1879-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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17 Selectmen, that the town adopt some more definite arrangement in regard to the charge of the building ; either give the entire control of the building to the Engineers, or the Selectmen, or a Committee chosen for that purpose. DRAINAGE. Believing that the drainage subject has heretofore been pretty effectually and thoroughly discussed, and all its merits or demerits have by this time become fully understood, and as no portion of the town were the movers or originators of the subject in the first place, except those in or near its centre, and as no citizen expected to beassessed for payment, other than. the abettors or those directly benefited, and as the matter has taken an entirely opposite position from that contemplated in the outset, also as the expenses have been borne by equal taxation upon all tax payers, it is by special request that the absolute expenditures caused by the drainage act, are herewith furnished. and to whom the amount has severally been paid. After the decision declaring the drainage act illegal, it was apparent at once, that the assessinents which had been paid were illegally held ; an appropriation of $823.36. was therefore made at the last April meeting, to repay to the fifteen individuals, who had paid their first installment, with the proviso that they give a receipt in full, releasing the town from all claims or demands arising from the drainage act. Fourteen received back without interest the amount each had paid, and gave a receipt as expressed in the vote. 18 Dr. Holmes who had commenced two suits, one against the Collector and Treasurer, and one against the town, not only claimed interest, and the costs which had accrued, but refused to give a receipt releasing the town, alleging for a reason, that he contemplated commencing an action against the town for damages. As the cases were expected to come to trial at the June term, we were under the necessity of doing one of two things, either call a town meeting, or fall back upon the vote which had been passed to sustain its officers. Thinking if the matter was brought before the town again, it would call forth a recapitulation of those wordy scenes, which have done no good to any one, but have aroused a hard, vindictive and acrimonious feeling each against the other, and have as yet accom- plished nothing, we deemed it the wisest course to pay the costs and interest which amounted to $13o.4.6 from the Contingent Grant. It will probably be remembered that an award of $130, was made to Mr. E]isha Tower, as damages to his estate, caused by deepening the bed of the brook which passed through a portion of his land. Mr. Tower during the past year placed his claim for dam- ages in the charge of Mr. Charles Robinson, Jr. Mr. Robinson informed us, that the claim was in his care, and kindly suggested an interview for the purpose of endeavoring to effect a settlement without recourse to law. The matter we fully considered, and notwithstanding the summary manner our recommendation for a settle- ment with Mr. Tidd had been disposed of, and still