1903-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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71 under ground to replace the wires from the Russell House to the Arlington line. One new box has been placed at the corner of Concord avenue and Waltham street. One thousand feet of standard hose has been purchased. A great improvement has been made at the centre engine house by the installation of a hot water heater connected to the steamer. By this arrangement, steam pressure sufficient to fully operate the engine, can he obtained in less than five minutes. Previous to the installation of this heater, fifteen to thirty minutes were required. The department has four engine men, licensed by the state to operate the Silsbee engine. Every piece of apparatus has been thoroughly repaired and put in excellent condition. The engine house at East Lexington is in good repair, and suita- ble for the purpose for which it is used. The centre engine house is unsanitary, inconvenient in many respects, expensive to maintain, and altogether unsuitable, both in construction and location. The engineers again call your attention to the inadequacy of the water mains on Hancock, Oakland, Stetson, Grant and Sherman streets, also in the Mt. Vernon district. Hancock school has but little protection, and an eight inch main should be laid without de- lay, from Massachusetts avenue, through Clark street to Forest and Parker streets. The water commissioners should be instructed to give this matter prompt attention. The permanent men and department horses have earned $796.05 from street watering. This has been no detriment to the efficiency of the service, and besides saving the above sum, the condition of the horses has been improved. 72 The efficiency of the department bas been greatly increased by installing telephones in both engine houses. In several instances the value of this addition has been shown. The engineers wish to acknowledge the efficient and faithful services of Mr. John H. Wright and Mr. Philip A. Nelles, the per- manent men. We also appreciate and commend the prompt re- sponse, willing spirit, and good work of all members of the depart- ment. The engine houses are open for inspection at all times, and citi- zens are urged to call and show their interest. Respectfully submitted, J. H. PHILLIPS, W. H. GREENE, GEO. W. TAYLOR, _Engineers.