Beakey v. Town of Billerica

These are actions of tort for personal injuries, brought by four persons who attended an auction sale at the town infirmary in Billerica. Cities and towns have a duty to support the poor and needy. G. L. (Ter. Ed.) c. 117, § 1. By G. L. (Ter. Ed.) c. 47, § 1, “Any town may erect or provide and maintain an infirmary for persons in need,” and by § 9, “An infirmary may be discontinued or appropriated to any other use if the towns interested so determine.” An inmate of an infirmary may be required to work. G. L. (Ter. Ed.) c. 117, §§ 21, 22. Marlborough v. Lowell, 298 Mass. 271. Chaffee v.…