The town meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk.
After the reading of the warrant, Hon. Warren E. Locke was chosen moderator.
Article 2 was then taken up. Letters were read from James W. Perkins for the Railroad, and the plan sub-nutted by the Company was exhibited by which it was shown that the street would run parallel with the railroad, and about 50 feet from it. Mr. Mark Alden inquired if a horse would not be as easily seared at that distance as he would be to cross it. Mr. G. H. Morse then explained that that was not the idea entertained by the town, but as the railroad had refused to put a Hagman at the crossing, and had offered to build this road to the satisfaction of the Selectmen, they had thought it advisable for the town to take some action in regard to the matter. Mr. Caleb Ellis then asked what the extra distance would be and upon referring to the plan, it was found that it would be nearly doubled. Mr. Ellis then made the motion that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to look over the ground and confer with the railroad officials and see if they could get them to place a flagman on the crossing as it is now, or bridge it, and report at a future meeting. This was adopted and Article 3 was taken up.
The question arose as to how far the pipes were to be extended on Cottage street. Mr. Tyler stated on behalf of the Selectmen that a petition was sent to them signed by ten persons asking for the extension, but he could not say as to how far the pipes were to be carried, and asked if the Water Commissioners could state. Mr. W. L. Gay then said the Commissioners knew nothing of the matter except what they had seen in the warrant. As no one seemed to know exactly what was wanted, Mr. D. B. Farrington made tho motion that the petition be read. This called forth some applause, as Mr. Thayer bad to go the Selectmen’s room for the document. The article was laid on the table for a time, and Article I was next considered.
Mr. Sumner Bagley moved that the pipes be extended to the Balch schoolhouse and introduced into that building, and that the sum of $1200 be raised and appropriated for that purpose. Mr. Ward Guy stated that $I200 would not cover the expense, and that while they were laying the pipes was the time to put in hydrants. It was thought best to put in two, one at the schoolhouse, and one about midway between Dean Street and the schoolhouse. Mr. Bagley then amended his motion by enlarging the sum to $1500. This point was carried unanimously. Mr. Gay then asked on behalf of the Water Commissioners, that the town instruct them to put this water in without a guarantee.
After this point was carried, Mr. Tinker suggested that the money be appropriated from money in the treasury, raised for putting in water last year and never used. This 1 was allowed and Article 5 was taken up.
After the plans were read, Mr. Tyler Thayer stated that there was no land damage except to a short piece from Day street to Guild street. Mr. Mark Alden then said he did not think it was necessary to build that street yet, and moved that this article be indefinitely postponed, which was voted ; and
Article 3 was taken up again, and a petition to the Selectmen dated June 18th, asking the Selectmen to put an article before the next town meeting, to have the waterworks extended on Cottage street to Prospect street: this petition hail ten signers.
Mr. Geo. Hill then asked if the petitioners lived at Cottage street, and it was found that all but one did not. Mr. Rogers then moved that the pipes be extended 275 feet, he offering to guarantee 6 per cent. This was passed unanimously, and Article 6was in order.
Mr. Fred Boyden moved that $300 be appropriated for the purchase of a supply wagon for the Fire Department. This was passed and the Board of Engineers was appointed as the committee to expend the same.
The chair then appointed Caleb Ellis, Tyler Thayer and George Morse ns the Committee on Article 2, and Article 7 was taken iuto consideration.
Mr. Tyler Thayer moved that $200 be raised and appropriated to build a house for the town tools, in the rear of the “lockup.” This was voted, and the Selectmen were instructed to build it.
Under Article 8, in regard to Everett Avenue, Mr. Thayer stated that the street was in good order, and that them would be no expense. Mr. E. Wheelock moved it be accepted, which was done.
Mr. Ward Gay then called the attection of the meeting to the fact that no appropriation had been given to article 3, and asked that $300 be appropriated, which was voted.
The meeting dissolved at 8.30.