Section 48. Every town shall provide suitable places, to be approved by the supervisor of public records, for the preservation and convenient use of all books, reports and laws received from the commonwealth; and for every month’s neglect so to do shall forfeit ten dollars. Said books, reports and laws shall be in the custody or control of the town clerk, unless the city council or selectmen shall by vote designate some other person to have said custody or control of all or part of the same.