USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1903 > Part 8
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DATE OF
APPEARANCE
ODOR
boration Residue on Evaporation
Chlorine
Nit-
Ni-
consumed
Hardness
Iron
Collec- tion
Exami- nation
Turbidity
Sediment
Color
Cold
Hot
Free
rates trites
1903
1903
Feb. 9 Feb. 9
Decided iron Cons. iron
.48 None
None
7.40
.0094
0098
.43
.0050
.0001
.75
3.5
.3000
Unfiltered
Feb. 9 Feb. 9
None
None
.21 None
None
15.40
.0056
.0076
.43
.0080
.0002
.30
9.0
.0100
Filtered
April 7 April
7
Slight
Slight iron
Turbid.70 None
None
7.50
.0086
.0126
.40
.0050
.0000
.60
2.2
.1800
Unfiltered
April 7 April 7
None
None
.14 None
None
14.40
0078
.0090
.41
.0020
.0003
.33
8.4
.0020
Filtered
May 26 May 27
Decided
Cons.
.90 None
Faint. earth
6.50
0088
.0132
.44
.0020
0000
.66
2.2
Unfiltered
May 26 May 27
None
None
.23 None
None
16.40
.0052
.0084
.42
.0050
.0007
.32
10.6
0010
Filtered
June 9 June 10
Decided
('ons.
.70 *Very F. U.
None
7.50
.0076
.0090
.43
.0010
.0000
.58
2.2
.1590
Unfiltered
June 9 June 10
None
None
.30 None
None
15.10
.0054
.0074
.43
.0010
.0010
.33
9.1
.0260
Filtered
June 22 June 23
Decided
Cons.
.50 None
None
7.10
.0082
.0100
.42
.0000
.0000
.50
2.3
.1300
Unfiltered
June 22 June 23
Very slight
None
.12 None
None
15.40
.0042
.0058
.43
.0040
.0005
.26
8.8
.0030
Filtered
July 15 July 15
Decided
l'ons.
.49 |None
None
7.40
.0080
.0140
.41
.0010
.0001
.67
2.5
.0920
Unfiltered
July 15 July 15
Very slight
Very slight
.26 None
None
16.70
.0064
.0090
.41
.0030
.0005
.41
10.6
.0080
Filtered
July 28 July 28
None
None
.25 None
Faint. earth.
17.00
.0082
.0100
.40
.0000
0006
.42
.0020
Filtered
Aug. 11 Aug. 12
Decided
Cons. iron
Iron
None
*Very F. U.
7.80
0238
0100
.43
.0050
.0003
.75
1160
Unfiltered
Aug. 11 Aug. 12
None
None
.28 None
None
17.50
.0050
.0060
43
.0030
.0010
.42
10.6
0010
Filtered
Aup. 25 Ang. 26
Decided
Cons. iron
.80 None
None
7.90
0104
.0134
.54
.0020
.0000
.71
2.1
1120
Unfiltered
Aug. 25|Ang. 26
Very slight
None
.30 None
None
15.60
.0064
.0074
.44
.0000
.0010
.37
9.4
.0180
Filtered
Sept. 8 Sept. 8
Decided
Cons.
.60 Faint. earth. Faint. earth.
7.20
.0102
.0124
.44
.0020
.0000
.63
2.3
1240
Unfiltered
Sept. 8 Sept. 8
Very slight
None
.25 None
None
15.40
.0044
.0082
.44
.0040
0011
.38
9.1
.0150
Filtered
Sept. 22 Sept. 23
Decided
Cons. iron
Turbid.70 *Very F. U.
*Very F. U.
7.70
.0100
.0136
.47
.0040
0001
.68
2.5
.1320
Unfiltered
Sept. 22 Sept. 23
None
None
.22 *Very F. U.
*Very F. U.
15.90
.0044
.0084
46
.0050
.0007
.42
9.9
0040
Filtered
Oct.
6
Decided
Cons. iron
Tur. iron None
*Very F. U.
7.00
.0102
.0086
.46
.0020
0001
2.2
.2100
Unfiltered
Oct.
6 Oct.
6
None
None
.26 |None
*Very F. U.
16.00
.0062
.0060
.48
.0040
0006
.37
9.4
.0200
Filtered
Oct. 20 Oct.
21 Decided
Cons. iron
Turbid.80 None
*Very F. U.
8.50
.0108
.0094
.46
.0020
.0001
.53
2.6
1600
Unfiltered
Oct. 20 Oct.
21
None
None
.15 |None
None
16.50
.0054
0060
46
.0020
.0009
.35
9.4
0030
Filtered
Nov. 3 Nov.
4
Decided iron Cons. iron
Iron
*Very F. U.
Faitly Un.
7.60
.0126
0132
.54
.0020|
.0000
.55
3.5
.2000
Unfiltered
Nov. 3 Nov. 4
None
Slight
.14 Faintly Un.
Faintly Un.
15.00
.0072
.0084
.53
.0020
.0007
.29
9.1
.0110
Filtered
Nov. 17 Nov. 18
Decided
Cons.
Turbid.80 None
None
7.90
0104
.0092
.52;
.0020
.0001
.60
3.3
.3200
Unfiltered
Nov 17 Nov. 18
Very slight
None
.28 None
None
16.20
.0014
.0068
.52
.0080
.0008
.42
10.0
.0150
Filtered
Dec. 8 Dec.
9
Decided
Cons. iron
.48 None
None
7.10
0110
.0118
.54
.0020
.0000
.56
3.3
.2200
Dec.
8 Dec.
9
Very slight
None
.29 *Very F. U.
Faintly Un.
14.90
0062
.0082
.52
.0020
.0005
.33
8.9
.0230
Filtered
Dec. 22 Dec. 24
Decided
Cons.
.43 None
None
8.70
.0102
.0104
.53
.0030
0001
.40
3.1
.2200
Unfiltered
Dec. 22|Dec. 24 |None
.16 |None
None
15.10
.0062
.0072
.54
.0050|
.0005
.29
8.9
.0080
Filtered
7.90
0124
.0138
.40
.0010
.0000
.72
2.5
0840
Unfiltered
July 28 July 28
Decided iron Cons. iron
.95 None
Faint. earth.
11.2
2.2
.2200
*Very Faintly Unpleasant
AMMONIA
NITROGEN
AS
Oxygen
Albu- mi. noid
Unfiltered
None
6 Oct.
.61
164
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1903
In form recommended by the New England Water Works Association.
READING WATER WORKS
READING, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASS.
GENERAL STATISTICS
Population by Census of 1900, 4,969.
Date of construction, 1890 and 1891.
By whom owned, Town of Reading. Source of supply, filter gallery.
Mode of supply, pumping.
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Builders of Pumping Machinery, Geo. F. Blake Mfg. Co. 1 a. Kind, coal. b. Brand of coal, Carbon and Pocahontas
2. Description of fuel used
c. Average price of coal per gross ton, delivered, $6.33. d. Percentage of ash, e. Wood, price per cord, $
3. Coal consumed for the year, 438,599 lbs.
4. [Pounds of wood consumed] divided by 3 equals equivalent amount of coal, lbs. 4a. Amount of other fuel used,
165
5. Total equivalent coal consumed for the year equals (3) plus (4), lbs
6. Total pumpage for the year, 53,202,932 gallons, without allowance for slip.
7. Average static head against which pumps work, 219 feet.
8. Average dynamic head against which pumps work, 240 feet.
9. Number of gallons pumped per pound of equivalent coal (5), 121.
10. Duty equals gallons pumped (6) x 8.34 (1bs.) x 100 x dynamic head (8) Total fuel consumed (5)
equals 24,302,615.
Cost of pumping, figured on pumping station expenses, viz., $3,916.34.
11. Per million gallons pumped, $73.61.
12. Per million gallons raised one foot (dynamic ), $0.306.
.
FINANCIAL STATISTICS
RECEIPTS
Balance brought forward :
$49 41
.
. (a) From ordinary ( maintenance ) re- ceipts 39 30
(b) From extraordinary rec pts (bonds etc. ) 50 70 .
Total .
.
.
From Water Rates :
B. Meter rates . $10,155 12
C. Total from consumers .
$10,155 12
D. For hydrants . 4,890 00
E. For fountains 300 00
F. For street watering 500 00
I. General appropriation
.
J. Total from municipal depts. 5,690 00
75 93
K. From tax levy .
1,600 00
L. From bond issue . .
M. From other sources : Service pipes .
284 80
N. Total
$17,869 33
EXPENDITURES
Water Works Maintenance :
A.A. Operation (manage ment ) and repairs $7,609 02
C.C. Total maintenance
·
.
$7,609 02
D.D. Interest on bonds
·
8,705 00
CC plus DD 16,314 02
.
.
$139 41
Water Works Construction :
G.G. Extension of mains 62 56
H.II. Extension of services
1,059 56
I.I.
Extension of meters
292 38
J.J.
Special :
Experimental filter
64 88
K.K. Total construction 1,479 38
M.M.
Balance :
Total balance .
N. Total
.
$17,869 33
1
. . . . DISPOSITION OF BALANCE-BALANCE AND NEW ACCOUNT .
O. Net cost of works to date.
P. Bonded debt at date
Q. Value of Sinking Fund at date
R. Average rate of interest, 4 per cent.
$287,833 69
216,000 00
.
.
·
.
.
.
.
.
·
168
STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION OF WATER
1. Estimated total population at date, 5000.
2. Estimated population on lines of pipe, 4860.
3. Estimated population supplied, 4485
4. Total consumption for the year, 53,202,932 gallons.
5. Passed through meters, gallons.
6. Percentage of consumption metered,
7. Average daily consumption, 145,761 gallons.
8. Gallons per day to each inhabitant, 29.15.
9. Gallons per day to each consumer, 32.49.
10. Gallons per day to each tap, 125.44.
11. Cost of supplying water, per million gallons, figured on total maintenance (item CC), $143.2.
12. Total cost of supplying water, per million gallons, figured on total maintenance plus interest on bonds, $306.63.
STATISTICS RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
MAINS
1. Kind of pipe, cast iron.
2. Sizes, from 6 inch to 12 inch.
3. Extended feet during year.
4. Discontinued feet during year.
5. Total now in use, 28.4849 miles.
6. Cost of repairs per mile, $1.82.
7. Number of leaks per mile, none.
8. Length of pipes less than 4 inches diam., 0 miles.
9. Number of hydrants added during year (public and pri- vate), 0. -₹
10. Number of hydrants (public and private) now in use, 163.
-
169
11. Number of stop gates added during year, 0.
12. Number of stop gates now in use, 248.
13. Number of stop gates smaller than 4-inch, none.
14. Number of blow-offs, 14.
15. Range of pressure on mains, 63 lbs. to 78.
SERVICES
16. Kind of pipe, cast iron, cement and lead lined.
17. Sizes, 3-4 to 6 inches.
18. Extended, 1598.3 feet.
19. Discontinued, feet.
20. Total now in use, 15.3517 miles.
21. Number of service taps added during year, 26.
22. Number now in use, 1162.
23. Average length of service, 73 feet.
24. Average cost of service for the year, $40.74.
25. Number of meters added, 17.
26. Number now in use, 1035.
27. Percentage of services metered, 89.
28. Percentage of receipts from metered water (B divided by C), 100.
429. Number of motors and elevators added, 1.
30. Number now in use, 4.
LEWIS M. BANCROFT, Superintendent. Reading, Jan. 26, 1904.
-
٠
TOWN OF READING.
NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Electric Light . . Commissioners . .
N
FR
TOW
SET
LED 1
639
INCOR
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1903.
OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Commissioners
WM. S. KINSLEY, Chairman,
Term expires 1906
CHARLES W. LEE, Nec'y,
1904
GEORGE L. FLINT
66 66 1905
.
Superintendent and Manager
STEWART S. BELL
OFFICE :
OFFICE HOURS :
Room 9, Masonic Block
Monday and Saturday, 7.30 to 9 P. M.
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31ST, 1903
-
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
-
CONSTRUCTION
RECEIPTS
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1902 5 73
Amount due from Maintenance acc't,
Dec. 31, 1902
38 84
Appropriation for 1903
3,000 00
Cash received for sale of cable
9 80
$3,054 37
EXPENDITURES
REAL ESTATE
W. Bancroft & Co., lumber, etc.
$99 06
ELECTRIC PLANT
S. B. Condit, Jr., & Co., switch and frame
$74 00
175
LINES
C. S. Knowles, cable $117 50
Pettingill, Andrews Co., wire and cross arms
24 34
Western Electric Co., wire and cable
434 97
Boston & Maine R. R., freight
10 04
Vermille & Eames, labor
20 00
Francis Bros., sundries
2 10
A. N. Turner, pay roll
146 60
J. W. Gleason, pay roll
12 00
$767 55
ARC LAMPS AND GLOBES Pettingill, Andrews Co., lamps and globes $267 50
METERS
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.
$422 50
Stanley Instrument Co.
378 00
Boston & Maine R. R., freight
4 94
$805 44
CONVERTERS
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.
$673 69
Western Electric Co.
109 54
Boston & Maine R. R., freight
21 59
804 82
$2,818 37
SUMMARY
Credits to Construction account
$3,054 37
Charges to Construction account
2,818 37
$236 00
Balance on hand Dec. 31, 1903
$26 14
Amt. loaned Maintenance acct.
209 86
$236 00
176
RECAPITULATION
COST OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT AND POWER PLANT, DECEMBER 31, 1903
Total charges Dec. 31, 1903
$80,063 00
Real estate
$99 06
Electric plant
74 00
Lines
767 55
Arc lamps and globes
267 50
Meters
805 44
Converters
804 82
2,818 37
$82,881 37
Construction stock on hand Dec. 31, 1903
*132 04
Cash received for cable 9 80
141 84
Total cost Dec. 31, 1903
$82,739 53
MAINTENANCE
Cash received from Arc Light Rentals . $8,280 00
Cash for Commercial Incan. Light 4,013 87
Cash for Domestic Incan. Light 4,672 91
Cash for Town Incan. Light
186 56
Cash for Meter Rents
279 50
Amount carried forward
$17,432 84
177
.
Amount brought forward $17,432 84
Incandescent lamps .
68 30
Cash for Wiring, Labor and Fixtures
326 97
Cash for miscellaneous articles
88 70
$17,916 81
EXPENDITURES
FUEL
Curran & Burton, coal
$3,699 30
C. P. Anderson, coal
485 71
W. Bancroft & Co., carting
2 00
R. A. White, carting
2 50
S. W. Bowker, carting
8 50
W. A. Jepson, coal
198 90
Boston & Maine R. R., freight
487 97
A. N. Turner, pay roll
21 35
$4,906 23°
OIL AND WASTE
A. W. Harris Oil Co., oil . $201 15
Boston & Maine R. R., freight
4 65
Eagle Oil & Supply Co., waste
33 45
F. Fitz M'f'g & Supply Co., grease
1 00
F. Wallace, kerosene
65
$240 90
WATER
Reading Water Works
$204 63
STATION WAGES
A. E. Brown
$1,149 20
Wm. Hayes
780 00
J. A. Boyd
780 00
$2,709 20
1
178
REPAIRS OF REAL ESTATE
A. N. Turner, pay roll
$5 54
W. Bancroft & Co., drain pipe, cement, etc. 9 36
H. R. Johnson, door 9 00
$23 90
REPAIRS OF STEAM PLANT
Vulite Syndicate
$ 52 00
Eagle Oil & Supply Co.
70 06
T. C. Fife
58 09
Boston & Maine R. R.
94
W. H. O'Brien
19 70
Francis Bros.
15 63
Jarvis Engineering Co.
397 00
Cummings' Express Co.
3 80
Standard Packing Co.
5 63
Edw. Kendall & Sons
40 71
Chas. L. Ireson
53 19
Phoenix Oil Co.
8 75
Hayden & Co.
11 00
Cling Surface M'f'g Co.
3 50
$740 00
REPAIRS OF ELECTRIC PLANT
Crown Woven Wire Brush Co.
$ 36 00
Westinghouse Electric M'f'g Co.
286 10
J. T. Freeman & Co.
6 98
Francis Bros.
4 10
Eagle Oil & Supply Co.
2 65
$339 33
STATION TOOLS AND APPLIANCES
Eagle Oil & Supply Co.
$41 00
Samuel Brown
17 00
.
Amount carried forward $58 00
-
-
179
Amount brought forward
$58 00
Bryan, Marsh Co.
13 90
Green, Tweed & Co.
29 92
F. Wallace
60
A. S. Cook & Co.
8 50
Hayden & Co.
11 00
Francis Bros.
1 90
Boston & Maine R. R.
25
$124 07
WAGES CARE OF LIGHTS
F. P. Abbott, pay rolls $780 00
REPAIRS OF LINES AND LAMPS
Boston Lumber Co.
$175 00
Pettingill, Andrews Co.
34 64
Western Electric Co.
85 91
Electric Gas Lighting Co.
15 56
Union Hardware & Elec. Supply Co.
7 00
Francis Bros.
19 08
Boston & Maine R. R.
8 06
National Stamping Works
10 83
S. S. Bell, cash paid for marlin
5 00
Harry Walters
5 00
O. O. Ordway
6 90
A. N. Turner, pay rolls
533 96
C. S. Knowles
24 81
$931 75
CARBONS
Pettingill, Andrews Co.
$ 34 47
National Carbon Co.
390 03
Boston & Maine R. R.
26 71
Dickey, Sutton Carbon Co.
15 30
$466 51
180
INCANDESCENT LAMPS
Bryan, Marsh Co.
$ 50 00
Pettingill, Andrews Co.
10 84
Electric Gas Lighting Co.
8 06
Western Electric Co.
448 40
General Electric Co.
48 00
Stanley Instrument Co.
70
American Express Co.
95
Boston & Maine R. R.
3 32
$570 27
GLOBES
F. O. Dewey Co.
$21 46
Pettingill, Andrews Co.
6 04
Electric Gas Lighting Co.
11 46
Boston & Maine R. R.
56
$39 52
GENERAL SALARIES
S. S. Bell, Supt. and Manager
$1,200 16
S. S. Bell, clerical work .
100 00
$1,300 16
GENERAL OFFICE EXPENSES
W. E. & J. F. Twombly . .
$ 56 00
New England Tel. & Tel. Co.
130 07
Electrical World & Engineer
3 00
A. S. Cook & Co.
5 41
H. R. Johnson
21 09
S. S. Bell, stamps, supplies and expenses
51 80
Thorpe & Martin Co.
7 85
M. F. Charles
3 25
Harley Prentiss, P. M.
21 20
$299 67
181
RENTS
Masonic Temple Corp'n .
$113 70
INSURANCE
Prentiss & Viall
$462 07
BAD DEBTS
Accounts charged off as worthless $116 42
INCIDENTALS
O. P. Symonds & Sons
* 40
F. Wallace
60
F. G. MacDonald
60
Francis Bros.
1 23
G. H. Atkinson
1 15
$3 98
INTEREST
Six mos. interest on notes
$ 271 00
Six mos. interest on bonds . 1,680 00
$1,951 00
STABLE
F. P. Abbott
$250 00
Wm. Nokes
225 00
W. C. Taylor
20 65
R. A. White
11 00
F. W. Danforth
31 00
P. J. Seaman
26 19
C. D. Wells
23 00
O. O. Ordway
56 25
C. H. Playdon, M. D. V.
1 75
.
$644 84
182
WIRING, LABOR AND FIXTURES
McKenney & Waterbury Co.
$365 53
Pettingill, Andrews Co.
141 91
Western Electric Co.
173 50
Electric Gas Lighting Co.
220 48
Union Hardware & Elec. Supply Co.
48 54
Boston & Maine R. R.
1 00
Harry Walters
7 00
American Express Co.
4 30
Cummings' Express Co.
12 05
Francis Bros.
6 69
Beattie Zinc Works
1 00
Vermille & Eames
37 38
A. N. Turner, pay rolls
72 55
$1,091 93
OFFICE FURNITURE
Francis Bros.
$2 75
Reading Co-operative Bank
25 00
27 75
$18,087 83
SUMMARY
Charges to Maintenance account $18,087 83
Amount borrowed from Construction acct.
Dec. 31, 1902
38 84
$18,126 67
Total credits Maintenance account
17,916 81
Am't borrowed from Construction acct. Dec. 31, 1903
$209 86
183
RECAPITULATION
CR.
Cash received Arc Light Rentals $8,280 00
Commercial Incan. Lights 4,013 87
Domestic Incan. Lights .
4,672 91
Town Incan. Lights 186 56
.
66 Meter Rents 279 50
66
66 Wiring, Labor and Fixtures 326 97
68 30
66
66 Incan. Lamps
Miscellaneous Articles .
88 70
Amt. due for Light and Meter Rents Dec. 31, 1903 2,917 44
Amt. due for Wiring, Labor, Fixtures and Lamps
544 08
Maintenance stock on hand Dec. 31, 1903 740 61
Maintenance bills payable Dec. 31, 1902 2,098 35
$24,217 29
DR.
Fuel
. $4,906 23
Oil and waste
240 90
Water
204 63
Station wages
2,709 20
Repairs real estate
23 90
Repairs steam plant
740 00
Repairs electric plant .
339 33
Station tools and appliances
124 07
Wages care of lights
780 00
Repairs of lines and lamps .
931 75
Carbons
466 51
Incandescent lamps
570 27
Amount carried forward
$12,036 79
·
184
Amount brought forward
$12,036 79
Globes
39 52
General salaries
1,300 16
Office expenses
299 67
Rent .
113 70
Insurance
462 07
Bad debts
116 42
Incidentals
3 98
Interest
1,951 00
Stable
644 84
Wiring and labor
1,091 93
Office furniture
27 75
Maintenance stock on hand Dec. 31, 1902
520 80
Amt. due for light and meter rents Dec. 31, 1902
1,962 92
Amt. due for wiring, labor and lamps Dec.
31,1902
546 40
Maintenance bills payable Dec. 31, 1903
1,000 00
22,117 95
Balance gain for year
$2,099 34
INVENTORY
CONSTRUCTION STOCK ON HAND DEC. 31, 1903
Lines
$132 04
MAINTENANCE STOCK ON HAND DEC. 31, 1903
Incandescent lamps
$ 14 37
Fuel
375 00
Carbons
48 20
Oil and waste
27 25
Wiring stock
275 79
$740 61
Total stock on hand Dec. 31, 1903
$872 65
185
Number of incandescent lamps installed in
1903
1,146
Number of poles installed in 1903
29
Number of meters installed in 1903
56
Number of meters removed in 1903
9
Number of transformers installed in 1903
8
Feet of wire installed in 1903
20,920
Tons of coal used in 1903
658
Number of customers Dec. 31, 1902
289
Number of customers Dec. 31, 1903
336
Increase in customers, 1903
47
Number of days and hours the street circuits were lighted during the year ending Dec. 31, 1903 :
DAYS
HOURS
January
27
180
February
26
138
March
26
140
April
26
13:
June
24
·100
July
23
80
August
27
122
September
23
112
October
23
143
November
25
156
December
28
168
Total
303
1,578
-
25
106
May
186
Table showing the earnings each month from incandescent light and meter rents and a comparison with the previous year :
Meter Rent
1903 Total
1902 Total
January
$1,130 08
$23 10
$1,153 18
$1,000 88
February
9:25 33
24 80
950 13
869 65
March
794 32
24 10
818 42
667 66
April
729 80
28 70
758 50
624 69
May
532 57
23 10
555 67
432 03
June
637 87
34 60
672 47
428 46
July
411 45
19 10
430 55
379 50
August
539 54
25 60
565 14
399 98
September
739 91
33 70
773 61
710 26
October
1,023 88
29 60
1,053 48
995 44
November
1,391 87
29 30
1,421 17
1,124 94
December
1,729 78
38 00
1,767 78
1,349 00
$10,586 40
$333 70
$10,920 10
$8,982 49
Less discount allowed for cash payments
810 09
726 92
$10,110 01
$8,255 57
This is the first report in which we have been able to show an income from arc lights, and we would call attention to the fact that instead of showing a deficit as in previous years the plant this year has earned a profit.
We feel that this method is the only way of showing the pres- ent earning capacity of the plant, and would recommend a contin- uance along this line, and that the surplus earnings be used as a sinking fund to pay off the outstanding indebtedness.
We have had a steady increase in customers this year and the outlook is even more encouraging than it has been in previous years.
187
We are having more trouble every year in keeping the arc lamps in satisfactory running order, as they are getting pretty well worn, and in view of the fact that in the near future a new system will have to be installed we do not feel justified in making heavy repairs on the present system.
Continued increase in customers and the condition of our street lights will make it necessary to increase the capacity of our plant and we are now considering several propositions with this in view, and will at some future Town Meeting report and give our recom- mendations.
WILLIAM S. KINSLEY, Chairman, CHARLES W. LEE, Secretary, GEORGE L. FLINT.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1903
School Committee
WALTER S. PARKER, Chairman, Walnut St., Term expires 1905 GILMAN L. PARKER, Sec'y, Washington St., 66 66 1906
HORACE G. WADLIN, Woburn St.,
1905
MRS. ELIZABETH H. BROWN, Prospect St.,
66 1906
MRS. MARY L. NESMITH, Main St.,
66
1904
HENRY C. PARKER, Chute St., 66
1904
Superintendent of Schools MELVILLE A. STONE.
Truant Officer A. A. SMITH.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE
WALTER S. PARKER, Chairman. GILMAN L. PARKER, Secretary.
SUB-COMMITTEES
Finances and Accounts
G. L. Parker
H. G. Wadlin
W. S. Parker
Mrs. Nesmith
H. G. Wadlin
H. C. Parker
G. L. Parker Rules and Regulations
H. C. Parker
H. G. Wadlin -
Mrs. Brown
Teachers and Salaries
W. S. Parker Mrs. Nesmith
G. L. Parker
Music and Drawing
Mrs. Brown Mrs. Nesmith
Course of Study
H. G. Wadlin
W. S. Parker
Mrs. Nesmith
Books and Supplies
School Houses and Property
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee of Reading respectfully submits the following report for the year ending December 31st, 1903.
The schools, on the whole, have had a prosperous year. Some permanent advance has been attained, although we are free to say that the results are never quite up to the high ideals which we cherish, yet considering all things, we have every reason to feel thankful for the high standard realized. The attention of the citi- zens is earnestly requested to the reports and recommendations accompanying this report.
NEW HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
The most important subject to which attention is called at this time, is the pressing need of a new High school building. The committee has had this matter under consideration for the past two years and believe that the time has arrived when some definite action should be taken by the Town, looking to the erection of a building suitable to the needs of the pupils and to satisfy the de- mands of our Town.
The school at the present time numbers 216, the largest in its history. We record with pleasure the unusual and interesting fact that the number has increased during the year. The present build- ing is now being used to its fullest capacity and the work is done under great disadvantage to pupils and teachers. It would seem at first sight that immediate relief might be gained by refusing to re- tain the pupils from North Reading, but that relief would be more apparent than real. The few pupils from North Reading are scat-
193
tered in so many different classes that it would not lessen the num- ber of teachers employed, while the tuition received, amounting to about $600, enables us to carry on the present liberal program far better than we otherwise could do. In looking about for a site in Town, every available lot has been carefully considered, and we have come to the conclusion that Miss Adelaide M. Sheak's prop- erty would be the most desirable, all things considered. The lot. on Sanborn street extends to Linden street and contains 69,680 square feet, with a frontage of 260 feet on Sanborn street and 260 feet on Linden street.
The proposition which Miss Sheak makes to the Town is a very liberal one. The property is assessed for $14,000; she offers it for the purposes of the Town for $8,000. The present building on the lot can be utilized for different school uses for several years, while preparations are being made for the new High school build- ing, which could not be erected and made ready before the end of two years at least. The present high rate of building materials might make it seem desirable to defer the erection of the building a little longer, if possible. It must be borne in mind, however, that. we shall be overcrowded in the lower grades next September and it will be necessary to find accommodations for some of the younger pupils in hired buildings.
The house on the proposed lot might be used for the lower grades, and for the overflow in the High school. The rent thus- saved would materially offset the price of the lot. The location is: central, yet quiet and retired, two very important factors. The only possible objection to the purchase of the property is the fact that the Town loses so much of the assessed valuation, but, is that. a sound objection ? If a lot is to be selected on that basis, then choose one in Birch Meadow and the valuation would be but slight- ly affected. The Town gains ultimately instead of losing by the selection of a desirable location. The erection of a good High school building on this central and desirable lot will enhance the:
194
value of property in the Town far beyond the loss occasioned by its purchase.
It will invite into Town, citizens with girls and boys, who are worth more to any community than any loss occasioned by taking such a lot, notwithstanding its high valuation. The trees on the lot in question are a very valuable addition to the site ; the approaches from two streets are also desirable. The elevation of the lot, it being high and dry, enhances its value, also. The building proposed is for the high purpose of education, one of the great agencies in the welfare of the Commonwealth, and the prosperity of the coun- try, and it is worthy that it be built upon the very best lot of ground which the Town affords, the one most suitable for the pur- pose. We are building for posterity and the first requisite is a good location. The benefits derived from the new building and its appropriate surroundings will be enjoyed by all citizens, and more of the tax payers will receive a direct benefit from the money ex- pended in this way than by any other that can be mentioned. The greatest caution should be used, that, in the expenditure of the Town's money for house and site, the Town may receive full value for every dollar expended.
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