USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1902-1903 > Part 3
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We recommend an increase in the salary of the Sealer of Weights and Measures.
The work of the Health Department has been done by the Highway Department. We think it advisable to collect paper and such combustible material separately from ashes, and that a specially constructed wagon be used therefor. Four hundred dollars have been received from the sale of offal and should be placed to the credit of the Health Department.
The purchase and transfer of additional playground for Locke School has been consummated.
STREET WATERING.
The streets have been watered in the same manner as last year. The cost to the abutters was 2 1-3 cents per front foot.
STREET SIGNS.
A number of signs have been repainted and new ones placed.
COAL.
All departments using coal will be put to extra expense the coming year on account of the high price of that article.
33
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
BOARD OF SURVEY.
Fourteen petitions have been received. for the approval of plans contemplating the laying out and construction of streets and seventeen hearings given on the same. Lines and grades were established on thirteen streets. The Board also in accord- ance with Sec. 3, Chapter 249, Acts 1897, established lines and grades on four. other streets after giving six hearings. See Town Engineer's report for detail. No appropriation was made by the Town for this department, but all expenses were to be charged to incidentals,
One hundred and thirty dollars and thirty-five cents has been expended for engineering.
CRESCENT HILL AVENUE.
Four petitions were received by the Selectmen asking the Board to lay out certain streets on Crescent Hill as Town ways and bring the same in regular form before the Town for acceptance.
Action on Crescent Hill avenue appeared to be the most urgent and after two well attended hearings this street was laid out as a Town way under the Betterment Act, from Park place to a point 200 feet beyond Montague street.
December 1, 1902, it was accepted by the Town as laid out by the Selectmen and $2,500 voted to construct the same.
IRVING STREET EXTENSION.
The extension of Irving street which was authorized Novem- ber 18, 1901, by an appropriation of $2,100 was carried out. The cost for construction alone was $1,170.64; for damages awarded $1,220 ; total, $2,390.64. The assessments for better- ments amounted to $1,260, nearly all of which has been paid.
34
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
ALMSHOUSE.
During the year eleven inmates have been cared for. Of these five were admitted, two sent to Danvers Insane Asylum, one died and two were discharged.
At present (December 31) there are five males and one female cared for.
The number of tramps lodged and fed during the year is 341 males and one female.
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Tay have been in charge and rendered the same faithful services. Asphalt floor has been laid in one of the rooms.
On January 9 fires occurred in the stable and shed. The loss on the buildings was $1,054. The loss to the Highway Department was $620. Insurance to cover the loss was received to the amount of $474.
As the stable and outbuildings are used almost entirely by the Highway Department, one would recommend that all ex- penditures for keeping the same in repair in the future be charged to the Highway appropriation.
POOR OUTSIDE THE ALMSHOUSE.
The calls here are always many and must be met with sym- pathetic and reasonable liberality. The past year has been exceptional in the high price of provisions and fuel and thus added much to expenditures.
Partial support has been given to 108 residents, not includ- ing those aided here but charged to other municipalities.
Five persons having a settlement in Arlington but residing elsewhere have been assisted.
Full support has been given to fifteen in insane hospitals and one in Feeble-Minded School.
35
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
STREET LIGHTS.
As authorized by the Town a new contract was made with the Somerville Electric Light Company. The contract was. for five years and went into effect May 1, 1902. The Com- pany agrees to furnish 104 or more arc lights for $73 each per year, and 189 or more incandescent lights of 32 candle power for $23.50 each per year.
All arc lights to be of the alternating enclosed type with electrical energy of 422 Watts on the average. Four new arcs. and twenty new incandescents have been installed, making the- total number at present as above. All arcs have been changed to those of the enclosed pattern. The service is very satisfac- tory. Notwithstanding the number of lights installed is all the appropriation allows, we frequently have requests for additional lights, some of which are very urgent but cannot be provided because of no funds for this purpose.
Mr. Reuben LeBaron has continued in charge of the apparatus for testing the current.
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS.
May 17 the Selectmen appointed an Inspector of Buildings. as authorized by vote of the Town.
Eighty-five permits have been granted during the year, twelve of which were issued previous to the Inspector's appoint- ment. The duties of this office are such and so important that. none but competent and salaried appointees can render service- reasonably demanded by the Town. The value of buildings and alterations inspected is estimated at $165,800. The con -. struction of these buildings is no doubt more substantial and the: work of a higher grade because of efficient enforcement of our building laws.
36
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
The inspection is very helpful to the assessors in placing value, and must be of interest to parties desiring to purchase.
We recommend the continuance of a salaried officer. For details see Inspector's report.
SURFACE DRAINS.
The work laid out three years ago for storm drains has been completed and the original appropriation therefor expended, together with an overdraft of $199.49.
Storm drains have been constructed the past year in Kensington park, Appleton street and Florence avenue.
For detail see report of Superintendent of Streets.
The relief afforded by these drains to surface water in times of storm and of melting snow and ice has been what was antic- ipated and the expenditure fully justified.
TOWN HOUSE.
This building is in good order, with the exception of the rooms mentioned in our report for 1901. We would recom- mend that the rooms be repaired at an expense not to exceed $80, so that the main offices shall have a respectable appearance.
EDWIN S. FARMER, GEORGE I. DOE, WALTER CROSBY, Selectmen.
LIST OF JURORS.
LIST OF JURORS OF THE TOWN OF ARLINGTON, REVISED BY THE SELECTMEN, JANUARY, 1903.
Allen, Abbott, Farmer. Allen, Vinal, Grocer. Allen, Frank C., Salesman.
Bailey, Jas. A., Retired.
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. II , Farmer.
Bond, Everett P., Clerk. Bucknam, Herman F , Salesman. Baldwin, Wm W., Milkman.
Chaffin, Nathan L., Restaurant. Clark Geo., Stable Keeper. Connelly, John F., Salesman.
Crosby, Roland S., Farmer. Crosby, Edgar, Farmer. ·
Crosby, Charles F., Farmer. Carter, Charles H., Salesman.
Clark, William A .. Harness Maker. Colbert, Isaac J., Cateman. Colman, Jeremiah, Auctioneer. Colpritt, James H., Paper Hanger. Cook, Wiiliam K., Salesman. Cutter, Edward H., Farmer. Cutter, Charles S., Farmer.
Dale, David T , Rope Maker. Damon, Frederick W , Manufacturing. Dewing, Eben F., Asst. Cashier. Dodge, Henry D .. Engraver. Doughty, Charles H., Lumber. Duffy, James E., Barber. Durgin, Winfield S., Ice Dealer.
38
LIST OF JURORS.
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.
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.
Hardy, Charles A., (Moore Pl.) Clerk.
Hendrick, Patrick T., Shoe Dealer.
Hilliard, R. Walter, Insurance. Hogan, Thomas, Salesman.
Jones, William H., Poultry Dealer. Jones, Benjamin G , Salesman.
Knowles, Alfred H., Plumber.
Lane, George W., Gentleman.
Lowe, George H., Contractor. Lyons, John, Farmer Lathrop, Philetus C., Retired. Leetch, John G., Operator.
Mann, James R., Bank Clerk. Mahoney, Jas J., Clerk.
Marston, Alfred T., Bookkeeper.
Marston, Oran B., Carpenter McClellan, Geo. W., Expressman.
Mead. Sylvester, Marketman. Meagher, Thos. F., Farm Produce. Mead, Jas. M., Farmer.
Miller, George H., Jeweler.
Miller, Frank H., Jeweler.
Mills, Prescott G., Mechanical Engineer. Moore. Geo. D., Farmer.
Nourse, William, Gardener. Nourse, Nathan E., Carpenter.
Patterson Francis A., Real Estate. Purcell, Edmund J., Farmer. Parker, Chas. A., Foreman. Peirce, Benjamin H., Coal Salesman.
39
LIST OF JURORS.
Perkins, Clifford F., Clerk. Perry, John H., Clerk. Prescott, Edwin. Inventor. Priest, Thomas F., Elevator.
Rawson, Herbert W., Seed Store. Robinson, Thos. J., Dry Goods. Robinson, John J , Cornice Maker.
Scannell, Michael W., Salesman. Schouler, Willard C., Artist. Schwamb. Carl W., Picture Mouldings. Seaver, Alexander H., Arlington News Co. Swan, Alfred S., Bookkeeper.
Talcott, Thomas W., Wholesale Woolens. Tappan, Daniel L., Farmer. Thorpe, Wm. H., Superintendent. Trow, A. Winslow, Dry Goods.
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.
Welch, Thomas F., Cornice Maker.
1
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, 1902.
ROSTER.
CHIEF. Alonzo S. Harriman, appointed Chief May 1, 1894.
PATROLMEN.
Garrett Barry,
appointed
November, 1876 ..
Daniel M. Hooley,
66
May 1, 1887.
Andrew Irwin,
66
April 1, 1889 ..
John Duffy, 66
July 20, 1891.
James E. Whitten,
March: 30, 1896.
Charles H. Woods,
March 30, 1896 ..
Fred E. Smith,
66
April 1, 1899.
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 .
$8,982 50.
Receipts .
.
·
5 00
Expenditures
8,983 19
For a detailed statement of expenditures see report of Town: Treasurer.
The expenses of the Department have been kept to a mininum .. No expenses when it could be avoided. No: special officers. were on duty the past summer only for the night before the 4th of July and the day of July 4th, as the appropriation would not. allow it.
41
CHIEF OF POLICE.
ARRESTS.
Whole number of arrests for the year
155.
Males
·
Females
.
.
6
Adults
·
132
Minors
23
Residents
75
Non-residents .
80
Foreign Born .
63
American Born
92
The offences for which arrests have been made are as follows :
Arson
1
Assault .
10
Common drunkard ·
2
Capias
2
Default
3.
Deserter
1
Defacing private property
1
Disturbing public peace .
18
Drunkenness .
60
False pretence
.
2
Insane
3
Larceny .
11
Malicious mischief
1
Manslaughter .
1
Non-support
2
Stealing a ride
1
Trespass
.
20
Tramp
2
Vagrant . ·
1
Violation game law
·
.
·
2
.
.
·
.
·
.
·
.
.
.
.
.
149
-42
CHIEF OF POLICE.
Violation Town by-laws
.
Violation liquor law
.
.
Walking upon railroad tracks
.
Total .
155
LODGERS.
Whole number of lodgers
380
Males
.
.
379
Females
1
Adults
378
Minors
2
White
378
Colored .
2
Foreign born .
187
American born
193
213 less than the year 1901.
MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES PERFORMED.
Accidents reported .
31
Buildings found open and secured
64
Cases investigated .
61
Contagious diseases reported
111
Dead bodies cared for .
5
Dead animals found
3
Defective streets and sidewalks
11
Defective water pipes
8
Defective wires, electric and telephone
18
Defective electric lights reported
1,060
Dogs killed
16
Fire alarms
.
31
Fires extinguished without alarm
3
.
.
,
.
.
.
7
3
1
43
CHIEF OF POLICE.
Lanterns hung in dangerous places
26
Lost children cared for
19
Sick and injured persons cared for
.
.
11
Stray teams cared for
10
Street obstructions removed
8
Search warrants served
.
2
Amount of property reported stolen
. $530 00
Amount of property recovered
·
. 372 00
Amount of property reported lost
. 120 50
Amount of property reported found
. 120 00
COURT RECORD.
Number of days in attendance at Third District Court
158
Number of persons paying fines
66
Committed for non-payment of fines
15
Discharges
31
Placed on file
9
Probation
3
State Farm
7
Insane Hospital
5
Turned over to other officers
7
House of Correction
3
Sherburne Prison
1
To keep the peace
1
Continued
1
Total .
155
·
.
.
.
.
.
To Grand Jury
6
.
RECOMMENDATION.
I again recommend that an increase of one officer be made to the force. An officer should be on duty in the station during
.
·
44
CHIEF OF POLICE.
all hours of the night, have full charge of the night force, be in readiness to receive all messages, either by telephone or otherwise, and have general charge from 6 P. M. until relieved in the morning by the Chief.
PATROL WAGON.
About six months ago a combination ambulance and patrol wagon was tendered to me for the use of the department, to be used for an ambulance only. It has been called into service quite a number of times in accident cases, also in taking sick and injured persons to the hospital. It is said to be one of the best wagons in the State, and, as I understand, is to be given to the department, providing that a horse is furnished by the Town to be in readiness at all times for a patrol wagon and ambulance, also to convey the prisoners to the Court, etc.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding this report, I desire to thank your Honorable Board and all others who have kindly assisted me in the per- formance of my duties. Also, I would thank the members of the department for the prompt and efficient manner in which they have discharged 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 to you my annual re- port of the Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1902 ; also offering a few suggestions which I deem will be of importance to the department and Town.
The department has, by its efficiency and promptness, averted some heavy fire losses, three in particular which I will mention : The Poor Farm property, the Hodgdon Estate on Massa- chusetts Avenue, and the Swan Block, on Massachusetts Avenue. These three were the makings of serious conflagrations.
FIRES AND ALARMS.
The department has answered 29 bell and 21 still or telephone calls, as follows : -
BELL ALARMS.
January 1. Box 36, 12.30 A. M.
Fruit Store. Oil stove explosion. No damage.
January 7. Box 36, 9.15 A. M.
Naptha barrel. Rear Finance Block. No damage.
January 9. Box 43, 7.55 P. M.
Poor Farm property. Value on buildings, $3.700. Insurance of buildings, $2,700. Value on contents, $5,000. Insurance on contents, $3,360. Loss on buildings, $1,054. Insurance paid on buildings, $354. Loss on contents, $620. Insurance paid on contents, $120.
February 10. Box 54, 6.02 P. M.
M. M. Adams, dwelling house. Lamp explosion. Value on buildings, $1,500 Insurance on buildings, $2,000. Loss on buildings, $15,00 Value of contents, $500. Loss of contents, $5.00.
46
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
February 12. Box 54, 9.59 P. M.
Waiting Room, Boston & Lowell R. R. Oil rags caught from stove. Value of buildings, $4,000. Insurance on building, $4,000. Loss on buildings, $5.00. Value of contents, $2,000. No insurance on contents.
February 13. Box 54, 7.09 P. M.
W. D. Rockwood, dwelling house. Upset lamp. Value on buildings, $3,000. Insurance on buildings, $3,000. No loss on building. Value of contents, $2,500. Insurance on contents, $1,000. Loss on contents, $78.75.
March 11. Box 54, 9.20 A. M.
John Connors. Chimney fire. No loss.
March 16. Box 26, 7.20 P. M.
Lewis Avenue. House owned by A. P. Gage. Lamp explosion. Value of buildings, $3,200. Insurance on building, $3,000. No loss on building. Value of contents, $4,000. Insurance on contents, $3,000. Loss on contents, $15.50.
March 22. Box 21, 6.15 P. M.
House of David Scanlan. Match dropped in wood box. Value of building, $2,500. Insurance on building, $2,000. Loss on building, $22.00. Value of contents, $1,900. Insurance on contents, $1,900. Insurance on contents, $500. No loss on contents.
April 9. Box 41, 8.45 A. M.
House of Daniel McCarthy. Chimney fire.
April 13. Box 52, 8.23 P. M.
Dwelling, rear Crescent Hill, Estate of J. P. Wyman. Value of building, $750. Insurance on building, $500. Loss on building, $350.
April 29. Box 43, 12.18 P. M.
Boston Chrome Company. Value on building, $6,000. Insurance on building, $4,800. Loss on building, $50. Value of contents, $9,000. Insur- ance on contents, $9,000. No loss on contents.
April 30. Box 36, 1.10 A. M.
Estate R. L. Hodgdon, Massachusetts Avenue. Value of building, $1,000, Insurance on building, $800. Loss on building, $475. Value of contents, $850. Insurance on contents, $575. Loss on contents, $288.
May 11. Box 23, 8.38 P. M.
Fence of G. D. Moore, Broadway. No loss.
May 22. Box 16, 7.04 P. M.
Barn at Mrs. Louisa Cook's, 280 Massachusetts Avenue, Value of building. $500. Insurance on building, $300. Loss on building, $3. Value of con- tents, $100. No insurance on contents. 1
May 30. Box 52, 1 37 P. M.
Barn, rear Crescent Hill. Estate J. P. Wyman. Value of buildings, $50. Insurance on buildings, $300. Loss on buildings, $225.
47
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
June 9. Box 16, 8.55 P. M.
Barn at John J. Lyons, 183 Broadway. Value of building, $500. Insurance- on building, $400 Loss on building, $400. Value of contents, $1,200. In -- surance on contents, $1,000. Loss on contents, $462.
July 4. Box 162, 12.46 A. M.
Play house. Estate J. P. Wyman. No loss.
July 4. Box 41, 2.10 A. M.
Barn of T. J. Hurley, Massachusetts Avenue. Value of building, $50. Insurance on building, $300. Loss on building, $200. Value of contents, $550. No insurance on contents.
July 4. Box 14, 3.10 A. M.
Hen house, Henderson Bros. No loss.
July 4. Box 15, 4 A. M.
Barn. Estate J. P. Wyman, Massachusetts Avenue. Value of building,. $200. No insurance.
August 30. Box 27, 11.56 A. M.
Fowle's Arlington Mills. No loss.
October 9. Box 36, 9.11 P. M.
Swan Block, W. W. Robertson's store. Value of building, $16,000: Insurance on building, $15,000. No loss on building. Value of contents,. $2,000. Insurance on contents, $800. Loss on contents, $30.
November 16. Box 43, 5.30 P. M. J. B. Davie's house. Lamp upset. No loss.
November 19. Box 13, 12.21 P. M.
Patrick Cashman. Chimney fire. No loss.
November 24. Box 13, 9.46 P. M.
Shed owned by Helen P. Lewis, Teel street. Value of building, $600 .. Insurance on building, $500. Loss on building, $12,
November 15. Box 15, 5.58 P. M.
Daniel Lyon's hay stack. Loss $25.00.
December 5. Box 512, 8. 44 P. M.
Boston Elevated Railway car house. Value of buildings, $55,000. Insur- ance on building, $49,000. Loss on building, $15. Value of contents, $200,000. Insurance on contents, $160,000. No loss on contents.
December 5. Box 512, 9.52 P. M.
Needless.
48
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
STILL ALARMS. February 14. 5.20 P. M. Lumber pile. Jere Maloney, off Brattle street. .
February 15. 3.15 P. M. -Grass fire, Massachusetts avenue, near Grove.
February 15. 4.15 P. M.
-Grass fire. J. Russell estate, Medford street.
February 16. 6.50 P. M
Grass fire. Summer street.
February 23. 9.50 P. M.
Old Cutter School. Drying plaster.
March 2. 7.20 P. M.
Hay stack. E. S. Farmer.
March 27. 5.40 P. M.
·Grass fire. Forest street.
March 27. 6.47 P. M.
·Grass fire. Park avenue.
April 2. 3.30 P. M.
Grass fire. Mrs. N. M. Farmer's.
April 7. 1.45 P. M.
Grass fire. Joseph H. Eaton.
April 13. 5.10 P. M.
Grass fire. Menotomy Rocks Park.
April 19. 3.15 P. M.
Grass fire. Crescent Hill.
May 6. 7 P. M.
Car house. B. & E. carfhouse.
May 28.
7.05 P. M.
Chimney fire.
July 5. 4 P. M.
Re-kindling of fire.
49
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
November 12. 10.40 A. M.
Hot ashes.
November 24. 9.46 P. M.
Shed.
December 9. 4.25 P. M.
Robbins Spring Water Company. Thawing pipe.
None of these fires were beyond the building in which they originated.
MEMBERSHIP.
The membership of the department is the same as in my last report. Mr. Frank P. Winn did not receive re-appointment by your Board, and the vacancy was filled by Capt. Timothy J. Donahue, who had had long service in the department. Mr. George W. W. Sears is Clerk of the Board. Two members have been discharged from the department for missing three consecutive alarms. Our Board adopted this rule : " That any member missing three successive alarms may be cause for dis- charge." While this is overlooked in some members who have had a good previous record, this rule applies to those who wish to only answer the roll-call, and captains not reporting such members will receive severe censure.
APPARATUS.
Very few repairs have been made on the apparatus during the past year. Hose 1 should have a wagon for exercise, as I do not consider it economy to exercise in the hose wagons.
BUILDINGS.
No money has been expended on the buildings, except for a few minor repairs. Extensive repairs should be made in the near future on Hose 2 building to make it a convenient and comfortable house.
50
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
HOSE.
We have 6,600 feet of hose. One thousand feet of new was purchased this year, and the most of the balance is in very fair condition. Your committee recommended to the Town the expenditure of $500 for hose and the purchase of an Eastern Deluge Set. Our Board, after getting figures from several hose manufacturers, found they could make better terms by purchasing 1,000 feet, which was actually needed, so 1,000 feet was purchased for $580. An Eastman Set was also purchased which I think will be indispensable to the Town in case of heavy fire. The cost of repairing some of the old hose has been quite expensive, and we have been obliged to condemn some hose this year.
HORSES.
The department has nine horses. The pair of horses at Hose 1 house are very old, having been in the department fifteen or sixteen years, and are liable at any time to drop out. Some little sickness has prevailed among the horses this year. They have consumed 912 bushels of grain, 39,471 lbs. of hay, 2,979 lbs. of straw, and 40 lbs. of salt, making the cost of total consumption $868.56, an average of $1.85 per horse a week. Owing to the high prices of feed, I think this is a very good showing.
FIRE ALARMS.
This branch of the department has been under the supervision of R. W. LeBaron, and has given us excellent results. The details of the same will be found in his report.
RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
'The association is in good standing. We have been fortunate - in losing no members by death, although the expense for sick- ness gradually increases.
51
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT.
SUGGESTIONS.
For better fire protection, I would suggest that the high water service be extended farther down the Avenue, say as far as the Wm. T. Wood Ice Tool Factory, and down Medford Street to better protect the Catholic Church and St. Joseph's School, also that it be extended over Pleasant Street as far as Wellington or Addison Street. I would suggest that those people having telephones in their residence or place of business, in case of fire, would call up the central fire station, No. 64-3, stating the nearest box, as there is a box at this station which will ring in any box number, and with arrangements made with Mr. Clark of the Telephone Exchange, we have the right of way over all other business.
When people understand this thoroughly, it will save much valuable time in giving an alarm. There should be a few more boxes placed on the outskirts of the Town as soon as convenient, on Forest Street in particular. A permanent man placed in Hose 2 house would be of benefit to the department, as three hours out of each day there is only one man in this house, and as the chemical engine is a very valuable piece of apparatus, it is essential that it should reach the fire in the shortest time possible, with safety. I think some effort should be made to decrease our rate of insurance. The Town is expending quite a sum of money on the department and should get some rebate on its insurance.
APPROPRIATIONS.
To meet the expenses for the coming year, I would recom- mend the sum of $9,600.
CONCLUSION.
Before closing my report, I would acknowledge the many favors received at the hands of the Selectmen and all officers
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