USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1872 > Part 4
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George Pettee, horse and fares for assessors,
35 85
George Hyde, horse, &c., for assessors,
102 65
J. J. Ware, warning town meetings,
75 00
F. J. Williams, services as Civil Engineer,
10 00
Merrick & Gray, analyzing water,
15 00
W. H. Phillips, labor on East Burial ground, 15
J. C. Farrar, ironing troughs, 10 70
Edwin Fewkes, bouquets for " Deco- ration Day," 35 00
William Buckley, cleaning well,
10 00
Carter, Rice, & Co., stationery,
33 09
J. F. C Hyde, auctioneer, advertising, &c., 23 35
A. B. Cobb, copying plans, Miscellaneous,
26 10
46 90
$3,694 38
SALARIES.
Thomas Rice, jun., estate of, services as Selectman, 1872, $550 00
Otis Pettee, services as Selectman, . 1872, 550 00
Isaac F. Kingsbury, services as Se- lectman, 1872, 550 00
Amount carried forward, $1,650 00
67
Amount brought forward, $1,650 00
Marcus T. Heywood, services as Se- lectman, 1872, 500 00
Lucius G. Pratt, services as Select- man, 1872, 500 00
Charles E. Ranlett, services as Se- lectman, 1872, 500 00
Joel M. Holden, services as Select- man, 1872, 500 00
Marshall S. Rice, Town Clerk, 1871, E. J. Collins, Treasurer, 66
$250 00
commissions in full on taxes, 66
876 41
66 in part 1872,
800 00
attending meetings of selectmen, 1872, 63 00
1,989 41
Isaac Hagar, Assessor, 1872,
$950 00
George Hyde,
66
700 00
George Pettee, 66 66
800 00
2;450 00
Seth Davis, Sealer of Weights and Measures,
100 00
M. T. Heywood, Building Commit- tee, No. Village lockup,
100 00
Lucius G. Pratt, Building Commit- tee, Engine-house, West Newton, J. F. C. Hyde, for Building Commit- tee, Highlands school-house,
300 00
Isaac Hagar, for Building Commit- tee, No. Village school-house,
300 00
J. A. Gould, School Committee, 1871, A. B. Ely, School Committee, 1871,
$65 00
100 50
165 50
Isaac Hagar, Auditor, 1871,
$239 00
Henry Fuller, 66 66
98 50
S. N. Woodward, " 66
72 00
409 50
$9,964 41
--
- $3,650 00
300 00
200 00
68
KENRICK FUND.
Balance Jan. 1, 1872,
$39 01
Interest received since Jan. 1, 1872,
200 00
$239 01
Amount distributed to the " industrious poor of
Newton," as per directions of the donor, $200 00
Cashon hand, Jan. 1, 1873, $39 01
Amount of investments, Jan. 1, 1873, 4,000 00
$4,039 01
From these tabulations, and from information communi- cated in other Reports herewith presented, a very complete exhibit of the prudential affairs of the Town may be gath- ered. The results suggest numerous considerations of inter- est, which will doubtless receive all proper attention from citizens,' and those acting under their authority. Among other matters of general importance in this connection, the increase of the Town Debt on account of strictly ordinary expenses cannot escape notice. It will be observed, by reference to preceding pages, that the debt of the Town has been considerably increased from this source, the provision made for the payment of annual expenses by the assessment of taxes covering only the amount granted for that purpose, while the expenses authorized have been largely in excess. The policy of making appropriations, or authorizing the expenditure of large sums in excess of the amount granted, except for purely extraordinary expenses, certainly deserves careful consideration. The growing tendency in that direc- tion, as well as its present and prospective evils, it is hoped will excuse the suggestion in this Report.
Respectfully submitted,
ISAAC HAGAR, - JULIUS L. CLARK, & Auditors. A. B. COBB,
NEWTON, Feb. 3, 1873.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
WITH the gradual enlargement of our villages, and the spread of population from year to year to greater and greater distances from the railway-stations, there comes a constant call for increased public expenditure in the way of perma- nent highway improvements, additional school facilities, or better protection against fire in many parts of the town, which formerly, in a comparatively unimproved and primi- tive condition, required but a small annual appropriation from the Town Treasury. This gratifying increase of popu- ation, and development of our territory, though rapid, has been, for some time, tolerably steady, and gives an indica- tion of what we may reasonably expect in the future.
It should be the policy of the town to encourage this healthy development with a generous consideration of new and increasing claims, rather than check it by an ill-timed parsimony.
The Selectmen, therefore, in making the estimates for the expenses of the coming year, would be inclined to recom- mend more liberal appropriations than they do in a few instances, were it not for certain circumstances of an excep- tional character.
The taxes required to meet the unusually heavy grant of last year, though very cheerfully and promptly paid, were, nevertheless, a burden to many. And this fact should be allowed to have its proper weight in determining the ex- penditure for the year to come.
Our town, it is true, is to be congratulated on its immuni- ty from any special disaster during the year past; yet it is needless to disguise the fact, that the destruction of a large portion of the business-part of Boston by fire on the 9th and
70
10th of November was a calamity felt to a very considerable extent by us; for we are almost identical with Boston in many respects, and are carried along with it both in prosperi- ty and adversity. For the present, it will be natural to ex- pect that many of our heavy tax-payers will be more largely interested in the rebuilding of Boston than in local im- provements, which, however desirable, may be allowed to wait without detriment for a year or two longer.
Before entering upon the details of their report, the Select- men cannot refrain from referring briefly to the great loss which they and the town have so recently sustained in the death of the late Hon. Thomas Rice, jun.
For eighteen consecutive years, Mr. Rice was concerned in the administration of town affairs, and for ten years acted as the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen ; which position he held at the time of his death. He was always first and foremost in all good works, active, never tiring.
During a long official career, as well in the service of his native town as on the much wider fields of action to which he was so often called, Mr. Rice was distinguished for those traits of character which peculiarly fitted him for a life of more than ordinary usefulness, and which marked him as an upright man and honored public servant.
The following estimates, made in compliance with a vote of the Town, are only to meet the requirements of the items mentioned. Should the Town vote any other expenditures not provided for in this estimate, a special appropriation will have to be made to meet the same.
Interest on town debt,
$27,000 00
Schools,
73,000 00
Evening schools,
1,500 00
Mechanical and industrial drawing-schools,
1,500 00
Incidentals for schools,
17,000 00
Fire department,
12,000 00
Almshouse expenses,
1,000 00
Repairs on almshouse,
1,000 00
Amount carried forward,
$134,000 00
71
Amount brought forward,
$134,000 00
Poor out of almshouse, 3,000 00
Ordinary repairs on highways and bridges, 35,000 00
New roads and permanent improvements in old roads, 45,000 00
Salaries,
11,000 00
Printing,
2,500 00
Insurance,
1,800 00
Police department,
8,000 00
Lighting streets,
22,000 00
Concrete sidewalks,
10,000 00
Miscellaneous expenses,
2,700 00
$275,000 00
INTEREST.
The additional amount required for interest on the town debt is partly in anticipation of the payment of higher rates of interest on loans that are to be renewed the coming spring and summer.
A statement of the liabilities and assets of the town may be found under its appropriate heading, in the Auditors' Re- port, to which your careful consideration is solicited.
HIGHWAYS.
It has been but a few years since the town fully realized the importance and necessity of wider and better roads, and, by vote. so changed the former system as to require all new roads to be at least forty feet in width in any case, and wider wherever the public convenience required it. This change in the system, together with the steady increase of population, is continually calling for the widening, straightening, and regrading of many old roads, which probably were laid out and built by the land-owners for their own benefit, rather than to serve the best interest of the public.
Numerous petitions for highway improvements have been presented to the Selectmen the past year, several of which have been passed upon by the Board, and will be reported in the March meeting for acceptance by the town.
A portion of the work ordered by the County Commis-
72
sioners, as well as a part of the work on roads accepted by the town last year, is not finished, but has advanced as rapidly as circumstances would allow. The Commissioners have not ordered any thing new the past year. The petitions for the wid- ening and grading of Beacon Street between Newton Centre and Chestnut hill, Walnut Street from Waltham lines through Newtonville to the Highlands, and Washington Street at the Lower Falls, are still in their hands, and may be ordered early the coming year.
During the past two years, a large number of culverts have been rebuilt ; and, where the location of them would allow, they have been made wider and deeper, for securing a better drainage, as well as for convenience in cleaning them out, and of doing slight repairs without taking them up.
The system of under drainage by the use of pipes has been continued to considerable extent since our last Report ; and the result of the experiment thus far has been very satisfac- tory in carrying off the surface water from the hillsides. We recommend its continuance from year to year, until we secure a more thorough and complete system of drainage throughout the town.
In the month of August last, we were visited by a series of heavy showers of rain, which damaged our roads to such an extent, that an extra number of workmen and teams had to be put on to repair them again, thereby increasing the cost of the ordinary highway repairs several thousand dollars.
For some time past, rather more attention has been given to the streets in the vicinity of the villages than in the more remote or farming districts of the town. Nahanton Street, and some portions of Dedham Street, need important repairs, which should be done the coming year. Hammond Street also needs considerable repairs, some portion of which can be done to a better advantage in connection with the widening of Beacon Street, if the Commissioners order it.
The Boylston-street Bridge across Charles River at the Upper Falls, and the Woodland-avenue Bridge over the Bos- ton and Albany Railroad at Auburndale, are in a poor condi- tion, and probably will have to be rebuilt the ensuing year.
73
The ordinary repairs of roads very naturally increase from year to year to keep pace with the growth of the Town ; and our estimate, for this reason, is' put a little higher than last year.
It will be remembered that the Town at the last annual meeting made an appropriation of twenty-five thousand dollars to establish a steamer and apparatus for fire-purposes at the Centre. This matter was referred to the Selectmen, with full powers; and, in view of the large expenditures for the year, it was voted by them to postpone the purchase of the engine till the year 1873. Vacant lots of land are held by the Town in that locality suitable for the reception of the engine-house ; and the Town will be asked to authorize the Selectmen to appropriate any of such lands for this purpose, as in their judgment may be needed. With the purchase of this engine a further outlay will be required for horses and equipment, to be used on the highway work when not in use by the fire- department.
Concrete sidewalks are still an experiment, as they have been introduced by the Town only two years, which is not sufficient time to fully test their durability. We can only say that the result thus far has been very satisfactory. About ten miles have been laid since its adoption ; and there is a steady and growing demand for more.
SCHOOLS.
The liberality of the town in the education of the children of its citizens is in full sympathy with the most advanced ideas of the day, and affords even the humblest person no ordinary opportunity for acquiring an education which will ably fit its possessor for any of the multiplied occupations of life, except the professions and trades. For these last, the higher institu- tions of learning, and practical apprenticeship, will continue to be the educators ; though it may not long be an undecided question whether our schools shall not be able to give for them a more thorough preparation.
Something in this direction is being done in the special departments of music and mechanical drawing.
74
We cannot afford to lower the standard of our schools ; and it is plain that not alone from the growing population do the wants of the schools increase, but from a more thorough appreciation of the privileges we have, and the corresponding advantage which is taken of them.
No spirit of emulation alone should lead us to make the schools of Newton better than those of any other town, but from the purpose to give every possible opportunity, with the means at our command, to those in the pursuit of knowledge. Such a condition of our schools will tell on the population seeking homes in our midst, and so materially aid in bearing the burdens which these privileges impose upon us.
The School Committee ask for seventy-three thousand dollars for the ensuing year. Included in this amount is the salary of the Superintendent of Schools, which, heretofore has been provided for by special vote.
This increase over last year's appropriations is needed for additional accommodations required at Newtonville and Newton Highlands, and the growing wants of the town elsewhere.
The Superintendent and an able corps of teachers are actively prosecuting their work ; and, under the guidance of an intelligent Committee, much may be expected of them.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
During the past year we have had an opportunity to realize the valuable services of well-trained and faithful fire- men, as shown by their almost superhuman efforts in sav- ing property at the great fire in Boston on the 9th and 10th of November. It is a matter of pride that our own depart- ment was able to render valuable assistance at that time.
We still believe that the Steam Fire Department is by all means the most effective, and can but repeat the great need of a better supply of water as expressed by many of our citizens. If it is not deemed expedient to introduce water for domestic uses, we believe, that, for fire purposes, pipes may be laid from the elevated sources of supply to small reservoirs located at convenient points.
75
The Hook and Ladder Carriage recently located at New- tonville has been of good service on many occasions.
The Fire-alarm Telegraph is much needed, not only to give the alarm, but to direct the engines to the immediate scene of the fire.
We are fully of the opinion that the expenses of this ad- dition to our Fire Department will in a few years be saved in the decreased wear and tear of horses and machinery.
ALMSHOUSE DEPARTMENT, AND POOR OUT OF ALMSHOUSE.
The affairs of the almshouse remain in about the same condition as last year. The buildings have been kept in good repair, and will require but a small outlay the com- ing year to keep them so.
The number of inmates last year was eleven ; this year we have thirteen.
The ordinary expenses in this department for the ensu- ing year will be about the same as heretofore. Mr. Ware has been engaged as Warden of the house, and Superin- tendent of Highways, under the Selectmen, for another year.
One heavy item in the charges for poor out of the alms- house is for the temporary relief to travellers. This nui- sance is rapidly on the increase : the number provided for the current year exceeds that of any former year. A few of them are worthy objects of charity, no doubt, and should be comfortably provided for; but we are more than ever convinced that the greater portion of these travelling paupers or vagrants should be provided for in some other way than begging from town to town. It would be well if some means could be devised to arrest this growing evil in the community.
POLICE.
The expenses of this department still continue to be on the increase. As it has been but a year or two since the Town has needed a standing Police-force, no particular or- ganization has been made in this department; but the time
76
is close at hand when it should be regularly established, and so systemized that the Town may know from time to time what their Policemen are doing.
The past year, a station-house has been erected near North Village, and, since its completion, seems to have had a very salutary effect upon the people in that vicinity dis- posed to make trouble.
INSURANCE.
The great destruction of property by fire in Chicago but little more than a year ago, and the burning of a large portion of the business-part of Boston last November, together with numerous losses about the country of lesser magnitude, have caused the failure of many insurance companies, rendering their policies worthless, or nearly so.
Newton has received its share in the losses thus occasioned, necessarily requiring a large amount of the town's property to be re-insured ; and possibly more will have to be for the same reason.
This re-insuring, together with the renewal of policies that have expired the past year by limitation, will somewhat relieve the town in its expenditure for insurance for a few years to come ; but to provide for policies that fall due the coming year, and for any other contingency that may arise, we have put in our estimate at eighteen hundred dollars.
MILITIA.
The number of persons in the town liable to do military duty, if needed, is one thousand three hundred and fifty-one ; and it would appear from this number, and the character of our population, not a difficult matter to sustain a good com- pany of active volunteer militia. Such a company is in existence among us, and has shown itself during the past year to be composed of our fellow-citizens, ready at a moment's call, and capable of performing the soldier's duty. In addition to the annual service required by the State at elementary drills, May inspection, and camp duty, the company was ordered to report
77
on Sunday evening, Nov. 10, to the commanding officer of the regiment to which it is attached in Boston, to aid in the care of the city immediately after the great conflagration. For thirteen consecutive days and nights, the company re- mained in Boston engaged in guard-duty, and undergoing exposure not unlike that of the army during an active cam- paign. It is needless to say that the service was most creditably performed, and is indicative of the spirit of our young men, when in any emergency the lives and property of their fellow-citizens may be in danger. It is deemed a subjeet worthy of recommendation to the fostering care of the town, that, in every proper way, this company may be sustained, and continue to be a school of instruction for those who in an un- certain future may be needed for the public defence.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
The statute laws of the Commonwealth require the Board of Health to make such regulations and provisions as are in their judgment necessary to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, and to provide hospitals or places where persons infected with small-pox or other contagion can be removed and properly cared for.
The prevalence of small-pox in Boston and vicinity this winter has, in the opinion of the Board, been a sufficient reason why we should use all precautionary measures to prevent its spread in Newton.
To this end, the Selectmen as Board of Health issued a cir- cular for distribution, requesting our citizens to use all pre- cautionary means to prevent the disease from coming among us, and to comply with the laws in regard to vaccination, &c.
We also made temporary arrangements for a hospital build- ing, with suitable attendants, to which persons so infected could be removed and comfortably provided for. An article will be found in the warrant for town-meeting, bringing this subject before the town for such action as may be necessary for a more permanent arrangement, if needed.
There have been within the limits of the town the past year
78
twelve cases of varioloid, and seven cases of small-pox, only one of which was removed to the hospital.
It is a pleasure to the Board to be able to inform the town that there are no cases of either disease within its borders at the present time. save one at the hospital ; and that is rapidly convalescing.
The Reports of School Committee, Engineers of Fire Department, the Registrar's Report, &c., may be found under ยท their respective headings ; all of which we recommend to your careful perusal and consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
OTIS PETTEE, LUCIUS G. PRATT,
Selectmen
CHARLES E. RANLETT,
ISAAC F. KINGSBURY, 1 MARCUS T. HEYWOOD,
of Newton.
JOEL M. HOLDEN,
NEWTON, Feb. 3, 1873.
*
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
THIS department is improving and increasing with the growth of the Town ; as a natural result, the duties and expenses will increase in the same ratio. It is well known that we labor under great disadvantages in nearly every village on account of the small supply of water. We would again urge the necessity of a better water-supply for fire purposes. We have been very fortunate about fires the past year ; but we feel the necessity of being prepared for any emergency. Boston was thought by many to be nearly fire-proof. The great fire of Nov. 9 and 10 speaks for itself; yet our buildings are mere tinder-boxes in comparison. Therefore we feel it our duty to urge the greatest caution in the use of fire, the construction of flues, and the depositing of ashes ; and also every one who can should have a supply of water upon their own premises for immediate use. Your firemen hold themselves in readi- ness, in case of fire or alarm, to rush to your relief at any time, night or day, in all weathers, without regard to health or comfort - their aim the public good. At the call of Chief Engineer John S. Damrell of Boston, Saturday even- ing, Nov. 9, 1872, Newton sent two steamers, two hose- carriages, one thousand seven hundred and fifty feet of hose, and forty-seven men. They worked, as only firemen can work, some sixteen hours, until the fire was under con- trol. They deserve and have also received great credit for their services on that occasion. There is one other
80
matter which, we think, if the citizens of the Town properly understood, they would vote for without hesita- tion ; and that is the Fire-alarm Telegraph, which we need very much to connect the different villages, so that we may know at once where a fire is, and whether we are wanted or not, and not feel obliged to wear out horses and men running where we are not wanted.
A Fire Police is also needed to attend fires, quell dis- turbances, and look after property. The new engine-house at West Newton, progressing slowly towards completion, will not be ready for occupancy before spring. The follow- ing list of engines and companies will show the amount of duty done in 1872: -
NEWTON, 1, STEAMER. - NEWTON VILLAGE.
This engine has done a large amount of duty the past year. Hose 1, of Newton, which runs in connection with the steamer, has a company of fifteen men : they are good firemen, well organized, and ready for any duty. Number of fires and alarms, forty-three ; worked at fourteen fires; hours worked, eighty-two and a half.
George H. Wentworth, Engineer, Steamer 1.
Nelson Hyde, Foreman, Hose 1. James D. Henthorn, Clerk.
NEWTON, 2, STEAMER. - WEST NEWTON.
This engine is in good condition ; has been in service seventeen months. It has never refused to do duty, and has not cost the Town as yet any thing for repairs. Hose 2, running with Steamer 2, has a company of fifteen men good and true. Have turned out, twenty-nine times ; worked at ten fires.
P. Callahan, Engineer, Steamer 2.
Edward Trowbridge, Foreman, Hose 2. Oscar S. Bailey, Clerk.
-
81
CATARACT, 1. - LOWER FALLS.
Has a full company of forty-five men. The engine and apparatus are in good order ; and the company turns out with full ranks at fires. Turned out twelve times ; worked at six fires.
WM. CLAFLIN, No. 1, CHEMICAL. - NEWTONVILLE.
Has a full company of fifteen men; has turned out twenty-four times ; worked at twelve fires.
George J. Curtis, Foreman.
Charles T. Stetson, Clerk.
JOHN L. ROBERTS, HOOK AND LADDER, No. 1. - NEWTONVILLE.
They have a good company ; and it is an important addi- tion to our department. Turned out thirty-four times ; worked at sixteen fires.
MONITOR, No. 2, CHEMICAL. - AUBURNDALE.
Is kept in condition for use, but has no company.
TRITON, No. 3. - AUBURNDALE.
This engine was placed at Auburndale by the Board of Engineers at the request of the citizens of that village, thinking it would be of more service there with a com- pany than at West Newton without. She is in good repair, and is well manned. Turned out to fifteen fires and alarms.
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