A DIGEST OF THE Laws of Massachusetts IN RELATION TO THE POWERS, DUTIES AND LIABILITIES OF TOWNS, AND OF TOWN OFFICERS; WITH THE NECESSARY FORMS. BY BENJAMIN F. THOMAS, COUNSELLOR AT LAW. NEW EDITION, REVISED AND CORRECTED. WORCESTER: PUBLISHED BY WARREN LAZELL. 1849. COLLEGE HARVARD Sutas, ANS LIBRARY Waldals, heland Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1849, by In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. PRINTED BY HENRY J. HOWLAND, WORCESTER. 1 TOWNS CONTENTS. I. Persons subject to, or exempted from taxation II. When and to whom property shall be assessed V. Election and returns of elections of County Officers III. Incorporated Fire departments MEASUREMENT, Inspection &c. of certain articles of Mer- chandize VII. Anthracite coal 136, 358 V. Duties of Selectmen in the perambulation of Town lines 251 VI. Duties of Selectmen as to Common sewers and drains 253 VII. Duties of Selectmen as to binding Orphan children 258 VIII. Duties of Selectmen as to offensive trades, Theatri- X. Duties of Selectmen as to Hay Scales XI. Duties of Selectmen as to the keeping of gunpowder XII. Duties of Selectmen as to dealers in second-hand 1. The inhabitants of every town shall continue to be a body corporate, with all the powers heretofore exercised by towns, and subject to all the duties to which they have heretofore been liable. R. S. c. 15, § 8. 2. The inhabitants of towns, in their corporate capacity, may sue and be sued in the manner prescribed by law, and may appoint all necessary agents and attornies in that behalf. Ib. 10. 3. Towns shall have power to hold real estate, for the public uses of the inhabitants, and to convey the same, either by vote of the inhabitants, or by a deed of their committee or agents; to hold personal estate, for the public uses of the inhabitants, and to alienate and dispose of |