USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1928 > Part 4
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2,500 00
$24,500 00
TRUST FUNDS
ASSETS
Trust Funds, Cash and Securities,
$13,240 02
$13,240 02
LIABILITIES
Dr. Justin Allen Library Fund, H. Augusta Dodge Library Fund, Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds, Cemetery Special Fund,
$500 00
1,000 00
9,881 33
1,858 69
$13,240 02
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Hamilton. Mass., February, 1929
To the Board of Selectmen of Hamilton:
Gentlemen: I wish to submit my annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31. 1928.
Whole number of arrests during the year, 20, divided as follows :
Male 20
Adults 10
Minors 10
Native born 1:
Foreign born
Residents
6
Non-residents
14
OFFENSES
Larceny during the day
4
Larceny during the night
5
Desertion from Navy
1
Driving so as to endanger lives of the public
2
Assault
2
Driving drunk
2
Drunk
3
Non-support
1
102
103
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
DISPOSITION
Fined and paid 6
Larceny cases-Prob. 6 months at Shirley, fine and cost of Court $27.50 each
3
Larceny cases filed
3
Larceny case of bicycle for Essex police
1
Non-support-Five dollars a week for support of child
1
Drunk-Paid Ipswich Court five dollars 1
Driving drunk-Fined $100.00 each 2
Desertion from Navy-Apprehended and returned to Charlestown Navy Yard 1
Driving so as to endanger lives of the public- Fined $20 2
ARRESTS MADE BY OFFICERS
Arthur Southwick 12
A. L. Perley 2
Fred Saunders
2
Fred Stillings 3
Edward Frederick
1
OFFICERS' ATTENDANCE AT COURT
Arthur Southwick
32
A. L. Perley
9
Edward Frederick
4
Fred Stillings 8
Frank Dever 1
4
Benjamin Dodge
2
Fred Saunders 2
104
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED
Arthur Southwick 169
A. L. Perley
46
Fred Stilling's 18
Fred Saunders
22
Edward Fredericks
6
Frank Dever
16
William Caldwell
2
SUPERIOR COURT
Cases on docket 1
Automobile licenses and registrations revoked or suspended during the year 1928 in Hamilton by George A. Parker, Registrar of Motor Vehicles :
Licenses revoked 5
Licenses suspended 2
Registrations revoked 10
Number of motor vehicle accidents in Hamilton where per- sons were injured, during the year 1928, reported to police, 16
Number of motor vehicle accidents in Hamilton during the year 1928, property damage only, reported to police. 32 Number of revolver licenses issued by police to carry a pistol or revolver in the State of Massachusetts, during the year 1928, 26
Number of notices of intended sale or transfer of motor vehicles issued by the Hamilton police during the year 1928, on forms supplied by George A. Parker, 104
105
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
MISCELLANEOUS
Automobiles reported stolen
20
Automobiles stolen in town
. 3
Automobiles recovered
9
Automobile tires stolen
7
Other property reported stolen or lost, value about $800
Other property found and recovered, value about $500
Complaints received
281
Complaints investigated
277
Fires extinguished
2
Disturbances
12
Dogs reported lost or stolen
32
Dogs found and returned
4
Dogs killed
12
Lights reported out
42
Summons served for out-of-town officers
17
Dangerous wires reported or removed
4
Accidents reported
32
Persons received assistance
8
Police assistance to out-of-town officers
28
Police assistance by out-of-town officers
16
Court attendance for 1928
61
Report to Prison Commission
1
Report to Highway Commission
6
Letters, postal cards, and notices sent out, about
106
Letters, postal cards, and notices received, about 321
Persons drowned
3
Persons saved from drowning
2
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR SOUTHWICK,
Chief of Police.
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Hamilton, Mass., Jan. 25, 1929.
To the Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :- The Board of Engineers of the Fire Depart- ment herewith submit their report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1928.
One cistern has been constructed on Asbury Street, near the residence of Mr. S. G. Goodhue; we now have six in service.
The subject of fires should always be of serious import to the citizens. The department responded to forty-four alarms in Hamilton, and two calls for assistance from Wenham dur- ing 1928; sixteen alarms, or more than fifty per cent increase over 1927, during which year we answered thirty calls. We should stop for a moment and consider the situation. What is the cause ? We find by analysis that of the forty-four alarms in Hamilton, eight were for chimney fires; nine, fires in buildings ; seventeen were for grass or brush ; one automobile ; five rekindles and four were false or for no fire.
The only solution which we might recommend is that every person be more careful as regards conditions which make or cause fire; keep the chimney clean, do not start any grass or brush fire that cannot be controlled; permits are necessary for a fire out of doors, and then only if conditions are right and the law in relation thereto is complied with, otherwise you may be called on to pay for damage to your neighbors property. Have your electric wiring examined for defects, clean up the rubbish around the house and grounds, they are
106
107
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
all fire breeders and should be taken care of. The smaller the number of alarms answered, the lower the cost of the department.
This morning we received from the Department of Public Safety, the following communication, which we reprint as part of this report.
State House, Boston, Jan. 21, 1929. To: WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
Subject : Order in accordance with provisions of Chapter 277, Section 3, Acts of 1928.
1. Chapter 277, Section 3, Acts of 1928, reads as follows : Section 3. Said chapter one hundred and forty-eight is hereby further amended by inserting after section seven the follow- ing new section :- Section 7A. The marshal, the chiefs of fire departments in cities, and the chief engineer in towns or the chairman of the board of selectmen in any town having no engineer, may by order, which shall not apply to one- family dwellings, (1) require the use of metal receptacles for ashes, waste paper and rubbish; (2) require the use of self-closing safety cans for volatile or inflammable fiuids or compounds ; (3) require oily rags and waste, when not in actual use, to be stored in metal containers with self-closing covers and riveted joints, the container to be raised at least four inches above the floor on metal legs; and (4) prohibit the use of rubber tubing as connections for lamps, stoves and irons using inflammable gas for fuel, except such flexible rub- ber-covered metal tubing as may be approved by the commis- sioner. Any violation of any order under this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars for each consecutive forty-eight hours during which such violation continues.
Approved May 1, 1928.
108
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
2. In accordance with the provisions of the said section, I hereby prohibit the use of rubber tubing as connections for lamps, stoves and irons using inflammable gas for fuel, except such flexible rubber covered metal tubing as may be approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety and which bears a label, mark or stamp indicating such approval.
3. By virtue of the provisions of the above cited chapter and section this order shall not apply to one-family dwellings.
GEO. C. NEAL, State Fire Marshal.
We call your particular attention to paragraph two of this letter. With the installation of gas in Hamilton it will be necessary that you use only the right tubing on gas appliances.
The Engineers ask your consideration of an appropriation for apparatus to replace the Peerless Combination now in service. The time has arrived when we deem it wise to make a change. The present apparatus has about completed its life of service; if a major part should break, we would not be able to replace it, except at prohibitive cost and time out of service. The Peerless Company have discontinued manu- facturing this model and any part needed must be made to order. We leave it to your judgment what we shall receive.
The department have responded to eight still and thirty- eight bell alarms during 1928, appended report of which fol- lows,-
Date Dist.
Location
Owner
Description
Jan. 2
23 Farms Rd.
3 23 Main St.
7 21 Asbury St.
Richard H. Smith, chimney Episcopal Church, chimney Episcopal Church, grass
109
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
Feb. ' 3
31 Asbury St.
29 21 Gail Ave.
29 3-3 Wenham
Mar. 1
False
1 31 Asbury St.
4 13 Bridge St.
18
32 Highland St.
21 24
Main St.
22
31 Arthur Ave.
22
31 Arthur Ave.
24 21
Main St.
28 12
Bridge St.
29
23
Main St.
29
21 Main St.
30
13 East Hamilton
Apr.
2 still
Bridge St.
4 25
Farms Rd.
5
False
5 21
Maple St.
7
23
Main St.
9 21 Asbury St.
Mrs. P. Saulnier, grass F. P. Trussell, grass S. G. Goodhue, chimney Myopia Club, grass G. C. Vaughan, grass
9 21 Main St.
13
21
Main St.
16
14 Echo Cove grass
Moulton St. grass May
27 6 23 Main St., Mrs. G. v. L. Meyer, brush, building 8 25 Farms Rd. Appleton Farms, grass
11 21 Elliott St. Thomas Sargent, house June 4 3-3 Wenham
16 still Essex Branch R. R. tracks grass
24 21 Pleasant St., T. F. Hansbury, rubbish in cellar
Mrs. M. E. Hurlburt, chimney B. Tuckerman, Jr., chimney
Mrs. Maione, chimney F. Ayers, grass R. Adams, chimney C. C. Felton, grass Mrs. G. D. Grant, house
Mrs. G. D. Grant, rekindle A. C. Cummings, no fire F. Ayers and others, woods, brush grass
A. C. Burrage, Jr., grass No fire
G. S. Mandell, grass J. S. Greiss, grass and brush
110
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
July 3
23 Near Myopia Est. M. Norman, old building F. T. Colby, building 3 25 Farms Rd.
3 still Miles River Rd. Est. H. C. Perkins, building
7 still Miles River Rd. Est. H. C. Perkins, rekindle
8
still Miles River Rd. Est. H. C. Perkins, rekindle 24 Gardner St. G. C. Vaughan, automobile
19 14 still Sagamore St.
Oct.
Nov. 2 23 Main St.
4 21 Union St.
5 still Union St.
11 still Miles River Road
E. Stone, chimney G. von L. Meyer, brush G. C. Adams, building G. C. Adams, rekindle Myopia Club, grass
Dec. 25 still Holmes St.
L. H. Cushman, chimney
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER H. KNOWLES, HARRY R. MCGREGOR, LESTER M. WHIPPLE, RODNEY ADAMS, FRANK DANE.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :-
At the Annual Town Meeting the Town voted an appro- priation of $5,000. for permanent road construction on Essex Street. This completes Essex Street from the Essex line to the Wenham line. This road has been built in conjunction with State and County which means that the Town has had to pay only one-third of the cost of construction. Owing to circumstances out of our control the Town will be unable to build permanent road under this arrangement until 1930.
The vote of the Town for drainage on Pleasant and Elliott Streets and for the construction of Railroad Avenue has been carried out. This drainage has relieved a bad condition of long standing and the Town now has a fine street through the business district. We hope the Town will continue the policy of building permanent highway as far as possible. We feel that permanent construction of the main thoroughfares will result in a considerable saving to the Town.
In the past few years there has been overdrafts in several departments that are under our jurisdiction. While the law permits our Board to authorize overdrafts in extreme emer- gencies involving the safety of persons and property, we feel that these recurring overdrafts indicate that these departments are not receiving sufficient appropriations to maintain them at complete efficiency.
The Board of Selectmen take this opportunity of thanking Mrs. C. C. Williams for her kindness in presenting to the Town
111
112
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
the beautiful memorial tablet commemorating those from this Town who served their country in the World War and in honor of our illustrious citizen the late Augustus Peabody Gardner.
We have at hand a fund of $10,000. bequeathed us by our former resident, the late Maxwell Norman, who by his gen- erosity showed his interest in this Town. We hope that the Town will not make permanent disposition of this fund until such time as opportunity offers itself to perpetuate his mem- ory in a suitable manner.
Yours respectfully.
JONATHAN LAMSON. ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS, GEORGE E. SMITH.
Selectmen of Hamilton.
TOWN OF HAMILTON
REPORT
OF THE
Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE Appropriations and Articles FOR THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 12, 1929
MAS
ALEX. HAMILTON
, HA
TTS.
INCOR
1793
SALEM, MASS .: NEWCOMB & GAUSS CO., PRINTERS
1929
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
We submit our recommendations for your support at the Town Meeting and reminding you that it is at this meeting and by your vote that the tax rate is fixed.
We endeavor each year to keep expenses down-to cut ex- penses here and there where we are convinced that the efficiency. of the particular department is not thereby impaired.
It is our belief that the schools could be operated more efficiently for less money. A survey of other comparable towns vindicates this opinion and the School Committee, in whose hands the management should rest, is urged to give the matter serious consideration.
It has been and still is our opinion, that highway mainten- ance can and should be annually reduced by a policy of con- structing permanent pieces of road each year. In the last few years good progress has been made along these lines for we have Essex Street, Railroad Avenue, Willow Street, part of Bridge Street, on which many thousands used to be spent on annual maintainance. The construction of Bridge Street, east of the railroad, this year will eliminate another large main- tainance charge, some $2500 the Surveyor told us.
In view of the low expense of snow removal this year, it is possible to again appropriate the same amount as last year for highway work and we recommend (on account of maintain- ance economies above mentioned) the reduction of the amount
115
116
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
expended on "labor and gravel," and urge $20,000. being spent on an 18-foot "permanent" piece of construction on Bridge Street. Union Street is not in such bad shape but that it can wait. A better job can be done and a better price ob- tained if a substantial sum is spent on one section of road rather than dividing it into two jobs.
Assurances have been given that the State and County will initiate a program of reconstruction of Highland Street in 1930 to which the town will subscribe its share.
We believe that the amount allotted to general maintainance is sufficient provided adequate use is made of the roller and scarifier. The economies and benefits which this investment in a new roller was supposed to bring about, have not as yet fully materialized.
It is recommended that the new Fire Truck* be purchased by a committee of three appointed by the Moderator.
It is suggested that a pay station be installed in the cellar of the Town Hall.
An inventory of the equipment (and date of purchase) that is the property of the town should be submitted annually by the various departments, to be on file with the Town Clerk.
There are in the town a number of separate departments, which, in our opinion, could be combined. This would result in increased efficiency, and make a substantial saving in sal- aries.
While the salary for the consolidated department would be larger, still it would not equal the total of the separate depart- ments.
For an example, the office of tax collector and town treas- urer could be combined, which would also mean a saving of interest on surety bonds, as probably one bond would then cover both positions.
117
REPORT OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
After careful study and advice from the State House, we advise placing the assessors on a salary basis in lieu of a per diem basis.
We compliment the fire department individually and col- lectively for their public-spirited work and efficiency in fire fighting.
The number of fires is regrettable and it is the duty of each and every one of us to work for fire prevention, and the duty of the Fire Engineers to study ways and means of reducing the number of fires. This may involve fines for unlawful or careless fires, and ordinances, education, etc., but definite pre- ventative measures should be taken.
The list of the appropriation recommendations follows :
Spent 1927
Spent 1928
Recommended 1929
Salaries
General
Total
Selectmen
$350.00
250.00
$1,196.01
$1,181.80
250.00
$400.00
$1,250.00
Accounting
1,267.52
1,298.51
1,200.00
100.00
1,300.00
Treasury
896.17
944.25
750.00
200.00
950.00
Collector
870.97
881.39
600.00
300.00
900.00
Assessors
350.00
225.00
1,499.30
1,497.81
225.00
700.00
1,500.00
Cert. of notes
10.00
12.00
20.00
Law
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
Town Clerk
627.47
641.96
500.00
150.00
650.00
Elec. and Reg.
472.07
949.82
. .. .
. ...
500.00
Town Hall
2,103.32
2,174.10
. .. .
. .. .
2,200.00
Police
2,151.99
2,032.22
....
....
2,000.00
Fire
3,130.26
3,440.84
. . . .
2,800.00
2,800.00
*Fire truck-body and equip.
Sealer
299.97
295.61
350.00
Moth, Town
2,199.53
2,199.60
2,200.00
Moth, Private
1,499.22
1,498.37
1,500.00
Tree Warden
499.60
517.51
500.00
1
....
....
3,000.00
118
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Spent 1927
Spent 1928
Recommended 1929
Salaries
General
Total
Forest Warden
162.10
123.76
25.00
100.00 2,500.00 .
2,600.00
Insp. of Animals
47.25
43.16
75.00
Highways
21,536.52
16,491.24
1,500.00
12,500.00
14,000.00
Special
17,305.74
25,000.00
. ...
. . . .
. ..
Snow
9,380.91
3,768.83
3,000.00
Street Lights
7,812.20
7,843.12
7,900.00
Public welfare
3,626.06
3,972.91
50.00
3,900.00
4,000.00
State Aid
264.00
309.00
300.00
Soldiers' Relief
550.33
905.64
800.00
Schools
44,944.31
47,022.97
45,000.00
Public Library
2,008.58
2,177.60
2,000.00
Parks
349.70
349.85
350.00
Memorial Day
250.00
261.57
300.00
Town Reports
386.87
379.30
400.00
Town Clock
25.00
25.00
50.00
Amer. Legion
250.00
250.00
250.00
Boiler Ins.
41.39
103.52
75.00
Game Warden
10.00
10.00
15.00
Reserve Fund
2,897.64
2,895.20
3,000.00
Cemetery
884.75
1,072.65
15.00
855.00
900.00
15.00
15.00
Interest
3,733.94
3,517.87
3,900.00
Maturing Debt
5,000.00
5,000.00
4,500.00
Total Spent
$142,239.51 $143,036.16
Requested
$1,136.79
No. 6 (See General Appropriations)
No. 7 Essex approved
No. 8 Cummings approved To be contracted for by Selectmen
$1,200.00
$1,200.00
No. 9 Garfield approved
2,000.00
2,000.00
To be contracted for by Selectmen
15,000.00
20,000.00
No. 11 Rust approved
To be contracted for by Selectmen
1,800.00
1,800.00
Health
1,798.82
1,747.18
100.00
150.00
Warrants
No. 5 Approved
No. 10 Bridge approved To be contracted for by Selectmen
25.00
25.00
119
REPORT OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Warrants
Requested
No. 12 Union not approved
8,500.00
No. 13 Swamp approved
300.00
300.00
No. 14 Signs and rails approved To be contracted for by Selectmen
$1,000.00
1,000.00
No. 15 Winthrop Park fence
300.00
300.00
No. 17 and No. 18 Approved
No. 19 Max Norman gift.
(Vote to accept)
Nos. 20, 21, 22 Approved
Total appropriated
$143,121.79
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
G. v. L. MEYER, Chairman
J. C. R. PEABODY, Vice-Chairman L. A. HASKELL, Secretary
WM. W. BANCROFT
FINLAY D. MACDONALD
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR
1928
MASS
AL
X. HAMILTON
, HA
TTS.
. INC
93
17
P.
SALEM, MASS. : NEWCOMB & GAUSS CO., PRINTERS 1929
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The School Committee presents herewith its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1928.
The work of the schools has been carried on as usual, with some improvements adopted in the system.
In general the buildings are in good repair, except that the roof of the Walsh School needs some attention, and we would also like to relay a portion of the asbestos slate roof on the South School if our funds permit it.
We are still lacking space for indoor athletic work and physical instruction, but hope to find some means of providing the above in the near future.
The year just finished is the last under the Superintendency Union of Topsfield, Essex, Wenham, Lynnfield and Hamilton.
At a meeting of the Union in December it was voted to allow Essex to withdraw for the purpose of joining with Manchester, in order that Essex might have more supervision.
Under the new arrangement, Hamilton is taking a quarter of the time that Essex had, Topsfield a quarter, and Lynnfield a half, and we feel that all of the towns will be greatly bene- fited.
The following reports of the Superintendent, Principal, and others, contains much information of interest to all citizens.
Last year the Committee asked for an appropriation of $46,665.00. While the appropriation cannot vary much from year to year, as it is made up largely of salaries and supplies of fixed amounts, the Committee recommends that the sum of $46,115.00 be appropriated for the maintenance of the schools for the present year.
Respectfully submitted, R. ROBERTSON, JR., Chairman. L. G. BUSH, Secretary. C. E. READY.
Hamilton, Moss .. February 1, 1929. School Committee.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
Dear Madam and Sirs: I herewith submit my sixth annual report as superintendent of your schools.
For the information of the taxpayers I have devoted the principal part of the report to questions and answers relating to our school system.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
In particular reference to the Hamilton Schools.
What is the population of Hamilton ? 2,018 according to census of 1925.
How many children of school age, i. e., between 5 and 16 ? 384.
How many children enrolled in public schools December 21. 1928 ?
Grades 1-6 244 Grades 7-12 158
Total 1-12 402
What children does the law compel to attend school ?
Those between 7 and 16, but a child of 14 may leave under certain conditions to go to work if he has completed the sixth grade.
At what age may a child enter school ?
Must be five years of age April 1st preceding his enrollment in September.
5
SCHOOL REPORT
ADMINISTRATION
How many members on the School Committee ? Three one being elected annually.
When does the committee meet ? Monthly and more often as occasion demands.
What are the duties of the School Committee ? It has entire charge of the schools. It adopts the budget, determines how it shall be expended, elects teachers, author- izes repairs, considers and approves changes in school organ- ization and courses of study, and is the controlling authority under the law, on all matters pertaining to the schools. It appoints the superintendent of schools as its executive officer and holds him responsible for carrying out the policies of the committee and for directing and supervising the work and conduct of all persons employed by the committee.
How many school buildings in Hamilton ?
Two. The Adelaide Dodge Walsh School at East Hamilton and the South School, with two two-room annexes at South. Hamilton.
How many persons are regularly employed by the school com- mittee ?
The following
Superintendent of Schools 1
Clerk 1
Teachers, Jr. Sr. high schools 10
Teachers, Elementary school 8
Supervisors-music and drawing 2 School Nurse 1
School Physician 1
6
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Janitors Barge Drivers
3
2
Truant Officer
1
ORGANIZATION
How are schools organized Under the 6-3-3 plan, i. e., six years in the elementary schools, three in the junior high and three in the senior high.
Is this plan up-to-date ?
Yes, it is considered as the most up-to-date plan.
Are there many junior high schools in Massachusetts ? There are 170 junior high schools. 77,824 pupils were in junior high schools in 1928.
What is our plan of promotion ?
Promotions are made annually. In a few cases double pro- motions are made during the year. Approximately 98% of the towns in the state have annual promotions.
The law requires what subjects to be taught in the elementary grades ?
Reading, writing, spelling, English language and grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, history and the constitution of the United States, civics, physiology and hygiene, good- behavior, indoor and outdoor games and athletic exercises.
What other subjects are now taught in the schools ? Music, manual training, sewing and cooking, safety education, thrift.
What subjects may be taught in the high school ? Any subject the school committee wishes taught. However, in
7
SCHOOL REPORT
making up the list of subjects to be taught the committee is influenced by the requirements necessary for admittance to the higher institutions of learning. Hamilton High School offers three courses :- College, Commercial and General.
Is a kindergarten maintained ?
No. Doubtless there would not be a sufficient number of chil- dren for a class.
Is special provision made for mentally retarded children ? No separate class is maintained. These children are given spe- cial attention by the teachers whenever possible.
Is an evening school maintained ?
No. The law does not require one to be maintained in Hamil- ton. If there was sufficient demand for one the school com- mittee might establish one. Beverly evening school is open to Hamilton students.
Is a continuation school maintained ?
No. The law does not require one to be maintained in Hamil- ton.
Is an Americanization class maintained ?
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