1878-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 As the whole number of lamps is now about one hundred, if continued to be lighted another year, an appropriation of not less than $I,600 will be required to cover the expense. GAMMELL LEGACY. Under the provisions of the will of Mr. Jonas Gam- mell, Mrs. L. S. Pierce and Mrs. N. W. Bryant, were appointed as trustees, for the disbursement of the in- come of the legacy bequeathed to the town. The re- port of the trustees will be found annexed to the report of the Overseers of the Poor. As the income of the legacy has not all been ex- pended, it was thought advisable to deposit the balance unexpended in the Lexington Savings Bank, where it could be obtained when wanted for use. GUIDE BOARDS. The law requires that the selectmen shall annually make a public .statement in relation to Guide Boards. Those that were missing or destroyed have been re- placed, and those that were defaced or marred have been repaired But so long as the thoughtless or malicious, exhibit their foolish or evil propensity, by injuring so necessary an object as a guide board, more or less watchfulness will be required to keep them in order. DRAINAGE OF MEADOWS. It would have been with pleasure if we could have presented this subject in a different aspect from its present condition, which has been a fruitful source of not 10 only a heavy expense to the town, but one also that has created feelings of unkindness and enmity. This subject which originated undoubtedly in good faith, and was designed for the benefit of those in proximity to the meadows, has assumed its present condition from a combination of circumstances, and its complex situation, is not at all gratifying, so far as the interest of the town is concerned. In order that it may be fully understood what an ex- pensive affair this has already been to the town, it will be seen by reference to the records, that nearlyif not quite M$,000 has been expended. The first expense to the town in this matter, was caused by deepening the culverts on Main and Waltham streets, which was necessary as a preparatory measure towards the further proceedings in draining the mead- ows ; all the subsequent expenses to the town were ne- cessitated by the action of those who were assessed, and who alone were benefitted, but felt aggrieved at the assessment. Since a recourse to law, has commenced, it would seem by the demands for professional services, that the Iawyers fully appreciated the worth of their client. Mr. Somerby who was retained as counsel for the town, and who has thus far had the management of the case, has been paid nearly $i,000. In addition to this a Mr. Heard puts in a modest little claim for five hun- dred and fifty dollars, ($55o.) As we could not learn that this gentleman had ever been consulted as coun- sel for the town, his demand was not recognized, sub- sequently a notice was served upon the proper officers