USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1933 > Part 22
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518.00
$ 5,575.85
Sidewalk and Curb. Ass't. and Int. Revenue 330.24
Sewer Ass't. and Int. Revenue
905.69
Taxes 1931
$ 774.92
Taxes 1932
35,422.87
Taxes 1933
203,060.50
Old Age Assistance 1931
10.00
Old Age Assistance 1932
149.00
Old Age Assistance 1933
527.00
Highway Betterment Appor'n. Rev. 1934-1942 4,419.94
Motor Vehicle Excise 1931
217.44
Cemetery Lots and Bequests Revenue
343.75
Motor Vehicle Excise 1932
1,377.14
Tax Titles Revenue
12,783.63
Motor Vehicle Excise 1933
3,978.73
Departmental Accounts Rec. Revenue
38,204.89
Moth and Tree Work Ass't. 1932
43.75
Water Dept. Accounts Receivable Revenue
3,857.23
Moth and Tree Work Ass't. 1933
474.25
Municipal Light Dept. Accounts Rec. Revenue
31,409.51
Sidewalk and Curb. Ass't. 1933
257.44
Cemetery Reserve
3,899.92
Interest on same
72.80
Water Reserve
4,841.02
Unapportioned Sewer Ass't.
192.30
Sewer Reserve
1,334.91
Apportioned Sewer Ass't. 1932
78.08
Overlay 1932
148.34
Apportioned Sewer Ass't. 1933
482.58
Overlay 1933
8,246.03
Interest on same .
152.73
Overlay
Reserve
161.23
Sewer Rentals Receivable Revenue 1,140.50
Highway Betterment and Int. Revenue 751.14
Sewer Ass't. Appor'n. Revenue 1934-1941
2,697.64
Sidewalk and Curb. Appor'n. Revenue 1934-1942 2,938.62
Cash in Closed Bank
Taxes and Assessments Receivable :
Reserve for Cash in Closed Bank 5,575.85
BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 1933
Sewer Rentals
1,140.50
Special Account Sale of Land
748.25
Highway Betterment Ass't. 1932
14.20
Block System Survey
141.82
Highway Betterment Ass't. 1933
574.50
Drainage System Construction
603.69
Interest on same
162.44
Haverhill Street Construction
1,426.31
Sewer Ass't. Appor'n. 1934-1941
2,697.64
Reserve for C. W. A. Projects
9,382.66
Sidewalk and Curb. Ass't. Appor'n. 1934-42
2,938.62
Public Welfare, Special Fund
32.76
Selectmen's Special Fund
249.06
Public Library, Special Fund
22.60
World War Memorial Fund
4,069.82
$259,219.37
Smith-Hughes Fund
313.91
Cemetery Lots, Deferred Payments
$ 196.25
George Reed Fund
45.16
Cemetery Bequests, Deferred Payments
147.50
Junior High School Account
101.66
Comm. of Mass. Civil Works Service
82.35
Tax Titles
12,783.63
Departmental Accounts Receivable
38,204.89
Water Dept. Accounts Receivable
3,857.23
Mun. Light Dept. Accounts Receivable
31,409.51
Overlay 1931
380.38
Overdraft, Snow and Ice Account
653,36
Hospital Fund
1,115.88
Old Age Assistance
18.00
Comm. of Mass. Aid to Highways ..
2,728.35
County of Middlesex Aid to Highways
909.45
1
$394,407.99
Mun. Lt. Dept. Maint. Account 10,406.46
Excess and Deficiency Account
30,250.87
Premium Account
41.67
Junior High School Land Development
72.40
Highway Betterment Ass't. Appor'n. 1934-42
4.419.94
$394,407.99
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded Debt $422,500.00
Emergency Finance Loan Chap. 307, Acts 1933 $ 30,000.00 Municipal Light Loans 69,500.00
Sewer Loans 107,000.00 Water Loans 86,000.00
Municipal Building Loan 8,000.00
School Building Loan J. H. S. 92,000.00
Police Station Loan 30,000.00
$422,500.00
$422,500.00
TRUST FUNDS
Trust Funds, Cash and Securities
$221,695.63
Hospital Fund
$152,283.99
Trust Funds in Closed Bank
4,490.27
Hospital Fund in Closed Bank 4,481.03
Cemetery Bequest Fund 63,267.35
Reading High School Scholarship Fund
5,135.07
Reading H. S. Sch. Fund in Closed Bank 9.19
Public Library Fund 1,004.22
$226,185.90
$226,185.90
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
Taxes 1930
Uncollected December 31, 1932
$ 146.04
Interest Collected
25.49
Paid Treasurer
$ 145.00
Abated
26.53
$ 171.53 $ 171.53
Taxes and Assessments, 1931
Uncollected December 31, 1932
$ 3,892.07
Interest Collected
355.21
Paid Treasurer
$ 2,442.27
Abated
802.65
Uncollected December 31, 1933
1,002.36
$ 4,247.28 $
4,247.28
Taxes and Assessments, 1932
Uncollected December 31, 1932
$226,965.18
Transferred from Tax Title to Tax Account
354.20
Additional Commitment
6.00
Refunds Account Taxes
118.75
Interest Collected
8,328.22
Paid Treasurer
$196,791.07
Abated
1,853.49
Transferred to Deferred Payments
30.00
Uncollected December 31, 1933
37,097.79
$235,772.35
$235,772.35
Taxes and Assessments, 1933
General Tax Warrant
$503,854.59
Interest Collected
232.24
Refunds Account Taxes
761.16
Paid Treasurer
$292,641.13
Abated
2,476.64
Uncollected December 31, 1933
209,730.22
$504,847.99
$504,847.99
304
Sewer Rentals
Uncollected December 31, 1932
$
Commitments January and July, 1933
Interest Collected
7,480.33 $
Abated
Uncollected December 31, 1933
$ 8,622.09
$ 8,622.09
Highway Betterment
Commitment, June
$ 1,851.32
Paid Treasurer
$ 109.15
Apportioned 1933 to 1942
1,742.17
$ 1,851.32
$ 1,851.32
Sidewalk Betterment
Commitment, July
$ 511.08
Apportioned 1933 to 1942
$ 511.08
$ 511.03
$ 511.08
Advanced payment apportioned sidewalk
$
86.62
Paid Treasurer
$ 86.62
Sewer Betterment
Commitment October
$ 192.30
Trnasferred to deferred payments 1934 to 1943
$ 192.30
$ 192.30
$ 192.30
Recapitulation
Total receipts from taxes and assessments.
Taxes
$467,028.35
Highway assessments and interest
553.19
Sidewalk assessments and interest
1,142.62
Sewer assessments and interest
8,467.65
Motor Vehicle assessments
13,526.90
Interest
8,976.86
Refunds, etc.
57.05
$499,752.62
Paid to the Treasurer as per Treasurer's receipts
$499,752.62
GRACE V. VIALL, Collector of Taxes.
305
701.83 7,884.56 35.70
Paid Treasurer
1.26 1,140.50
REPORT OF TREASURER For the Year Ended Dec. 31, 1933
The transactions in the General Cash Account, in summary form, were as follows :
Balance January 1, 1933
$ 46,866.31
Receipts :
Grace V. Viall, Collector
$499,752.62
Municipal Light Department
305,940.38
Water Department
47,980.05
Sewer Dept .- Guarantee Deposits
334.41
School Department
18,266.86
Cemetery Department
6,459.00
Tree Warden and Moth Depts.
1,078.50
Library Department
468.32
Licenses, Permits and Hearings
1,630.60
Other Departmental Receipts
2,412.84
Refunds to Wel. and Soldiers' Rel. Depts.
25,333.31
Temp. Loans in Anticipation of 1933 Rev.
495,000.00
Temp. Loans Refunded
150,000.00
Temp. Loan for Imp. of Haverhill St.
16,000.00
Temp. Loan-Haverhill St -. Refunded
6,390.00
Comm. of Mass., Loan under Chap. 307
30,000.00
Comm. of Mass., Emerg. Relief Fund 16,440.83
Comm. of Mass., Taxes 39,739.91
State and County for Imp. of Haverhill St.
12,352 20
Municipal Light Department
18,678.26
Trust Funds Income
6,030.13
Trust Funds Transfers
12,084.89
Redemption of Prop .: Taxes., Int. and Costs
3,410.03
Int. on Deposits in Checking Accts. 349.39
Miscellaneous Receipts
5,172.07
Total Receipts
$1,721,364.60
$1,768,230.91
Disbursements :
Temporary Loans
$645,000.00
Notes and Bonds, Funded Debt
77,000.00
Note-Haverhill St. Improvement
16,000.00
Discount on Notes
18,366.54
Interest on Funded Debt
18,395.00
State Taxes and Assessments
27,230.16
County Taxes
20,152.56
Held by Trustees account of Closed Bank
5,575.85
306
Other Disbursements
903,749.81
Total Disbursements
$1,731,469.92
Balance December 31, 1933
$ 36,760.99
Funded Debt
Outstanding January 1, 1933
$469,500.00
Notes Issued in 1933
30,000.00
$499,500.00
Bonds and Notes Paid in 1933
$ 77,000.00
Outstanding December 31, 1933
422,500.00
$499,500.00
Notes Issued in Anticipation of Revenue
Outstanding January 1, 1933
$200,000.00
Notes Issued in 1933
645,000.00
$845,000.00
Notes Paid in 1933
$645,000.00
Outstanding December 31, 1933
200,000.00
$845,000.00
Notes Issued in Connection with Improvement of Haverhill Street
Outstanding January 1, 1933
Notes Issued in 1933
$ 16,000.00
Original Issue Refunded
6,390.00
$ 22,390.00
Notes Paid in 1933
$ 16,000.00
Outstanding December 31, 1933
6,390.00
$ 22,390,00
A more detailed statement. of receipts and disbursements and a statement of the Trust Funds is presented in the report of the Town Accountant.
PRESTON F. NICHOLS, Treasurer.
307
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Citizens of the Town of Reading :
This Board organized on March 7, 1933 by electing Arthur S. Cook, Chairman, Edgar Frost, Secretary, George E. Horrocks being the third member of the Board. Christine F. Atkinson and Helen W. Brown were retained as office assistants. Gladys R. Dickinson and Eva H. Gleason were appointed as assistant assessors.
The Field Work was started on April 1st, and continued until com- pletion on June 1st.
Careful consideration was given each parcel of real estate when viewed and valuation determined.
Due principally to the demoralized condition of the real estate market, no great radical changes were effected in the valuations es- tablished in 1932. However, in an effort to increase the efficiency of the work of this department, the following methods were adopted by the Board and have proven quite satisfactory :
Cellar value applied to building and withdrawn from land value. Standard values established on private garages.
A uniform classification of greenhouse buildings.
Photographing buildings in process of construction April 1st.
A change in the law governing requests for abatement on real es- tate assessments now requires the applicant to file his document prior to December 31, instead of March 31, as formerly.
This Board has acted promptly on all such requests received, visit- ed and reviewed the premises and has rendered its decisions with a minimum of delay.
Meetings have been held regularly, Friday evenings, at the Munici- pal Building, from 7.30 to 9.00 p. m. for the convenience of our citizens wishing to confer with the Board.
The summary of activities for the year 1933 is as under :-
VALUATION OF TAXABLE PROPERTY
Buildings exclusive of Land $11,922,450.00
Land exclusive of Buildings 3,651,045.00
Personal Estate 1,080,429.00
Total
$16,653,924.00
Amount appropriated for Town Purposes $640,244.32
Amount to be paid for State and County Taxes 50,493.05
Amount of Overlay 10,152.44
$700,889.81
Less estimated receipts
$198,833.75
Less Excise Tax
18,072.91
308
Less 3109 Polls @ $2.00 6,218.00
Less 3124 Old Age Asst. Tax 3,124.00
$226,248.66
Amount to be raised
$474,641.15 Tax rate for 1933 (Amount to be raised divided by Total Taxable Valuation = $28.50 per M.)
Recapitulation
Real Estate Tax
$443,848.12
Personal Estate Tax
30,793.03
Excise Tax
16,099.90
Poll Tax
6,218.00
Old Age Assistance Tax
3,124.00
Moth Assessment
820.00
Betterments :
Sewer
1,070.39
Sidewalk
750.73
Curbing
94.66
Highway
955.36
Additional Poll Tax
46.00
Additional Old Age Assistance Tax
23.00
Additional Poll Tax for 1932
2.00
Additional Old Age Assistance Tax for 1932
1.00
December Commitment for 1933
11.40
Total Commitment
$503,857.59
Detail of State and County Taxes
.
State Tax
$ 20,070.00
State Highway Tax
17.00
State Parks and Reservation Tax
36.27
Metropolitan Sewerage Tax
7,069.58
Municipal Lighting Tax
23.64
Special Old Age Assistance Tax
3,124.00
County Tax
20,152.56
Total State and County Tax for 1933
$ 50,493.05
Valuation Comparisons
1932
1933
Increase
Decrease
Val. of Bldgs. only
$11,261,225.00
$11,922,450.00
$661,225.00
Val. of Land only
4,181,650.00
3,651,045.00
$530,605.00
Val. Personal Est.
1,150,972.00
1,080,429.00
70,543.00
Val. of Town
Property
1,435,630.00
1,431,550.00
4,080.00
309
1932
1933
Increase
Decrease
Val. Exempted
Property
534,610.00
533,110.00
1,500.00
Total Val. of Excise Tax
745,820.00
606,770.00
139,050.00
Dec. Commitment
20,075.00
400.00
19,675.00
Total Town
Valuation
$19,329,982.00 $19,225,754.00
$661,225.00
$765,453.00
Net Decrease in
Valuation
$104,228.00
Miscellaneous Data
1932
1933
Incr. Decr.
Number of Persons, Partnerships and
Corporations assessed April 1, 1933 . .
2,855
3,226
371
Number of Automobiles assessed
2,984
3,016
32
Number of Polls
3,095
3,132
37
Number of Old Age Assistance
3,112
3,146
34
Number of Horses
49
44
5
Number of Cows
125
118
7
Number of Neat Cattle
17
15
2
Number of Swine .
55
58
3
Number of Dwelling Houses
2,494
2,536
42
Number of Acres of Land
5,770
5,770
Number of Fowl
14,508
15,083
575
Population 1930 Census-9,474.
Total Valuation per Capita-$1,757.85.
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD FOR 1933
") the Citizens of the Town of Reading :
In accordance with General Laws, chapter 41, section 71, the Plan- ning Board submits herewith its annual report to the Town Meeting.
The so-called "sand and gravel" amendment referred to in our last report, and the amendment to the zoning law restricting the frontage and area of building lots, were both duly passed at the last Annual Town Meeting.
An article was also passed directing the Moderator to appoint a Committee on Parks and Playgrounds for the purpose of studying and making plans for future development of these areas. The Committee has been appointed and consists of Mr. Howard Clinch, Mrs. Helen Hartshorn, Mr. H. Raymond Johnson, Mr. Clark Robinson and Mr. Carl Spencer. Our Board proposes to co-operate with this Committee in its studies and plans.
310
A representative of the Board has attended many of the hearings before the Board of Appeal and the Board of Public Works, and has offered advice and recommendations in certain instances.
The Board has co-operated with the Towns of Stoneham and Wake- field in studying the so-called "By-Pass" through the easterly part of the town. The Board is now studying the proposed route 128, the so-called "circumferential highway" which it is proposed to project through the Town.
The Board, at the request of the School Committee, prepared a map showing the location of various Town properties to assist the Committee in determining the most suitable site for a school house, and has given advice with relation thereto.
At the request of the Board of Selectmen the Board has made a preliminary study of limited town meetings. Mr. Wilfred Sylvester, working under the C. W. A., has provided much val able material in this connection.
At the request of the Board of Selectmen and the Welfare Board this Board relinquished its quarters in the basement and now occupies the former Welfare Room on the second floor. This move caused some inconvenience to our Board, but it was glad to acquiesce, realizing the need of the Welfare Board for larger quarters, particularly during the present emegency.
With the co-operation and support of the Board of Survey a by-law was passed at the Annual Town Meeting, giving the Board of Survey authority to renumber the streets of the Town. A draft of regulations in this connection was prepared and submitted to the Board of Sur- vey for its use.
The pamphlet entitled, "Rules for Development of Real Estate", referred to in our last report, has been distributed upon request to various communities and organizations all over the United States, and in some foreign countries, and has created much favorable comment.
The major activity of the Board for the past year has been the preparation of the so-called "Master Map" of the Town of Reading. The Board was able to procure the services of Mr. Lawrence Parker prior to the C. W. A. program in starting this map, so that when the C. W. A. came into being it was in a position to immediately take advantage of the situation by employing a crew under the direction of Mr. Parker, which has made excellent progress on the map. The pur- pose of the map is to provide the basic material from which the Plann- ing board and other Town Boards may make intelligent studies of the needs and future possibilities of the Town. The Planning Board be-
311
lieves that the map, when complete will be invaluable for these pur- poses, and that it will justify its cost many times over.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARK S. ROBINSON, Chairman.
NORMAN W. HAINES, Secretary. McPHERSON DANIEL WINTHROP D. PARKER
SHERBURNE J. WATTS
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable, the Law Committee of the Town of Reading :
I herewith submit my report as Town Counsel.
Seven cases brought before the State Board of Tax Appeals against the Board of Assessors have consumed considerable time. Pleadings in behalf of the Board of Assessors have been drafted, negotiations for settlement have been carried on with counsel representing petition- ers and satisfactory adjustments have been effected disposing of the cases. Up to date this year, eight cases have been commenced before the State Board of Tax Appeals, three of which cases already have been disposed of by settlement.
There has been considerable activity in the Board of Public Wel- fare requiring my services in addition to the usual advice on routine matters. In the Probate Court for Middlesex County, I have probated an estate of a deceased person, have taken out guardianship proceed- ings for minor children in two cases and have had a conservator ap- pointed by the Court for the purpose of collecting monthly sums from an insurance company in settlement of disability claim.
In the Police Department, charges were preferred against two Police Officers for their removal or suspension under the Classified Civil Service Law. In one case a public hearing was held and in the other a private hearing. Both cases resulted in the suspension of the Officers for a long period. In the first case, a review in the nature of an appeal was taken in the District Court at Woburn from the de- cision of the Board of Selectmen. Pleadings were filed in behalf of the Board and after hearings, the Court found the action of the Board of Selectmen was justified and ordered the decision of the Board af- firmed.
Proceedings were commenced in the Land Court in ten cases for the foreclosure of the right of redemption of tax liens. Pleadings were drafted, hearings were held before the Court and as a result there- of, six cases were disposed of by entry of decree foreclosing right of redemption and declaring the title of the Town to said parcels to be
312
absolute. In one case, the respondent has redeemed the premises un- der a court order by the payment to the town of the sum of $1,439.89. Two cases were withdrawn because of certain defects in the original proceedings of taking, and one case is still pending before the Court. One of the parcels covered by decree of foreclosure has been sold by the Town. Under the provisions of the statute, the right of redemp- tion was foreclosed on ten other parcels of land of low value. By virtue of the proceedings, the titles to five of these parcels were ac- quired by the Town and the other five parcels were sold.
During the year, the two accident cases brought by Dr. James H. Powers for $2,500 each have been tried and the decision of the Court was rendered in favor of the Town in both cases.
There are five cases against the Town now pending in the Courts and during the year twelve claims for damages were made which have not been made the subject of litigation. Such claims have been duly investigated and as a result thereof, three of such claims have been satisfactorily adjusted as authorized by vote of your Committee, and the necessary action for the protection of the interest of the Town has been performed relative to such pending claims.
I have rendered assistance to the School Committee in the matter of the preparation of application for the approval of a project for the construction of an elementary school and loan of $100,000 under the provisions of the National Industrial Recovery Act.
The usual routine matters of the Board of Public Works relating to street layouts, reports, orders of taking, easements for sewers and drains, and construction of granolithic sidewalks have required my services. I have drafted and filed under the instructions from the Board, a bill for the Legislature authorizing the changing and establishing a part of the boundary line between the City of Woburn and this Town.
The activities of the various Boards of the Town have come to my attention for action and advice. I have attended hcarings of the various Town Boards, have given advice and opinions on Town matters, drafted all documents and legal instruments, prosecuted all suits and claims brought in behalf of the Town, appeared in defense of all actions or suits instituted or pending against the Town, and performed every pro- fessional act required of me in the performance of the duties of my office.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL H. DAVIS, Town Counsel.
313
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Reading :
The Annual Report of the Board of Selectmen for the year ending December 31st, 1933, is herewith submitted :
At the first meeting heid on March 10th the Board organized as follows :
A.bert N. Leman, Chairman WV. Homer Morrison, Secretary J. Warren Killam, Jr. Leon G. Bent, Clerk
Appointments
Keeper of Lock-up-Jeremiah Cullinane.
Superintendent of Fire Alarm-Hugh L. Eames.
Inspector of Bui.d.ngs-A. Russell Barnes.
Burial Agent-Alfred E. Goodwin.
Custodian of Soldiers' Graves-Harry A. Turner.
Sealer of Weights and Measures-Carl M. Smith.
Board of Appeal-Henry Q. Millett, Chairman, Fred L. Nutter, sec'y., Charles A. Damon.
Commissioner of Trust Funds 6 yrs .- Clarence C. White.
Ferce Vicwers-Carl B. Sawyer, Albert E. Temple, Wendell B. Newcl ..
Weighers of Coal and Hay-W. Irving Bancroft, Bertha D. Mac- Lellan, wendell B. Ncwell, Charles W. Lee, Thomas E. Brogan, Mabel L. McKay, I rey N. ; weetser, Charles N. Sweetser, Katherine L. Sweetser.
Field Driver - - Hard A. Bancroft, Adolph S. Larson, Rolland L. Perry.
Inspector of Wires-Hugh L. Eames.
Gas Inspector-David Taggart.
Inspector of Animals-Cornelius Thibeault.
Forest Warden-Orville O. Ordway.
Henry M. Donegan-Superintendent of Moth.
Special Police-John F. Maguire, J. Fred Richardson, Sylvanus L. Thompson, Edward McBrien, Walter Smith, James L. Healey, Henry WV. Bryden, William H. Killam, Frank F. Strout, Kenneth L. Crocker, George O. Flanders, Ralph F. Plouff, William P. Fierpont, William H. Manning, Charles H. Melendy, Gardner A. Perry, Norman L. Dick- inson, Thomas F. Classen, Frank G. Nichols, Thaddeus P. Shaw, Ro- land E. Ellis, William F. Campbell, Sidney Frederick, Robert O. Ches- ley.
314
Reserve Police Officers-John R. Condon, Joseph M. Greene, Nor- man L. Dickinson, Arthur M. Curtin, Patrick J. Pantano.
Town Forest Committee-Henry M. Donegan, 3 yrs.
Registrar-Owen McKenney, 3 yrs.
Reading Safety Council-Fred E. Smith, Chairman, Allice D. Knight, C. Nelson Bishop, O. O. Ordway, Alexander Birnie, Henry M. Donegan, Katherine MacDonald, James H. Fleming, Jeremiah E. Cul- linane, Adelbert L. Safford, Katherine L. Sweetser.
Finance Committee-Frank M. Merrill for 3 yrs., Elmer P. Crooker for 3 yrs., G. Lawrence Roberts for 2 yrs., Harold B. Currell for 2 yrs., Robert B. Mount reappointed for 3 yrs., Howard P. Knox, reappointed for 3 yrs., Margaret S. Canty, reappointed for 3 yrs.
Otto G. Scholz was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Public Welfare caused by the resignation of Mary F. Daniel. This action was taken at joint meeting of the two Boards.
C. W. A.
During November the Federal Government announced the forma- tion of the Civil Works Administration providing for the distribution of funds to various towns and cities for the purpose of relieving un- employment. It will be impossible to note here the numberless details which have attended the preparation and operation of the various work projects which are being carried on in our town. It is important to record, however, that before the expiration date (February 15th), over four hundred (400) of our citizens will have been engaged in useful work with an approximate total disbursement of $60,000. Without the hearty co-operation of the various Boards and the Finance Committee, the results thus far obtained would have been impossible. It was always the thought to do work that would be of lasting benefit to the town. Municipal buildings and schools are being repaired and repainted; larger pipes laid providing a more economical operation of the water distribution ; essential repairs to sewers will be made; streets widened and relocated to reduce traffic hazards; open ditches cleared to provide improved drainage; the block system survey under the direction of the Board of Assessors will be progressed and important project work for future development will be done under the direction of the Planning Board. All this with a minimum of expense to the Town.
Police Department
A series of instructive lectures by experts in various departments of the Boston Police Department was arranged and became known as the Reading Police School. Officers and patrolmen of our own de- partment were required to attend and a general invitation was extended to neighboring cities and towns. The school was a success from the start. Attendance averaged nearly one hundred (100) and clearly dem- onstrated an interest on the part of our policemen to improve their
315
knowledge of their somewhat technical duties. The undertaking was the subject of widespread favorable comment by the press.
Crime conditions during the past year have been serious. Reading has so far been fortunate. Our Police Department are vigilant and realize their responsibilities. The automobile used as a Cruise Car, principally at night, has indeed proved a valuable addition to the de- partment. We recommend the purchase and installation of a radio in the station and the cruising car. This small expenditure at this time will prove invaluable in an emergency and be the means of saving not only the property of our citizens but human life as well.
Fire Department
Your Board will definitely recommend the replacement of the Knox pump at the Central Fire Station by a new 750-gallon combination. This piece of apparatus is over twenty-one (21) years of age and its usefulness has ceased.
WVe again bring to the attention of our citizens the fact that our Fire Alarm System is antiquated and outgrown. We will shortly be prepared to present facts and figures providing for a rehabilitation of the system so necessary to the protection of the property owners of the town.
Traffic
During the year Traffic Regulations were prepared and are now in the hands of the State authorities for approval. These regulations will shortly become operative and will cover restrictions on various streets to provide for the free movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to the best advantage.
The traffic through our Main Street during the past year has been heavier than at any time in our history. Your Board is firmly of the opinion that proper regulation may only be accomplished by the in- stallation of traffic lights and will recommend action to this effect.
Town Farm
During the past year the barn at the Town Farm has been razed. The house is in a bad state of repair but appears to be in too good condition to be torn down. The yard has been used to prepare and dispense wood to needy families and this use will be continued.
Purchases
Your Board called a conference of various departments in regard to the purchase of coal. As a result bids were obtained covering the re- quirements of ALL departments using coal. A substantially lower price was obtained. It is recommended that this practice be con- tinued.
Locomotive Whistling
Through an agreement reached between the Department of Public Utilities, the Boston and Maine R. R. and the Town, the whistling of
316
locomotives at the Willow Street crossing has been eliminated. Except in emergencies, no locomotive is now permitted to whistle within the limits of our town.
Many problems have presented themselves to your Board during the year of which space will not permit enumeration. May we again comment on the splendid spirit of co-operation existing between the different Boards. Existing conditions have brought difficulties which it was impossible to foresee. Despite the added responsibilities,-de- spite the increased work, our officers and employees have given unsel- fishly of their time and energy to the end that our Town may hold its place as a community where right-thinking people may live and bring up their children and to which the better type of citizen may be at- tracted.
ALBERT N. LEMAN W. HOMER MORRISON J. WARREN KILLAM, JR. Board of Selectmen.
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
As Sealer of Weights and Measures of the Town of Reading the following is my report of the work completed for the year 1933.
All of the scales, weights and measures used in trade in the town have been tested and either sealed or condemned.
This consisted of the following :
Sealed 105
Adjusted Condemned 55 5
Scales, all types
Weights, all types
157
12
Liquid Measures
2
Gasolene pumps
71
6
2
Stops on gasolene pumps
211
70
Yard sticks
15
561
131
19
In addition to this work there were numerous inspections of food and food products as put up in packages for sale to the public such as bread, butter, meats, vegetables, flour, etc., the result of which are as follows :
Number of packages tested
250
Number found correct
178
Number under weight 22
Number over weight
50
-
317
Several complaints were investigated and satisfactorily adjusted when found necessary.
The total receipts of the department were $47.61. The decline in the amount over that of last year's being due to the fact that a gaso- lene pump that last year netted fifty cents for sealing, this year in a majority of cases only netted ten cents each.
Sincerely, CARL M. SMITH, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
Reading, Mass. Jan. 1, 1934
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' graves for the year ending Dec. 31, 1933.
Twenty-five veteran's graves were repaired during the year.
Three of our veterans answered the last roll call during the year. Civil War :-
Horace Brown, Laurel Hill Cemetery. Oct. 30, 1933.
World War :-
Howard B. Weston, Forest Glen Cemetery. Feb. 23, 1933.
William B. Goodman, Forest Glen Cemetery. March 8, 1933.
Having visited several cemeteries in other towns I find that the care of the veterans' graves in the Town of Reading would be hard to improve upon.
Yours respectfully, HARRY A. TURNER, Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves,
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK
Members of the Board of Health,
Town of Reading.
Gentlemen :
My report of the work accomplished as Inspector of Milk and Food for the year 1933 is as follows :
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There are 23 milk dealers and 27 stores and restaurants licensed to sell in town. Ten dealers produce in part or buy their milk from thirteen local dairies, the remainder of the milk supply coming from out of the state. All of the cows supplying the local milk have been tuberculin tested and passed. The local dairies have been inspected and approved. The conditions of the same are very satisfactory.
As the Inspector of Foods, I have made 27 inspections of stores and restaurants that handle and store food and food products, also the road-side stands. With very few exceptions the sanitary conditions of the same have been found to be satisfactory and where found other- wise, the conditions have been remedied. Four complaints were in- vestigated and adjusted.
The total receipts for the department from license fees were $27.50.
Yours very truly, CARL M. SMITH, Inspector of Milk and Food.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Reading, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals in the Town of Reading from January 1, 1933 to January 1, 1934.
On January 1st, 1934 there were only 22 cows in the town not under State and Federal supervision as regards the tuberculin test. By March 15, all but three of these cows will be tested thereby making Reading an area test town.
The number of animals inspected were: 382; cattle, 154; goats, 3; swine, 225.
There were a few cases of rabies in Reading during the past year but the contact dogs were quarantined and the outbreak controlled.
Respectfully submitted,
C. THIBEAULT, D. V. M.
319
INDEX
Page
Accountant
241
Births Registered
44
Board of Appeal
238
Board of Assessors
308
Board of Health
240 231
Board of Public Works
59
Highway Department
Park Department
Playground
Sewer Department
Water Department
231
Forest Glen Cemetery
230 229
Chief of Fire Department
234 233 318
Custodian of Veterans' Graves
Deaths Registered
55
Dogs Licensed
42 11
Elections : Town
175
Forest Warden
237
Inspector of Animals
319
Inspector of Buildings
239
Inspector of Milk and Food
318
Inspector of Plumbing
239 239 43
Licenses, Hunting and Fishing
List of Jurors
8
Marriages Registered
49
Notice to Parents, Housewives, Physicians and Midwives
42
Planning Board
310
Public Library
225 97
School Committee
317
Selectmen
314
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
236
Tax Collector
304
Town Counsel
312
Town Forest Committee
237
Town Meetings
11
Town Officers
3
Town of Reading, Statistics
7
Treasurer
306
76 86 89 90 63
Cemetery Trustees
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Chief of Police
Electric Light Commissioners
Inspector of Wires
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Board of Public Welfare
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