1898-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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75 POLICE. We cannot speak too highly of the efficiency of our regu- lar and special police. Messrs. Franks and Foster have ever been faithful in their duties and have not only attended to their regular police duties, but have aided the selectmen and other departments of the town in various capacities, es- pecially in looking after the poor, both adults and children. It will be interesting to examine the report of the police as to the details of their work. STREET LAMPS. More lights may have been out of order the past year than in former years. We believe the cause has been partially ow- ing to the breaking of lamps by mischievous persons, and in part to the slowness of the light company in repairing and properly caring for the system, and this report casts no slight upon the local authorities who have charge of street lighting. It may be possible that the head officials of the company have not furnished proper equipments to keep all lights in good order, and we would recommend to our successors that a new contract be made for the ensuing year. Possibly one such as the town of Arlington has made with the Somerville Electric Light Co. would work to the advantage of our citizens. SEWERS. It should not be overlooked by our voters that having ac- cepted the Acts of the Legislature in relation to sewerage, and especially that part whereby we passed the vote to enter 76 the Metropolitan Sewerage System, we are at present under - a tax of some $2300.00 per year from which we are receiv- ing no benefit and shall not until we vote to issue bonds for - the construction of sewers in Lexington and the same are constructed and in use.. TOWN HALL, We would recommend takingssome action in relation to improving the interior of the town hall. The ceilings and wood work need some money expended to make the hall be- coming to our historic town. STATE ROAD. We made the best contract with the Massachusetts High- way Commissioners we were able to make, but upon careful examination we believed the town would be unable to do. the work for the prices named, and upon further solicita- tion of the officials of the State Highway Department, we were informed that the road could be contracted and built by outside labor, probably that of Italians, at prices named. After carefully considering the matter and discussing it with Mr. E. W. Glass, we deemed it wise and expedient to con -- tract with him, stipulating in said contract that he should give preference to town laborers. The work has been per- formed in a satisfactory manner to the State Commissioners under whose charge the work has been carried on, but we - understand at a loss to Mr. Glass, but at no loss to the town. ALMSHOUSE. We have the usual good report to make of the town farm with Mr. and Mrs. R. H. White in charge. Two deaths