USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1911 > Part 8
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Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR G. SIAS, Inspector of Wires.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN: I beg to submit herewith the following report, as Sealer of Weights and Measures, for the year end- ing December 31, 1911 :
CORRECT
ADJ.
CD. TOTAL
No. of scales over 5,000 lbs.
1
3
4
No. of scales under 5,000 lbs.
4
18
1 23
No. of small scales
19
35
54
No. of pan scales
6
4
10
No. of computing scales
.
3
10
13
No. of family scales
1
2
1
4
No. of auto .- weighing scales
2
3
1
6
No. of ice scales
3
2
5
No. of balances
8
5
13
No. of steelyards
1
1
No. of weights
123
145
268
No. of dry measures
38
3
4
45
No. of wet measures
45
3
48
No. of milk measures
4
4
No. of yard sticks
2
10
12
No. of oil pumps
5
1
6
No. of milk bottles
384
384
.
WORKING EQUIPMENT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Test balance.
Weights-Six 50 lb., two 10 1b., two 5 1b., one 4 1b., one 2 1b., one 1 1b., one 8 oz., one 4 oz., one 2 oz., one 1 oz., one 1-2 oz., one 1-4 oz., one 1-8 oz., one 1-16 oz.
200
201
Hanger weights-One twenty 1b., one 10 1b., one 1 1b.
Dry measures-One 1-2 bu., one 1-4 bu., one 1-8 bu., one 1-16 bu., one 1-32 bu.
Liquid measures-One gal., one 1-2 gal., one qt., one pt., one 1-2 pt., one gill.
One 8-oz. graduate, one 12x2 1-4 in. cylindrical gradu- ate, 35 cu. in., one dry-measure gauge, three hundred and eight green paper seals, one drill, one 1-2 1b. lead seals, twenty-five red seals, one-half oz. acid, four rubber stamps, two wrenches for pan scales, six condemning tags, fifty-nine shipping tags, two record books; two sets steel stamps, 1-8 in., steel stamp, "Condemned," 1-2 in. ; one set steel stamps, 1-2 in., steel stamp, "Condemned," 1-8 in .; one set steel stamps, "Red.," 1-2 in., steel stamp; one set steel stamps, "Red.," 1-8 in., No. 10134 sealing clamp for tin measures.
Money received, $31.57.
Coal re-weighed, eight times.
During the year 1911 I have made 296 inspections in the different departments.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK W. PARKER,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
.
REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
To the Citizens of Reading :
The Trustees beg leave to make the following report :
We have, to the best of our ability, carefully cared for the cemetery and trust it will speak for itself without further comment from us.
The financial part of the report will show that the extra receipts from the sale of lots has amply repaid for the amount expended in preparing the land for that purpose.
The money that was asked for last year for the purpose of re-lettering the Soldiers' Monument was not voted, as the Trustees, on further investigation, concluded it would only be money wasted. We think some means should be pro- vided whereby a more suitable and lasting memorial be erected to those who died for their country, and trust the proper authorities will take up the matter.
Concerning the matter of removing the ledge and grad- ing the land, which was bought from the Old South Church, it was found upon close investigation that the amount appro- priated would not be sufficient to remove it entirely, so the Board voted to use the money as far as it would go for that purpose, and ask for more this year to finish it. After com- mencing the work it was found that the ledge extended much further and was much more solid than we had antici- pated, therefore less than we expected was accomplished : however, we are well satisfied with the improvement made so far and trust a further appropriation will be made as per an article that will be found in the Town warrant.
202
203
We regret very much that we are to lose Mr. J. W. Manning, one of the valuable members of our Board, on account of his removal from Town, as his advice on many important matters was of the best, and our best wishes follow him.
For the general care of the cemetery we ask $1,100, the same as last season.
Again we call attention of lot owners to the advisability of placing them in perpetual care, so that much better re- sults can be obtained. The Superintendent desires that everything possible be done to make our cemetery beauti- ful, as it is a place where all should be equally interested. We request that any one having any criticism to make will come directly to him, as it is of course impossible for him to be on the ground all the time.
Respectfully submitted by the Board of Trustees,
A. W. DANFORTH, Superintendent and Secretary.
LAUREL HILL CEMETERY
Appropriation
$1,100 00
RECEIVED
From interest on bequests
645 00
From burial device
4 00
From old iron
2 85
$1,751 85
EXPENDED
For pay roll, labor . $1,252 75
For A. W. Danforth, Secretary
75 00
For concreting, Killorin Con. Co. .
116 34
For flowers, Reading Flower Co. . 29 00
204
For holders, Jones & Co.
$24 00 For lawn seed, American Agricultural Chemical Co.
34 50
For letters, H. P. Smith
3 30
For printing, W. E. & J. F. Twombly
3 25
For planting beds, Weston & Emery
170 50
For repairs, O. O. Ordway
4 50
For repairs, R. D. Clapp
2 35
For survey, J. A. Bancroft
13 50
For supplies, F. Wallace
7 05
For supplies, Francis Brothers
3 66
For expense, A. W. Danforth
7 50
$1,747 20
Unexpended balance to 1912
$4 75
REMOVAL OF LEDGE
TRANSFERRED
From sale of lots and graves $500 00
RECEIVED
From sale of stone
8 50
$508 50
EXPENDED
For removing ledge, A. Michelini $492 88
For survey, J. A. Bancroft 10 40
$503 28
Unexpended balance to 1912 . $5 22
1
205
SALE OF LOTS AND GRAVES
Balance from 1910 .
$1,710 27
RECEIVED
From sundry parties
990 00
TRANSFERRED
$2,700 27
To Ledge Account
$500 00
To Cemetery Land Note
. .
100 00
$600 00
Balance unexpended
$2,100 27
NOTE: Interest is added in January, 1912, to the above amounting to $72.01, omitted in December by error.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading :
The Board of Health hereby presents its annual report for the year 1911.
The following is taken from the tables which the law requires to be reported to the State Board of Health :
Total number of deaths from all causes, exclusive of still-births
89
Number of still-births
3
Number of deaths of males
44
Number of deaths of females
45
Deaths of persons under 1 year
9
5
4
From 1 to 2 years
2
1
1
From 2 to 20 years
1
1 0
From 20 to 30 years
5
4
1
From 30 to 40 years
8
5
3
From 40 to 50 years
6
3
3
From 50 to 60 years
7
4
3
From 60 to 70 years
19
10
9
From 70 to 80 years
18
5
13
Over 80 years
14
6
8
Total
89
44
45
Deaths in January 7
Deaths in July
8
February 10
August .
5
March
.
11
September
12
April .
11
October .
4
May
12
November
2
June
2
December
5
206
Total
Males
Females
--
207
The year has been exceptionally good as regards the health of the Town. Not one death during the year from the ordinary contagious diseases of childhood. The main causes of death are still pulmonary tuberculosis, 8; pneu- monia, 11; heart disease, 8; cancer, 7.
Fifty-one out of the eighty-nine deaths occurred in people who were above sixty years of age. Only twelve out of the eighty-nine were under twenty.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT B. HOWARD, GEORGE L. FLINT, M. E. BRANDE,
Board of Health.
Reading, Mass. Jan. 31, 1912.
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR AND AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN : The work in the Health and Plumbing Department for the year ending December 31, 1911, was as follows :
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Complaints made
72
Visits, investigations, etc., therefor
188
Fumigations made . 50
Cubic feet fumigated
345,000
Cubic feet given doctors, town officials and citi-
zens for tuberculosis, etc. 33,000
Cubic feet sold for purposes other than contagion 9,000
Total number cubic feet used year 1911 387,000
Fair average cost per thousand cubit feet as the formaldehyde lamps vary both in size and price
$ 25
Approximate cost 1911
96 75
Less lamps sold
2 70
$94 05
Used and gave away to citizens about 75 pounds liquid formaldehyde.
Credit should be given our merchants for the inside cleanliness of their stores, especially during the season of the fly pest; but of the rear of their outside surroundings, the paper pest, etc., does the fault belong to them or else- where?
208
209
PLUMBING DEPARTMENT 1911
Applications filed
135
Inspections and calls made
409
Number of fixtures set
519
Water closets
106
Bath tubs
82
Bowls
97
Sinks
107
Trays
114
Butler sinks
3
Alterations
10
Additions
1
Ventilations and repairs
2
Shower baths
1
HOUSE DRAINS
Inspections and calls made
109
Drains laid
79
Number feet of tile
1907
Number feet of iron
385
Amount of work in both departments this year greatly increased.
Thanks to your Board, the citizens at large, and my craft for kind co-operation.
Yours truly, GREENLEAF S. TUKEY,
Agent and Plumbing Inspector.
Submitted January 1, 1912.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
To the Honorable Board of Fire Engineers of the Reading Fire Department I submit the following report :
There have been three new boxes installed :
Box 6-Private, at C. H. Bangs' factory. Box 43-Corner Salem and John streets.
Box 412-John street, opposite Electric Car Barns.
LOCATION OF BOXES
6-Private, at O. H. Bangs' factory. 8-In the Central Fire Station, for out-of-town calls.
13-Corner Ash and Avon streets.
14-Corner Oak street and Prospect street extension.
15-Corner Walnut street and Summer avenue.
16-Main street, near South street.
17-Prescott street, near Arlington street.
18-Park avenue, corner Minot street.
21-Summer avenue, corner Temple street.
23-Corner Woburn and Temple streets.
231-West street, north of Summer avenue.
24-Mineral street, corner Hancock street.
25-Prospect street, near King street.
26-Hose No. 2 House, Woburn street.
27-Summer avenue, south of Prescott street.
28-West street, near W. A. Bancroft's.
29-Corner of West and King streets.
32-Franklin street, opp. second house from Grove street.
33-Lowell street, near McTernen Rubber Co.'s Works.
34-Corner Grove and Forest streets.
210
211
35-Corner Main and Locust streets.
36-Corner Bancroft avenue and Locust street.
37-Main street, near Brooks Nichols'.
38-Corner Main and Forest streets.
39-Corner Franklin and Main streets.
41-Corner Village and Green streets.
412-John street, opp. Electric Car Barn.
42-Corner John and Haven streets.
43-Corner Salem and John streets.
14-Corner Salem and Pearl streets.
45-Corner Salem and Belmont streets.
46-Corner Charles and Pearl streets.
47-Corner Haverhill and Charles streets.
48-Pine street, near Salem street.
55-Reading Rubber Mills.
61-Corner Main and Washington streets.
62-Corner Main and Haven streets.
63 -- Woburn street, front of Congregational Church.
64-Central Fire Station.
65-Corner Bancroft and Middlesex avenues.
67-Corner High and Middlesex avenues.
68-Corner Haven and Gould streets.
L. T. EAMES,
Superintendent.
Reading, Jan. 1, 1912.
-
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Reading :
GENTLEMEN : I have the honor of submitting to you the annual report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1911 :
· Number of requests for permits, 117.
Number of permits issued, 117.
The long-continued drought of the last summer was responsible for many woods fires, and in consequence the demands on this Department were greater than ever before and the expenditure over other years was largely and neces- sarily increased.
HERBERT E. MCINTIRE, Forest Warden.
212
Seventeenth Annual Report
-OF THE -
Electric
Light
Commissioners
For the Year Ending December 31 1911
OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Commissioners
GEORGE L. FLINT, Chairman
ELMER H. ROBINSON, Secretary
Term expires 1912 Term expires 1913
CARL M. SPENCER
· Term expires 1914
Manager ARTHUR G. SIAS
OFFICE: Room 9, Masonic Block
REPORT OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
The Municipal Light Board of the Town of Reading herewith submit their annual report :
Our report is intended to cover certain information which may be of interest to the citizens and such recom- mendations as we have to offer. We append a report of the Manager which gives a summary of the accounts of the Department and statistics taken from the station records.
NORTH READING EXTENSION
Statistics relative to the North Reading and Lynnfield business are included in the report of the Manager. We have a request from the Selectmen of North Reading for an extension of the street-lighting system, under the terms of our contract with that town, which calls for fifty additional street lights. The construction money required for this is included in the Manager's estimate for the ensuing year.
LYNNFIELD
The matter of street lighting is being considered in Lynnfield Center, where we now have twelve lights sup- ported by private subscription, and some action, affirmative or otherwise, will doubtless be taken at their annual meet- ing.
WILMINGTON EXTENSION
In accordance with authority given us at the special meeting in June, the Board has entered into a ten-year con- tract with the Town of Wilmington to furnish a minimum of two hundred 32-candle power incandescent street lights,
215
216
and we have assurance of approximately one hundred com- mercial lighting customers. Work has been commenced on this extension, but no earnings have been received from this source as yet.
The electric and steam plants have received necessary repairs and attention, and are in good condition. There have been extensive repairs made on the lines, as indicated by the large expenditures on this account, and we believe that an equal amount should be spent in this way the com- ing year. In conjunction with the Telephone Company the line on South Main street has been rebuilt, and arrange- ments have been made for a similar rebuilding of the pole line on North Main street from the Square to Franklin street.
We believe it to be of advantage to the Town to com- bine the pole lines of the Light Department with those of the Telephone Company and the Street Railway Company wherever practicable, thus reducing the number of poles on the street and effecting an economy in maintenance of the lines.
A reduction in rates for all classes of service except power has been made by the Board, which goes into effect January 1, 1912. It is estimated that this will reduce the revenue from existing services by about $3,500.00, but we believe that additional business and an increased use of electrical household appliances should serve to offset this decrease.
The free renewal of incandescent lamps has been in effect this year, and customers have quite generally availed themselves of the privilege. The use of the economical and satisfactory Tungsten lamp, which is sold by the Depart- ment at practically cost price, is increasing.
Some interest has been shown in the proposition of cooking by electricity. Four ranges complete, besides sev-
217
eral so-called kitchen cabinets, have been in use during the past season and have given satisfaction. Improvements in this kind of apparatus are being made very rapidly, and it is becoming cheaper and more practical for general use. It is needless to say that any increase in this class of current consumption, coming as it does on the day load, will add to the profits of the commercial business of the plant very materially.
In accordance with a request from the Reading Business Men's Association certain changes in the lighting of the Square, already contemplated by the Board, were carried into effect. Nineteen 60-candle power Tungsten lights were installed in the Square and its vicinity and four arc lamps removed. This is in the nature of an experiment and, while it seems to have met with favor, the Board would welcome any criticism of the effect produced, or suggestion for further improvement.
The various street lights asked for at the annual Town meeting have been installed, with the exception of those called for on Hopkins street, east of Main street, which addition was not, in the judgment of the Board, as neces- sary as the others.
The custom of calling for particular street lights through articles in the Town warrant does not commend itself to us as altogether wise or satisfactory. Certain economies can be effected if these changes or additions are made in accord- ance with a definite plan, and we would recommend to the consideration of the Town a change in policy in this matter so that a definite amount will be appropriated for this pur- pose, to be expended at the discretion of the Board. It would result in considerable saving to replace the arc lights on the outskirts of the Town with incandescent lights, thus making a saving in the cost of trimming these circuits. The Manager estimates that the current consumption of an incan- descent street light is one-sixth that of the arc, its mainten-
218
ance expense one-half and the cost of fixtures and installa- tion about one-sixth.
The present office of the Light Department is too small to handle the business conveniently, and does not allow adequate space for storing stock and displaying appliances. When opportunity offers it is the intention of the Board to secure larger quarters on the street, which would permit a much needed increase in office room, and be a decided con- venience for customers.
GEORGE L. FLINT, ELMER H. ROBINSON, CARL M. SPENCER, Municipal Light Board.
MANAGER'S REPORT
To the Municipal Light Board, Reading, Mass. :
GENTLEMEN : I respectfully submit herewith my report of the operations of the Electric Light and Power Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1911, which shows that we have made a substantial gain in new business during the past year.
The number of kilowatt hours manufactured has in- creased about ten per cent. over last year and the operating expenses have increased about twenty per cent.
The sales have increased approximately twenty-two per cent. and the amount of current unaccounted for has been reduced from a little over twenty-two per cent. in 1910 to eighteen and seven-tenths per cent. in 1911.
The principal items of operating expense which have increased over last year are Care of Lights and Meters, Re- pair of Lines and Lamps, Incandescent Lamps and Insurance.
The increase in care of lights and meters was princi- pally due to the additional labor required on account of establishing a regular system of night patrol, of the street lights, repair of lines and lamps on account of extensive repairs, and incandescent lamps on account of free renewals.
The item of insurance expense in this year's report in- cludes an amount of $472.50 on account of fire insurance placed in 1910, which was originally paid by the Selectmen and later collected from this Department.
During the past year an amendment to the eight hour law, the provisions of which the Town has accepted, has
219
220
gone into effect, which will entail an added expense to the Department for extra labor at the station of about $900.00 per year.
The street light circuit in the center of the Town which burns every night, now has twenty-four arc lamps and fifty- five 60-candle power Tungsten lamps and has burned a total of 3813 hours during the year. The remaining circuits, which now have ninety-seven arc lamps and sixty-six 60- candle power Tungsten lamps, have burned a total of 3181 hours.
The records at the office show that the following cooking and heating appliances have been connected to the service during the past year :
Four electric ranges, one fireless cooker, twenty-three small stoves and toasters, eighty-three flat irons, five radia- tors, six heating pads and seven vacuum cleaners.
NORTH READING EXTENSION
During the past year we have connected forty-two ser- vices with a connected load of one thousand one hundred and forty-eight lamps and 9-horse power in motors; we have also installed thirty-eight 32-candle power Tungsten street lamps in addition, which makes the total number of street lamps installed at this date one hundred and twenty-five.
The total investment in this extension to December 31, 1911, is $15,015.20, and the total earnings for the year are $2,464.31.
LYNNFIELD EXTENSION
Total number of customers December 31, 1911
37
Number of lamps connected 763
Horse power in motors 6
Total investment to December 31, 1911 $3,971 43
Total earnings for the year . $1,101 69
.
221
The following tables show data from the records of the plant :
Kilowatt hours manufactured 771,011
Kilowatt hours used on street-light circuits 244,055
Kilowatt hours sold to Wakefield plant 111,047
Kilowatt hours sold to Reading consumers 234,548
Kilowatt hours sold to North Reading consumers 14,652
Kilowatt hours sold to Lynnfield consumers
7,070
Kilowatt hours used at station and office
15,403
Kilowatt hours unaccounted for
144,236
Coal used, tons
1,614
Average cost of coal per ton
$3.742
Carbons used
5,883
Globes used
352
Incandescent lamps renewed free
2,335
60-candle power Tungsten street lamps installed
77
32-candle power Tungsten street lamps installed
41
Arc lamps removed
15
New poles added
152
Old poles renewed
119
Feet of wire added
113,063
Feet of wire renewed
11,180
Incandescent lamps connected
3,742
Motors connected
14
New services installed .
156
CONNECTED LOAD DECEMBER 31, 1911
Total number of customers
888
Total number of incandescent lamps (approx.) 19,867
Total horse power in motors
215
Total number of arc street lamps
121
Total number of Tungsten street lamps
261
222
The following table shows the earnings of light and power for five years :
LIGHTS
Total
1907 $18,619 16
1908 $19,917 21 2,602 77
1909 $21,217 40
1910 $23,876 50 3,174 25
1911 $30,217 13
Discounts
2,349 28
2,863 45
4,190 06
Net
$16,269 88
$17,314 44
$18,353 95
$20,702 25
$26,027 07
POWER
Total
1907 $1,787 82
1908 $2,051 39
1909 $3,730 84 15 63
1910 $4,984 78
1911 $5,312 91
Discounts
58
14 50
18 16
22 58
Net
$1,787 24
$2,036 89
$3,715 21
$4,966 62
$5,290 33
NET TOTAL LIGHT AND POWER
1907
1910
1911
$18,057 12
1908 $19,351 33
1909 $22,069 16
$25,668 87
$31,317 40
CASH ACCOUNT, 1911
DR.
January 1, 1911, to balance $221 09
To appropriation for bond payments 3,000 00
Appropriation for note payments 1,500 00
Appropriation for interest
1,300 00
Appropriation for new street lights
1,000 00
Proceeds of construction note
2,200 00
Receipts from customers
33,962 38
Receipts from N. E. T. & T. Co., poles and labor 1,181 91
Receipts from sale of poles
262 00
Receipts from pole rentals ·
180 26
223
Receipts from sale of scrap
$150 87
Receipts from sale of coal, oil
and waste
82 79
Sundry receipts .
58 82
Interest received on deposits
28 93
Accrued interest on note .
1 72
Refund, account of over payment on freight
23 02
Petty cash .
100 00
-
$45,253 79
CR.
By cash paid for the following accounts :
Steam plant
$5 15
Electric plant
760 67
Lines .
619 49
Incandescent street lamps
849 80
Meters
1,397 54
Transformers
495 23
Lynnfield Extension
197 81
North Reading Extension
3,028 34
Wilmington Extension
102 44
Fuel .
5,930 16
Oil and waste
268 04
Water
27 22
Station wages
5,363 16
Repair of real estate
114 10
Repair of steam plant
1,004 16
Repair of electric plant
66 17
Station tools and appliances
217 22
Care of lights and meters
832 53
Repair of lines and lamps
2,612 02
Carbons
117 05
Incandescent lamps
1,923 64
Globes
81 39
224
Distribution tools and appli-
ances
$93 51
General salaries .
·
2,342 12
Board expenses 85 42
General office expenses
802 38
Advertising and printing
161 69
Rent of office
150 00
Office furniture
35 28
Insurance .
1,764 84
Repair of meters
72 20
Interest
2,767 00
Bonds
3,000 00
Notes
1,500 00
Stable expenses
435 99
Line and jobbing material
5,516 65
Rent of poles
59 68
Commissioners' salaries
225 00
Petty cash
100 00
$45,125 09
Balance December 31, 1911
128 70
$45,253 79
SUMMARY OF CASH RECEIPTS AND EXPENDI- TURES FOR THE YEAR
DR.
Balance December 31, 1910 $221 09
Appropriation for bond payments 3,000 00
Appropriation for note payments 1,500 00
Appropriation for interest 1,300 00
Appropriation for new street lights 1,000 00
Appropriation for new construction 2,200 00
Receipts from customers
33,962 38
Interest received
30 65
Sundry receipts
. .
2,039 67
$45,253 79
225
CR.
Cash paid for construction
$8,430 51
Cash paid for bonds
3,000 00
Cash paid for notes
1,500 00
Cash paid for interest
2,767 00
Cash paid for Commissioners' sal- aries
225 00
Cash paid for maintenance accounts
29,202 58
$45,125 09
Balance December 31, 1911
128 70
$45,253 79
OPERATIONS FOR TWELVE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1911.
EXPENSE
Manufacture :
Fuel .
$6,039 36
Oil and waste
247 42
Water
42 40
Station wages
5,363 16
Repair of real estate
114 10
Repair of steam plant
971 54
Repair of electric plant
64 17
Station tools and appliances
224 10
$13,066 25
Distribution :
Care of lights and meters
$871 53
Repair of lines and lamps
3,754 90
Carbons
122 71
Incandescent lamps
1,380 81
Globes
83 13
Distribution tools, appliances
66 49
Repair of meters
. 74 20
-
$6,35377
226
Miscellaneous Expenses :
General salaries
$2,342 12
Board expenses 85 42
Commissioners' salaries
225 00
General office expenses
751 30
Rent of office
150 00
Advertising and printing
144 29
Stable expenses
470 24
Insurance .
1,585 47
5,753 84
$25,173 86
Gain in operating
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