If any town fails to choose agents, overseers of the public welfare, firewards or any of them, or there is a vacancy in any of such offices, the selectmen shall discharge the duties and have the powers of such offices until the same are filled by election or appointment, as provided by law.
RSA 41:56
RS 34:4. CS 36:4. GS 37:4. GL 40:4. PS 43:40. PL 47 :44. RL 59:50. RSA 41:56. 1957, 198:3.