USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1942 > Part 3
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Estimated Receipts and Available Funds :
Income Tax
$14,146 17
Corporation Taxes
2,232 62
Gasoline Tax
9,143 78
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
7,600 00
Licenses
1,150 00
Fines
50 00
Grants and Gifts
800 00
Special Assessments-Moth Private
1,150 00
Protection of Persons and Property
75 00
General Government
15 00
Highways
25 00
Charities (other than federal grants for aid to dependent children) 3,000 00
Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants)
5,500 00
Soldiers' Benefits 120 00
Schools
3,675 00
Libraries
5 00
Public Service Enterprises
(such as Water Dept., etc.) 7,500 00
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots) 475 00
Interest : On Taxes and Assessments 600 00
Total estimated receipts
$57,262 57
Overestimates of previous year to be used as available funds : State Parks and Reservations $ 6 49
Veterans Exemptions
35 48
Amounts to be taken from available funds : Excess and deficiency
11,000 00
Overlay reserve
500 00
Total available funds
$11,541 97
Total estimated receipts and available funds
$68,804 54
Net amount to be raised by taxation on Polls and Property.
$131,677 20
Number of Polls 746 at $2.00 each
$1,492 00
Total valuation at tax rate of $23.20
Personal Property $595,520 00 $13,816 07
Real Estate
$5,015,910 00 $116,369 13
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property $131,677 20
Not entering into the determination of the tax rate: Betterment and special assessments : Moth $1,208 80
Total Amount of all Taxes on Polls and Property and Assess- ments Committed to the Collector to Date of Fixing Tax Rate $132,985 00 RECAPITULATION OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE Assessed in the Town of Hamilton for the year 1942
Number of cars
1,088
Total valuation of cars $228,150 00
Total Motor Vehicle Excise committed $7,907 36
37
To the Taxpayers of the Town of Hamilton:
The 1943 tax rate on Motor Vehicles is $36.33 per thousand. This is a small decrease over the year 1942.
When a person sells or transfers a Motor Vehicle a return of proof of sale must be made to the Assessors before any abatement can be made. If car is sold to a dealer forms may be obtained from dealer.
Applications for abatement for any kind of tax will not be accepted by the Board unless filed within the time provided by law and on a form approved by the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation.
We are sorry to announce the discontinuance of the W. P. A. Assessors project in 1942 as this is to be a great help to this office and to every taxpayer. We hope the Town will be able to find some way of completing this work which has been in progress a year.
The Board is now holding their Meetings at 7.30 Monday nights or any other time by appointment.
PLEASE READ ALL PRINTING ON YOUR TAX BILL
Respectfully submitted, JESSE S. MANN ROBERT H. CHITTICK DONALD G. TRUSSELL
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their report for the year 1942.
During the past year we were very unfortunate in losing the efficient services of Mr. Loring Cook, who was Park Superintendent for many years prior to his death. Mr. Cook always showed the greatest of interest and al- ways performed his duties in a very able and efficient manner.
We engaged Mr. Benjamin Cronk to carry on the work. He has taken a sincere interest in the work and has ably performed his duties.
The care of the new Recreational Field became our duty during the year. We constructed a back-stop for use in soft ball games. and had the grass cut.
The baseball diamond at the Dorothy Winthrop Memorial Lot received proper care during the year, and the back-stop was repaired.
The usual maintenance work was carried on at Soldiers Green and Che- bacco Park.
We wish to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all per- sons who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY E. ALLEN FREDERICK P. GOODHUE RALSTON F. PICKERING
38
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
The Engineers of the Fire Department herewith submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
The Department responded to 30 alarms as follows: 6 stills, 2 inhalators and 22 bells.
The amount of hose laid : 2} in., 1200 ft .; 1} in., 1100 ft .; 3/4 in., 1700 ft. 1900 gals. of water was used from the booster tanks.
The amount of equipment purchased this year : 2 2} in. nozzles, 23 steel helmets and a 3 piece 40 ft. trussed, extension ladder which was mounted on the G. M. C.
Date
Box
Location Description Owner
Jan. 28
24
Moulton, Grass, R. L. Sewell.
Feb. 14 23 Main, Building, Walfred Sellman.
27 21 Willow, Grass, T. A. Moynihan, Still.
27
31
Highland, Grass, Asbury Grove Corp.
Mar. 11 21
24
31
Washington Ave., House, Martha Twisden.
26
21 Walnut Road, Grass, John King.
28 23
Main, Grass, John Hollister.
29
21
Mill, Grass, George Shannon.
29
23
Gardner, Grass, William Bancroft.
23
14
Essex, Grass, Town of Hamilton.
24
31
Topsfield Road, Grass, Town of Hamilton.
May
2
23
Cutler Road, Woods, Harvard College.
4
31
Highland, Grass, Town of Hamilton, Still.
5
21
Park, Oil Burner, George Grant.
June 19
31
Harris Ave., Wires on ground.
20
25
Cutler Road, Fence, Frank Crowell, Still. Inhalator.
27
Inhalator.
Sept. 9
23
Main, Automobile.
Oct. 12
24 Main, Grass and brush, F. R. Appleton.
Nov. 7
21 Asbury, Automobile.
15
21
Mill, Grass, T. A. Moynihan.
Dec.
8
21
Bridge, Grass, Herbert Sellman.
8
41
Pleasant Pond Park, Auto, H. W. Warman.
17
23
Main, Chimney, Mrs. C. C. Williams, Still.
21
14
Echo Cove Road, Building, Mrs. Benjamin Moreland.
22
14 Echo Cove Road, Building, Mrs. Benjamin Moreland, Still.
22
14 Echo Cove Road, Building, Mrs. Benjamin Moreland, Still.
A. MERRILL CUMMINGS R. HARADEN EARL E. JOHNSON
Apr. 6
12
School, Grass, M. E. Church and H. Day.
22
Walnut Road, Grass, John Davis.
39
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the citizens of Hamilton:
The librarian's report for 1942 shows a moderate decrease in circulation. This is understandable in view of longer wartime working hours, increased duties, the departure of so many young men and gasoline rationing. The main library, because of its location, has naturally been more seriously affected by the last-mentioned restrictions. However, the trustees feel that in these trying days when our movements are so drastically curtailed, the place of the library in community life becomes proportionally more important. In the year past we have tried to give "war literature" the place which public in- terest demanded in our book purchasing program. Works of narrative, re- portorial and speculative nature on the war have been included. Books which help to take the reader out of the day's tragic realism are quite as essential, and have not been overlooked. Nor have outstanding volumes of every sort, as well as classical replacements and juvenile literature. This policy will be adhered to in the year to come.
For 1943 our budget has been tailored close to our needs, and a saving over past years realized despite the increase in book costs. A portion of 1942's appropriation was likewise returned to the town. The trustees are proud of our library, its books and facilities, and urge now more than ever that the townspeople avail themselves of them.
The trustees were happy to be able to make the library freely available to the well-ordered soldiers recently quartered at Town Hall, and the servicemen's gratitude has been frequently and widely expressed. Books and magazines contributed to the USO drive were, with proper authorization, kept at the library while the boys remained, and taken with them on their departure. Some less popular volumes were sold by the librarian and the returns sub- mitted to the USO.
The library trustees would be pleased to co-operate with the schools and other town officials in marking the town's 150th anniversary this year as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishing of the library. Essay contests, book awards or similar modest projects are suggested.
Our two librarians have given their customary faithful and tireless ser- vice in 1942, and the trustees are deeply grateful.
Respectfully submitted, BEATRICE B. HOLMES, Chm. ROLAND W. PAYNE JOHN NEARY, Sec.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Herewith is presented the fiftieth annual report.
The United States Army, which had been stationed at the Town Hall, left us in June. The officers and men expressed their great appreciation for the
40
favors granted them in the use of the library. We appreciate their co- operation and help while stationed here. The morale of these men was most excellent.
The circulation of books for 1942 was 14,461; at the Main Library 3,356, a loss of 717; at the Branch Library 11,105, a loss of 757. Circulation of maga- zines was 1,542; at the Main Library 904; at the Branch Library 638.
The hours are the same; at the Main Library Wednesday and Saturday, 3 to 5 and 6.30 to 8.30 P. M; at the Branch Library, Tuesday and Friday, 3 to 5 and 6.45 to 8.45 P. M.
Respectfully submitted, LYDIA L. HARADEN, Librarian
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit to you the Annual Report of the Department of Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1942. Adjusted Sealed Not sealed Condemned Scales
Platform over 10000 lbs
. .
2
.
.
Platform 100 to 5000 lbs
1
6
. .
. .
Counter under 100 lbs
1
1
. .
. .
Beam under 100 lbs
1
1
. .
. .
Spring over 100 lbs
1
2
. .
· ·
Spring under 100 lbs
2
12
2
1
Computing under 100 lbs
3
9
2
. .
Personal weighing Weights
. .
2
. .
. .
Avoirdupois
.
36
. .
. .
Liquid measures over 1 gallon
1
..
. .
Liquid measures under 1 gallon
5
. .
·
Automatic Liquid-Measuring Devices
Stops on pumps
. .
11
. .
·
Gasoline meter systems
. .
17
4
. .
Oil pumps meters
. .
5
. .
. .
Tank truck meters
1
5
. .
. .
Grease measuring devices
.
2
7
. .
Linear measures
Yardsticks
1
Peddlers' Licenses
7
Ice scales
2
Respectfully submitted, ERVING O. MAXWELL,
Sealer.
Volumetric Measures
·
41
REPORT OF THE TREASURER
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
GREETINGS :
In accordance with the provision of Chapter 41, Section 35, of the General Laws, I submit herewith the annual report of the Treasury Department for the year ending December 31, 1942.
TREASURER'S CASH
Balance January 1, 1942
$ 20,531 52 257,448 60
Receipts
$277,980 12
Payments
$234,417 11
Balance December 31, 1942
Merchants National Bank of Salem
$ 13,919 59
Naumkeag Trust Company of Salem
29,220 31
Cash on hand
423 11
$43,563 01
$277,980 12
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK
Balance December 31, 1942 per statement
$14,031 72
Balance December 31, 1942 per check book $13,919 59
Outstanding checks Dec. 31, 1942 per list 112 13
$14,031 72
NAUMKEAG TRUST COMPANY
Balance December 31, 1942 per statement
Balance December 31, 1942 per check book $29,220 31
$36,126 78
Outstanding checks Dec. 31, 1942 per list 6,906 47
$36,126 78
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the various Boards and Officials of the Town for the splendid cooperation which they have extended to me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, BERNARD A. CULLEN
42
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Greetings : The Board of Public Welfare submits herewith its report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
The Board of Public Welfare has the next largest item in the total budget to handle which is second only to the School Department. This covers the administration of public welfare. old age assistance and aid to dependent children.
We have an unexpended balance in the Public Welfare appropriation of $2,653.69. This is due greatly to the continuance of the war which has given more and more opportunity for steady employment.
During the year there was a change in the old age assistance law affect- ing persons living alone or in family groups. We wish to again call to your attention that this is as it says. "assistance" and not "pensions," as many have believed. Settlement of cases are determined upon individual needs after all resources have been determined.
Aid to dependent children shows a balance of $29.50 in the town appro- priation.
Owing to the decline in public welfare and the increased demands on old age assistance, we are decreasing the item of administration of the first by $500.00 and increasing the latter by the same figure. This in no way changes the appropriation recommended for 1943.
The Board wishes to thank Dr. Charles Howard Gale of Beverly, who has assisted during the absence of both Dr. John Corcoran and Dr. Henry Larchez.
In closing we wish to thank our Agent, Francis Whipple and all others who have assisted us in any way during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE R. STONE JOHN H. PERKINS EDWARD A. DEWITT
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Board of Public Welfare:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
During the year employment conditions have played a noticeable part in the reduction of General Relief expenditures. No person who is able to work is now receiving such assistance. A decline in the payments for hospitaliza- tion. medicines and medical attention has also resulted in a saving. The total.
43
expenditures for General Relief for the year 1942 is substantially less than that of 1941.
The expenditure of approximately $400. more in 1942 than in 1941 for Aid to Dependent Children was due to cases being accepted during 1941 that were aided for the remainder of that year, but required assistance for the entire year of 1942. Also the allowance for increased living costs and hospi- tal expenses during 1942 exceeded those of 1941 by a considerable amount. Even with this increase in expenditures, and the appropriation for 1942 being but $200. more than that of 1941, we were able to end the year with a sur- plus. This was due to an increase in the amount of Federal Grants received during 1942.
Legislative changes in the Old Age Assistance Law during 1941 became effective April 30, 1942. This change increased the minimum grants from $30. to $40. for individuals living alone; from $50. to $65. for married couples, both eligible and living together. Many persons were of the opinion that all old age assistance recipients were entitled to $40. per month. This was not the effect of the law, it did not increase the amount to persons living in a family group. It further provided that in computing the minimum amount local boards of public welfare shall deduct therefrom the amount of income the person assisted may be receiving from any source whatsoever, and such reasonable amounts as may be deemed to represent the financial value of board. lodging or other assistance which is furnished such person.
All old age assistance cases were reviewed and the minimum require- ments were complied with on the effective date of the legislation. This re- sulted in increased grants to some, others remained unchanged. Although the meeting of the minimum requirements increased our average cost per case, our total expenditure for 1942 was only slightly larger than for the previous year. This was due to the discontinuing of several cases during 1942 for various reasons.
During the year we were unfortunate in losing the services of our resi- dent physicians-Dr. Corcoran due to illness-Dr. Larchez who enlisted in the U. S. Army. Their services and advice have been very helpful in medical problems.
Dr. Howard Charles Gale, who has carried on for Dr. Corcoran and Dr. Larchez during their absence, has rendered valuable service to recipients of all categories of relief. Many words of appreciation for his interest, atten- tion and services have been received.
During the absence of our local doctors, we have had to call upon our Visiting Nurse. Miss Haynes, more frequently. As usual she has cooperated with that same capable and courteous attention. Her services and assistance are greatly appreciated by all.
During the year it has been necessary on several occasions to consult our Town Counsel on matters pertaining to legal procedure. His clear under- standing and knowledge of law has been most helpful in solving many of our problems. All of which requires considerable time and thought-both of which he has given most willingly.
The cooperation received from Miss Detsch, Supervisor of the District Office of the State Department of Public Welfare, has been very valuable in complicated cases as well as in interpreting the Department's policies and
44
their intent of laws. Her sincere willingness to be of service is greatly ap- preciated.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to you, the Board of Public Welfare, for your continued assistance and cooperation throughout the year. Respectfully submitted.
FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
We herewith submit the report of the Board of Health for the year end- ing December 31, 1942.
During the year samples of water were taken from wells furnishing two private dwellings and were sent to the State Department for analysis. Be- cause of a request made upon this Board, the State Department of Public Health caused the conditions of water supply in Asbury Grove to be examined and samples of water from wells in use to be analyzed. The report received from the State Department showed the water to be free from bacteria and safe for drinking purposes.
Complaints received relative to the quality of food purchased were in- vestigated and referred to the State Division of Food and Drugs.
Through the cooperation of Dr. Corcoran, Dr. Larchez, Miss Haynes and the Community Service, a successful diphtheria immunization clinic for pre- school children was conducted at the Community House.
The following communicable diseases were reported during the year :
Measles
7 Chicken pox 3
Mumps
15 German measles
1
Whooping Cough
2 Lobar pneumonia 6
Dog bite
7
Bids were received for the collection of garbage and rubbish, and the contract was awarded to Frank Maione. The cost for this service increased more than was anticipated, consequently, our total expenditures for the year were more than the amount appropriated. The deficit has been taken care of by transfer from the reserve fund.
We wish to express our appreciation to all who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE JOHN H. PERKINS
45
REPORT OF THE HAMILTON COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Committee on Public Safety submits herewith its report for the year ending December 31, 1942.
Since the last report, Civilian Defense has emerged from the planning and organizing stage to become a reality. As we have gone along, some details of the original plans have been changed, although the general plan has required little alteration.
We want first of all to pay tribute to so many of our conscientious and loyal men and women who have given unsparingly of their time and energy. Each one has volunteered his services that our town might have an efficient organization to meet impending disaster.
TEST MOBILIZATIONS AND PRACTICES
During the year Civilian Practice Exercises (CPX) have been held in which it has been assumed that concrete incidents have been presented cover- ing, as nearly as can be devised, the types of disasters believed most likely to occur. These exercises have done much to iron out weaknesses and make improvements therefrom. The last test was held in November, at which offi- cials of Region 4 observed our work and gave a detailed report, in which our Medical Corps, Police, and Fire Departments and their auxiliaries received favorable comment.
At the first test held in February, your Committee realized that our sys- tem of notifying residents of any warning signals was inadequate. As a re- sult, a 72-horsepower siren, which is now located on the roof of the Town Hall, was purchased. This addition has brought a distinct improvement, but even with this, there are times when wind and atmospheric conditions make it impossible to be heard in some parts of the Town. However, with the Fire Alarm whistle used at the same time, the signals can be heard throughout the Town.
REPORT CENTRE
Next in order of importance to notifying our residents of impending danger is the alerting of our Civilian Defense workers. This task is handled at the Report Centre. It is here that all services connected with Civilian De- fense would operate in the event of any trouble. The State Committee real- izes that small communities like ours find it very difficult to carry on such important work. In addition, the expense involved would be very large. Your Committee, realizing the importance of the work, invited the Wenham Com- mittee on Public Safety to join with us.
After several weeks of planning, negotiations and detailed preparation, the joint Report Centre of the two towns was opened on August first. The Committee was fortunate in securing a good location, and through the hearty
46
cooperation of Dr. George E. Sullivan, most advantageous arrangements were completed. The two towns now have an efficient and centrally located centre, fully equipped to care for all present and anticipated needs. Through the co- operation of the two towns, it is felt that both will be well covered in any emergency, and that each will benefit financially and in ease of operation. This Report Centre is manned every hour of the day, and those residents who are giving so generously of their time are certainly contributing their share to our war effort.
AIR RAID WARDENS
The largest unit in the Protective Division is the Air Raid Wardens. Charged with the responsibility of enforcing regulations without any author- ity, their duties are numerous and never-ending. Instructing one's neighbors how to change their mode of living to meet war-time conditions isn't always a pleasant assignment, but the wardens have gone about their work quietly and efficiently. The success of their efforts can be attributed to the splendid cooperation given by our residents.
Unquestionably the most important position in the Civilian Defense setup is that of Chief Air Raid Warden. Upon his shoulders rests the responsi- bility for the proper functioning of practically the entire defense organiza- tion. Through his efforts the deputy wardens, the block wardens, the fire chief, the police chief, the medical chief and the heads of every other divi- sion must function smoothly as a group. The education and maintenance of a sufficient staff for the report centre is one of his important duties. Keep- ing abreast of changing state and district requirements is another. Planning and supervision of blackouts, CPX tests, and advising his deputies of them is still another. Space hardly permits the listing of the many details which fall to the lot of the Chief Air Raid Warden.
It is doubtful if many communities can produce a citizen whose even disposition, whose cheerful attention to his job through many long hours of night and day, or whose cooperative spirit at all times can equal that of your present chief, Leland D. Thompson. Fortunate indeed is the town whose citi- zens serve in public capacities as faithfully as the Chief Warden.
BLACKOUTS
During the first part of the year, blackouts were held at stated times in order that the public might be prepared to cooperate. Recently the program was changed, and they now are being held as surprise tests-confined to a period of some stated week, so as to minimize the chance of confusion with an actual alert. As a result of these tests, we feel that most of our people know what to do in case of an alarm. However, we shall continue to hold blackout exercises in order that everyone may be thoroughly trained in the procedure, should a real alarm occur.
The duties pertaining to army dimout regulations are a function of the town's blackout officer and the regulations are interpreted and made effective under his jurisdiction. It is only natural that some confusion existed when these regulations were first enforced; however, the wardens and auxiliary police were most helpful, and today our Town has been complimented by the Army officials in this area as to the thoroughness of the dimout.
47
SALVAGE
With the success of the aluminum drive of last year as a basis upon which to proceed, your Committee found little trouble in securing the cooperation of an excellent Salvage Committee. The A. P. Gardner Post, American Le- gion and other organizations cooperated with this Committee, with the result that eighty-four tons of material were collected and turned back into the war production program.
The Salvage Committee is bound to play an even more important part in our war effort, and we are fortunate in having such a well-organized group to carry on their work.
MEDICAL DIVISION
Its zeal to serve limited only by the list of those available for such ser- vice, your medical division has carried on most efficiently throughout the year. It was deemed expedient, following test observations, to change the division from one cooperatively working with Wenham to one assigned only to this town. This was effected with very little difficulty, and the wisdom of the change is apparent. The medical post has received merited praise from regional executives and its functioning under tests was highly commended by district officers.
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