Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 158, § 15

A corporation which is organized for the purpose of opening outlets, canals, sluiceways or ditches for the introduction and propagation of herrings and alewives, before making any purchase of real estate or doing any acts in pursuance of its organization, shall obtain the written authority of the aldermen of the city or the selectmen of the town within which its works are to be located, and, within thirty days after obtaining such authority, shall file a copy thereof, certified by the city or town clerk, in the office of the state secretary. Such corporations shall be organized under and governed by chapter one hundred and fifty-six so far as applicable.