USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1932-1936 > Part 4
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115.12
Hammet Wright 107.24
Eugene Wright
105.12
Samuel Willis 53.96
Varnum B. Wright
35.81
Walter P. Wright 101.63
Jacob Wendell 122.93
Amos Leighton 51.01
61
TRUST FUNDS
Emily Fletcher Library Lecture
Fund $ 2,000.00
Bal. Jan. 1, '32 Receipts Withdrawn
$ 2,517.97
$ 108.11
Bal. Dec. 31, '32 $ 2,626.08
Whitney Shade Tree
2,500.00
3,247.49
135.38
85.00
3,297.87
Whitney Playground
10,000.00
10,139.22
418.48
354.49
10,202.21
Metcalf Monument
2,000.00
2,653.57
93.32
80.00
2,666.89
Library
4,650.00
4,898.01
202.65
347.93
4,752.73
Cemetery Perpetual Care
17,570.25
21,948.99
896.21
1,274.82
21,770.38
62
AMOUNTS RECEIVED FOR CARE OF CEMETERY LOTS
Fairview Cemetery
John Perkins
$ 4.00
Robert Orr 2.00
Homer Seavey
2.00
Eva B. Johnson 2.00
George O'Brien
2.00
Mrs. Fred Ripley 2.00
Augusta Smith
2.00₺
W. E. Whitton
2.00
Houghton Osgood
2.00
Samuel Felch 2.00
Elmer Stiles
2.00
Chas. and Fred Blodgett 2.00
John F. Spalding
2.00
Willis Hildreth 2.00
Donald McLeod
4.00
Mrs. Clara Webb
2.00
Peter Reid
2.00
Henry Fletcher
2.00
Frank Hindle
2.60
Alice Lambert
2.00
William Counter
2.00
George Sanborn
2.00
Leon Pickering
2.00
Mrs. L. W. Slayton
2.00
Elizabeth Clements 2.00
Mary C. Calvert
2.00
Samuel Balch
2.00
Edith Brooks
2.00
Samuel Eaton
2.00
W. G. Blodgett
2.00
Fred McCoye
2.00
Dominic Zanchi
2.00
Ellen Stiles
2.00
Jessie Sweatt 2.00
Mrs. Fred Hildreth
4.00
Luanna Dcatur 4.00
Chas. Eaton
2.00
Mrs. I. M. Streeter 2.00
Edmund Rogers
2.09
John Howard 4.00
David Harris
2.00
William Clements 2.00
Annie Hamlin
2.00
Marion Saville 2.00
Elliot Humiston
2.00
Edward Fisher 2.00
John Matterson
4.00
Mrs. Ethel Shannon 2.00
Mrs. Claude Day
2.00
Nettie J. Waller
2.00
Mrs. Lottie White
2.00
Mrs. John Feeney, Sr. 2.00
Mary Bunce 4.00
W. L. Woods
4.00
Albert Boden 2.00
Amos Polley 2.00
William W. Wyman 2.00
Clara Keirstead 2.00
Jessie Sherman
4.00
Theresa Lowther
2.00
Frank C. Drew
2.00
John E. York
4.00
Daisy Hurd
2.00
E. B. Currier 2.00
Sophia Hanson
2.00
James Whigham
2.00
Mrs. Thos. Symmes 2.00
Mrs. Harry McCollister 2.00
Elizabeth Scrutton 2.00
Sarah Gadell 2.00
Mrs. Hugh Ferguson 2.00
Wm. W. Wright
2.00
Mrs. Stephen Haley 2.00
Mabel Mann
2.00
Mrs. Florence Wright 2.09
Pauline Sosorelis
2.00
Mrs. Sigard Petterson 2.00
Mrs. J. W. Davey
2.00
David Scott 2.00
William Carkin 2.00
Walter Longbottom 2.00
W. R. Taylor
2.00
Lillian Atwood
2.00
Mrs. Margaret Steele 2.00
George P. Hamlin 2.00
Frank Healey 2.00
63
Elizabeth Catchpole
2.00
Chas. Flanagan 2.00
George Harris
2.00
Chas. Bicknell 2.00
John Edwards
2.90
M. L. Boyden 2.00
Henry O. Wood
2.00
William Sutherland 2.00
Lester McLenna
2.00
James Kimball 2.00
Mrs. Annie Draper
2.00
John Fisher
2.00
Emma Blodgett
2.00
Alec McDougall
6.00
F. O. Andrews
2.00
E. J. Hunt
4.00
Flora Chamberlain
2.00
Aaron Tuttle
2.00
H. B. Read
4.00
John Baker
2.00
Don Judd
2.00
Harry White
2.00
Arthur Walker
2.00
Ernest Lehman
2.00
Edson Boynton
2.00
Annie Edwards 2.00
Mrs. Carl Girard
2.00
Arthur Beaver 2.00
James Hartford
4.00
Arthur G. Hildreth
2.00
Mrs. Louis Schworer
2.00
Ernest Mountain
2.00
Chas. L. Hildreth
2.00
Susie Carkin
2.00
Fred Naylor
2.00
A. H. Sutherland
2.00
Hillside Cemetery
Fred Sargent
2.00
Amy Irish 4.00
Mrs. D. W. Parker
2.00
Chas. Worcester
2.00
Samuel Hildreth
2.00
Emma Chandler
2.00
Chas. & Fred Blodgett
2.00
Westlawn Cemetery
Mrs. Annie Trueworthy ..... . 2.00
Wright Cemetery
Walter Wright .... ..
2.00 Clarence O. Perrington .... 2.00
64
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
The Tree Warden submits the following report for the year end- ing December 31, 1932:
My work has consisted of removing dead trees and trimming broken and dead limbs from them.
I would suggest the sum of $300.00 be appropriated this year to carry on the work.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY L. NESMITH,
Tree Warden.
65
TREASURER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1932
Balance on hand January 1, 1932 $ 26,950.81
Total receipts to December 31, 1932 364,026.35
Balance on hand December 31, 1932 $ 26,614.67
$390,977.16 Total payments to December 31, 1932 364,362.49
$390,977.16
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTTE P. GREIG,
Treasurer.
66
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
As Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Westford, I submit the following report for the year 1932:
Number of Platform Scales over 5000 1bs.
3
Number of Platform Scales under 5000 lbs. 48
Number of Counter Scales over 100 1bs. 1
Number of Counter Scales under 100 1bs. 25
Number of Spring Scales over 100 1bs. 4
Number of Spring Scales under 100 1bs. 17
Number of Computing Scales 7
All other scales 10
Total
115
Number of Weights Sealed 80
Gasoline Meters
1
Gasoline Pumps 22
Kerosene Pumps
5
Quantity Measures on Pumps 119
ALBERT A. HILDRETH,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
67
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Value of Buildings April 1, 1932
$2,329,430.00
Value of Land April 1, 1932 775,340.00
Value of Personal Estate, April 1, 1932
827,854.00
$3,910,039.00
Overlay for 1931 $ 200.00
$ 200.00
Money Appropriated
Annual Town Meeting, Feb. 15, 1932
$ 179,732.15
Special Town Meeting, March 18 1932
1,997.91
Special Town Meeting, Sept. 23, 1932
6,735.00
$ 188,465.06
State Tax
$ 6,045.00
Auditing Accounts
387.54
State Parks
8.39
$ 6,440.93
County Tax
$ 6,050.94
Tuberculosis
974.79
$ 7,025.73
Old Age
$ 1,069.00 $
1,069.00
Overlay
$ 1,324.26 $
1,324.26
$ 204,524.98
Free Cash in Treasury
$ 10,735.00
Total estimated receipts
52,277.27
$ 63,012.27
Amount Raised on Polls and Property
$ 141,512.71
Amount Raised on Property
$ 138,415.71
Amount Raised on Polls 1014
2,028.00
Amount Raised on Old Age
1,069.00
$ 141.512.71
Rate per $1000, $35.40
Number of Polls
1,014
Number of Horses
151
Number of Cows
556
Number of Neat Cattle
116
Number of Swine
38
Number of Dwelling Houses
894
Number of Fowls
17,748
Number of Acres of Land 18,000
Excise Abatement of 1931 Tax
117.30
Excise Tax for 1932 $ 5,938.07
Abatements
132.30
68
Abatements of 1931
Polls
$ 42.00
Personal Estate
8.84
Real Estate
52.78
$ 103.62
Abatements of 1932
Polls
$
4.00
Real Estate
211.09
$ 215.09
J. W. FLETCHER, E. H. FLAGG, E. F. HARRINGTON,
Assessors of Westford.
69
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
1932 Taxes Remaining Unpaid January 1, 1933
Joseph and Stephanie Ackerman
$ 23.36
Hugh Ahearn
3.00
Francesco Barretto
88.67
Fieurie Barretto
3.54
John Barretto Heirs
19.56
Mable L. Barnes
3.54
Ida Louise Barnes
23.01
Arthur E. Barton
166.38
Mary Beraldo
7.08
Dan A. Bettencourt
3.00
Francis Black
3.00
Hazel M. Blade
46.02
Walter L. Blanchard
60.00
Romeo Boisvert
3.00
Valerie Boisvert
148.68
Ernest W. Bridgeford
3.00
Anaclet Brisson
7.08
Charles H. Brown
30.09
Gertrude A. Brown
3.54
William Bruce
1.77
John Butko
3.00
John J. Butterworth
103.01
Roy N. Cady
24.78
Felice Caputi
3.00
Harry J. Carbo
3.00
Frank and T. Edward Carr
10.62
James J. Carroll
3.54
George L. Cavanaugh
3.00
Alcide F. Chandonait
84.07
Alphonse and Elnora Chandonait
90.08
Francis Chandonait
4.24
Homer O. Chandonait
3.00
John D. Chandler
3.00
Willard Cherry
49.56
Harold F. and Josephine M. Connell
77.34
Daniel E. Connell (Malden)
7.08
Charles W. Corbeil
41.94
James M. Cormick
13.10
Armand Cote
3.00
Willy A. Cote
3.00
Napoleon Coupal, Jr.
3.00
Hervie Decato
126.02
Guy R. Decatur
81.77
70
Oliver and Catherine F. Desjardins
84.77
William H. Derby
371.35
Charles P. Dodge
3.00
May Dodge
42.48
William J. Donnelly
48.93
Thomas W. Doyle
14.16
John Duguid
11.32
Fred Dupras
3.00
Gilbert A. Dupras
3.00
Firmin Dupre
37.17
Aime Dureault
64.95
Albert P. Durkee
7.08
James Edgar
46.01
Walter W. Edwards
3.00
William Edwards
380.01
Lars J. Eliason
108.97
Theodore W. Emerson
7.08
Wesley and Roland Flagg
11.33
Harry N. Fletcher
365.33
Walter W. Fletcher
135.22
John Flynn Heirs
60.18
Raymond Foss
81.97
Leonard A. and Alice E. Frost
26.55
Joseph L. Gagnon
3.00
Henry E. and Elizabeth Gamage
215.40
Michael Gannon
3.00
Vincent Gerace
80.88
Arthur A. Godfrey
3.00
William Goodman
6.72
Elizabeth Gower
42.48
Rose E. Green Heirs
10.62
Susan E. Green
15.74
Frederick C. Griffin
113.28
Albert Guilmette
3.00
Carl Haberman
3.00
Otto E. Hall
18.59
Augusta M. Hall
47.79
Edward Hannon
3.00
Allan Hendrickson
3.00
Albert A. Hildreth
137.52
Clarence E. Hildreth
41.94
Donald R. Hill
3.00
Herbert Hodgson
3.00
John E. and Susie Hornbrook
107.43
71
Mrs. Arthur Huntley
37.17
Bertram Hutchins
7.08
I. W. and H. M. Hutchins
15.93
Rufus S. and Anna Jacques
126.90
Mrs. Paul Jasmine
3.54
Mark W. Jenkins
3.00
Mark Jenkins Heirs
86.73
Frank and Sophie Jeroma
45.30
Amy Johnson
31.86
Emil Johnson
3.00
Edward H. Keyes
153.45
James L. Kimball
282.76
Blanche L. Kittredge
17.70
Harlan E. Knowlton
121.59
Stephen Kowalchuk
10.08
Wilbrod and Dona Lagasse
188.68
Treffle Lamy
3.00
Walter Lassonde Heirs
60.18
Henry W. Langdon
53.10
Frank J. Lavigne
3.00
Anthony C. and Grace L. Laursen
46.28
Eva Lawton and others
72.57
Joseph LeClerc
211.86
Lorenzo L. Lefebre
3.00
Thomas L. LeMasseurier
10.62
Albertine LeMieux
35.40
Charles E. Lougee
168.15
Everett E. Lougee
3.00
Michael Manning
11.67
Wilfred Marcotte
38.94
Romeo Matthew
3.00
Edward J. McCarthy
3.00
Joseph J. McDonald
3.00
John McIntosh
95.93
Catherine McNulty"
3.54
Nicholas G. Michaeloyanies
3.00
Wilhelmina Mendlik
46.02
William and Elodia Minko
171.15
Myrtle A. Monroe
185.85
William S. Monroe
3.00
Philomena Barretto Monti
3.54
Francis X. Morin
3.00
Joseph A. Morin
99.12
Ernest G. Mountain
95.04
Henry J. Murdock
3.54
Henry Newell
3.54
72
James F. O'Brien 21.24
Olaf and Emma Osrud
144.60
Fred W. Parkhurst
3.00
Harry Parker
9.91
Alice T. Patterson
97.35
Fred Pelletier
3.00
George F. Perkins
3.00
Minnie A. Perkins
23.01
Axel Peterson
33.09
Mary Berretto Pettinelli
3.54
Elmer and Ethel Peverill
59.64
Nathaniel Phillip
3.00
Norman A. Phillips
10.08
Byron Pierce
3.00
Arthur E. Pitkin
3.00
George C. Potter
1.77
E. Clyde Prescott
23.36
George A. Prescott
20.70
John Psarias
241.95
Ephraim Reed
3.00
Fred Reed
17.70
Fred Reed Heirs
1.77
Joseph C. and Fannie M. Regnier
257.00
Mary O. Regnier
111.86
Maxwell W. Reynolds
38.58
Clinton F. Rian
11.51
Conrad and Anna Richards
187.08
Frederick W. Rivinius
1.00
Arria E. Rivinius
118.59
William B. Rivinius
18.05
Charles E. Robinson, First St.
3.00
Foster Rogers
3.00
Charles A. Russell
10.08
James F. Scanlon
28.32
Wasil Sedach
20.70
Catherine Sedach
198.24
William F. Seifer
54.33
Sigmund and Agnes Simons
202.83
Matthew F. Smith
6.54
Sherman D. and Elizabeth Smith
172.04
Ellen Smith Heirs
2.66
Daniel C. Staples
53.42
Edward St. Onge
3.00
George St. Onge
3.00
Arthur E. Storer
24.78
73
Carl Strandburg
60.18
John Sullivan, Carlisle Rd.
133.98
Mary L. Sullivan
30.09
Sullivan Bros.
194.70
Arthur Thirian
3.00
Alfred Hill Thomas
18.59
Nels Thorpe
3.00
Irving Thunberg
3.00
George E. Treble
3.00
Adelard Tremblay
63.72
C. H. True
1.77
Velantgas & Son
158.95
Almon S. Vose
243.72
Joseph G. Walker
112.74
Ernest Ward
3.00
Alfred E. Wark
77.34
Sebastian B. Watson
834.90
Margaret L. Watson
166.38
Westford Oil Co.
24.78
Henry H. Wendall
3.00
Elmer H. Whidden
109.20
George F. White
17.70
Grace L. Whitney
31.86
George G. Wilbur
3.54
Maria E. Wilbur
30.09
Charles J. Willstead
24.78
Francis E. Wing
79.65
Florian Woitowicz '
77.87
Charles E. Wood
26.55
Sarah R. Woods Heirs
8.85
Chester A. Worden
38.40
Charles D. Wright
4.77
Sidney B. Wright
100.89
Sidney W. Wright
29.55
Walter A. Wright
3.00
Mary Frances and Russel B. Wright
198.24
Charles H. Yapp
14.16
Steve Zinkevich
15.93
1931 Taxes Remaining Unpaid December 31, 1932 $ 173.79
1931 Excise Taxes Remaining Unpaid December 31, 1932 21.67
1932 Taxes Remaining Unpaid December 31, 1932 17.251.71
1932 Excise Taxes Remaining Unpaid December 31, 1932 1,407.53
1932 Excise Taxes Remaining Unpaid January 20, 1933 977.36
1932. Taxes Remaining Unpaid January 20, 1933
11,969.72
ARTHUR L. HEALY,
Tax Collector.
74
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
We herewith submit the following yearly report ending December 31, 1932
The prevention and control of Diphtheria by the injection of Toxin Antitoxin still continues to keep this disease down in our schools.
The Dental Clinic is greatly patronized by the pupils, as more and more are taking advantage of this opportunity to safeguard their health.
As a whole, the condition of our milk supply is steadily improving from year to year. as to the production, distribution and care of same, in our town.
Reportable diseases have greatly diminished this year, showing a good trend to the betterment of public health.
The local Health Department have cooperated with the Westford Tuberculosis Relief Committee and the School Department in the distribution of milk to the underweight or undernourished children. We were able to do this work by the aid of the public spirited citizens and organizations of the town to which we are greatly indebted. We hope the voters of the town will make some provision at the next town meeting to carry on this beneficial work.
While Mrs. Veronica Meagher, the Public Health Nurse, was on leave of absence, the work was ably done by Miss Ruth Nesmith, of Westford.
Following is the report of the Public Health Nurse, who has done very satisfactory and pleasing work for the members of the Board of Health and for the people of Westford.
Respectfully submitted, CYRIL A. BLANEY, M. D.,
Chairman, Board of Health.
75
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
C. A. Blaney, M. D.,
Chairman, Board of Health,
Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the Public Health Nurse from January 1, to December 31, 1932:
School Visits 477
Absentees visited in their homes 146
Children examined for minor ailments 56 Children sent home for illness, Impetigo or Pediculosis .. 96
Dressings and First Aid
151
Child Welfare Visits 122
Home Visits for Corrective work 404
Home Visits to solicit money for free milk
41
Contagious Disease Cases visited 38
Nursing Visits 127
Number of Patients to Clinics
488
To Lowell General Hospital Skin Clinic 11
To Lowell General Hospital Pediatric Clinic 12
To Lowell General Hospital Surgical Clinic 5
To Lowell General Hospital Medical Clinic 3
To Lowell General Hospital Tumor Clinic
5
To St. John's Hospital Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic ..
46
To St. John's Hospital Pediatric Clinic
30
To St. John's Hospital Orthopedic Clinic
3
To St. John's Hospital Neurological Clinic 4
1
To Lahey Clinic 1
To School Dental Clinic 367
To Hospital or Private Physician 25
To New England Baptist Hospital 3
To State House, Child Guardianship Care 7
Home Visits for Diphtheria Toxin Antitoxin Permissions 39
Public Health and Business Meetings 6
Administered Anesthesia 2
To Hospital for Tonsil and Adenoid Operations 13
To Childrens' Hospital Scoliosis Clinic
Class Room Inspection made. All pupils weighed and measured. Eye and Ear Tests made. Vaccinations checked.
.
76
Milk Inspections made.
All Milk Producers and Dealers visited.
Tubercular Patients visited.
Board of Health Permits delivered.
Free Milk given daily at schools to 130 pupils.
State Re-Examination Clinic held at Westford.
Diphtheria Toxin Anti-toxin administered by Dr. Blaney, School Physician.
Total number of innoculations, three injections each .... 168 Assisted School Physician with Physical Examination.
Result of Physical Examination No. Examined No. Defects
High School
12
Frost School 172
62
Cameron School 198
114
Sargent School
191
73
Nabnasset School
52
14
The State Re-Examination Follow-Up Clinic, whose purpose is to prevent adult Tuberculosis, was held in November, and 10 children were X-rayed and examined.
The findings in these cases were:
Hilum Tuberculosis Suspicious Cases
Contacts
Refused Exam.
4
4
1
1
The Westford Tuberculosis Relief Committee, working under the direction of the Board of Health has served free milk in the schools for those children, who are underweight or undernourished, and whose parents are unable to buy extra milk.
The money used in the expenditure of this milk has been donated by private citizens, local organizations and concerns, and the school faculty.
A substitute nurse was employed during the months of May, June, and July. This position was filled by Miss Ruth Nesmith, R. N., of Westford.
Contagious Diseases Reported to the Board of Health
Varicella
16
Scarlet Fever 11
Mumps 2
77
Diphtheria 1
Measles
3
German Measles
1
Typhoid Fever
1
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
1
Dog-bite
3
Deaths from Contagious Diseases
Pulmonary Tuberculosis 1
Respectfully submitted, C. VERONICA MEAGHER, R. N., Public Health Nurse.
78
Westford Infirmary Appraisal, Dec. 31, 1932
2 Cows $ 100.00
2 Horses 200.00
7 Blankets 20.00
2 Sets double harnesses, 1 single
60.00
Grain
25.75
2 Feed boxes and root cutter
15.00
9 1-2 Tons hay
175.00
3 Pigs
45.00
70 Hens
105.00
Small farm tools
98.25
Milk Utensils
45.50
Farm Machinery
793.00
Chevrolet Truck
50.00
Chains
49.50
75 Feet spray hose
5.00
400 Feet fire hose
70.00
4 Wagons and 1 sled
130.00
8 Cords manure
40.00
Blacksmith's forge and anvil
15.00
2 Wheel barrows
5.00
1 100-gal gas tank
5.00
Lumber
35.00
1 Fordson tractor and equipment
350.00
4 Saws
6.00
Carpenters' tools
40.00
38 Cords wood 232.00
9 Tons coal 113.40
30.00
Canned vegetables
185.00 $ 3,048.40
Household Equipment and Supplies:
Kitchen and Pantry $ 320.00
Supt. Furniture
135.00
Inmates' Furniture
375.00
Contents of attic
25.00
Dry Goods
25.00
$ 880.00
EDWIN H. GOULD, RICHARD D. PRESCOTT, FISHER BUCKSHORN,
Appraisers.
Vegetables
1 Feed cooker 5.00
79
REPORT OF PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
The Board organized Feb. 23, 1932, with Mr. P. E. Wright as Chairman. Owing to ill health Mr. Wright resigned in May and Mr. Arthur M. Whitley was appointed to fill the position for the remain- der of the year.
The work of this Board is rapidly growing and the idea that the Board of Public Welfare is only one of the minor boards of the Town Government and that its functions are of slight importance is a ser- ious mistake. The work is very exacting and requires no small amount of experience. All these facts are being recognized by citizens who · come close enough to the Board to understand its problems. We have found it necessary to keep detailed records of all cases and many dollars have been saved this year by so doing. The State re- quires complete reports on every case and if this is not done the Town will not get any reimbursement. To take care of all these matters a full time agent was appointed.
It has been the endeavor of the Board to have every one where possible do something in return for the aid granted. The Highway Department has arranged for a great amount of this. Trucks were furnished at no expense to the Welfare Department and many roads were gravelled in this way. Also many extra men were put on the Highway pay-rolls which otherwise would have had to have been taken care of from the Welfare Department. Part of the agents wages were paid in this way in order to keep a close check on all work done.
At the infirmary after the appointment of Mr. Brown as Super- intendent drastic measures were taken to reduce the expenses. This has been accomplished and today the home is clean and wholesome throughout. The inmates are well fed, clothed and happy. Outside of the Home the grounds are neat and tidy. The crops raised were of good quality and of sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the Home and yet have some to market. The Superintendent has with the aid of some of the unemployed made considerable improvement at the rear of the Home. Several old sheds have been removed and the yard graded. All the trimmings of the barn have been painted. Several other needed repairs have been done such as shingling the south side of the house, repainting the kitchen and laying new lino- leum in the kitchen, pantry and hall.
The cost of our Outside Aid has increased on all sides. There seems no way to determine what this expense will be. Over 80 fam- ilies have been helped during the past year not including those aided by the Community Chest. Through these agencies we have received the best of co-operation at all times. The Red Cross has been a great help in all of our cases and with its donation of 1000 bags of flour together with large quantities of cloth and clothing many fam-
80
ilies were cared for much better than they could have been otherwise and with less expense to the Town.
Mothers' Aid cases have doubled this year and on all of these the Town pay two-thirds with the exception of cases that belong to o:her towns for which the Town is reimbursed for the whole amount. There are several cases where aid has been granted to families who have no settlement in this Town and in these cases reimbursement for the total amount of the aid rendered is collected.
The cases of Old Age Assistance have been increasing all through the past year and will continue to do so from all appearances. The fact is now well established that there is no such thing as an Old Age Pension, the proper term is Old Age Assistance. Under the law assistance may be rendered to needy and deserving persons seventy years of age or over who have resided in this state twenty years or more providing their children are unable to care for them. The only practical difference between this law and the one that has been on the books for many years, is that the State now has a voice in the matter as to whom this aid shall be given. The State reimburses the Town to the extent of one-third of the aid that is given after first collecting an equal or greater amount from the town through the collection of an extra tax. Thus the town is in reality paying it all. Let those who would ask aid of the town, state or nation, whether as a pension or in any other form remember that the town, state or nation has no money to give except that which comes from the people through direct or indirect taxation. There is no Mystery as to where the money comes from. It comes from the pockets of the people. When a person receives money which he has not earned he receives it as a bounty from other persons who have had to earn it. It is the duty of every individual in the community to do his ut- most to guard against the possibility of ever being reduced to that condition of poverty wherein he will be compelled to ask others whose opportunities have been no greater than his to help him. Undue pride in early or middle life often leads to something very different, very humiliating later on. Those who in self-gratification or in the attempt to keep up with the "Joneses" spend every cent they earn from week to week are traveling the road that in old age leads to the home "over the hill" or to some other place or conditions pro- vided by the generosity of those who have manifested wisdom during the productive years of their lives. It is assumed to be true that while all good citizens are willing to be taxed to the limit to help those who have fallen into distress through circumstances which they could not control, they are wholly unwilling to submit to the taxation to help those who fail to help themselves or who through egregious folly, bring poverty and distress upon their own heads. Besides this it must be apparent that one-half of the people cannot support themselves and at the same time provide for the other half.
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Disbursements through Public Welfare Departments have in- creased in many of our neighboring communities more than two hundred percent during the past few years.
No son or daughter of an aged or needy parent should feel that their filial obligation has ceased because they fancy that something resembling a pension has been provided, but should themselves in all good conscience, provide for that parent as long as they can pos- sibly do so, even to the point of extreme self-sacrifice. On the other hand no aged or needy person whose kin are honestly unable to assist him in his declining years should hesitate through over sen- sitiveness or undue pride to ask for that which all good citizens are pleased to give. The number now receiving old age assistance here is twelve. Judging from the number of applications yet to be passed upon we shall have six or seven more next year.
While other places have organized a separate bureau at con- siderable added expense to have charge of this branch of charitable work the local Board has assumed this extra duty without extra cost.
Tables on Aid Rendered in 1932
Kind of aid
No. of No. of Aided in Aided Aided at Families Persons Westford Elsewhere Infirm.
Mother's Aid
6
24
20
4
Temporary Aid
Cases of State and
other towns ,
15
63
59
-
4
Town cases
64
242
183
51
18
Total cases
85
329
262
55
12
Table of Infirmary Expenditures
No. of Adv. No. Cost of Inmates Inmates Operation
Incomes
Net Cost
Cost per Inmate
1928
6 $ 5,699.25
$ 3,254.29
$ 2,444.94
$ 7.84
1929
5
6,319.70
3,170.95
3,148.75
12.11
1930
12
10
9 524.18
3 519.98
6,004.20
11.54
1931
11
9
11,355.46
5,079.71
6,275.75
13.43
1932
12
6
5,041.82
2,393.18
2,648.64
8.49
ARTHUR M. WHITLEY,
CHARLES A. BLODGETT,
EDMUND PROVOST,
Board of Public Welfare.
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REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
During the year 1932 we had thirty-six forest fires. As they were most all small fires the loss of wood land was slight.
I have issued two hundred fifty fire permits.
The following is a list of persons with whom fire extinguishers have been placed and a list of forest fires.
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