USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1916 > Part 12
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TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN-I respectfully submit herewith the annual report of the Inspector of Buildings for the year ending December 31, 1916.
Number of permits issued for the erection of new buildings 44
Estimated value of same $136,779
Number of permits issued for the alteration of existing buildings 9
Estimated value of the same .
15,093
Total number of permits issued 53
Total value represented . .
· $151,872
Of the permits for new construction, 35 are for single houses, 3 for double houses, and 6 for other buildings. 75% of the houses are estimated to cost less than $4,000 and 25% $4,000 or over.
A comparison of these figures with those of the year of 1915 show a slight increase in the total value of the new construction over that of last year. Considering the rapid rise in the cost of building materials, we believe that it represents progress if the construction compared with the previous year holds its own.
Very truly yours,
ROBERT E. PARKER, Inspector of Buildings.
212
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN-I respectfully submit herewith the annual report of the Inspector of Wires for the year ending Decem- ber 31. 1916.
INTERIOR WIRING FOR LIGHT, HEAT AND POWER Number of buildings in process of construction which
have been wired for light, heat and power 41
Number of old buildings wired 42
Number of buildings which have been re-wired, in which additional wiring has been installed . ·
91
Number of inspection notices received from electrical contractors and others . 136
Total number of inspections made 255
Chapter 296, Acts of 1915. provides for the licensing by the State. of all persons who are qualified to install electric wires or apparatus for light, heat or power purposes, and citizens and property owners will find it to their advantage to employ only persons who have been legally authorized to do this work.
OVERHEAD WIRES IN THE PUBLIC STREETS
Through the co-operation of the Municipal Light Board, Bay State Street Railway Company and The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, joint pole lines have been erected on the following streets: Washington Street, between Main and Village Streets; Haven Street, between Main and High Streets; Minot Street the entire length; Middlesex Avenue the entire length; Summer Avenue, from Woburn Street to Main Street; and West Street from
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Oak Street toward the Woburn line. The number of poles on these streets has been reduced by nearly 100, and much of the wire with defective insulation has been replaced with new. On some of the streets the feed wires of the Street Railway Company are practically bare and should be replaced with new wire. It is planned to continue the joint pole work during the coming year on a portion of West Street, on Main Street near the Square, and possibly some other streets which now have more than one line of poles, or where some of the poles are to be renewed.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SIAS, Inspector of Wires.
Reading, Mass., Jan. 15, 1917.
REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
READING, MASS., Jan. 26, 1917.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND CITIZENS OF READING :
The Trustees submit the following report :
We have, with one accord, endeavored to do everything we could, with the appropriation allowed, to make the Cemetery a place of beauty of which we can all be proud.
We have also tried each year to make some one notice- able improvement-of which many are needed-and this year the avenue leading from the first gate on Main Street up to the Tomb has been regraded and macadamized. This has always been a bad place in the spring of the year when carriage wheels often became imbedded in the mud. New catch basins have been put in so that the water is properly carried away and all washing of the avenue in times of heavy rains is avoided.
We again appeal to all the citizens to put their lots in perpetual care. Any information in regard to that will be cheerfully given by the Superintendent.
We recommend twelve hundred dollars ($1,200) for general maintenance the coming year. We really need more, but refrain from asking for it now realizing there are so many projects in view at the present time.
Very respectfully, A. W. DANFORTH. Supt. and See'y, For the Trustees.
215
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
READING, MASS., January 24, 1917.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I submit the following report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1916 :
Number of permits issued for fires in the open, 281.
Number of calls from observation tower (all of which were investigated and reports sent back to tower) 31.
Number of calls for brush and grass fires answered (none of which were serious and the losses were very small ) 18.
Before the opening of the gunning season, I posted all wood roads and paths with fire warnings furnished by the State and was very much pleased with the results, as this department did not have a call during that period.
I have investigated all fires and sent reports of the same to the State Forester.
I would suggest to the public, in case of a brush or grass fire when no buildings are in immediate danger, they call the Forest Deputy of their district.
LIST OF FOREST DEPUTIES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS A. E. Batchelder, Franklin Street Tel. 567-M George F. Blanchard, Forest Street Tel. 154-3
J. N. Weston, Locust Street Tel. 91-W W. A. Bancroft, West Street Tel. 157-W W. W. Newhouse, South Main Street . Tel. 562-M
In conclusion, I wish to thank all who have assisted this department during the year, also the public in general for the interest they have shown and willingness to abide by the forest fire laws. It has made the duties of this office much easier than in years past.
Very respectfully.
H. E. MCINTIRE, Forest Warden.
216
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Adjusted
Sealed Condemned
Steelyards .
2
3
Spring balances
7
32
1
Counter scale
42
1
Computing hanging
1
Computing platform
13
Over 5,000 lbs.
1
5
Under 5,000 lbs. .
11
27
Beams .
1
Avoirdupois weights
221
4
Metric weights
13
Troy weights
4
Slot weighing scale
1
Oil measuring pump
1
14
Molasses pump
2
Liquid measures
67
7
.Dry measures
8
Glass graduates
4
Apothecary weights
23
12
Yard measures
11
22
498
56
.
Milk jars tested, 559; condemned, 24.
Number of inspections made in stores
20
Coal re-weighed in wagons .
4
Coke, bags
8
Prescription scale ·
.
-
217
218
Charcoal, bags
6
Coal in bags
24
Berry baskets
20
Ice wagons ·
6
Junk dealers
8
Complaints received and investigated
9
Fees received for sealing
$40 32
Respectfully submitted,
C. E. MELLEN,
Sealer Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
READING, January 1, 1917.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, TOWN OF READING :
I at this time wish to submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1916.
Your Inspector, according to instructions, visited all places where neat cattle, sheep and swine were kept, during the early part of the year.
A report was made, founded upon the appearance at the time of visitation, both regarding health of stock, sani- tary condition of premises, light, ventilation, water supply, drainage, cleanliness, disinfection, etc. Suggestions were made where needed and some places visited a second or third time before suggested improvements were carried out satisfactory to your Inspector.
Any suggestions made, I assure you, were not of an ex- pensive nature, but lack of help and poor weather condi- tions caused the delay in most cases.
Stock of any kind which were found affected with a contagious disease were destroyed and premises properly disinfected.
Orders have recently been received from the Commis- sioner of Animal Industry of the State to pay particular attention to swine this year, for the State has undertaken one of the very important matters which relates to our food supply, namely : that of the pork industry.
When one stops to think that hog cholera costs the United States many millions of dollars annually, and it can practically be stamped out by care and immunization, Massachusetts has undertaken the problem in our state.
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After trying the treatment on several hundred hogs, under all conditions, they have been successful in reducing the death rate from hog cholera to a minimum.
Farmers do not like to be told they have cholera, but will admit they have swine plague, pneumonia, swill poisoning, or anything else, but not cholera. They do know that almost all die when sick, so why not own up? It is no worse to lose by one disease than another.
I wish to thank the public for their hearty co-operation in all matters pertaining to my duties and the way sugges- tions have been carried out. While my suggestions or orders appear radical in some cases, I am simply perform- ing my duty.
Several questions are asked which it is my duty to answer. If I find a stable unclean or filthy I must report it as such; if I find cattle dirty or unkempt I must answer as I find them, so if you want a clean slate to be returned to the State House do your share and I will do mine.
Yours very truly,
CALVERT H. PLAYDON, M. D. V. Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
TO THE CITIZENS :
Number of contagious diseases reported .
. 196
Diphtheria .
20
Scarlet Fever
10
Measles
142
Tuberculosis
6
Chicken Pox
8
Mumps
8
Infantile Paralysis
2
Whole number of deaths from all causes, exclusive of still births
83
Males .
39
Females
44
Still births .
9
Male
Female
Number of deaths under 1 year 1
2
Number of deaths over 1 year and under 10
2
Number of deaths over 10 years and under 45
7 5
Number of deaths over 45 years and under 75 Number of deaths over 75 years and under 85 Number of deaths over 85 years and under 90 Number of deaths over 90 years
20 19
6
12
3
1
2
39
44
.
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D. GEO. L. FLINT O. H. PLAYDON
Board of Health.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF HEALTH :
GENTLEMEN-The work of the Plumbing Department for the year 1916 was as follows :
Applications filed
88
Fixtures set
346
Bath tubs
56
Closets
84
Lavatories
67
Sinks .
76
Wash trays
63
Respectfully yours,
DAVID TAGGART, Inspector of Plumbing.
222
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH :
GENTLEMEN-The milk inspection of the Town of Read- ing for this year, the first one, has been conducted along lines that would tend to produce a clean and pure milk.
The twenty-four dairies producing milk in the town were visited and scored. The average score was approxi- mately 60 out of a possible 100%. This scoring was for the sanitary conditions of cows and barns, and also for the methods of handling the milk.
A permit to produce milk was granted to those who produced and handled their milk in a sanitary manner.
Sixty samples of milk were analyzed for fats and solids and showed a steady increase from May, 1916, to the present month.
The number of licenses issued were twenty-nine- twenty for milk and nine for oleomargarine, making a total return to the town of $14.50.
CARL M. SMITH, Inspector of Milk.
223
REPORT OF PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
READING, MASSACHUSETTS, February 13, 1917. TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, READING, MASS. .
GENTLEMEN-The Playground Commission appointed by you on the seventh day of April, 1916, met and organized soon after its appointment. The Rev. Harry E. Hurd was elected Chairman and Stanley Stembridge was made Secre- tary. Charles Stinchfield, Carl Sawyer and Harold Parker constituted the other members of the Commission. It was the purpose of each member to make the 1916 board just as vital a factor in the community recreational life as their power would permit. A meeting was at once called, to which all base ball managers interested in the community base ball park were invited. After due consideration of the claims of each manager it was voted to give the town team the majority of dates, dividing the remaining dates among minor teams. This proved to be a happy arrange- ment.
An educational campaign was launched. Playgrounds in other cities were investigated. much literature was gathered, a correspondence carried on with both recreational societies of New York City and through pulpit and press the facts were popularized until many of our good towns- folk made inquiries.
The dreams of the Playground Commission suddenly became fact through the donors of our new Memorial Park : Mrs. Joseph Temple, Mrs. Alden Batchelder, Mrs. H. S. Crocker, Miss Clara Pierce and Miss May L. Temple. This tract consists of land fronting on Salem, Charles and Harri- son Streets, having unlimited possibilities for development along landscape and recreational lines. This is the Town's first public park. As everybody anticipated, the Town ac-
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cepted this magnificent gift, together with a gift of $1,500 for improvements, with hearty appreciation and thanks. The influence of this gift will spread through centuries.
Mothers' hearts have been lightened and the hearts of their youngsters gladdened by the Summer Avenue and Grove Street skating parks, made possible through the gen- erosity of many public-spirited citizens. Old and young have crowded these rinks.
The loyal support of the Board of Selectmen, the space allotted to us by THE READING CHRONICLE and the gifts of many child-lovers have been most encouraging. We com- mend the action of the Town in voting to have a Playground and Park Commission. We have been unable to do more than work and stir up interest, through lack of any real authority and through lack of any financial support. We believe that one lad, with the seat of his trousers worn, is worth more than all other departments of our Town put to- gether, just because he is a growing soul, capable in man- hood of serving his Town with brain and brawn and heart. We wish the "REAL COMMISSIONERS" a bon voyage.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY ELMORE HURD, Chairman.
REPORT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Public Library submit the follow- ing report :
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
The Trustees organized at the beginning of the year, by the choice of Mr. Wadlin as Chairman and of Mr. Mansfield as Secretary.
EXPENSES OF THE LIBRARY
The receipts for the year were :
Appropriation, direct tax
$1,700 00
Proceeds of dog tax
622 08
Receipts from fines, sales, etc., ap- propriated
105 00
$2,427 08
EXPENDED
Salaries (librarian, assistant, caretaker) $534 73
Books
382 18
Periodicals
77 40
Binding .
70 70
Fuel and care of heater
193 23
Lighting
41 48
Printing
44 75
Rent
500 00
Minor supplies and expenses
33 90
$1,878 37
Balance unexpended*
548 71
$2,427 08
*Rent charges amounting to $100 were unpaid at date of closing the account, reducing this unexpended balance to $448.71.
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ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY
At the close of 1915 the library contained 9,122 volumes. During the year 301 volumes have been added by purchase (including 62 bought to replace books worn out), and 58 re- ceived by gift. The number worn out and not yet replaced is 117; therefore, the number at the close of the year was 9364.
Anticipating early removal to the new building, we have restricted purchases somewhat, and this in part ac- counts for the unexpended balance reported at the close of the year.
USE OF THE LIBRARY
The circulation for the year (books taken out for home use) was 26,423, as against 25,668 in 1914. The largest number circulated in any single month was 3,049, in March, and the smallest number, 1,741, in October. The number of new borrowers registered was 405. The librarian reports :
"The Woman's Educational Association lent the library in March an interesting set of pictures of Belgium, and in November pictures of parrots, which were enjoyed by the children. The Massachusetts Agricultural College also lent for six weeks a set of ten books on home economics for the use of a correspondence class studying that subject under the direction of the college.
"During the winter each pupil in the English classes of the Junior High School was required to take out a library book which resulted in an increased use of the library by the young people. In anticipation of similar use in the coming year, duplicates of some of the books most in de- mand have been purchased.
"The second season of the story-hour, on Saturday mornings in January, February and March, was a great suc- cess and thanks are due to the Committee of the Woman's Club, which had it in charge."
THE NEW BUILDING
After many delays, due to a change in the site at first selected and to other unavoidable causes, the Trustees were
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able in June to secure proposals for the erection of the new building under the terms of the gift from the Carnegie Corporation.
Owing to the advance in prices of materials and labor since this project was first considered some modification of the plans was required not, however, affecting the general character of the proposed building or its capacity. At length it was made possible to complete the structure, in- cluding architects' fees and indispensable furniture, within the sum of $20,000; of which the Carnegie gift of $15,000 forms the major part, supplemented by the $5,000 which had been appropriated by the town. This division of ex- pense having been consented to by the Carnegie Corpora- tion, contracts were made with the lowest bidders, i. e. George T. O'Brien, general contract, $16,141, and T. A. Ridder & Co., heating and ventilating, $1,492, the re- mainder of the money being required for furniture, archi- tects' fees, etc., bringing the total cost as above stated to the $20,000 as agreed upon.
The work upon the building was begun as soon as the contracts were signed, and has since proceeded as fast as the weather has permitted. It is expected that the build- ing will be ready for occupancy early in the coming summer.
ESTIMATES FOR 1917
The Trustees have submitted to the Town Accountant the following schedule of estimated requirements for the library during the ensuing year :
ESTIMATES FOR 1917
For rent
$675
Salaries
725
Heat and light
250
Books and periodicals
500
Minor expenses (including book binding) .
250
Moving library to new building
200
Incidental expenses due to removal 250
Total
$2,850
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To be provided as follows :
Appropriation of dog tax and other receipts $700
From tax levy $2,150
$2,850
CONCLUSION .
We record our thanks to the librarian, Miss Bertha L. Brown, for her continued faithful and efficient service; and join with her in thanking the Committee of the Woman's Club for their interest in the work of the story-hour for chil- dren. We also thank those who have given books to the library during the year.
The terms of Mr. Bosson and Mr. Carter expire at the close of the year covered by this report.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE G. WADLIN, Chairman
ARTHUR N. MANSFIELD, Secretary FRANK O. CARTER
HARRY P. BOSSON
CHARLES F. DOUGHTY
RALPH S. KENEELY
Trustees.
Twenty-second Annual Report
OF THE
Electric Light Commissioners
For the Year Ending December 31 1916
OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Commissioners
CARL M. SPENCER, Chairman Term expires 1917
GEORGE L. FLINT, Secretary
Term expires 1918
FRANK E. CRAFTS
Term expires 1919
Manager ARTHUR G. SIAS
Office 179 MAIN STREET. Y. M. C. A. BUILDING
232
REPORT OF ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
TO THE CITIZENS OF READING :
The Municipal Light Board of the Town of Reading here- with submit their annual report, together with the report of the Manager, with summaries of accounts and statistics.
OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR
The operating results for 1916 are very fully set forth in the Manager's report. The year has been marked by an unusually large gain in earnings, although this gain has been nearly offset by rapidly advancing prices of materials used in manufacture and service. The wages of all employes of the Department have been increased in recognition of economic conditions now existing, but we believe this action of the Board will receive the cordial support of the citizens generally.
The renewal of pole lines in Reading, to which special attention has been paid for the last two or three years, has resulted in a substantial gain in the physical condition of this division of the plant.
THE OUTLOOK
In connection with the Manager's budget, we wish to call attention to the difficulty of making a reasonably accur- ate forecast of expenses for the coming year. The price of coal is the chief element of uncertainty. The bulk of our supply during 1916 was purchased under a yearly contract at the low price of $3.50 per ton, f. o. b. Mystic. From present indications there will be an advance of at least 100% in the price paid during the coming year. Prices of other supplies and materials are very high, with a tendency to still further
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increase. Under the circumstances, it will be necessary to practice the utmost economy, not only in the field of opera- tions, but also with reference to all items of new construction.
THE FUTURE OF THE PLANT
In our opinion, the present station equipment is ade- quate for at least a year. We believe, however, that it is not too soon for the Town to consider the important question as to whether, as business grows, additional generating capacity is to be provided at the station, or current pur- chased from an outside source. Many questions arise in the operation of the plant during the year in which the matter of future policy isinvolved. We, therefore, recommend that this subject be referred, either to the Finance Committee, or to a Special Committee to be appointed as the Town may direct, for thorough investigation. To indicate the scope of the proposed inquiry, we feel that the Committee should pass upon the advisability of any of the following plans :
To continue the generating station, adding new equip- ment as needed.
To purchase current, discontinuing generating station.
To continue present station, purchasing current by auxil- iary service when required.
To sell that portion of the plant located in any or all of the outside towns.
To sell the entire plant.
The Committee should have authority to employ the services of expert engineers, if desirable, and the Municipal Light Board stands ready to co-operate to the fullest extent in the examination of every phase of the subject.
CARL M. SPENCER GEORGE L. FLINT
FRANK E. CRAFTS
Municipal Light Board.
MANAGER'S REPORT
TO THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD, READING, MASS. :
GENTLEMEN-I respectfully submit my report showing the results of the operation of the Electric Light and Power Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1916.
We have generated during the year 1,231,677 kilowatt hours, which is an increase of 25.6% over the previous year. The number of kilowatt hours sold and accounted for was 936,461, which is 30.9% increase over the 1915 figures; and the percentage of kilowatt hours unaccounted for has been reduced by about 3%. A large proportion of the increase has been on account of increased power load.
The earnings from sale of current have been $10,296.69 more and operating expense $8,210.87 more than last year.
The Profit and Loss Deficit has been decreased $5,945.44.
The total operating cost per K. W. H. is slightly less than in 1915.
Repair of Real Estate, Repair of Steam Plant, Renewal of Lines, and Stable and Auto Expenses have exceeded the estimates at the beginning of the year. The Railroad Com- pany notified us early in the spring that both our trestle and Mr. Sweetser's required repairs, and indicated what changes were required. When the workmen began to remove some of the defective timbers we found that practically the whole of our trestle above the supports should be renewed. As we expected to make only minor repairs, no provision was made in the budget for the additional expense, which amounted to about $1,000. The increase in Repair of Steam Plant account was partly on account of changes and repairs in connection with the new boiler. In the Renewal of Lines account the estimate has been exceeded $1,094.60, due principally to the increased cost of labor and materials over
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.
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the cost of the preceding year. Labor costs have increased about ten per cent., and materials from fifteen to fifty per cent., weatherproof copper line wire at the present time costing about twice the usual price. In fact, about every article which we use, with the exception of incandescent lamps, has materially increased in cost.
During the year new joint pole lines, which replace sev- eral individual pole lines, have been built with the co-opera- tion of the Bay State Street Railway Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company on the following streets: Haven Street, from Main Street to High Street ; Washington Street, from Main Street to Village Street; Minot Street and Middlesex Avenue the entire length; Sum- mer Avenue, from Woburn Street to Main Street; and West Street. from Oak Street to the residence of W. A. Bancroft. With the exception of the Summer Avenue line the pole work on the above streets was done by the Street Railway and Telephone Companies, and, while the initial expense of joint reconstruction work was probably more than the expense of replacing our old pole line would have been, the new construction is much safer and makes a better appear- ance on the street.
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