USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1920 > Part 7
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3. Coal consumed for the year: 668,122 pounds.
4. [Pounds of wood consumed] divided by three, equals equivalent amount of coal 1bs.
'4a. Amount of other fuel used.
5. Total equivalent of coal consumed for the year equals (3) plus (4) Ibs.
6. Total pumpage for the year 105,096,212 gallons, with allowance for slip.
7. Average static head against which pumps work: 219.
8. Average dynamic head against which pumps work: 240.
9. Number of gallons pumped per pound of equivalent coal (5) : 150.
10. Duty equals : gallons pumped (6) x 8.34 (lbs.) x 100 x dynamic head (8) equals 27,537,400. Total fue consumed (5)
Cost of pumping, figured on pumping station expenses, viz : $11,339.04.
11. Per million gallons pumped.
12. £ Per million gallons raised one foot (dynamic
FINANCIAL STATISTICS
RECEIPTS
Balance brought forward:
(a) From extraordinary mainte- nance receipts
$ 6,621.88
(b) From extraordinary receipts (bonds, etc.)
CC Total maintenance
$23,885.75
DD Interest on bonds
5,072.50
(CC plus DD)
$28,958.25
Total
$ 6,621.88
EE Payment of bonds 5,000.00
From Water Rates:
Water Works Construction :
A Fixture rates
GG Extension of mains 646.43
B Meter rates
$26,086.87
HH Extension of services 2,814.06
C Total from consumers
26,086.87
II Extension of meters
568.91
D For hydrants
6,030.00
JJ New Supply .
114.15
E For fountains
100.00
KK Total construcion
4,143.44
F For street watering
MM Balance:
J Total from municipal departm'nts
6,130.00
(aa) Ordinary
L From bond issue
Total balance 2,216.07
M From other sources-
Rent, interest, etc.
377.44
Service pipes
1,052.68
Main pipes
49.00
N Total
$40,317.87
EXPENDITURES
Water Works Maintenance: AA Operation (management and repairs) .
N Total
$40,317,87
103
DISPOSITION OF BALANCE-CARRIED TO NEW ACCOUNT
Q Net cost of works to date $401,073.74
P Bonded debt at date 117,000.00
Q Value of Sinking Fund to date
R Average of interest 4 per cent
STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION OF WATER
1. Estimated total population at date: 7,424.
2. Estimated population on lines of pipe : 7,369.
3. Estimated population supplied 7,320. ·-.
4. Total consumption for the year: 105,036,212 gallons
5. Passed through meters:
6. Percentage of consumption metered :
7. Average daily consumption : 286,982.
8. Gallons per day to each inhabitant: 38.68.
9. Gallons per day to each consumer: 39.
10. Gallons per day to each tap: 160.
11. Cost of supplying water, per million gallons, figured on total maintenance, (item CC) :
12. Total cost of supplying water, per mil- lion gallons, figured on total main- tenance, plus interest on bonds
STATISTICS RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MAINS .
1. Kind of pipe: Cast iron.
2. Sizes: From 6 inches to 12 inch.
3. - Extended : 0 feet during year.
4. Discontinued : 0 feet during the year.
5. Total now in use: 33.39 miles.
6. Cost of repairs per mile $1.13.
7. Number of leaks per mile: 0.
8. Length of pipe less than 4 inches in diameter: 0 miles.
9. Number of hydrants added during year (public and private) : 1.
10. Number of hydrants (public and private) now in use: 202.
11. Number of stop gates added during the year: 1.
12. Number of stop gates now in use: 310.
13. Number of stop gates smaller than 4 inch: 0.
14. Number of blow-offs: 14.
15. Range of pressure on mains: 45 lbs. to 90 lbs.
104
SERVICES
16. Kind of pipe: Cast Iron, galvanized iron, lead and cement lined.
17. Sizes: 3-4 to 6 inches.
18. Extended: 2001.9 feet.
:19. Discontinued: 348.2 feet.
20. Total now in use: 27,244 miles.
21. Number of service taps added during year: 27.
.22. Number now in use: 1,791.
23. Average length of service, 1920: 70.04 feet.
24. Average cost of service for the year:
25. Number of meters added: 40.
26. Number now in use: 1728.
27. Percentage of services metered: 97.
.28. Percentage of receipts from metered water: (B) divided by (C).
29. Number of motors and elevators added, 0.
30. Number now in use: 0.
LEWIS M. BANCROFT. Superintendent.
105
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Of the one hundred and one persons who died in Reading during 1920:
2 were over 90 years of age
17 were between 80 and 90.
26 were between 70 and 80
14 were between 60 and 70
8 were between 50 and 60
7 were between
40 and 50
3 were between
30 and 40
3 were between
20 and 30
3 were between
10 and 20
2 were between 5 and 10
6 were between
1 and 5
4 were under
1 year
6 Still births
There were two deaths by accident. Of the 121 contagious cases there were 3 deaths by Tuberculosis and two by Infantile Paralysis.
C. H. PLAYDON
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D.
Board of Health
106
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF HEALTH:
GENTLEMEN-The work of this department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1920, was as follows:
Permits granted
86
Fixtures set
315
Lavatories
61
Bath tubs
54
Closets
72
Sinks
70
Wash trays
58
Respectfully submitted, DAVID TAGGART,
Inspector of Plumbing.
107
REPORT OF TREASURER
TO THE CITIZENS OF READING:
During the year 1920, the following coupon bonds were sold: $20,000 Electric Light 5% bonds, due $1,000 each year 1921-1940. $60,000 Sewer Construction 5% bonds, due $3,000 in the years 1925-1934 inclusive, and $2,000 in the years 1935-1949 inclusive.
Both the above issue of bonds were authorized at the adjourned town meeting on March 15, 1920.
There were also sold the following Sewer notes:
5% Note for $2,000, due Jan. 23, 1921. 5% Note for $2,000, due Oct. 1, 1921. 5% Note for $1,000, due Jan. 24, 1922.
Above notes authorized at special town meeting on June 9, 1919. 5% Note for $5,000, due April 1, 1925, authorized at adjourned town meeting March 15, 1920.
The amount of temporary loans authorized by law in anticipation of revenue for the year 1920 was $279,666.48. Notes have been issued as followed : 1
$100,000, account refunding loans made in 1919, and $245,000, authorized loans of 1920, leaving a balance of $34,666.48, unissued for 1920.
On Jan. 1, 1921, there is outstanding $125,000 temporary loans.
HENRY H. KINSLEY, Treasurer.
108
TREASURER'S REPORT, CEMETERY BEQUEST FUND, DECEMBER 31, 1920
DEBTOR
Jan. 1, 1920:
To cash balance
$ 2,252.41
To cash payment of notes
3,500.00
To cash sundry bequests
1,590.00
To interest
1,023.22
$
8,365.63
CREDITOR
By payment care of lots
1,045.00
By investment
7,003.19
.
Dec. 31, 1920.
By cash balance in Mechanics Sav-
ings Bank
217.44
By cash on hand
100.00
$
8,365.63
HENRY H. KINSLEY, Treasurer.
TREASURER'S REPORT, GEORGE F. BUCK TRUSTEE FUND
DEBTOR
Jan. 1, 1920:
To cash balance
$ 58.15
To Interest
2.64
CREDITOR $ 60.79
Dec. 31, 1920:
By balance cash on deposit in Me-
chanics Savings Bank 60.79
HENRY H. KINSLEY, Treasurer.
109
TREASURER'S REPORT, TOWN OF READING, DEC. 31, 1920 WATER DEPARTMENT
DEBTOR
Jan. 1, 1920:
To balance
$
6,621.88
To cash deposits by Water Com-
missioners
33,695.99
$
40,317.87
CREDITOR
Dec. 31, 1920:
By payments per vouchers
·
38,101.80
By balance, cash on hand 2,216.07
$
40,317.87
HENRY H. KINSLEY, Treasurer.
MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
DEBTOR
Jan. 1, 1920:
To balance
$
1,394.84
Deposits Mun. Light Dept. $ 192,768.38
$
194,163.22
CREDITOR
Dec. 31, 1920:
Payments per vouchers
$
185,928.64
Cash on hand
8,234.58
$
194,163.22
HENRY H. KINSLEY, Treasurer.
110
TREASURER'S REPORT, TOWN OF READING, DEC. 31, 1920
DEBTOR
Balance Jan. 1, 1920
$ 4,811.26
H. M. Viall, Collector Taxes, Interest and Moth
$ 292,383.02
Interest on Bank Balances
2,425.28
Street Railway Tax
70.49
Commonwealth of Mass.
Corporation Tax
$
10,011.37
Income Tax
24,074.51
Nat'l Bank Tax
976.46
State Aid and Burial of Soldiers
1,430.00
Soldiers' Exemption
154.16
Reading Water Works
5,000.00
Revenue Loans borrowed
345,000.00
Electric Light Loan
6,500.00
Sale of Sewer Dept. Notes
5,000.00
Premium on Sewer Dept. Note
7.42
Sale of Sewer Dept. Bonds
60,000.00
Premium on Sewer Dept. Bonds . . .
1,715.01
Sale of Sewer Dept. Connection Notes
5,000.00
Misc. Receipts
32,097.54
791,845.26
$ 796,656.52
CREDIT
By Discount Revenue Loans
$ 12,817.92
By Interest
9,881.15
By State Tax
24,628.80
By National Bank Tax
642.19
By Metropolitan Sewerage Loan .
12,266.29
By State Highway Repairs
3,574.11
By Fire Prevention
108.56
By General Town Notes and Bonds
28,200.00
By Revenue Loans, paid
320,000.00
$100,000 of this amount was bor- rowed in 1919-
By Loan Elec. Lt. Dept.
5,000.00
By County Tax
10,305.45
By Payments Sewer Dept.
68,411.29
Other Payments as per vouchers
273,961.79
Dec. 31. Petty Cash on hand
1,800.00
Cash on deposits in Banks
25,158.97
$ 796.656.52
HENRY H. KINSLEY, Treasurer.
Twenty-sixth Annual Report OF THE
Electric Light Commissioners
For the Year Ending December 31 1920
112
OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Commissioners
WILLIAM G. LONG, Chairman . . Term expires 1923
GEORGE L. FLINT, Secretary
Term expires 1921
FRANK E. CRAFTS
Term expires 1922
Manager ARTHUR G. SIAS
Office MUNICIPAL BUILDING
113
MANAGER'S REPORT
TO THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD, READING, MASS. :
GENTLEMEN :- I respectfully submit herewith my report covering the operation of the Municipal Light Plant for the year ending Dec. 31, 1920.
OPERATING ACCOUNT CREDITOR
By commercial lighting
$ 69,427.89
By commercial power
25,380.22
By municipal lighting
1,401.63
By municipal power
1,639.58
By cooking and heating
6,008.30
By power to Wakefield
70.16
By power to Lowell Electric Light Corporation
203.68
By street lighting, Reading
11,000.00
By street lighting, Lynnfield Ctr.
1,647.12
By street lighting, North Reading .
3,341.53
By street lighting, Wilmington
6,032.00
By total income
$ 126,152.11
DEBTOR
To fuel
$ 37,431.98
To oil and waste
102.69
To water
74.75
To wages at station
16,487.77
To repairs of real estate
103.78
To repairs of steam plant
931.17
To repairs of electric plant
457.40
To station tools, etc.
598.20
To manufacturing cost
$ 56,187.74
To distribution wages
$ 2,686.41
To repair lines, lamps & meters, etc.
8,008.37
To incandescent lamps commercial
330.06
To street series lamps renewals .
1,637.10
To distribution tools
221.09
To garage expense
4,202.92
To distribution cost
17,085.95
3
114
To general salaries
$ 9,579.70
To Municipal Light Board salaries
225.00
To committee expense
143.38
To office expense
3,313.16
To rent of stock room
150.00
To insurance
3,266.20
To taxes
465.04
To miscellaneous expenses
17,142.48
To total operating expenses .
90,416.17
Balance to Profit and Loss .
35,735.94
$ 126,152.11
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT DEBTOR
To bonds paid in 1920
$ 12,000.00
To notes paid in 1920
6,300.00
To legal services on account of
bond issue
52.18
To bad debts
288.91
To interest incurred
7,850.70
To depreciation allowed
15,507.13
$ 41,998.92
CREDITOR
By balance December 31, 1919 . . .
$ 3,861.73
By interest on bank balances
..
283.08
By balance of operating account ..
35,735.94
By balance of Jobbing Account ..
239.89
By premium and accrued interest ..
571.69
By total $ 40,692.33
Balance as of Dec. 31, 1920 . 1,306.59
$ 41,998.92
BALANCE SHEET
ASSETS
Land
$ 2,575.80
Buildings
20,433.87
Steam plant
81,776.36
Electric plant
39,767.67
Lines
123,025.65
Transformers
21,671.33
Meters
22,606.30
Street lights
12,803.47
115
Inventory fuel
10,717.25
Inventory oils, waste and station
supplies
1,855.60
Inventory line and distribution
20,545.59
Inventory jobbing and stock
4,485.30
Inventory prepaid insurance
2,154.46
Accounts receivable, electric
14,875.03
Accounts receivable, sundries
8,087.25
Cash in operation fund
1,891.27
Cash in re-construction fund
6,343.31
Cash in deposit fund
332.26
Total assets
$ 395,947.77
Deficit
1,306.59
$ 397,254.36
LIABILITIES
Appropriation for construction $ 30,678.26
Loans repayment
152,900.00 4
Bonds outstanding
137,000.00
Notes Outstanding
32,000.00
Town Treasurer
(Special loan) . .
5,000.00
Deposits
332.26
Interest accrued, not due
1,870.87
Accounts payable, operation
36,961.80
Accounts, payable, re-construction .
67.00
Accounts payable, construction
444.17
Total liabilities
$ 397,254.36
RE-CONSTRUCTION FUND
DEBTOR
To appropriation for 1920 $ 20,000.00
CREDITOR
By additions steam plant
$ 12,527.50
By additions electric plant
136.83
By additions transformers
992.36
By total
$ . 13,656.69
Balance Dec. 31, 1920
6,343.31
$ 20,000.00
116
CONSTRUCTION FUND DEBTOR
To balance Dec. 31, 1919 $ 738.82 To transfer from Depreciation Fund 17,267.89
$ 18,006.71
CREDITOR
By additions to buildings
$
32.86
By additions to steam plant
135.60
By additions to electric plant
50.48
By additions to lines
12,080.21
By additions to transformers
2,446.79
By additions to meters
2,801.35
By additions to street lights
461.42
$ 18,006.71
OPERATION FUND DEBTOR
To balance Dec. 31, 1919
$ 212.95
To receipts from customers
155,720.16
To appropriation from tax levy
11,000.00
To Town Treasurer (Special loan)
5,000.00
To interest on bank balances .
283.08
$ 172,216.19
CREDITOR
By expenditures
$ 128,667.09
By transfer to Depreciation Fund .
15,507.13
By bonds retired
12,000.00
By notes retired
6,300.00
By interest paid
7,850.00
By balance Dec. 31, 1920
1,891.27
$ 172,216.19
DEPRECIATION FUND DEBTOR
To balance Dec. 31, 1919 $ 438.80
To transfer from Operation Fund .
15,507.13
To sale of condenser, etc.
2,369.93
$ 18,315.86
CREDITOR
By transfer to
Construction Fund $ 17,267.89
By renewals
1,047.97
$ 18,315.86
117 COST OF PLANT
$ 389,504.73 Cost as of Dec. 31, 1919 .
ADDITIONS
Buildings
$
32.86
Steam plant
12,661.10
Electric plant
135.31
Lines
12,080.21
Transformers
3,439.15
Meters
2,733.42
Street lights
461.42
.
31,543.47
Total cost Dec. 31, 1920
$ 421.048.20
LYNNFIELD EXTENSION
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1920:
Lines
$ 13,804.15
Street lights
1,164.68
Meters
1,939.45
Transformers
1,737.20
$ 18,645.48
NORTH READING EXTENSION
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1920:
Electric plant
$ 440.12
Lines
29,918.44
Street lights
1,895.00
Meters
2,379.44
Transformers
. .... . 3,209.22
$ 37,842.22
WILMINGTON EXTENSION
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1920:
Electric plant
$ 627.18
Lines
46,225.60
Street lights
2,671.83
Meters
2,820.30
Transformers
.
3,895.47
.
$ 56,240.38
118
EARNINGS FROM LIGHT AND POWER-5 YEARS
1916
1918
1919
1920
Light
$56,200.17
1917 $65,445.22
$71,283.85
$ 86,221.78
$ 92,850.17
Power
10,699.24
10,898.42
17,812.24
29,072.32
33,301.94
$66,899.41
$76,343.64
$89,096.09
$115,294.10
$126,152.11
NOTE-The above table includes the income from the appropria- tion for street lights.
The K. W. H. generated in 1920 exceeded the 1919 output by 240,403 or 11.7 per cent. This does not compare very favorably with the increase in 1919 over 1918, which was 55.9 per cent. The general slowing down in business, especially during the last six months of the year has reduced our output and revenue very materially.
Income increased but 9.4 per cent, while operating costs increased 24.3 per cent and fixed charges increased 27.6 per cent, resulting in a net loss for the year of $5,168.32.
The increase of one per cent in the allowance for Depreciation amounted to $3,876.78 while the cost of operating the street lights exceeded the appropriation by $3,355.02. Add to these the increased cost of fuel, which amounted to $10,247.18, due to increased prices and freight rates, and it is not difficult to see the reason for the loss in operation of the plant in 1920.
I am reasonably sure, however, that- the income and expenses would have been practically even, had normal business conditions obtained during the last half of the year.
The increased cost of fuel was due in part to the fact that we were unable to obtain shipments on our contracts and were obliged to purchase spot coal at very much higher prices, some of it cost- ing as much as $18.44 per gross ton in our bins. Lack of car supply at the mines and labor troubles were given as reasons for not ship- ping contract coal.
The grade of fuel was somewhat better than in 1919 and we burned 25 net tons less than last year, notwithstanding the increased output.
The actual increase in cost per ton over 1919 was 37.6 per cent.
Operating labor costs for 1920 are about 22.6 per cent more than in 1919 due principally because the increases granted in 1919 cov- ered only a part of the year and partly to slight increases granted in 1920.
The income from lighting increased about 14 per cent and from power about 14.5 per cent. The appropriation for street lights was 23.8 per cent less than last year.
119
ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE POWER STATION
The new boiler, heater and condenser which we were authorized to purchase are all in the station and practically ready to operate, there remaining but a small part of the installation work to be com- pleted.
The boiler was purchased from the Scannell Boiler Works, Low- ell, Mass., and cost $2,997.00, the heater from the National Pipe Bend- ing Co., New Haven, Conn., and cost $1,024.13, and the condenser was purchased from the Alberger Pump and Condenser Co., Newburg, N. Y., for $6,500.00. The contract for the boiler setting was let to H. J. Carroll, of Woburn for $1,290.00, the foundation work for the condenser to P. N. Sweetser for $474, and piping contract to Braman, Dow & Co. of Boston, for $4,054.00.
No changes have yet been made in the old spray pond as it seemed best to make use of it this winter and install the new piping and nozzles in the spring.
At the time of writing this report I am unable to report a com- plete test of the new condenser under load to determine what saving in fuel has been accomplished by the change, but the operating results so far would seem to show that it requires no more fuel than the condenser under the 600 K. W. turbine, whereas the old condenser required 21 per cent more.
We succeeded in disposing of the old condenser for $2,250.00 which was about 90 per cent of its original cost.
Number 3 boiler has been disconnected from the piping and the pressure has been increased to 150 pounds.
With the addition of a new boiler to replace the old number 3, the generating equipment should be capable of carrying a peak load of at least 1500 K. W., and under normal conditions of increase in the connected load, I estimate that no further addition to the plant will be required for at least three years.
The maximum load carried on the station during 1920 was 700 K. W., which was 50 K. W., less than in 1919, due to the falling off of the power load.
It will be necessary in the near future to make some provision for handling the coal between the bin and the boiler room, as there is barely room enough at present to store a sufficient amount to last from 3 o'clock P. M. until morning. I believe the most satisfactory way would be to install an industrial railway, using the regular charging cars such as are used in many power plants. By having a sufficient number of cars the coal could be fired directly from the cars instead of storing it in front of the boilers and firing from the floor.
120
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Defective poles have been renewed during the year on the fol- lowing streets: Ash, Barrett, Charles, Eaton, Green, Haven, High, Hopkins, Haverhill, Linden, Locust, Mill, Main, Oak, Prospect, Sum- mer Ave., Washington, Walnut, West and Woburn, and some defec- tive wire has also been renewed.
Nine additional street lights have been installed in Reading as follows: 6 on South Street, 1 on Beech Street, 1 on Woodward Aven- ue, and 1 on Lowell Street. We have also added 13 street lights in North Reading and 2 in Wilmington during the year. A spot light has been installed in the square for the protection of the traffic officer.
We have installed 213 new services for light and power, including a 500 K. W. power connection at the Reading Rubber Mfg. Co.'s plant under a three-years' contract. This new power connection should materially increase our income when business becomes normal again.
637 meters in customers' premises have been tested this year, and those found to be incorrect have been re-calibrated or changed.
The lines in general are in good condition but each year it is necessary to renew some defective poles and wires. We have fol- lowed our usual custom of making an annual inspection of all lines and insulating wires in trees. This saves current which might be lost through leakage and also prevents interruptions in the service.
The new Reo truck which we purchased early in the year has proven very satisfactory and practically no repairs have been made to it during the year.
The two old Ford trucks should be sold and new ones purchased in the spring.
The Premier truck should also be sold as it is used very little and one of the Ford trucks can be used in its place when necessary.
INCREASE IN DEPRECIATION
Under date of January 26, 1920, we petitioned the Board of Public Utilities for an increase in the annual allowance for deprecia- tion from 3 to 4 per cent, and as the Board requested specific reasons for the increase we had an appraisal of the plant made by Mr. C. W. Whiting. His report was made under date of April 6th and a copy of same was transmitted to the State Board. The appraisal as made by Mr. Whtiting showed that, from 1894 to December 31, 1919, the total amount allowed for the depreciation of the plant was $24,- 661.47 less than was actually needed for the purpose. He found that the fair value of the plant as of December 31, 1919 was $284,949.20, while the book value was shown as $309,314.97
The appraisal report covers 45 typewritten pages and is too vol- uminous to be included in this report. A comparison of the apprais-
121
al and book values of the different portions of the plant will show how the different accounts are affected.
Book value
Land
$ 2,575.80
Appraisal Value $ 2,575.80
Buildings
20,401.01
19,439.43
Steam Plant
75,855.26
76,148.90
Electric Plant
42,162.36
38,576.81
Lines
116,480.83
105,962.38
Transformers
18,460.55
16,077.62
Meters
20,603.34
17,272.01
Street Lights
12,775.82
8,896.25
Totals
$309,314.97
$284,949.20
A copy of the petition of the Municipal Light Board and Man- ager is given below and is followed by the order of the Department of Public Utilities.
January 26, 1920.
To the Honorable Board of Public Utilities,
15 Ashburton Place, Boston, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :- The Municipal Light Board and Manager of mu- nicipal lighting, of the Town of Reading, respectfully request the approval of your Honorable Board of an increase in the annual al- lowance for depreciation of the electric light plant from three per cent to four per cent per annum, said increase to be included as a part of the expense of the plant for the year ending December 31, 1920, and each year thereafter, unless a smaller or larger amount shall subsequently be approved by your Honorable Board.
A report of audit for the year ending December 31, 1919 by Charles E. Stanwood, 78 Devonshire St., Boston, is herewith enclosed for your information.
Yours very truly, WILLIAM G. LONG, GEORGE L. FLINT, FRANK E. CRAFTS, Municipal Light Board. ARTHUR G. SIAS, Manager.
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
May 7, 1920.
PETITION OF THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANT OF READING .
On the petition of the Municipal Light Board and the Manager of the Municipal Lighting Plant of the Town of Reading for approv-
122
al of an increase in the annual allowance for depreciation of the Electric Light Plant from three (3) to four (4) per cent of the cost of the plant exclusive of land and any water power appur- tenant thereto, as provided in section 115 of chapter 742 of the Acts of the year 1914, as amended by section 2 of chapter 77 of the Gen- eral Acts of the year 1918, it appearing that three per cent (3%) has been insufficient to provide for the depreciation already realized, it is-
Voted that, for the current municipal year and until otherwise ordered, the Commission approve of an amount for depreciation of the Municipal Lighting Plant of the Town of Reading equal to four per cent (4%) of the cost of said plant exclusive of land and any water power appurtenant thereto.
By order of the Commission, (Signed) ANDREW A. HIGHLANDS, Secretary.
LAMP AND APPLIANCE DEPARTMENT
Our records show that we have sold from this department dur- ing the year, the following lamps and appliances: 39 washing ma- chines, 1 mangle, 23 ranges, 63 vacuum cleaners, 27 toasters, 2 grills, 147 flat irons, 10 fans, 12 heating pads, 24 motors, 13 desk and table lamps, 19 radiators, 4 water heaters, 4 pumping outfits, 10 vibrators, etc.
On October 1, 1920, Clapp & Leach opened an Electric Shop in Lyceum Block, and asked for our co-operation in connection with the sale and repair of electrical appliances. We turned over to them about $1,500.00 worth of our stock and also the work of repairing appliances. Their well appointed show windows and large store, make it possible for them to serve the public much better than we could. Mr. Paul Lane, who was employed as salesman with us, was engaged by them to carry on the same line of work. As we have a considerable number of appliances on hand and as some customers prefer to purchase through our department, we will continue to carry for the present, a line of incandescent lamps, motors, ranges, water heaters, radiators, washing and ironing machines, flat irons and vacuum cleaners.
The increase in value of inventory this year over last is $13,978.12 due to additional fuel and line materials on hand, and is reflected in the increase in the amount of unpaid bills carried over.
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