USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1931-1932 > Part 10
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The books and accunts in the town accountant's office were examin. ed and checked. The recorded receipts were compared with the departmental records and with the treasurer's books, while the re.
75
. corded payments were compared with the treasurer's records of pay- ments ..
The appropriation accounts were checked with the town clerk's re- cord of appropriations voted by the town and with the transfers auch orized by the finance committee.
The ledger was analyzed, the necessary adjustments were made, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared show- ing the financial condition of the town on September 17, 1932.
The town treasurer's account were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the records in the several departments collecting money for the town and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were checked with the warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds and with the accountant's books.
The cash book was footed for the period covered by the audit and the cash balance was reconciled with the cash on hand and in the banks.
The town debt, revenue loans, and interest were verified, and the payments were checked with the amounts f lling due and with the can- celled bonds, notes, and coupons on file.
Appended to this report is a table showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash.
On examination of vouchers and classification of payments, it was noted that accident insurance premiums are paid on account of the volunteer fire department. While a town may indemnify a fireman for injuries sustained in the line of duty as provided by Section 100, Chap- .ter 41, General Laws, there is no provision of law authorizing the ex penditure of public funds for accident insurance.
It was also noted that the town carries liability insurance on automo- biles, trucks and tractors. Attention in this connection is called to the fact that there is no liability on the part of the town for accidents in which town-owned equipment may be involved, with the exception of equipment used in activities of a commercial nature; therefore, pre- miums for liability insurance on equipment used in the performance of -strictly public functions may not be legally paid. Premiums may be
76
paid, however, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3, Chapter 458, Acts of 1931, for effecting insurance providing indemnity to town employees for their liability for damages to others for bodily injuries caused by operating town-owned motor vehicles.
The treasurer's custom of treating early January receipts as re- ceipts of the preceding year should be discontinued, as it is contrary to Section 56, Chapter 44, General Laws.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and veri- fied. The commitments were proved to the assessors' warrants; the re- corded collections were verified by a comparison with the payments to the treasurer, as shown by the treasurer's books; the abatements, as re .. corded, were checked with the assessors' records of abatements grant- ed; and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the town accountant's books.
The outstanding accounts were further verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on'the book as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the ac- counts, as listed, are correct.
Summary tables of the tax accounts are appended to this report.
The town clerk's records of licenses issued for the town, of sporting licenses issued for the State, and of dog licenses issued for the county were examined and checked, the payments to town, State, and county, respectively, being verified.
Appended to this report are tables showing summaries of the town clerk's accounts.
The books and accounts of the water department were examined and checked. The records of charges were analyzed and the recorded pay- ments to the treasurer were checked with the treasurer's records. The abatements, as recorded, were checked with the water commissioners' record of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were list- ed and reconciled.
Appended to this report are tables relative to the water accounts.
In addition to the departments and accounts mentioned, the accounts of all other departments collecting money for the town were examined
77
and reconciled with the treasurer's and the accountant's books, tables relative thereto being appended to this report.
No record of payments to the town treasurer of collections at the cemetery for care of lots, opening graves, etc., was noted. Apparently the cemetery superintendent retains such receipts in lieu of salary from the town. In this connection, it is recommended that provisions be made by the town for the salary of the cemetery superintendent! and that all cemetery receipts be paid into the town treasury, as re- quired by Section 53, Chapter 44, General Laws, which reads as follows :
All moneys received by any town officer or department, except as otherwise provided by special acts and except fees provided for by statute, shall be paid bar such officer or department upon their receipt into the town treasury. Any sums so paid into the town treasury shall not later be used by such officer or department with- out a specific appropriation thereof, except that sums allotted to towns for highway purposes by the commonwealth or a county, which shall be used only for the purposes specified by the officials making the allotment or to meet temporary loans issued in an- ticipation of such allotment as provided in sections six or six A, shall be available therefor without any appropriation.
The savings bank books representing the investments of the several trust funds belonging to the town were examined and listed. The re- corded income was proved, the disbursements were verified, and the accounts were reconciled with the treasurer's and the accountant's books.
Appended to this report are tables showing the condition of the trust fund's.
The surety bonds of the town treasurer, town clerk, and tax collector for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
For the co-operation received from the several town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. FENTON, Chief Accountant
78
MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
As the Middlesex County Extension Service is a publie institution cooperating with local agencies it is felt that the town might be in- terested in a report. The Extension Service, as many realize, is a county institution, carried on by a board of trustees appointed by the county commissioners, and cooperates with the towns and cities in pro- moting work in agriculture and homemaking for adults, and with the boys and girls in 4-H Clubs.
Eleven homemakers carried the series of meetings , on improved dining rooms and kitchens. They report 123 improvements iu their homes as a result of these meetings. They shared the information re- ceived with 37 other women who were unable to attend the meetings.
One group of young mothers under the leadership of Mrs. Roderick Cameron and Mrs. A. G. Macleod carried a series of meetings in Child Guidance and Parent Education. 15 mothers were enrolled and report 146 improved methods in guiding their children. They shared the information with 31 other mothers who could not attend the meet- ings.
A single meeting was held during the summer on canning with Professor W. R. Cole from the State College present.
The home demonstration agent called upon the chairman of the Welfare Board to offer the cooperation of the Extension Service in meeting the clothing and food problems.
There were ninety-two boys and girls enrolled in the 4-H. Clubs. They carried on work in food, clothing, homecraft, canning and garden clubs. They were under the leadership of Miss Henrietta Swain, Mrs. Frank Patch, Mrs. Howard Cates, Mrs. Paul Todd, Mr. Norman Darl -. ing, Mr. Louis Doucette, and Mr. Oscar DuBord.
Pauline Todd and Phyllis Watters represented Middlesex County at Camp Vail held at the Eastern States Exposition. Here they daily demonstrated cooking, using the equipment of the Walker True Blue Club. One of the aims of the demonstration was to show that good products were possible with limited homemade equipment.
79
Florence Bousfield was awarded a two-day trip to the Massachu- setts State College on her excellent work as a food club member.
In the girls' athletic contest held at the county rally, 'Kathleen Rigio was awarded first.
In the spring, the clubs combined and held an excellent exhibit and program for parents. In September the garden club members had a splendid display of their products in the window of the Economy Store . and still later exhibited at the Wilmington Grange Fair
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Wilmington :
Owing to the sudden decease of the Agent of this Board, which oc- curred prior to the preparation and filing of his Annual Report for 1932, it is not possible to present accurate statistics showing in de. tail the cases of reportable diseases for the year.
It will be sufficient, however, to state that the i cases were less in number than in previous years.
No serious outbreaks occurred during the year and generally the Town maintains its high reputation for healthfulness.
Harold E. Melzar, Walter G. Buckle, John T. Holmes, BOARD OF HEALTH
81
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my fifteenth report as Chief of the Fire Depart. ment.
This Department has answered calls as follows for the year ending December 31, 1932.
RECORD OF ALARMS
House
Chimney
Brush
Total
January
3
4
7
February
8
March
-
15
22
April
4
29
33
May
6
31
37
June
2
1
3
6
July
4
1
22
27
August
4
1
1
C:
September
2
2
October
4
-1
November
13
4
17
December
7
7
11
64
3
116
183
Valuation of Buildings Destroyed
$12,400.00
Valuation of Buildings Not Destroyed
63,775.00
Damage to Buildings
4,063.00
Valuation of Contents
30,185.00
Damage to Contents
7,010.00
Valuation of Autos
2,200.00
Damage to Autos
1,950.00
Valuation of Trucks
2,050.00
Damage to Trucks
$100.00
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Number of feet of 21%-inch hose laid
19,400
Number of feet of 11/2-inch hose laid
34,150
Number of feet of Chemical hose laid
3,900
Gallons of Chemical 1,630
Fire Permits Issued
205
Oil Permits Issued
.63
Hydrants Used
34
Mileage of Trucks :
Reo
577.1
La France
231.8
Ford No. 4
434.6
ROLL OF DEPARTMENT
Chief
Asst. Chief
Edwin L. Day
Winfred W. Rice
Captain
Chester T. Horton
Clerk
Charles H. Black
Members
W. G. Buckle
E. H. Downing J. J. McAndrew
J. W. Castine
N. W. Darling N. W. Perry
L. S. Carter
E. W. Eames H. S. Quigley
John L. Cotton
F. A. Field
N. W. Rice
Joseph Cotton
J. R. Gracie
R. K. Wood
George Cotton
J. F. Muse
Respectfully submitted, EDWIN L. DAY, Chief of Fire Department.
83
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ·
0
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1932.
Sealed Con- demned
Platform scales over 5,000 lbs.
3
Platform scales under 5,000 1bs.
16
Counters over 100 lbs.
Counters under 100 lbs.
13
Springs over 100 lbs.
10
Springs under 100 lbs.
41
3
Computing under 100 ibs.
16
1
Personal weighing scale
4
1
Avoirdupois
96
Liquid Measures
186
Gasoline Pumps
55
2
Kerosene Pumps
8
1
Quantity Stops on Pumps
291
Oil measuring pumps
14
Gasoline meters
11
Sealing fees collected and turned over to Town Treasurer
$66.47
The following is Re-weights of Commodities for Immediate Delivery :
Number Tested
Number Correct
Incorrect
Under Over
Coal in paper bags
28
28
Grain or feed
14
2
12
Butter
33
33
Dry Commodities
12
3
9
Bread
28
17
11
115
83
32
84
Number of licenses inspected 9
Hawkers and peddlers scales tested
6
Transient vendors licenses approved
2
Clinical thermometers observed
8
Appropriation and Expense of Department as follows:
$350.00 Appropriation
Transferred
65.00
$415.00
Total Expense $415.00 Respectively submitted, JOHN F. MUSE,
Sealer.
85
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS 0
January 20, 1933
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit a report of the Inspection of Buildings Depart- ment for the year 1932.
The total number of permits issued was 46 there being 27 new con- struction and 19 alterations.
The fees of $36.50 were collected and turned over to the Town Trea- surer.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER T. HORTON, Building Inspector.
86
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
0
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Due to the large reductions in appropriations for the following de partments the amount of work done was considerable less than former years.
In the Moth Department no spraying attempted whatever, but in some sections of the town where egg clusters were found the customary creusoting was done.
In the Tree Warden's Department a number of diseased trees were removed and necessary trimming has been done as much as possible.
Details of expenditures will be found in the report of the Town Ac- countant.
Respectfully submitted, OLIVER A. MeGRANE,
Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
87
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF WILDWOOD CEMETERY
0
During the past year work has been confined mostly to the care and upkeep of the Cemetery. Special attention was given to that part of the Cemetery known as the "older part of the cemetery" including the straightening and repairing of stones which have tipped or fallen. In some cases broken stones have been mended. Corner curbings have been placed at the entrance to some of the avenues and the Board hopes to continue this work and curb all such corners for the pro- tection of the lot owners so that there will be no driving over the cor- ner of their lots.
We are glad to report that in compliance with the vote at the last Town Meeting we have been able to install Town water in the Ceme- tery. Due to an advantageous purchase we have been able to lay the entire system with ceznent lined pipe which means that the system will not need to be replaced for a great many years.
Hose curbs have been installed so that any part of the Cemetery may be reached with a line of hos .. In addition to this, at convenient points, faucets and bubblers have been installed so that visitors to the Cemetery may secure water for vases and also find it convenient to se- cure drinking water.
With the water in the Cemetery, during dry periods it may be possible to save the grass which in other years has been burned and sometimes practically destroyec ..
A survey has been made of the Cemetery land and the balance of available land has been plottel out for future development. It will be necessary during the coming year to develop additional lots as, there are not many available lots for sale at present.
88
During the past year several people have placed their lots under Perpetual Care and these lots will receive attention during the coming years.
There are a number of lots in the Cemetery which need attention and we would suggest that these lot owners do something toward im- provements. We will be glad at any time to make suggestions and to estimate costs for the improvement of lots.
A report of the expenditures and receipts will be found in detail in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectively submitted, LOUIS .T. McMAHON, Chairman, GUY E. NICHOLS, . WALLACE E. BARROWS
89
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
0
The details of the Library for the year is submitted in the report made by the Librarian.
During the past year the volumes of books purchased for the Library have necessarily been limited. This is due to the decrease of the appropriation as voted at the last Annual Town Meeting.
The Trustees of the Library have no recommendation regarding amount to be appropriated - this is left entirely to the citizens to de- termine just how much they want to appropriate for the purchase of additional reading matter.
During the past year we have had some suggestions from readers asking for certain books that they would like to have purchased. In so far as it was possible to obtain these books the requests were com- plied with.
There are, no doubt individuals who purchase books and after read- ing, lay them aside. If those books are of a nature that would be in- teresting to other people we would welcome the donation of such books to the Library and credit will be given to the party who makes the gift.
The financial report of the Library showing expenditures and re- ceipts will be found in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectively submitted,
EDWARD N. EAMES, Chairman
LOLIS T. McMAHON, HOWARD E. BEDELL, HEI EN H. BUCK, PETER NEILSON PHILIP B. BUZZELL.
90
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Honorable Board of Trustees:
I herewith submit my annual report as Librarian.
Public documents, books, pamphlets, bulletins, leaflets and circulars received, 146.
A portrait of George Washington, two copies of the song composed for Washington Celebration, two pamphlets, three clip sheets and pos- ter have been received from United States Government George Wash- ington Bicentennial Commission; three portraits of Washington have been received from War Department, Recruiting Publicity Bureau, United States Army and one portrait of Washington has been given' by H. F. Sinclair. 1
A poster "Flags of American Liberty" has been received from Mrs. Edith Nourse Rogers; also three posters from Hertzberg Bindery.
Number of books presented
10 volumes
Number of books purchased
195 volumes
One book reported lost, found by borrower and returned
Number of books not returned by borrowers 4 volumes
Number of books worn out and discarded 2 volumes
Number of books in Library 6,491 volumes
Number of books taken out during the year 11,804 volumes Number of persons taking out books 798
The reading table has been supplied from the Town appropriation with the following magazines: Radio News, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Scientific American, National Sportsman, Hygeia, Nature Magazine, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Home Companion, |The American, Country Gentleman, Boy's Life, The Youth's Companion combined with The American Boy, St. Nicholas and Child Life.
Some others contributed by friends are Our Dumb Animals, Living Tissue, Columbia, N. E. Poultryman, Bell Telephone Quarterly, Amer- ican Issue, Specialty Salesman, U. S. Army Recruiting News, Silent
91
Hostess, The World Tomorrow (beginning with Nov. 2nd. copy) and the Town paper, Wilmington News.
Received for fines on books
$73.34
Received for one book lost, one ruined and one damaged 1.15
Received for three old books sold
.30
Passed in to Town Treasurer
$74.79
Respectfully submitted, ANNA T. SHELDON, Librarian.
92
COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT
Account of 1930 Tax
Uncollected January 1932 $5,635.57
Taxes collected $3635.89
Taxes abated 634.43
Tax Titles 719.82 4990.14
Uncollected January 1933 $645.43
Interest Collected
$348.07
Account of 1931 Tax
Uncollected January 1932 $101695.16
Taxes Collected
$84003.71
Taxes Abated
1363.11
2709.70
88076.52
Tax Titles
Uncollected January 1933 13618.64
Interest Collected $3811.91
Account of 1932 Tax
Commitment $153248.38.
Additional 267.50
$153515.88
Taxes Collected
$63895.89
Taxes Abated
225.51
64121.40
Uncollected January 1933
$89394.48
Interest Collected
$96.89
Account of 1931 Old Age Assistance Tax
Uncollected January 1932 $464.00"
Taxes Collected
$284.00
Refund from State
56.00
340.00
Uncollected January 1933
$124.00
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Account of 1932 Old Age Assistance Tax
Commitment
$1230.00
Additional 4.00
$1234.00
Taxes Collected
$656.00
Refund from State
24.00
680.00
Uncollected January 1933
$554.00
Account of 1929 Excise Tax
Uncollected January 1932 $1571.89
Collected $325.68
Abated by order of Tax Commissioner
1246.21 1571.89
Interest Collected
$77.76
Account of 1930 Excise Tax
Uncollected January 1932
$2446.82
Collected 220.26
Uncollected January 1933
$2226.56
Interest Collected
$19.56
Account of 1931 Excise Tax
Uncollected January 1932 $4453.50
Collected
$1544.72
Abated
2.68
1547.35
Uncollected January 1933 $2906.15
Interest Collected
$76.00
Account of 1932 Excise Tax
Commitment
$6075.11
Collected
$2859.64
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Abated
79.20
2938.84
Uncollected January 1933
$3136.27
Interest Collected $12.71
George W. Buck
Collector, Town of Wilmington.
..
95
REPORT OF THE CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
The Carter Lecture Committee planned for the following pro- gramme for the season 1932 - 1933 :
Nov. 29, 1932 - Miss Margaret Slattery, Lecturer
Subject - "The Mad Career of Four Words."
Soloist - Mrs. Celia Eames
Dec. 6, 1932 - Mr. Edward T. Hartman - Consultant to the State Planning Board.
Subject - "Town Zoning" - followed by a question hour.
Jan. 3, 1933 - Richard Keane, distinguished British actor.
Feb. 7, 1933 - The Mulliken Marimba Band, assisted by Ila Garber, Impersonator.
March 7, 1933 - Musicale - Mr. Ray Bangard, assisted by Mr. Howard Pate, and Miss Myrtle Pate.
Character Readings - Annette Dare.
At the presest writing, all of the events have occurred except the last one, and have been very satisfactory to the committee, and very well received by the people of Wilmington. For many years the at- tendance at the lectures has been small, but this year it has been what it should have been.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. MILDRED E. NEILSON, Chairman MR. ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer MR. JOHN W. HATHAWAY, Secretary MR. HARRY W. DELORIEA MR. LOUIS T. DOUCETTE
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TREASURER'S REPORT SABRA D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
0
January 2, 1933.
Receipts
1932
Jan. 1, Balance $53.63
June 1, Interest Mechanies Saving Bank 1.06
Dec. 3, Interest Mechanies Saving Bank
1.08
Nov. 30, Frank L. Eames Treas. Income 250.00
Dec. 31, Frank L. Eames Treas. Income
271.47
$577.24
Expenditures
1932
Dec. 1, Margaret Slattery $55.00
Dec. 1, Mrs. Hubert Eames 10.00
Dec. 8, Wilmington News, Postals & Ads 33.75
Dec. 13, Wilmington News
5.00
Dec. 22, Edward T. Hartman
40.00
$143.75
143.75
$433.49
Jan. 2, 1933 Balance on hand
Respectfully submitted, SABRA D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE, ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer.
97
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Water Commissioners are pleased to submit to the Cit- izens their annual report for the year 1932.
In accordance with the vote passed at the Annual Town Meeting in March 1932 a short extension was added to the line on Glen Road. This was the only construction added this year.
We estimated at the begining of the year that we would add about thirty five new services and we are pleased to state that we actually added fifty-two.
now and for the future. To this end we find it is essential to keep our meadows mowed each year and as rapidly as possible to remove all leaf bearing trees and bushes from the water shed
It is our endeavor to try and maintain this quality both and replace them with pines.
We are very fortunate in having a splendid quality of water and one that requires no treatment of any kind.
The help given us by the Welfare Department was used on this work and we want to express our appreciation for that assistance.
Last year $4600 was transferred from the receipts of this department to the interest account and this year we recommend the transferr of $6000.
The following schedules set forth the various details of the department for 1932.
SCHEDULE A
WATER
Year
Gal Pumped Av. Per Day
1929
20,012,700 54,829
1930
26,556,200 72,456
98
1931 1932
26,384,300
72,285
38,494,200
105,175
FUEL OIL
Year
Total Gal.
Cost
Gal per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
1606.
$90.77
80.2
$4.54
1930
2137.
120.73
80.4
4.54
1931
2028.8
109.52
77.7
4:16
1932
3056.3
139.61
79.3
3.62
LUBRICATING OIL
Year
Gal Used
Cost Gal per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
83.25
$54.11
4.1
$2.70
1930
90.00
61.55
3.4
2.32
1931
62.25
46.69
2.36
1.77
1932
88.25
66.19
2.29
1.72
OIL USED IN HEATER
Year
Gal.
Cost
1929
3809.
$215.23
1930
4204.
237.54
1931
5081.9
279.20
1932
4950.7
249.29
SCHEDULE B
Receipts
Water Revenue
$9584.43
Shut Offs
163.36
Demands
23.17
Miscellaneous
337.21
Services (1931)
39.97
Services (1932)
1340.22
Interest
13.60
Hydrant Rental (Tewksbury)
120.00
11621.96
99
Hydrant Rental (Wilmington)
4960.00
16581.96
SCHEDULE C
Appropriation
Balance 1931
2670.37
Receipts
16,581.9€
19252.83
Less Transfer to Interest Account
4600.00
14652.83
Schedule D
Expenditures
Pumping Station
$895.36
Trucks & Autos
789.93
Services
1341.22
Office (total expenses)
525.38
R. R. Rent
24.00
Tools
265.56
Insurance
373.70
Miscellaneous
113.70
Grading
74.08
Maintenance
Hydrants
98.15
Equipment
180.55
Station
59.71
Street Mains
17.00
Well Field
40.09
Trucks & Autos
66.63
4865.06
100
Pay Roll
7128.05
11993.11
Pay Roll (Unemployment) 304.40
Total Expenditures 12297.51
Balance to 1933
2355.32
Total Expenditures
12297.51
Cost 52 Services Town 876.78
1 Meter
23.00
899.78
11397.73
Unemployment Pay Roll
304.40
Total Cost of Operations
11093.33
Cash Discounts for year
30.46
Schedule E
Accounts Receivable
Service Accounts
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