smoke stack.
February 1. Still, 7.38 P. M. J. F. Maloney, 17 Brattle street. Overheated stack. No loss.
59
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
February º. Still, 9.38 A. M. James Campbell, 290 Broadway. Stove tipped over. No fire.
February 21. Box 54, 7.30 P. M. M. L. Severy, 236 Park avenue. Chimney.
March 4. 10 Blows, 1.15 A. M.
Fire in West Medford.
March 10. Box 24, 7.15 P. M. Estate Daniel Daley, 65 Beacon street. No loss.
March 12. Still, 8.20 P. M.
J. A. Merrifield, 284 Broadway. Chimney.
March 13. Box 24, 9.52 P. M. W. Robinson, corner Beacon and Coral streets. Outbuilding. Total loss.
April 16. Still, 2.55 A. M.
E. Major, 426 Massachusetts avenue. Incubator. No loss.
April 20. Box 23, 10.10 A. M.
Daniel Lyons, 43 Winter street. Hay stack.
April 21. Box 24, 2.05 A. M.
W. Robinson, corner Beacon and Coral streets. Barn. Total loss.
April 25. Box 26, 11.10 A. M.
Estate P. Kelley, Franklin street. Hay stack.
April 29. Box 47, 8 blows.
Forest fire, Forest street.
May 2. Box 17, 5 P. M.
Shed, Spy Pond Grove, Mrs. E. Steinkraus. Total loss. No insurance.
May 10. Box 28, 8 blows. Forest fire, off Mystic street.
May 17. Still, 5.25 P. M.
Dump, Prescott street.
May 17. Still, 8.30 P. M.
Forest fire, rear stone crusher.
May 18. Box 56, 8 blows, 1.20 A. M. Forest fire, rear stone crusher.
60
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
May 19, Still, 11.40 A. M.
Dump, Prescott street.
E
May 21. Still, 2.15 P. M.
Wood pile, Hobb's Pond.
May 21. Box 28, 2.45 P. M.
Forest fire, Estate A. Pierce, Oak St.
May 23. Still, 12.30 P. M.
Forest fire, Robbins road.
May 24. Still, 5.10 P. M.
Forest fire, Robbins road.
May 26. Still, 11.20 A. M.
Forest fire, Walnut street.
May 26. Still, 12.50 P. M.
Forest fire, Walnut street.
June 2. Still, 1.20 P. M. Forest fire, Summer street. Cutter Bros.
June 4. Still, 11.10 A. M.
Forest fire, Crescent Hill.
June 6. Box 71, 1.56 P. M. C. E. Simons, Arnold street. Dwelling. Value, $300. Total loss. No insurance.
June 6. Box 39, 10.11 P. M.
Robbins House, 688 Massachusetts avenue. Value, $6,000, insurance, $6,000; loss, $822.25.
June 9. Box 45, 4.25 P. M.
Wm. Finley, 9 Grove street. Dwelling. Value, $3,000, insurance, $1,700; loss, $190. Contents. Value, $1,500, insurance $700; loss, $44.
June 10. Still, 10.25 P.M.
Dump. Chestnut street.
June 14. Box 21, 8 A. M.
Wm. Sullivan, 51 Norcross street. Value of building $3,000, insurance, $2000; loss, $5. Value of contents, $1,500, insurance, $800; no loss.
June 16. Still, 11.35 A. M. A. Curtin, 1053 Massachusetts avenue. Chimney.
61
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
June 29. Box 4, 6.10 P. M.
Wm. E. Wood, 29 Jason street. Value, $15,000, insurance, $12,500; loss, $860.
July 2. Still, 12.42 A. M.
Mystic street. Dump.
July 4. Still, 1.01 A. M.
M. Hallis, Thorndike street. Lumber pile, loss $80; no insurance.
July 4. Still, 2.02 A. M.
D. Lyons, 43 Winter street. Hay stack.
July 4. Box 27, 3.27 P. M.
W. G. Greenleaf, 131 Mystic street. Value of building, $2,800, insurance, $2,600; loss, $125. Value contents, $750, insurance, $500; no loss.
July 4. Still, 3 A. M.
G. Milligan, 61 Henderson street. Outbuilding. No loss.
July 5. Still, 9.30 P. M.
Thos. Tolson, Massachusetts avenue. No loss.
July 6. Box 32, 3.29 A. M.
Fire in Belmont.
July 15. Still, 4.35 P. M.
Geo. D. Moore, Moore court. Loss, $25.
July 25. Box 46, 9.53 P. M. Miss Delia McCue, 36 Dudley street. Chimney.
August 13. Box 4.
J. S. Gahm, Windermere street. Rubbish pile.
August 14. Box 4, 5 P. M.
A. E. Watkins, 48 Bartlett avenue. No fire.
August 20. Box 512, 4.15 A. M.
R. F. Herrick, Trustee, 11 and 13 Lowell street. Value of building, $5,000, insurance, $3,800; loss, $76.05. Value contents, $1,000, no insurance; no loss.
August 23. Still, 12.25 A. M.
Boston Chrome Co., Grove street. No fire.
August 27. Still, 8.15 P. M.
Edw. Taylor, 200 Summer street. Value building, $1,000, insurance, $800; loss, $22. Value contents, $400, insurance, $288; loss, $12.
62
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
September 5. Box 46, 4.42 P. M.
H. P. McManus, off Summer street. Value building, $1,500, insurance, $900; loss, $60. Value contents, $500, insurance, $500; no loss.
September 6. Box 46, 1.02 A. M.
Wm. Burns, 32 Dudley street. Value building, $300, insurance, $250; total loss. Value contents, $100, insurance, $75; total loss.
September 21. Box 21, 8.08 P. M. Second alarm, 8.20 P. M.
Mrs. Dale, Decatur street. Rope walk. Value building, $1,200, in- surance $1,000; total loss. Value contents, $4,300, insurance, $3,500; loss, $1,621.25.
September 23. Box 15, 2.15 A. M.
Estate J. P. Squire, 18 Marathon street. Value building, $5,000, insurance, $4,500; loss, $1,900. Value contents, $4,200, insurance, $4,200; loss, $2,008.
October 3. Box 26, 2.16 A. M.
State of Massachusetts, 196 Medford street. Value building, $1,200, in- surance, $1,000; loss, $385.
October 24. Box 162, 3 P. M.
Test. Wood's Ice Tool Factory.
October 29. Still, 6.15 P. M.
11 Lowell street. L. Christensen. Oil stove explosion. No loss. .
November 1. Still, 11 A. M.
Estate P. Kelley, Franklin street. Hay stack.
November 5. Still, 12.52 A. M. Estate P. Kelley, Franklin street. Hay stack.
November 30. 2 P. M.
Grass fire, B. & M. R. R., Summer street.
December 12. Still, 8. 10 A. M.
Tar kettle, Robbins Spring barn. No loss.
December 16. Box 46, 1.05 P. M. Grass. Estate Geo. Hill, off Brattle street.
December 17. Box 21, 12.38 P. M.
Mrs. Margaret Dale, Decatur street. Value building, $3,500, insurance, $2,500; loss, $10.
December 18. Box 13, 5.50 p.M.
A. W. Ganong, 73 Henderson street. No loss.
63
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
Dec. 19. Still, 2.05 A. M.
Estate R. Dinsmore, 170 Summer street. Loss, $10. No insurance.
December 19. Box 14, 2.43 A. M. T. Tolson, Massachusetts avenue. Chimney.
MEMBERSHIP.
The membership of the department remains the same as in my last report. Mr. J. Herbert Harwood resigned his position as spare driver about Nov. 1st, and the vacancy was filled by Patrick O'Brien, a call member of Truck 1.
APPARATUS.
Hose 2 wagon has been furnished with a pole for a pair of horses. The other pieces of apparatus are in the same condition as last year. The Chemical Engine met with a serious accident on July 4th.
HORSES.
The department has ten horses. Each piece of apparatus has a pair of horses with the exception of Hose 4. One new pair of horses has been purchased and placed in Hose 2. One old horse has been sold, and one has been transferred. The horses have consumed 951 bushels of grain, 45,968 lbs. of hay, and 3,816 lbs. of straw, making a total of $942.85.
FIRE ALARM.
The fire alarm, in the hands of the Superintendent, has been entirely satisfactory. The details of the same will be found in his report.
BUILDINGS.
Hose 1 and 3 are in the same condition as last year. Very little has been expended on repairs. Hose 2 house has had
64
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
extensive repairs. Four new stalls and new stall fronts have been placed back of the apparatus. In order to make this change the whole lower floor was torn up. The plans were sub- mitted by Prescott & Sidebottom to have this work done by con- tract, but we found by submitting the plans to the builders in Town and to two out of town, it was impossible to do this within the limit of our appropriation. We therefore had the work done by the day by a local builder, working in our own men for 97 days, which was a great advantage and saving to the Town. After taking up the old stable floor, the sills and floor timbers were found in such poor condition we did not consider them safe to remain in. So all new floor timbers, flooring and sills are entirely separate from the original plans and were not fig- ured in at the time the plans were made. The lower floors of this house are now in first-class condition. Some changes should be made in the upper portion of this house to make it complete.
HOSE.
It is very essential that new hose should be purchased im- mediately, from our experience at our late fires. This matter should be looked into very carefully.
RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
The Firemen's Relief Association is in good condition. Through the generosity of our public-minded citizens we are able to add a little to our treasury each year.
SUGGESTIONS.
I would renew my suggestion that the high water service be extended farther down the Avenue and Medford Street, and over Pleasant Street for better fire protection. I suggest that there be some better ventilation in Hose 3 house. I also sug- gest that a set of runners be purchased for the ladder truck.
65
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
APPROPRIATION.
I would recommend the sum of $9,700 for the general running expenses of the department.
CONCLUSION.
I desire to thank your Board for the kindly help and assis- tance in the performance of my duties. My assistants, also, receive my thanks for favors and the able manner with which they have cheerfully performed their duty. To the Captains and members, I also express my sincere thanks for the prompt- ness and efficient manner in which they have discharged their duties.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES GOTT, Chief of Fire Department.
-
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES AND SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS.
ARLINGTON, January, 1904. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : -
GENTLEMEN : - I herewith respectfully present to you my fourth annual report as Inspector of Wires and Superintendent of Fire Alarms for the year ending December 31, 1903, with such recommendations as I consider are for the best interests of our citizens.
INSPECTION OF WIRES.
The inspection of wires in buildings and on the highways as followed by this department in the past four years has been productive of good results and the citizens are getting work done which in every respect conforms to the rules of the National Board of Fire Underwriters governing this class of construction. Your Inspector has experienced considerable trouble in the past year in buildings where gas piping was in- stalled in connection with the electric lighting system, by the contractors not properly fastening the pipes at outlets to pro- vide a secure support for fixtures, also this class of piping has been placed in buildings after the wiring system had been in- spected and the pipes were found to cross or otherwise connect with the electric light system. This being a very dangerous condition of affairs, changes were immediately ordered as soon as discovered. There is nothing to prevent a repetition of this which may in the future produce serious results. In the opinion of your Inspector a system of municipal gas inspection should be established at an early date for many reasons other than stated above to the end that all gas piping, fixtures, etc., for lighting, heating or other purposes shall be properly in- stalled both from a standpoint of health and safety.
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