USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1940-1949 > Part 66
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In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Norwell for the period from August 8, 1948, the date of the previous examination, to August 27, 1949, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked, and verified by comparison with the records of the town accountant.
The ledger accounts were analyzed for the period covered by the audit, the receipts being checked with the treasurer's books and the pay- ments being compared with the warrants authorizing them and with the treasurer's records of payments. The appropriation accounts and loan authorizations were checked with the town clerk's record of town meeting proceedings and the transfers from the reserve fund were verified by comparison with the authorizations of the finance committee.
The necessary adjusting entries resulting from the audit were made, and a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the town on August 27, 1949 was prepared and is appended to this report.
54
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and checked to the town accountant's books, with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town, and with the other sources from which money was paid into the treasury, while the payments were checked with the treasury warrants approved by the selectmen authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds.
The cash balance on August 27, 1949 was proved by verification of the cash in the office, by reconciliation of the bank balances with state- ments furnished by the banks in which town funds are deposited, and by examination of a savings bank book.
The payments made for maturing debt and interest were proved with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled bonds and coupons on file.
The transactions of the several trust and investment funds in custody of the town treasurer were verified, and the savings bank books repre- senting the investment of these funds were examined and listed.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined. The taxes transferred to the tax title account by the collector were proved, the reported redemptions were checked with the treasurer's receipts, and the tax titles on hand were listed, reconciled with the accountant's ledger, and compared with the records in the Registry of Deeds.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked. The taxes, excise, and assessments outstanding at the time of the previous examination and all subsequent commitments were audited and reconciled with the assessors' warrants for their collection. The re- ported payments to the treasurer were verified, the recorded abatements were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted, the trans- fers to the tax title account were proved, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the town accountant's ledger.
The commitments of departmental accounts receivable were proved, the recorded receipts were checked with the treasurer's cash book, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the controlling ac- counts kept by the town accountant.
The outstanding tax, excise, assessment, and departmental accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of licenses issued by the selectmen, the town clerk, and the health department were examined and checked, and the payments to the State and to the town treasurer were verified.
55
TOWN OF NORWELL
The surety bonds of the several officials required by law to furnish them were examined and found to be in proper form.
The records of the fire department and the sealer of weights and measures, as well as those of all other departments collecting money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined and reconciled with the town treasurer's receipts and with the accountant's records.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax, excise, assessment, tax title, and departmental accounts, together with tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
For the cooperation extended by the several town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
We are sorry to report an increase in the number of fires during 1949, particularly no-permit fires resulting from burning rubbish outdoors in incinerators. Fortunately all fires were extinguished before great damage was suffered, with the exception of one unoccupied dwelling which was destroyed. Several woods fires during the exceptionally dry summer required two to three days to extinguish.
During 1949 your Fire Department responded to 88 alarms as follows: Buildings (incl. chimneys) 17
Woods and grass 43
*Town Dump 13
Rubbish
7
Misc. (incl. auto, no need, flooded oil burners) 8
*Note: Four "woods" fires, one of which cost the town nearly $100, spread from the Town Dump.
56
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
We are pleased to report that there was no serious outbreak of set fires over the July 4 holiday as experienced in 1948, but at least six woods fires were possibly set and one building fire referred to the State Fire Marshall for investigation.
During the past year your fire engineers have given many hours and travelled many miles making inspections of oil burning equipment and bottled gas installations as required by State laws. If you do not have a permit to store gasoline for your lawn mower, or fuel oil, range oil or bottled gas for your home, speak to your fire engineer -for your own protection and to prevent embarrassment in the future.
Again we are asking that a sum of money be appropriated for a new fire truck to replace the twenty-year-old truck at the No. 3 Fire House. This fire company now has the first responsibility of giving rescue and protection to the nursing home on Stetson Road, to the printing plant off Tiffany Road and to a rapidly increasing taxable valuation in their district.
With the exception of the truck mentioned above, all apparatus is in excellent condition and only minor repairs to buildings will be necessary in 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
CURTIS POWER, Chief Engineer ROBERT O. APTS HAROLD WILDER HAROLD RAMSAY JOSEPH L. HALLETT, Clerk
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the Town of Norwell for the year 1949.
Quarantine of dogs having bitten persons:
Number of dogs quarantined 17 Number of calls 34
57
TOWN OF NORWELL
Investigation of Interstate Shipment Permits: Total number 1
Inspection of barns and listing of animals in Norwell for the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. CUGNASCA, D.V.M., Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the Town of Norwell for the year 1949.
20 Dogs returned to owners
3 Complaints investigated on dog abuse
6 Complaints of dogs molesting cows and chickens
8 Dead dogs picked up
2 Dead cats
7 Strays - disposed of and buried
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT MOLLA, Dog Officer
58
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
With the closing of the year of 1949, the Water Commissioners wish to report that the mains have been laid on Grove St., High St. and Wash- inston St. in the west end of the town according to plans. In the Church ì ill section - River St. to Tiffany Rd. and out Tiffany Rd. to the Robin- son Estate - mains have been laid as planned.
The following table shows the mileage, services installed to curb, and takers on the project:
Miles
No. of Services
No. of Water Takers
Percent of Takers
River Street
1.1 Tiffany Road
32
13
46%
.4 Grove Street
21
9
43%
1.3 High Street
67
30
45%
2.1 Washington Street
86
37
43%
4.9
206
89
43%
New Construction Not Yet Con-
nected
206
100
48%
-
11
·
About 18 takers per mile of construction.
The Commissioners wish to thank the towns of Raynham, Scituate and Hanover for their cooperation in assisting us to obtain materials during this installation. We wish also to thank the many citizens of this town who supplied drinking water, coffee, etc. for the men working on the job. We appreciate the time taken by the citizens to get telephone messages through and many inconveniences caused by the installing and testing of the system.
We wish also to thank the many public-spirit-minded citizens who offered their services to assist us in getting data together for future plans.
We find after meeting with other commissioners that there is a gen- eral feeling that if a town can have its own supply of a good quality water, they have the best supply.
After more detailed investigation it looks as if it will be too far in the future to await a Metropolitan Water Supply.
There is to be revived by the Federal Government the plan of assist- ing towns to draw up plans and specifications for improving or enlarging their Water System. The cost of same would be borne by the Federal Government. If and when the town used any of these plans the Fede. al Government would be reimbursed for the cost of same.
59
TOWN OF NORWELL
Through this medium we could submit different plans for the consid- eration of the citizens for their approval, paying only for what we would use.
Again thanking all for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
EARLE F. ALLEN GEORGE F. CAVANAGH RICHARD H. BROOKS, Chairman Board of Water Commissioners.
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE (Plymouth County Extension Service)
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell Gentlemen:
The towns of Plymouth County have the opportunity of contributing directly to the budget of the Plymouth County Extension Service by town appropriation, which is sent directly to the County Treasurer for the use of this Department. Town Directors are chosen to represent the town in the administration of the Extension Service wherever possible.
The Extension Service is an educational organization sponsored jointly by the County of Plymouth, University of Massachusetts, and the United States Department of Agriculture. There are three Depart- ments within the Extension Service - Agriculture, Homemaking, and 4-H Club Work. The major objectives of the Extension Service are directed to farm and rural people, but since funds from tax sources are used, there is an obligation to ali the citizens of the County.
The direction for the Extension Service is by board of nine trustees who are appointed by, and report to, the Board of County Commissioners. In addition, each Department has an advisory council and commodity committees which give counsel in the formation of educational programs for their respective groups.
General educational programs are conducted through meetings, cir- cular letters, newspaper and radio publicity. In addition farm and home visits are made to promote rural welfare among the men, women, and youth interested in better farm and rural living.
60
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
Statistical Summary of Achievements
Agri Dept.
Home Dem.
4-H Club Dept.
Total
Farm or Home Visits
859
216
588
1,663
Telephone Calls
5,747
1,322
1,840
8,909
Office Calls
2,173
395
307
2,875
News Stories
131
39
1,880
2,050
Radio Talks
273
104
12
389
Bulletins Distributed
4,902
10,721
7,614
23,237
Individual Letters Written
2,723
423
1,041
4,187
Circular Letters Written
196
60
120
376
Copies Mailed
72,792
30,433
14,275
117,500
Number of Leaders
96
294
165
555
Meetings of Leaders
83
13
13
109
Attendance
1,156
113
271
1,540
Demonstration Meetings
98
15
12
261
Attendance
5,143
256
486
5,885
Other Extension Meetings Attendance
46
124
276
446
2,456
3,721
13,513
19,690
Meetings with other organizations Attendance
58
254*
3,840*
4,152
5,505
12,703
35,560
53,768
No. 4-H Clubs, 121; Club Members enrolled in 4-H Clubs, 987.
No. 4-H Achievement Days, 1; Attendance 450.
*Includes meetings held by Local leaders and 4-H Clubs.
Respectfully submitted,
J. T. BROWN, County Agent-Manager WILLIAM JACOBS, Town Agent
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR NO. 2 FIRE HOUSE
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
At the 1945 Town Meeting an appropriation was made and a com- mittee appointed for the construction of proper quarters for the member- ship and fire apparatus of No. 2 Fire Company.
Dept.
61
TOWN OF NORWELL
Rapidly increasing building costs and war-time priorities on materials prevented the committee from realizing the fullest degree of their plans, but a building has been completed of ample size to house the apparatus, provide a meeting room for the company members, furnish a small room for the fire department files and records, and provide heated quarters for the William J. Leonard Memorial Library.
The committee wishes to acknowledge with thanks all of the many ways in which the firemen and interested townspeople assisted to make the completion of this building possible. In particular we wish to record our appreciation of the financial generosity of the late Mr. Wilfred C. Bowker. Likewise, sincere thanks are extended to Mr. Louis W. Wheeler for his donation of the land on which the building stands and for his material aid and personal interest, and to Mr. Charles H. Pike for his constant help and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. FARRAR, Chairman LEO C. ROSA HERMAN H. KENNEY
*PAULINE LEONARD DONALD PORTER LOUIS W. WHEELER RALPH H. COLEMAN HENRY SMITH
JOSEPH L. HALLETT, Clerk
*Deceased
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Norwell for the year 1949.
64 Calls on Scales and Gas Pumps
6 Calls on Stores Checking Weights on Packaged Goods
4 Calls on Oil Trucks
2 Calls on Ice Trucks
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND F. LAPHAM, Sealer of Weights and Measures
62
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE JAMES LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR 1949
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
A comparison of the number of books, pocket books, and magazines lent a year ago with the number lent this year indicates an encouraging increase in the use of the James Library. There were 5108 books bor- rowed in addition to the 2517 pocket books and 1638 magazines which were circulated. An average of almost four new titles was added to the catalogue every week. These were procured by purchase and by gift. Mrs. Carlton Chambers has continued to give her much appreciated advice and help with the problem of cataloging.
Through the efforts of the North River Gardeners, new books have been added to the Caroline Judd Collection of horticultural subjects; while the Committee has continued to obtain books on art with the money made available by the fund set up in memory of H. Rodman Booth. Particular thanks are due The Couples Club of the First Parish for their interest and generous contributions of money, time, and effort. As a consequence of this activity the library building is now more convenient and comfortable for public use.
As a result of further purchases of standard books of educational value, the Committee is pleased to note an increasing use of the facilities of the library by the school students of the community. If they and the other patrons of the library wish to make suggestions regarding subject matter and service which can be broadened or improved, the Committee would be pleased to have them send their communications to it. One innovation that might be observed has been the publication on the bulletin board of the Post Office of the titles of recent acquisitions.
To those who make regular monthly presentations of new titles and to those who from time to time give additional items of books and maga- zines, the Committee extends its sincere thanks. To the people of Norwell, the Librarian forwards an invitation of welcome during the hours of six to eight in the evenings of Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, in addi- tion to the hours of two until four on Saturday afternoons.
Respectfully submitted,
Norwell, Massachusetts January 5, 1950
REV. HERMAN GEERTZ DR. CHARLES ROUNDS MRS. WILDER GAUDETTE, Secretary MISS MILDRED HASTINGS, Treasurer MRS. NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Librarian MR. RICHARD D. McMULLAN, Chairn.an
63
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF THE WILLIAM J. LEONARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
The W. J. Leonard Memorial Library has completed its third full year in its new location and its first full year under revised methods and librarianship.
There have been numerous and generous gifts to the Library this year. We acknowledge and enumerate herewith: a very fine reproduc- tion of William Hohman Hunt's picture "The Light of the World"; a desk pad; the privilege of selecting, for "Our Children's Corner", books amounting to the sum of $50.00 in memory of Mrs. Jennie Appleford from the U.A.A .; a copy of the Holy Bible; a shelf for our electric clock; 186 books on diversified subjects from members of the community.
During the entire month of July flowers were placed in the Library in great profusion in memory of Pauline W. Leonard, former Librarian and Trustee.
A total of 8049 books have been circulated this year, an increase of 3922 over 1948 total and an increase of 6034 over 1947 total.
There are a total of 5182 volumes in the Library. There are 152 regis- tered borrowers using the Library facilities, an increase of 104 over 1948 total.
The Dewey Decimal System for Smaller Libraries was put into use the latter part of last year. This year we have marked Mystery and Western stories with M and W respectively.
We have curtains in our windows made of material purchased with Library funds by the Librarian.
Two volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica and one volume of the Book of Knowledge have been unaccounted for, for several years. We earnestly hope to replace these most essential volumes during 1950.
A decided increase in circulation warranted our opening the Library on Saturday afternoons in February.
More time, will of necessity, have to be expended to keep the Library clean and our routine running smoothly, but obviously these efforts will require additional financial support.
Being open still another day during the week in 1950 seems imminent. There are often ten to twenty people trying to select books at one time. In small quarters the extra hours will give members of the community more time to visit the Library thus making it easier for the staff as well as for the borrower.
The Library hours are Fridays 7-9 and Saturdays 1-3 at which time the Librarian is on duty. Tuesdays 2-4 when the Assistant-Librarian is at the desk.
Signed,
VIRGINIA M. MITCHELL, Librarian and Trustee W. O. PROUTY, Trustee A. H. PROUTY, Trustee D. CANN, Assistant Librarian
64
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
Following is a list of communicable diseases reported to the Board of Health during 1949:
Chicken Pox 67
Measles
19
German Measles 53
Whooping Cough
1
Mumps
35
Tuberculosis
1
Poliomyelitis 2
One cat bite and 14 dog bites were reported and the offending animal in each case placed under quarantine for the required length of time. In one case, where a child was badly bitten in the face, anti-rabic vaccine was administered by the family physician.
Two cases of poliomyelitis were reported by a local physician and the families placed in quarantine for three weeks by this Board. The fact this Board went beyond the State requirement in the matter of quaran- tine may account for the fact that there was no spread of the disease.
As usual all tourist homes, overnight cabins, infant boarding homes, restaurants, and roadside stands serving food were inspected. Premises where a Horse Show was held also was inspected as food was to be sold on the grounds during the show.
Before a license was granted to the pasteurization of milk plant located in town, it too was carefully inspected.
The Board sponsored immunization clinics this past year. 136 children were inoculated against diphtheria, tetanus, smallpox and whooping cough, by the physician on the Board.
The Town Dump was visited several times by members of the Board who report a great improvement in the general condition of the area. It is suggested that a rat control program be conducted at the dump to re- duce the number of disease carriers.
Twenty-one wells were inspected by the State Dept. of Health and samples of water taken for testing. In each case where the water tested was not fit for human consumption, a notice of that fact was sent to the owner together with directions how to correct the condition; also a copy sent to this Board for filing. The Town Spring, water supply for some 200 families, has been inspected several times, twice by a representative from the State Board who offered suggestions relative to the surroundings.
One new case of Tuberculosis was reported this year and the patient removed to Plymouth County Hospital for treatment.
Two licenses to carry garbage have been issued during the year.
.
65
TOWN OF NORWELL
Definition of terms used in the handling of Communicable Diseases, together with a list of those diseases which by law must be reported to the local Board, are again printed in the hope that the public will famil- larize themselves with these rules. A prompt report of disease is re- quested. If by telephone, call any of the following numbers: Norwell 76-R The Office, or 268-J, Chairman of Board, or 119 or 274, Members.
Householders Must Report Diseases
A householder who knows that a person in his family or house is sick with a disease dangerous to the public health shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Board of Health.
Physicians Must Report Diseases
When a physician knows that a person whom he is called to visit is infected with a disease dangerous to the public health, he shall imme- diately give notice thereof in writing over his own signature to the Board of Health.
Householder
The term householder as used in these rules shall be understood as meaning the head of the household, or the one in charge of the household, or the one in charge of a hospital, asylum, prison, jail, school or institu- tion, public or private.
Quarantine.
The term quarantine as used in these rules shall be understood to mean that persons in the dwelling, tenement, apartment or other quarters under restriction shall not leave said premises, and that all other persons save the physician, nurse, clergyman and authorized health officers shall not enter such premises, except upon permission of the local health au- thorities.
Isolation
The term isolation as used in these rules shall be understood to mean the restraint of the patient and nurse or other attendants to a certain room or rooms apart from other members of the household in a manner satisfactory to the local health authorities.
Diseases Which Must Be Reported
The following diseases have been declared by the State Department of Health to be dangerous to the public health and therefore must be re- ported to the Board of Health:
Actinomycosis
(b) Suppurative Conjunctivitis
Anthrax
(c) Trachoma
Anterior Poliomyelitis (Infantile Paralysis) Asiatic Cholera
Leprosy
Malaria
Measles
Mumps
Chicken Pox Diphtheria
Pellagra
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT
Dog-Bite (requiring anti-rabic treatment)
Dysentery:
(a) Amoebic
(b) Bacillary
Septic Sore Throat Smallpox Tetanus (Lock Jaw)
Epidermic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
Trichinosis
German Measles
Tuberculosis (All forms)
Glanders
Hookworm Disease
Infectious Diseases of the Eye:
(a) Opthalmia Neonatorum (Inflammation of the eyes of the newborn)
Typhoid Fever Typhus Fever Whooping Cough
Yellow Fever
The attending physician is required by law under penalty of a fine of from $50 to $100 to report all diseases dangerous to the public health; and the householder, if a physician is not in attendance, is punishable by â fine of not more than $100 for failure to make report.
Respectfully submitted,
MINOT F. WILLIAMSON, Chairman JOHN D. R. WOODWORTH RICHARD E. CUGNASCA NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Clerk for the Board of Health.
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell: Gentlemen:
The town appropriation took care of all repairs on equipment and emergency work where Chapter 81 was not available.
The schedule of Chapter 81 was followed under the supervision of the State Engineer. The work is itemized on enclosed form.
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