Wi t~'.*ii5:~~ r:";~ii",Sc':5 )Ir ~ ~* '' riL'r d~ d I'".r.,.:r.CS.':: ~~ " ~. 11' ~.:Z.:~ `~~:~~- ~~.~.~.?'~ ~i-r-~;~ —-:i.:~ laiL.. * 11 5.~~:i r n r.~ i. " T6 ''';?~ '* r ~At; j ~' ~:. B 51207 0 r". Ii I I PROGRESS SEVEN YEARS OF IMPORTANT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE MUNICIPAL AND BOROUGH GOVERNMENTS OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 1918-1925! I ',) I -. 1-. -(,AZ. i JOHN F. HYLAN MAYOR 9EPORT SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MARCH, 1925.s 'P;~IlE~ ~iV' O15 ' 4 T(1CPI 6. I /FT444F I 1 1414~. """""*~"-""""""~ ' — ", (AC Iap gI -SEVEN YEARS OF' PROGRESS IMPORTANT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE MUNICIPAL AND BOROUGH GOVERNMENTS OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 1918-1925. JOHN F. HYLAN MAYOR (EPORT SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MARCH, I925 Js.r143'i a Jfr e 172 rM Aas. n-q Or CITY OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE MAYOR March 24, 1925. To the Honorable, The Board of Aldermen. Gentlemen: Pursuant to charter requirements, I have submitted to the Board of Aldermen during my administration general statements-of the finances, government and improvements of the city for the various years preceding such statements. It has been my feeling that the reports so submitted, while accurately portraying administrative achievements for each twelve-month period, have been inadequate for a proper appreciation of the magnitude of the problems which have confronted the administration or of an adequate conception of the work accomplished by the various departments over 'a span of years. In the present report which I am submitting to your honorable body an effort has been made to present in a graphic form the reports of department heads for the 1918-1925 period as prepared at my direction, so that a truer perspective may be had of the neglect inherited, the difficulties encountered and the accomplishments achieved during seven of the most trying years of the history of the City of New York. Respectfully yours, M a oa. DEPARTMENT Accounts, Commissioner of.......... Ambulance Service, Board of........ Armory Board..................... Assessors, Board of................. Bellevue and Allied Hospitals......... Borough of Manhattan............. Borough of Bronx................. Borough of Brooklyn............... Borough of Queens................ Borough of Richmond............. City Chamberlain.................. Chief Medical Examiner............. Child Welfare, Board of............. City Record, Board of............... Correction, Department of........... Docks, Department of............... Education, Board of................ Finance, Department of............ Fire Department................... Health Department................. Law Department................... Licenses, Department of............. Municipal Civil Service Commission... Parks, Department of (Manhattan)... Parks, Department of (Bronx)....... Parks, Department of (Brooklyn).... Parks, Department of (Queens)...... Parks, Department of (Richmond).... Parole Commission................. Plant and Structures, Department of.. Plumbers, Examining Board of....... Police Department................. Public -Markets, Department of....... Public Welfare, Department of....... Purchase, Department of............ Standards and Appeals, Board of..... Street Cleaning, Department of....... Taxes and Assessments, Department of. Transportation, Board of............. Tenement House Department......... Water Supply, Board of............. Water Supply, Gas and Electricity.... Weights and Measures, Bureau of..... HEAD PAGE David Hirshfield, Conmmissioner... 122 Richard E. Enright, President...... 69 John B. Trainer, Secretary........ 134 William C. Ormond, President.... 137 Dr. John J. McGrath, President.... 66 Julius Miller, President........... 147 Henry Bruckner, President........ 164 Joseph A. Guider, President....... 156 Maurice E. Connolly, President.... 170 John A. Lynch, President......... 176 Philip Berolzheimer, Chamberlain.. 126 Dr. Charles Norris, Chief Examiner 71 Rev. William A. Courtney, President 78 Stephen G. Kelley, Supervisor..... 143 Frederick A. Wallis, Commissioner. 128 Michael Cosgrove, Commissioner... 49 George J. Ryan, President......... 28 Charles L. Craig, Comptroller...... 181 Thomas J. Drennan, Commissioner. 44 Dr. F. J. Monaghan, Commissioner. 59 George P. Nicholson, Corp. Counsel 114 William F. Quigley, Commissioner. 140 Abraham Kaplan, President...... 142 Francis D. Gallatin, Commissioner. 96 Joseph P. Hennessy, Commissioner. 99 Edward T. O'Loughlin, Commr.... 98 Albert C. Benninger, Commissioner. 101 John J. O'Rourke, Commissioner.. 103 Bertram deN. Cruger, Chairman... 131 William Wirt Mills, Commissioner. 105 Michael J. McGrath, Chairman.... 144 Richard E. Enright, Commssioner.. 35 Edwin J. O'Malley, Commissioner.. 53 Bird S. Coler, Commissioner...... 73 John E. Bowe, Commissioner...... 120 William E. Walsh, Chairman...... 138 Alfred A. Taylor, Commissioner... 83 Henry M. Goldfogle, President.... 189 John H. Delaney, Chairman....... 18 Frank Mann, Commissioner....... 138 George J. Gillespie, President...... 87 Nicholas J. Hayes, Commissioner.. 90 Joseph J. Holwell, Commissioner... 57 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. W hat the Record Shows........................................ 7 2. City's New Subways Will Solve Transit Problem................... 18 3. 194 New Schools Built or Building............................... 28 4. Life and Property Better Protected................................ 35 5. Fire Apparatus Completely Motorized............................. 44 6. Immense New Docks and Piers Built............................. 49 7. Erecting Huge Wholesale Terminal Markets........................ 53 8. Health Conditions Decidedly Improved............................ 59 9. Building New Pavilions at Bellevue Hospital....................... 66 10. 138,000 Ambulance Calls a Year Answered........................ 69 11. Poor and Needy Given Prompt Relief............................. 73 12. 24,500 Children Cared for-Homes Preserved...................... 78 13. Thousands of Mothers and Children Aided.......................... 80 14. Streets Kept Cleaner Than Ever Before............................ 83 15. Billion Gallon Supply of Pure Water.............................. 87 16. 104 More Acres of Parks, 255 Miles Streets Illuminated.............. 91 17. New Parks Opened, Older Ones Improved......................... 96 18. Ferries, Buses, Trackless Trolleys Operated........................ 105 19. Constant Fight Against Higher Rates.............................. 114 20. Millions Saved in City Purchases................................. 120 21. Business Methods Installed-Close Scrutiny of Departments.......... 122 22. City Funds Well Handled-Higher Interest Obtained................ 126 23. Prisons Greatly Improved-Escapes Reduced....................... 128 24. Pickpockets Driven from Streets-Paroled Criminals Watched........ 131 25. Fine Armory for Colored Troops Erected.......................... 134 26. Public Improvements on Large Scale.............................. 137 27. Protecting Tenants-Improving Housing Conditions................. 138 28. Abuses Reduced by License and Supervision....................... 140 29. Humanizing Civil Service-Improving Morale...................... 142 30. City Record Revenues Increased 300 Per Cent...................... 143 31. Favoritism Eliminated in Plumbers' Examinations.................. 144 32. Greatest of Civic Expositions-Silver Jubilee....................... 145 33. Borough of Manhattan........................................... 147 34. Borough of Brooklyn........................................... 156 35. Borough of The Bronx.......................................... 164 36. Borough of Queens............................................. 170 37. Borough of Richmond........................................... 176 38. Tax Rate for 1925 Reduced Five Points........................... 181 39. Net Funded Debt Increased Only $182,000,000...................... 186 40. Big Increase in Work of Tax Department.......................... 189 41. Public Schools Completed and Under Construction Since Jan. 1, 1918... 191 42. Growth and Progress in Schools-1917-1924....................... 197 43. Physical Improvements Authorized, 1918 to Jan. 1, 1925.............. 198 44. Street, Waterway and Park Opening Proceedings, to Dec. 31, 1924.... 205 Some Things This Administration Has Done for New York 194 new schools built or under construction. 251,000 more seats provided for school children. Better Police and Fire protection given all boroughs. Cleaner streets-snows cleared, garbage more promptly removed. Purer water-increasing supply to a billion gallons a day. Improved health conditions-death rate lowered. Infant mortality reduced-New York healthiest of large cities. Major crimes reduced 33 per cent-Organized vice broken up. Police Department reorganized-2,226 patrolmen added. Fire Department motorized-supplied with most modern apparatus. Huge terminal markets under construction-Estimated saving in food purchases $150,000,000 a year. 12 great piers built for trans-oceanic steamships-Waterfront being modernized, with piers of latest type. Jamaica Bay being improved-creating a new "port within a port." Narrows Tunnel begun, linking Brooklyn with Staten Island, giving direct rail connection with New Jersey and the West. Cross-Bay Boulevard built, bringing the Rockaways ten miles nearer Manhattan by automobile. 30-foot channel dredged, 2,000 building lots created by fill. Great boulevards, parkways and shore drives constructed. "L" structures removed from upper 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. Sixth Avenue being extended from Carmine to Canal Street. Riverside Drive being transformed into one of world's finest driveways. - Coney Island boardwalk built, Rockaway boardwalk projected. Park areas greatly extended-scores of new playgrounds opened. Music furnished in parks-new athletic and recreation fields established. New subway system begun, to be owned and operated by the City. Five-cent carfare maintained, saving hundreds of millions to patrons. 7 WHAT THE RECORD SHOWS T HE citizens of New York have a right to know what their public servants have done, are doing and intend to do. They are entitled to the fullest information regarding the City's affairs, and this is an opportune time to review what has been done during the past seven years, important improvements completed, and those that are under way or projected. Service to the people has been the keynote of this entire administration. The Board of Estimate and Apportionment, the Board of Aldermen, the Municipal Departments, the Borough and County Governments, and the various agencies cooperating with them have worked consistently to that end. We have striven constantly to provide better schools, streets, roads, piers, bridges, ferries, markets, parks, playgrounds, baths; to safeguard the public health; to improve systems of water-supply, street cleaning and sewage disposal; to insure better transportation facilities; to protect life and property by improving the Police and Fire Departments; to encourage industry, commerce and trade; to bring about better living and housing conditions, and to promote the welfare of the entire City, without distinction as to class, color or creed. The record speaks for itself. In the face of war and after-war conditions, of constantly mounting costs of labor and materials, all departments of the public service have been improved, and immense construction projects carried forward that are essential to the City's future as well as present needs. All this has been done without one dollar of unnecessary expenditure, and with exercise of the utmost vigilance to see that the City gets full value for every dollar expended. More real reforms have been instituted than under any so-called "reform" administration. More improvements have been made in business methods and more economies effected than under any so-called "business" administration, for we have conducted the City's business not in the interest of any clique or group, but of the 6,000,000 residents of New York. Fighting for the rights of our citizens, opposing by every means in our power the selfish interests which would exploit them, we have fought continually against higher car-fares, higher telephone, electric light, and gas rates, and against every attempt by corporations or individuals to gouge our people. As a result, in spite of all the attempts of the traction companies and their allies to secure increased fares, the five-cent fare still prevails, and will prevail as long as the present administration remains in power. An eight-cent fare would mean an exaction of over $65,000,000 a year; a ten-cent fare would mean nearly $100,000,000 a year taken from the pockets of those who ride on the subways, "L" and surface lines. By this constant fight of the city administration hundreds of millions of dollars have been saved to the people in the past seven years in this one item alone. The long contest against higher telephone rates, preventing for six months the 28 per cent increase, then securing a reduction of 10 per cent, and postponing for years the increase finally granted by the Federal courts, saved telephone subscribers over $19,000,000. 8 Millions have been saved consumers by our vigorous opposition to the gas increases and the battle we are now waging against the permanent injunction sought by the gas companies which would enable them to extort many millions more from users of gas. These are examples of the savings to the people that have been made by this continual warfare against the extortions of public utility corporations. The last "Fusion" administration left us a terrible heritage of neglect and failure to provide for the most essential needs of the City. It had practically suspended public construction. It was building no schools. It had allowed school structures, streets, sewers, piers, hospitals, police stations, fire-houses and other public buildings to fall into a state of disrepair. It had failed to build the subways and shops which, under the dual subway contracts, should have been completed in 1917. The departments were disorganized, their personnel depleted. Ferries, fire and street-cleaning apparatus, police and other equipiment had been allowed to run down until much of it was worthless. All thlis had to be replaced or reconditioned, and millions spent on repairs and new equipment. There was placed upon us not only the bllr(len of repairing the Fusion administration's years of neglect and inaction, but also of providing for the progressive needs of the City in a time of unprecedented dlevelopment and growth in population. Let us see how this situation has been met. We found the schools overcrowded, the system disorganized, and many thousands of children on half-time. Demandling "a seat for every child," we began the largest school construction program ever undertaken. More schools have been built and more money appropriated for school construction and repairs than in all the preceding administrations for twenty years. rWe have completed 128 new public school buildings, and 66 additional schools are now under construction, of which 53 will be ready for occupancy by the fall term of 1925. The 194 structures, built anld building, furnish 251,825 more seats than were available in 1917. Placed side by side these new school buildings and grounds would stretch from the Battery to 135th Street, the greatest "School Street" in the world. Since the beginning of 1918 over $160,000,000 has been appropriated for school construction, $37,000,000 more than in the previous twenty years. In addition $30,000,000 has been spent for repairs to old buildings. This was absolutely necessary to make up the shortage in accommodations that existed when this administration came into office, and to care for the annual increase in pupils. Our Fire and Police Departments have been brought to the highest state of efficiency they have ever attained. This is recognized both here and abroad. The Fire Department, which in 1917 still had 550 horses and considerable old-type apparatus in use, has been completely motorized. We have added 248 pieces of apparatus, providing the most modern equipment. There has been an increase of 939 in the uniformed force, which now numbers 6,117 officers and men. The two-platoon system, which was urged for many years, was put into effect in 1919-20, with a marked increase in efficiency. 9 Better fire protection has been given the entire City. New fire alarm systems have been installed, central buildings established in Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens, and thousands of alarm boxes added. Hundreds of miles of overhead wires have been removed, and replaced with underground conductors and cables. The paid system has been extended to Queens and Richmond, furnishing far better protection to those boroughs. New fire-houses have been erected, old ones repaired, and the Department now prepares all plans and specifications for fire-houses. The new construction is durable and modern in every respect, insuring small cost for future maintenance. New boats have been added to the marine division, and the equipment of the whole Department has been put in excellent shape. The Bureau of Fire Investigation has introduced 24-hour service by trained investigators, making this service thorough and complete. The organized "business squad," investigating fires in business places, has been notably successful in suppressing arson and apprehending "fire-bugs." The Bureau of Fire Prevention covers a wide range, including business and factory districts, hospitals and penal institutions. This Bureau is now self-supporting, with annual receipts of some $580,000. From the chaotic condition that prevailed in the Police Department at the close of 1917, with disorganization, confusion and a shortage of 871 men, that department has been completely reorganized, and put on the most efficient basis. Under this aldministration 2,226 patrolmen have been added to the force, and the total quota increasel from 10,886 to 13,154. The entire force has been organized in divisions, and( precincts have been consolidated, with better inspection and service. Higher standards have been established and thorough training instituted, resulting in a decided improvement in lpersonnel and morale. New station houses have been erected, and the various buildings of the )Department plut in good repair. Eighteen old station-houses have been abolished, and other economies effected amounting to $3,500,000. Marine, motor and mounted equipment, which had almost gone to wreck during the lprevious administration, have been replaced and are now in excellent condition. More has been done in the past seven years to wipe out organized vice, gambling and prostitution than was done under all the so-called "reform" administrations combined. Depraved women, who plied their calling openly, have been driven from the streets, disorderly houses and apartments closed. It is a matter of common knowledge that New York's streets are freer of prostitutes, pickpockets and other criminals than they have ever been before. Gambling houses have been closed, and the intricate system of gambling on horse races, with its nine racing centrals, hundreds of telephone connections, and its army of agents and followers, has been broken up. There has been a decrease of over 33 per cent in the four major crimes: murder, felonious assault, assault and robbery, and burglary. In 1917 these crimes totalled 13,141; in 1924 only 8,548. New York, the figures show, is the safest of large cities for law-abiding citizens. Methods of handling traffic have been revolutionized and New York's traffic system is now a model for other cities. The tower system, first so successfully demonstrated on Fifth Avenue, has been extended to other thor 10 oughfares. Establishment of one-way streets, limiting parking in congested districts, and other regulations have brought about a marked improvement in the handling of our immense and constantly growing traffic. In enforcing necessary regulations, there has been constant thought of the convenience of the public, as well as the free movement or use of motor vehicles. To reduce the cost of living, we are building a great system of terminal markets, for which $22,500,000 has been appropriated. The eventual saving to consumers in food purchases is estimated at $150,000,000 a year. These will be the most modern structures of their kind in existence, with ample facilities for handling products by rail, truck and water. The first of these immense markets is now under construction in The Bronx, on a plot of 52 acres fronting on the Harlem River. The market for Brooklyn will be erected on property the City owns at Wallabout Market. For Manhattan the present West Washington and Gansevoort markets have been selected as the site for the greatest terminal market in the country, plans for which are being developed. These markets will not only assure a fair deal to producers and a reduction of cost to consumers, but will be self-sustaining financially. Millions have already been saved consumers by the extension and regulation of the "open air" or push-cart markets, in which many thousands make their food purchases. There are now more than 8,000 licensed push-cart peddlers operating in 56 open-air markets, established by the City, where the interests of the public as well as the dealers are scrupulously protected. Under the present administration the annual revenues of the Department of Public Markets have increased from $315,655 in 1918 to $923,063 in 1924, nearly 300 per cent. The Department has turned into the City Treasury, over and above the cost of operation, $2.500.000 during the past seven years. Health conditions have decidedly improved. The death rate of the City in 1924 was only 11.64 per thousand of population, as compared with 14.55 in 1917 and 20.26 in 1898. That means that, if the rate of 1917 had prevailed, 18,048 more persons would have died, and the saving in life, over the 1898 rate, was 53,348. Purer water, cleaner streets, stricter inspection of foods, better sewage and garbage disposal, and the general improvement in sanitary conditions, as well as the efficient work of health officers, doctors, and hospitals, have contributed to this gratifying result. The infant death rate has been decreased more than 21 points in the past seven years, establishing New York in first place among the ten largest cities in the United States, as the healthiest place for a baby to be born in and to live in. Could there be a better tribute to the effectiveness of the work done for mothers and children? Our streets are kept cleaner than ever before. Snows are more promptly removed, roadways and bridges cleared and traffic kept moving, facilitating business, thus saving hundreds of thousands of dollars to the merchants and business men of New York. Installation of the latest devices in motor equipment, and the effective work of the Street Cleaning Department have resulted in a notable improvement in street conditions. Garbage and wastes are more frequently collected, and disposed of, 11 Four large disposal plants are being erected, two completed and two others under construction. Meanwhile we have built up and kept in operation a fleet of 20 scows, ample to take care of the peak-load of garbage daily. Creation of a Department of Purchase, centralizing the purchasing of materials, supplies and equipment, has effected savings of over $1,000,000 a year. At the same time wider conmpetition has been secured, and higher standards enforced. Business methods have been improved in practically every department of the City government and economies amounting to millions have been effected. The higher cost of living following the war period wrought a severe hardship on many of the City's employees. The only way to provide relief was by a blanket increase in salaries, which was granted and met with general public approval. Especial attention has been devoted to the care of the sick, the poor and needy. In 1917 the number benefited by the activities of the Department of Public Welfare was 94,649. In 1923 it was 268,718, including charges in private institutions, and in 1924 the Department's own institutions alone cared for 210,356 persons. The institutions themselves have been vastly improved, and the entire Department put on a far better basis. The new Cumberland Hospital has been erected, treating over 5,000 patients a year; additions made to the Kings County Hospital; the capacity of Sea View Hospital increased from 750 to 1,000, and twelve new buildings erected at Randall's Island. During the four years of the previous administration only $406,992 was appropriated for repairs and fire prevention work, while for the same purposes during the less than eight years of the present administration there has been appropriated $3,202,893. Through the Board of Child Welfare, 24,500 children are cared for in 9,000 homes, enabling mothers to support their children and preventing the breaking up of thousands of families. This relief is given to widows left destitute, to wives of men in insane asylums, and those whose husbands have been sentenced to long terns in prison. The amount expended for this purpose has increased, since 1918, from $1,700,000 to more than $5,000,000. Through the Mayor's Committee of Women, which has raised large funds from public-spirited citizens for relief work, 3;868,183 quarts of milk and 4,535 tons of coal have been distributed free to needy families, and 137,667 people, mothers, babies and school-children, have been carried on all-day water trips. Hospitals are being modernized and improved in both plant and service. Two new pavilions are being erected at Bellevue at a cost of $3,650,000, and two new wings are being added to the Nurses' Residence. For additions to the Nurses' Residence at Fordham Hospital, $440,000 has been appropriated. An addition is being built to the Harlem Hospital at a cost of $150,000. The Board of Estimate has appropriated $300,000 for removing fire hazards in Bellevue and allied hospitals that should have been remedied many years ago. Numerous new clinics have been established, departments enlarged, and thousands more patients are treated annually. Millions of patrons enjoy our public baths, and the shower baths set up in the streets in summer have been appreciated by thousands. New bath 12 houses have been erected, old ones enlarged, greatly increasing the capacity. These baths are a godsend to residents in the congested sections of the city. These are examples of the way in which we have striven to provide for the necessities of the poor and the sick, and to give whatever comforts and pleasures we can to those who cannot afford expensive forms of recreation. Prisons have been improved, and progressive methods introduced which have resulted in better care of all prisoners, and especially of women. The building of the new Women's Court and House of Detention now under construction; the segregation of the sexes in separate prisons, and the better provisions made for medical treatment and restoration, mark a decided advance. Out of a total female population of 9,715, under the Department of Correction, there were only four deaths last year. Abandonment of the old House of Detention and utilization of the Seventh District Prison has not only improved conditions but resulted in a saving of $10,000 a year. Opening of the modern reformatory at Greycourt has relieved the intolerable conditions that existed at the old Women's Workhouse. Large sums have been saved in the various institutions by utilization of inmate labor. Farm production has been considerably increased. Escapes have been reduced until the annual net loss for the past two years was less than 9 prisoners. The largest drug addiction hospital in the world is now conducted on Riker's Island, treating over 1,500 patients a year. A comprehensive system of street, road, shore and beach improvement has been put into effect, covering every borough and section, facilitating traffic, opening up new areas to development and adding many millions to property values. This has been a great factor in the vast increase in population and wealth of the boroughs. The Jamaica Cross-Bay Boulevard, which will bring the Rockaways ten miles nearer Manhattan by automobile; the Conduit Road, which will run 24 miles from Brooklyn across Queens to the Suffolk County line; the ilmprovement of the Queens, Nassau. Northern, Merrick, Woodhaven and Rockaway boulevards, will give Queens a great system of boulevards. Ocean Parkway, from Prospect Park to Coney Island; Bay Parkway, Fort Hamilton Parkway, and the Shore Road will give Brooklyn unrivalled shore driveways. The Hylan Boulevard and other roads being paved in Richmond will give that Borough fine highways extending across Staten Island. The linking and paving of the principal thoroughfares of The Bronx not only provide improved roads for that borough, but give better outlets for traffic to and from Manhattan. Extension of Riverside Drive and Sixth Avenue, widening and improvement of important thoroughfares, the projected opening of the east drive at Grand Central terminal, and numerous other improvements in Manhattan are parts of a general plan to open up new arteries for traffic, and provide for broad driveways from the Battery to the northern limits of the City. These are outstanding features of the most exclusive program of street and road improvement ever undertaken by any administration. Removal of the elevated railroad spur in 42nd Street between Park and Third Avenues, and of the "L" structure from the upper part of Sixth Avenue, which had been debated for many years, is now a reality, and these sections, darkened and obstructed as they were, have been transformed into bright, at 13 tractive thoroughfares, resulting in an immediate advance in property values. As a result of this policy there has been a general demand for removal of elevated railroad structures and the substitution on Sixth Avenue of a subway, the property owners being so firmly convinced of its advantages that they have volunteered to assume the entire cost of the change. For the first time in half a century a definite and progressive plan is being carried out for the modernization and development of the City's waterfront. A new pier known as "Pier New 2." 650 feet long and 140 feet wide is being built at the foot of Battery Place, and the marginal street is being widened to 250 feet. This will be followed by "Pier New 3." A number of old piers and bulkheads have been reconstructed, and a new pier built at the foot of Dyckman Street. The North River water-front between Vesey and Perry Streets will be completely modernized. The plan includes the removal of 32 old piers, which are now out-of-date, and the substitution of 18 large, adequately equipped piers which will increase the deck surface 50 per cent. Provisions will be made for berthing facilities for the largest steamships afloat, which will obviate the necessity for these huge vessels passing through the narrow gorge between the Chelsea section and the Jersey shore. The old piers will be removed and replaced with new ones as rapidly as the leases expire. The first, 1,000 feet long and 200 feet wide, will be built at the foot of Canal Street as soon as the Vehicular Tunnel between New York and New Jersey is completed. Piers 46 and 47, North River, will be replaced by a modern structure. A great new port is being created at Jamaica Bay. Talked of for so many years without any decisive action being taken, this extensive project is being realized under this administration. The main channel from Paerdegat Bay to Canarsie is being dredged to a depth of 18 feet, adding a mile to the existing channel. This will add to the City's ownership 140 acres of valuable upland at practically no cost to the City, the government having paid the City of New York for the cost of dredging and the disposition of the dredged material on the upland. The use of this upland for commercial purposes will ultimately produce a very large revenue for the City. The City has appropriated $1,005,900 for a 30-foot channel between Barren Island and Mill Basin, and $500,000 to construct a pier at Canarsie. In constructing the Cross Bay Boulevard embankment, a 30-foot channel was dredged and 2,000 building lots created, owned by the City. When, in 1918, the existing piers were so congested that there was insufficient room for ocean-going steamers and commerce was being diverted to other ports, the City began the development of the Staten Island water-front, under contracts with steamship companies guaranteeing 7'2 per cent. of the cost of acquiring the land and making the improvement. The twelve piers built on Staten Island are the finest of their type in existence. They have increased New York's wharfage available for transatlantic steamships by 26,000 feet, more wharfage facilities for overseas steamers than is in use for similar purposes on the entire island of Manhattan.! Though, due to the general collapse of shipping, a number of the companies failed to carry out their contracts, nine of the piers are now in use on a temporary flat-rate basis. With the revival of foreign trade, these piers are certain to come into complete use, and will be one of the greatest assets of the Port of New York. 14 The tunnel across the Narrows, linking Brooklyn with Staten Island, will be one of the most vital parts of the City's transportation system. If constructed as designed, for both freight and passenger traffic, it will give Brooklyn and Queens direct rail connection with New Jersey and the Wrest, will bring the Staten Island piers in touch with the mainland, will provide a direct freight route to Jamaica Bay and, by the New York Connecting Railway, to Flushing Bay and over the Hell Gate Bridge to the east shore of The Bronx. This will provide a rail route that cannot be interrupted by ice, fog, weather conditions or marine strikes; that will facilitate the movement of freight, and prevent any possible interruption in the flow of the City's food and fuel supplies. This will save large sums in trucking and lighterage, and will tend to prevent the higher prices that result from scarcity of fuel and fodd. Staten Island now has no rapid transit facilities; this tunnel will provide them, and link Richmnond with its sister boroughs. But if not constructed for freight and passengers. a large part of its value to the other boroughs, as well as Staten Island, will be lost. The law passed by the Legis'ature was mandatory, providing for construction of a freight and passenger tunnel. \e have gone ahead as the law required, have completed the shafts, and we are now ready to proceed with the construction of the main tunnel. Any interruption to this project, any diversion from its whole purpose is damaging to the interests of the entire City. The millions who enjoy their privileges know that our parks and pub'ic resorts were never so attractive or so well kept as they are today. The larger parks have been improved, many small parka restored, new park areas added in all our boroughs, and scores of playgrounds established. Music in the parks and other at-ractions have been enjoyed by almost the entire population. New athletic grounds, baseball diamonds, wading pools, golf links, tennis courts and facilities for popular games and sports have been provided in the various boroughs. Many small parks in Manhattan have been restored, and the large areas of Inwood and Fort WNashington parks are being made available to the public. There are now 84 parks and playgrounds in Brooklyn's big system, which has been improved from Prospect Park to the smallest squares. Roadways and parkways have been paved and new parks opened. Development of the projected Marine Park, comprising Plumb Island, part of Barren Island and other sections of Gravesend Bay, will give us one of the finest marine parks in existence. Construction of the "Victory Garden" and improvement of Crotona Park have given The Bronx a new "beauty spot." The Rice Memorial Playfield, with its buildings, tracks and stadium, now used for various games, will be in full operation this year. Pelham Bay Park and the Orchard and Baychester beaches provide not only recreation for large numbers, but also at Orchard Beach for thousands of campers. Additions have been made to a number of the leading parks in Queens, new areas developed, and the Forest, Astoria, Kissena, Jacob Riis and other parks have been greatly improved. Silver Lake Park, in Richmond, is being developed, Westerleigh Park improvements will be completed this year, and Hero Park, at Tompkinsville, has been beautified. The Clove Lakes Park, whose 191 acres comprise four lakes, 15 and other developments will give Richmond far superior park facilities to any it has ever before enjoyed. For many years there has been talk of boardwalks at Coney Island and Rockaway, but it remained for this administration to construct them. The new boardwalk at Coney Island, and the one to be built this year at Rockaway take rank among the finest on the continent. With numerous other improvements in streets and beaches, new life has been given to these popular resorts, adding to the prosperity of residents and the pleasure of millions of visitors. Ferries, bridges and other means of communication have been improved and bus and trolley lines established to provide transportation for various districts which were without adequate facilities. Nine municipal ferry lines, six trolley and four trackless trolley lines arc operated. The City has jurisdiction over 22 privately owned ferry lines and 36 emergency bus lines. Besides maintaining the 47 municipal bridges and viaducts, the Department of Plant and Structures designs and constructs public buildings, bridges, plants, terminals and ferry-boats, saving large sums formerly paid to architects and contractors. Similar savings have been effected in many departments by the use of the City's own employes in designing, construction, laboratory work, tests, inspections, etc., for which formerly large sums were paid to outside experts. Since the beginning of 1918 there has been an increase of more than 600,000 in the city's population. That means that additional facilities have had to be provided for over 600,000 new residents, a population larger than that of Albany, Rochester, Schenectady, Elmira and Oswego combined. Large new areas have been developed in the outlying districts. New communities have sprung up, with thousands of homes and business houses. Many miles of new streets have been opened and paved, water-mains and pipes laid and sewers constructed. And these services have necessarily been planned so as to provide not only for current needs, but for future development. There has been an unprecedented growth in Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Richmond, and the number of residents is increasing faster, perhaps, than in any other section of the country. The City had to supply facilities not only to keep pace with this rapid increase, but to provide for years to come. In fact, the rapid growth of these boroughs is due, in large measure, to the progressive policy the City, Borough and County Governments have pursued in public improvements. Under the laws exempting from taxation, for a period of years, structures built for dwelling purposes, many thousands of new homes have been erected and the housing shortage to a large extent overcome in an incredibly short time. This has benefited the entire population, furnishing quarters for hundreds of thousands and aiding in keeping down rents. The exemption for such structures is estimated at $803,625,400 including over 40,000 new buildings erected in 1924. Had this exempted property been taxed at the full rate, it would have yielded the City more than $20.000,000. The "Pay-as-you-go" policy, requiring that all non-revenue producing improvements, with a few exceptions, must be financed through the annual tax 16 budget, did not become fully operative until 1918. This has necessarily added millions to the budget. In previous administrations, whether the life of an improvement was five or fifty years, corporate stock maturing 50 years hence was issued. Now serial bonds, retired in part annually, are issued for most of these projects, covering a period that coincides with the estimated minimum life of the improvement. All this naturally requires a larger annual outlay, and is reflected in the tax budgets of the City. Mandatory charges have added many millions to the annual budget which must be provided for by taxation. There has been a substantial increase in State taxes, which this year will le $16,236,971, and last year amounted to more than $20,000,000. Despite the fact that so large a proportion of the new construction is exempt from taxation, and that the constitutional provisions and mandatory charges over which the Mayor and City officials have no control have added many millions to the annual burden, we have been able to make, this year, a gratifying reduction in the tax rate. The general tax for all boroughs for 1925 will be 2.68. This is a reduction of five points from the base rate of 2.73 levied for 1924. During this administration New York has enjoyed the greatest prosperity it has ever known. The past seven years has been the most notable period of construction, public and private, in the history of the City. This is due, in no small degree, to the fact that public improvements has kept pace with and encouraged private enterprise; has paved the way, and opened up large sections for development. Enforcing economy, opposing waste and extravagance, this administration has not denied to the people of New York the necessities required for their welfare and the growth of the City. New schools, streets, roads, sewers, piers, markets, parks, playgrounds, public buildings had to be provided to meet the demands of education and progress. Constructed at the lowest possible cost, they are permanent investments of the utmost value. Working for the general good, this has been, in the truest sense, a progressive administration, as is shown by the statements which follow, setting forth some of the important accomplishments of the various departments and Borough governments. - ~ X The results achieved would not have been possible without the cordial support and co-operation of the Board of Aldermen, which has been freely and ungrudgingly given to progressive measures and essential projects. These representatives of the people have sought to advance the interests not alone of their districts and immediate constituents, but of the City as a whole. The most important problem now confronting us is the provision of better means of transportation, and we are proceeding with the building of new subways and establishment of bus lines as expeditiously as legislative limitations, court decisions and the funds available will permit. It was not until July 1, 1924, when the Board of Transportation was established, that the City of New York had any power whatever to determine routes and construct subways. That power previously had been given by the Legis 17 lature exclusively to the State Transit Commission, which proposed lines that would have tied the City permanently to the Traction Trust. Toward the building of new subways, more has been done during the eight months since the Board of Transportation was established than has been accomplished by the McAneny State Transit Commission in the entire four years of its existence. Not only have routes been studied, surveyed and laid out, but have been approved, the contracts let and construction begun. Only a few days ago, on March 14th, ground was broken for two sections of the new system of subways which will be constructed, owned and operated by the City. This route, fromn Washington Heights to the down-town business district, is the first of a series which will provide adequate transit facilities, and will be City-wide in its extent, linking together the various boroughs. This will solve the transit problem in the way the people of New York want it solved, so that the subways which run under their streets and are built with their money will belong to the City, and not to greedy corporations which operate them solely for all the profit they can squeeze out of them. The demand of the Interborough for higher fares on existing lines which have already paid their stockholders 187'2 per cent. in dividends, nearly twice their entire investment, shows what the transit companies are after. If they could grasp control of the new subways, if they could get into office complacent officials who would permit them to increase fares, and unload their old surface lines and "L" roads on the City under the plan suggested by the McAneny Commission, it would mean billions to them. An increase in carfares to ten cents would take $100,000,000 a year out of the pockets of the people, rich dividends on more than a billion dollars. If they could unload their old outworn surface lines and ancient franchises, as the McAneny Commission proposed, they would make hundreds of millions more in profits. From the very day this administration began, they have fought us with every means in their power. For more than seven years we have thwarted their constant efforts to obtain higher fares and fasten their grip upon the City's transit facilities. Now that they see that grip slipping away from them, now that the City is beginning to build subway lines that will be independent of them, and will firmly maintain the five-cent fare, the transit grabbers and their allies are marshalling their forces for a grand assault. If they can gain their object by alliance with any party or by the camouflage of "Fusion," no expenditure will be too large, no deal too devious for them. They may even go so far as to have their candidates advocate the five-cent fare, in order to fool the voters, trusting to get the higher rate of fare by roundabout methods, after. their tools get into office. But such tricks will not deceive the public. We may expect the circulation of every falsehood, fake and misrepresentation they can imagine or concoct against this administration. We must fight all the forces of organized wealth and public plunder. We may expect the moneycontrolled newspapers to distort our every word and action. They will distort this review. They will distort any statement we may make, no matter how buttressed with facts that are matters of common knowledge. But the plain people of New York know that we have served them faithfully and well. They know that we are fighting for them and their rights, and with their verdict we will be content. 18 CITY'S NEW SUBWAYS WILL SOLVE TRANSIT PROBLEM Work Begun on Two Sections of Washington Heights-West Side Line-New Routes Will Link Boroughs in City-Wide System-Prompt Action by City Board of Transportation Ground was broken on March 14, at 123rd Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, for the first two sections of the Washington Heights-West Side Subway, marking the beginning of construction of the City's independent subway system, which will link the various boroughs, relieve the present intolerable conditions, and afford adequate transit facilities for many years to come. It will bring every part of the Greater City into immediate touch with every other part. This is a signal victory for the people of New York, who since 1918 had been endeavoring to obtain at the hands of the Legislature in Albany the right to plan, build and operate their own rapid transit lines. The right of the City to initiate its own transit system was not granted until July, 1924, when the Board of Transportation took office and immediately turned to the task of designing and planning new subway lines independent of existing privately operated traction systems. 55 Miles of New Routes Laid Out Since last July, the Board has adopted 55 miles of new routes, containing 169 miles of service tracks. The independent subway system is so designed as to serve the greatest number of persons and the largest practicable areas as indicated by the following plans which have been promulgated by the Board of Transportation: Manhattan Trunk Lines From 216th Street, near the Harlem River, where power house, repair shops and storage yards will be located, down Broadway to the vicinity of Dyckman Street, where it will turn southwesterly to 193rd Street and Overlook Terrace; down Fort Washington Avenue to 174th Street, where a small section has been under construction since August, 1924, in preparation for the erection of a Public School on that site; thence southeasterly to Broadway and 173rd Street, down Broadway to St. Nicholas Avenue, down St. Nicholas Avenue to Eighth Avenue and 122nd Street, down Eighth Avenue (two sections are being constructed now between 111th Street and 133rd Street), and into Central Park West, along the Park wall, skirting Columbus Circle, down Eighth Avenue again, to 53rd Street, where it will join the Long Island City-Queens Borough extension. From 53rd street the trunk lines go down 6th and 8th avenues to a junction at, 6th avenue, Carmine street and Houston street, where the lower East Side link extends through Houston street toward the Bowery and on eastward to Essex street, to Rutgers street and the East River. From the junction of 6th avenue and Carmine street, the line continues down the proposed 6th avenue extension, which will be one of the convenient approaches to the New York and New Jersey Vehicular Tunnel. Crossing over to Lispenard and Church streets, it will continue southerly to the rear of Trinity Church, turning eastward into Wall street to the East River to Orange street, Brooklyn. Brooklyn Crosstown Loop Line From 53rd street, Manhattan, under the East River to Nott avenue, Long Island City, to Van Alst avenue, under Newtown Creek to Manhattan avenue, to Green street to McCarren __ CI --- - --- - --- — `- -— ---. __ I _ ~ _ __ HUDO50 IV RI VER UPPER BAY 4 BRONX Jr^ \ I I t I 'i E I^r B R 0 0 K L r 1 / j '-l...."I\ < U E I I I I BOaRO OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE C/tY.OF NE.W YOOtf N6S/NCERNG DOEPARTMENr PROPOSED CiarsavwYr LINES 6ENER. RL PL RN 6~/fie 2"s IMIE APPROX J Dw, N2 /96 r/LE Na4-9 - ~~ I. ~~ ill I 20 Building 14th Street-Eastern Extension With this situation confronting them when they took office last July, the Board accelerated, with all possible speed, the task of finishing the extension to the 14th Street-Eastern subway, with the result that in the Fall of 1924 contracts were advertised and awarded for three sections of this line. These three sections, extending along and under McKibben street, Ilarrison place and Wyckoff avenue, from Boerum street to Varick avenue, were awarded to contractors in November last, at an aggregate of $9,000,000. As soon as the weather conditions permitted, ground was broken early in February, 1925, on these contracts. Only one section of the 14th street-Eastern line remains to be contracted for. That is the section from Varick avenue, under Eastern Parkway to a connection with the Broadway elevated line to East New York. $100,000,000 for Subways Since 1918 Since 1918, the present City administration has appropriated $27,000,000 for 160 rapid transit construction contracts, and paid out $73,000,000 for completed rapid transit construction work. $21,000,000 in Contracts Awarded Since the Board of Transportation succeeded on July 1, 1924, to the powers and the duties formerly possessed by the State Transit Commission to plan and construct new rapid transit lines as well as additions or extensions to existing systems, the following contracts have been awarded as a result of competitive bidding: Date Amount Subject Contractor Awarded of Bid Agreement "DK"-Test Borings along P. J. Healey July 29, 1924 $7,213.75 McKibbin St., Harrison Place, Wyckoff Ave., Schaefer Street and Broadway, Brooklyn Agreement "DI"-Relocation of Col- Fox, Reynolds Co., Inc. Sept. 16, 1924 20,300.00 umns and Stairways, Broadway at 240th and 242nd Streets Order No. 9-Supply of Ties and Robinson Lumber Co. Sept. 23, 1924 111,920.01 Timber Order No. 24-Supply of Special Win. Wharton, Jr., & Oct. 7, 1924 33,018.00 Work for Lenox Avenue Yard Co., Inc. Agreement "DJ"-Changes in struc- Contractors Service Cor- Oct. 14, 1924 72,304.00 ture so as to permit widening of poration Lexington Avenue from 53rd to 60th Streets Agreement "DM"-Grouting Leaks MI. D. Walsh Oct. 28, 1924 6,388.00 at Lexington Avenue and 60th Street Section 6-C, Route 8-14th Street- Oakdale Contr. Co., Inc. Oct. 31, 1924 3,595,038.00 Eastern Line Section 6-B, Route 8-14th Street- Underpinning & Founda- Nov. 5, 1924 2,733,227.00 Eastern Line tion Co. Section 6-D, Route 8-14th Street- Oakdale Contr. Co., Inc. Nov. 11, 1924 3,202,939.00 Eastern Line 21 Subject Order No. 4-Rolled Manganese Rail Agreement "DD"-Miscellaneous Construction and Station Finish-Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn Agreement "DN"-Changes in Structure so as to permit widening of East 41st Street, East of Park Avenue Route No. 52-Foundations, Retaining Walls and Embankment, Corona Yard Order No. 25-Supply of Special Work for Flushing Extension Tracks, Sections 1 and 2, Route No. 52 Borings, Agreement "DQ" Station Finish, 11th Street Station Columns, Agreement "DP" Order No. 10-Supply of Ties and Timber Order No. 26-Supply of Special Work Construction of Section No. 3, Route No. 78 Construction of Section No. 3-A, Route No. 78 Foundations, Coney Island Yard Enclosure, Coney Island Yard Steel, Corona Yard Steel, Coney Island Yard Miscellaneous Construction, Agreement "DF" Station Finish, 95th Street Station Order No. 11-Supply of Ties and Timber Contractor Manganese Steel Rail Co. Leo C. Leone & Company, Inc. David Levy Lustbader Construction Co., Inc. Ramapo-Ajax Corporation T. H. Reynolds Osborne Drilling Co. Chas. Meads & Co. Buckingham Steel Co. Robinson Lumber Co. Lorain Steel Co. Heyman & Goodman Co. Rosoff Engineering Co. John H. Duncan John H. Duncan Levering & Garrigues Bethlehem Steel Co. B. T. & J. J. Mack Suffolk Building Corp. Robinson Lumber Co. Date Awarded Nov. 18, 1924 Nov. 25, 1924 Dec. 9, 1924 Dec. 16, 1924 Dec. 16, 1924 Jan. 13, 1925 Jan. 13, 1925 Jan. 20, 1925 Jan. 20, 1925 Feb. 3, 1925 Feb. 10, 1925 Feb. 17, 1925 Feb. 17, 1925 Feb. 25, 1925 Mar. 4, 1925 Mar. 4, 1925 Mar. 4, 1925 Mar. 10, 1925 Mar. 10, 1925 Mar. 17, 1925 Amount of Bid 35,479.50 3,949.00 4,033.75 235,934.19 38,946.00 193,805.00 53,167.50 96,449.00 1,225.00 13,246.69 9,522.00 4,908,261.00 4,689,775.00 534,702.05 192,458.65 69,000.00 670,005.00 18,378.60 127,678.50 13,618.91 Total..........................$21,692,013.10 $3,401,294.76 in Contracts Completed In the same period of time the following contracts which were in course of execution at the time the Board entered upon its duties were completed and accepted by the Board: Date Amount Subject Contractor Completed of Bid Third Addition to Shops, at Lenox Rosenthal Engineering & July 15, 1924 $295,800.50 Avenue Yard Contracting Co. Installation of Tracks in 180th Street McElroy & Kerwin July 15, 1924 15,285.00 Yard Completion of Built-In Newsstand Chas. Meads & Co. July 29, 1924 56,219.00 Enclosures 22 Subject Contractor I Corn Furnishing and Erecting Steel Third Addition to Shops, Lenox Avenue Yard Additional Approach Track Lenox Avenue Yard Order No. 6-Cast Iron Order No. 6-Splice Bars Order No. 6-Bolts and Nuts, Nut Locks and Washers Order No. 6-Anti-Creepers Order No. 6-Spikes and Lag Screws Removal of Columns at East 177th St. and Boston Road Additional Elevators 168th Street Station Superstructure over Shaft and Passageway between Tubes, 14th Street-Eastern Tunnel Order No. 6-Ties and Timber Ventilation Flue at XWest 32d Street and Broadway Protective Railing and Retaining Vall at Portal, 60th Street Tunnel Order No. 6-Tie Plates Order No. 6-Malleable Iron Installation of Switchlack Track, East of Queens Plaza Station Duct Line at 239th Street Yard Column Foundations-Section 2, Route 52, Flushing Line Station Finish-Lawrence St. Station Miscellaneous Construction and Station Finish Second Addition to Shops, Lenox Avenue Yard Installation of Tracks, 14th StreetEastern Line Agreement "CT," construction permanent ramp, Times Sq. Station Installation of tracks, part of Jerome Avenue Yard Electrical Repair Shop, Coney Island Yard, Furnishing and Erecting Steel Furnishing and Erecting Steel, Flushing Route, Route 52, Section 2 Borings along Central Park West, 8th Ave. and St. Nicholas Ave. Route, Agreement "DE" Furnishing and Erecting Steel, Route 52. Sect. 1 McClintic-Marshall Co. July Slattery Engineering & Aug. Construction Co., Inc. Foran Foundry & Mfg. Aug. Co. The Rail Joint Co. Aug. Oliver Iron & Steel Corp. Aug. P. & M. Company Aug. Oliver Iron & Steel Corp. Aug. Gotham Construction Corp. Aug. Otis Elevator Company Sept. B. T. & J. J. Mack, Inc. Sept. )ate pleted 29, 1924 19, 1924 19, 1924 19, 1924 26, 1924 26, 1924 26, 1924 26, 1924 Amount of Bid 293,888.00 209,466.00 1,536.00 7,404.50 17,638.42 3,200.00 10,979.00 28,743.00 2, 1924 89,550.00 2, 1924 9,994.60 Robinson Lumber Co. Sept. 9, 1924 Slattery Engineering & Sept. 16, 1924 Construction Co., Inc. IHamme & Jackson, Inc. Sept. 16, 1924 Bethlehem Steel Company Albany Malleable Iron Co. B. T. & J. J. Mack, Inc. Felix Hanratty Gotham Construction Corporation Station Finish Corporation Frank Persicano Jacob Schlesinger, Inc. T. H. Reynolds Contracting Co. Fox, Reynolds Co. Slattery Engr. & Constr. Co. J. P. Clarke Jobson-Gifford Co. Philip J. Healey McClintic-Marshall Co. Oct. 7, 1924 Oct. 7, 1924 Oct. 7, 1924 Oct. 7, 1924 Oct. 28, 1924 Nov. 5, 1924 Dec. 9, 1924 Dec. 23, 1924 Dec. 23, 1924 Jan. 6, 1925 Jan. 13, 1925 Jan. 13, 1925 6,686.50 28,810.00 37,735.00 53,112.50 7,533.88 28,562.50 9,663.00 149,830 00 51,073.65 20,570.00 313,154.50 22,513.00 11,519.63 60,221.43 61,239.87 Jan. 20, 1925 391,802.16 Jan. 20, 1925 6,727.01 Jan. 20, 1925 618,831.30 23 Date Amount Subject Contractor Completed of Bid Additional entrance, Mott avenue Pattelli & Wilson Feb. 10, 1925 13,495.48 and 138th street Additional Entrance, 168th Street Holbrook, Cabot, Rollins Feb. 17, 1925 262,434.18 Station Corp. Station Finish, Route 8, Sects. 3, 4 Station Finish Corp. Mar. 10, 1925 206,075.15 and 5 Total...........................$3,401,294.76 Contracts That Are in Force At the time of the transmittal of this report the following contracts were in force: Bethlehem Steel Products Co........ Powers-Kennedy Contracting Corp... Station Finish Corporation.......... Frederick L. Cranford, Inc.......... Frederick L. Cranford, Inc.......... Joslin Construction Co., Inc......... Jacob Schlesinger, Inc.............. Wagner Engineerinlg Co............. Oakdale Contr. Co., Inc.............. Underpinning & Foundation Co...... M. A. Charles...................... D. C. Serber....................... T. A. Gillespie...................... John Riches....................... Gustin-Morris Contracting Corp..... P. T. Cox Contracting Co........... Charles Meads & Co................ Charles Meads & Co................ Jno. D. W alsh, Inc................. P. J. H ealey....................... Levering & Garrigues............... Fox-Reynolds Co................... Robinson Lumber Co................ Wm. Wharton, Jr., & Co., Inc....... M. D. W alsh....................... T. H. Reynolds Contracting Company Slattery Engineering & Const. Co.... Contractors' Service Corporation..... Oakdale Contr. Co., Inc............. Manganese Steel Rail Co............ Leo C. Leone & Co., Inc............ David Levy........................ Lustbader Constr. Co., Inc........... Open Hearth Rail, Order No. 3 Routes Nos. 35 & 67, Queensboro Extension Station Finish, Secs. 1 & 2, Route 8 Lawrence Street Station Section 6-A-i, Route 8, 14th Street-Eastern Line Jackson Avenue Station Inspection Shed and Service Buildings, Jerome Avenue Yard I)irection Signs Section 3, Route 52, Flushing Line Section 6-B, Route 8, 14th Street-Eastern Line Bridge at Ninth Ave. and 38th St., Bklyn. Third Addition to Shops, Lenox Ave. Yard Section 3, Route 11B-Fourth Avenue Extension Relocation of Stairways, 157th St. Station Additional Entrance, Canal St. Station Foundations, Westchester Yard Steel, Westchester Yard Waterproofing Track Floor, Route No. 39 Foundations, Electrical Repair Shop, Coney Island Yard Borings, McKibbin Street Route Steel for Inspection Shed, 239th St. Yard Removal of Columns and Stairways, Broadway, 240th and 242nd Sts. Ties and Timber, Order No. 9 Special Work, Order No. 24 Grouting Leaks at Lexington Ave. and 60th St. Installation Tracks, Lenox Ave. and 148th St. Yard Construction Signal Tower, Lenox Ave. Yard Alterations in Subway Structure. Widening Lexington Ave., 53rd St. to 60th St. Construction Route 8, Section 6-C, Portion of 14th Street-Eastern Line Supply of Manganese Rail, Order No. 4 Miscellaneous Construction and Station Finish Changes Due to Widening East 41st St. Foundations, Retaining Wall and Embankment, Corona Yard 24 Ramapo Ajax Corp................. Special \Work, Order No. 25 T. H. Reynolds Contracting Co., Inc.. Installation of Tracks, Flushing Extension Osborne Drilling Corp............... Borings, \Vall St., 8th Ave., 53rd St., etc. Chas. Meads & Co.................. Station Finish, 111th St. Station, Flushing Line Buckingham Steel Co., Inc.......... Removal of Columns, Broadway and Spuyten Duyvil Robinson Lumber Co................ Supply of Ties and Timber Order No. 10 Rosoff Engineering Co.............. Route 78, Section 3-A Heyman & Goodman............... Route 78, Section 3 Progress Made in Constructing Extensions Construction of tlhe Corona extension to Flushinll; extension of tlhe Fourthll avenue B. M. T. line to the 95th street termius at Fort IHamilton; cxtesion of the Oueensboro subway from Grand Central Terminal under Bryant Park to 41st street and Eighth avenue, now under way, and improvements to existing structures are examples of the progress made in subway construction. Building Yards and Shops for Storage and Repair Notable progress has been made in the construction of yards and shops for storage, inspection and repair of rolling stock of the Interborough and the B. M. T. systems. The Coney Island shops have, in the main, been contracted for. These shops will cost $10,000,000 and wrill be the most complete of the kind in this country. The site at Shell Road and Avenue X, Conev Island, will embrace an area of 65 acres. The buildings will have a floor space of 475.000 square feet, affording storage capacity for 1,000 cars and inspection pits for 64 cars, as well as wharfage facilities on Coney Island Creek. The main repair shop building will be sufficient in its capacity and equipment to maintain in service and in a state of repair 3,000 steel cars of the type now in use on the B. M. T. system. The additions to the Lenox Avenue Shops at 148th Street and the Harlem River to serve the Lexington and the Lenox A\venue subway lines, the Westchester Avenue yards to serve the Pelham Bay Park branch of the Interborough subway, the Wakefield yards at 239th Street to serve the White Plains Avenue line, the Jerome Avenue yards and shops to serve the Jerome-Lexington Avenue line and the Corona yards and shops for service to the Corona-Flushing extensions are other accomplishments in the provision of yard and shop facilities. Improvements Made in Stations and Platforms Additional facilities for the traveling public have been provided by such improvements asEnlargement of the station platforms and the additional stairways to the platforms of the 161st Street station of the L exington-Jerome Avenue line for the benefit of the enormous traffic to and from the American League Baseball Park (Yankee Stadium) in the Bronx. New elevator shaft, upper and lower platforms and passageways at the 168th Street-Broadway station, and the enlargement of the original stairway. Relocation of station entrances at 157th Street and Broadway. 25 Additional station entrances and exits at Mott Avenue and 138th Street. New mezzanine entrances and exits at Wall and William Streets. Enlarging of the Jackson Avenue station in Queens. Additional station entrance and stairway at Canal and Centre Streets, Manhattan. 113 Routes for City-Wide Bus System Recommended by Board of Transportation The necessity of providing more surface transportation, dlue to tlhe failure of tle street car companies to meet the situation, has led to the installation of emergency bus lines, which proved so p)opular and practicable, that the early installation of a City-wide bus system was demanded. If the Legislature will vest in the City the power to own and operate municipal bus lines, or the courts decide that such power is now resident in the City under the I-ome Rule Act, the Board of Estimate will appropriate without delay the funds required for such bus service. The Board of Transportation estimates that for a city-wide municipal bus systemi 1,000 single-deck and 250 doul)le-deck buses, costing $9,000,000, will be required, and that all necessary garages may be constructed for $3,000,000. Such an appropriation will be made and municipal buses will be on the streets of this city within 90 days if the right of the City authorities to engage in municipal ownership and operation of bus lines is definitely established. Imperative Demand for More Surface Transportation The Board of Transportation conducted two surveys of the whole omnibus situation, with a view to recommending routes imperatively required, regardless of whether such bus lines would be privately or publicly owned and operated. The surveys showed that the existing bus lines in Greater New York carry approximately 100,000,000 passengers annually, and that tlere has been no increase in surface car facilities in recent years. Indeed on some of the trolley lines service was abandoned, although the franchise rights and in some cases perpetual long-term franchise grants were not relinquished. 113 Bus Routes Recommended by the Board After considering the applications of 52 individuals or corporations for 80 separate franchise rights to operate 113 bus routes in this city, the Board recommended the establishment of the following bus routes, largely on the basis of a five cent fare, without however specifying any particular operator or applicant, or any particular type of bus or favored route: MANHATTAN 1. Lafayette Street, Madison and Park Avenues (Central longitudinal Route) 2. Park Row, Avenue A and 1st Avenue (East Side longitudinal Route) 3. Murray Hill, West End Avenue and Upper Broadway (West Side longitudinal Route) 4. Murray Hill, West End and St. Nicholas Avenues (West Side longitudinal Route) 5. Madison and Chambers Streets 26 6. Spring and Delancey Streets 7. 17th and 18th Streets 8. Grand Central, Penn. Station and West 23d Street Ferry 9. 49th and 50th Streets 10. 79th Street 11. 86th Street 12. 96th Street The Manhattan routes recommended are 52.85 miles. BROOKLYN SYSTEM "A" 1. Ocean Parkway. 2. Coney Island-Mermaid Avenue. 3. Shcepshead Bay-Plumb Beach. 4. Sheepshead Bay-Brighton Beach-Oriental Blvd. 5. Avenue U-Gerrittsen Beach. 6. Cropsey Avenue. 7. Kings Highway. SYSTEM "B" 8. 18 Avenue-Beverly Road. 9. Fort Hamilton Parkway. 10. Staten Island Ferry Crosstown. 11. Bay Ridge-Staten Island Ferry. 12. 53rd Street-Avenue J. 13. 39th Street Ferry. 14. Windsor Heights. 15. Prospect Avenue. SYSTEM "C" 16. East New York Avenue-Saratoga Avenue. 17. Pitkin Avenue-Brownsville. 18. Crescent Street. 19. Lafayette Avenue. 20. Bedford Avenue. The twenty routes total 78.25 miles. THIE BRONX SYSTEM "A" 1. Concourse-138th Street 2. Concourse-Hub 3. Prospect Avenue (including 138th Street Branch) SYSTEM "B" 4. Jerome Avenue SYSTEM "C" 5. City Island 6. Throggs Neck 7. Outer Boston Road 8. Williamsbridge Road 9. Eastchester Road SYSTEM "D" 10. Riverdale Avenue The proposed Bronx systems are 44.3 miles. 27 QUEENS SYSTEM "A" Route No. 1. Hillside Avenue-Springfield Boulevard. 2. Hillside Avenue-Hollis. 3. Jamaica-Hollis Loop. SYSTEM "B" 4. Merrick Road. SYSTEM "C" 5. Sutphin Boulevard-Rockaway Boulevard. 6. Rockaway Boulevard-Farmers Avenue. SYSTEM "D" 7. Jerome Avenue. 8. Lincoln Avenue. 9. Hillside Avenuc-Leffcrts Avenue. 10. Woodhaven Boulevard-Howard Beach. SYSTEM "E" 11. Fresh Pond Road. 12. Decatur Street. SYSTEM "F" 13. Flushing-Bayside. 14. Flushing-Whitestone. 15. Flushing-Jamaica. The total mileage is 63. Staten Island Routes Operated by tle (City Trackless Trolley Lines LINOLEUMVILLE LINE-From Richmond Turnpike and Carteret Ferry, at Arthur Kill, Linoleumville to Richmond Turnpike and Wheeler Avenue, Fairview Heights. 4.9 miles. SEAVIEW LINE-From Richmond Turnpike and Wheeler Avenue, Fairview Heights to Seaview Hospital, Dongan Hills. 1.6 miles. TOTTENVILLE LINE-From Richmond Road and Court Place, Richmond, to Amboy Road and Elliott Avenue, Tottenville. 9 miles. Trolley Lines Operated by the City MANOR ROAD LINE-Eckstein's Brewery and Broadway and Richmond Terrace. 2.56 miles. MIDLAND BEACH LINE-St. George Ferry to Midland Beach. 7.39 miles PORT RICHMOND-CONCORD LINE-St. George Ferry to Port Richmond, via Concord. 7.74 niles. PORT RICHMOND-CONCORD-MIDLAND BEACH (SutIMER) —Port Richmond to Midland Beach, via Concord. 8.12 miles. RICHMOND LINE-St. George Ferry to Richmond. 8.20 miles. SILVER LAKE LINE-St. George Ferry to Port Richmond. 6.90 miles. In view of the fact that the City maintains a five cent trackless trolley and surface railroad service in Richmond Borough no recommendation was made as to the petitions of private operators for ten cent service. 28 194 NEW SCHOOLS BUILT OR BUILDING Greatest Construction Program Ever Undertaken-Adds 251,825 Seats for Pupils-$190,000,000 for Schools, Far More Than Was Appropriated by All Previous Administrations for Twenty Years \When this adminiistration canle into office in 1918. tlhere was a distressing shortage in school accollmlodations. Schools were seriously overcrowded, many thousands of pupils were on half time, and strenuous measures were necessary to prevent the clogging- of the whole educational system. School construction had been practically suspended, nulmerous buildings were lilapidated, an(l extensive repairs were needed. Plans were immediately initiated to remedy this condition, and we soon entered upon the greatest school building program in our history. Since 1918, 128 new school buildings have been completed-119 elementary and 9 high schools, providing an additional seating capacity of 134,705. Sixty-six schools are now under construction, which will provide some 117,120 more seats. Fifty-three of these will be ready for occupancy for the fall term of 1925. 251,825 More Seats Provided for Pupils The school-building program we are carrying out is the largest any city has ever undertaken, involving the building of 194 new schools, and adding 251,825 seats to the number available for pupils. This extensive construction program, which was absolutely necessary to provide for educating the children of the city, and $30,000,000 repairs made in old buildings, many of which have been modernized, bring the total for school construction and repairs during this administration up to $190,000,000. The following tables show the school buildings complleted and those under construction: ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OPENlED UNDER CONSTRUCTION No. of Seating No. of Seating Schools Cost Capacity Schools Cost Capacity Manhattan...... 12 $7,757,178.79 15,161 7 $7,828,931.00 13,567 The Bronx...... 28 16,867,962.82 33,763 15 14,147,757.00 24,055 Brooklyn........ 42 22,470,776.73 49,978 20 18,366,624.00 34,609 Queens......... 32 6,369,624.94 15,411 13 12,904,386.00 25,032 Richmond....... 5 740,457.60 1,678 4 1,903,646.00 3,213 Total....... 119 $54,206,300.88 115,991 59 $55,151,344.00 100,476. ----.. 'V' mm le" A, Aw 'I'll" l O gNGUILNG NEWX; eE H 5CFO S OFpETED 59 UNNEERW CONSn (AbOve) OEF yES F 59 (eolow ) Ty 30 HIGH SCHOOLS OPENED UNDER CONSTRI CTION No. of Seating No. of Seating Schools Cost Capacity Schools Cost Capacity Manhattan...... 1 $3,006,731.59 4,208 3 $6,727,438.00 8,376 The Bronx.......... 1 2,899,117.00 3,388 Brooklyn........ 4 8,400,112.24 11,924 2 4,001,328.00 4,640 Queens......... 3 2,407,418.50 1,966 1 906,666.00 240* Richmond....... 1 1,247,827.67 616.............. Total....... 9 $15,062,090.00 18,714 7 $14,534,549.00 16,644 ALL SCHOOLS COMBINED EL.EMENTARY HIGtl SCHOO(.S Manhattan...... 19 $15,586,109.79 28,728 4 $9,734,169.59 12,584 The Bronx...... 43 31,015,719.82 57,818 1 2,899,117.00 3,388 Brooklyn........ 62 40,837,400.73 84,587 6 12,401,440.24 16,564 Queens........45 19,274,010.94 40,443 4 3,314,084.50 2,206 Richmond....... 9 2,644,103.60 4,891 1 1,247,827.67 616 Total....... 178 $109,357,344.88 216,467 16 $29,596,639.00 35,358:: Represents the New York Parental School at Flushing. 964,136 In Day Elementary Schools The first concern of our school system is to provide educational opportunities for every child in our city from 7 to 16 years of age whose attendance is required by law. These, for the most part, attend the day elementary school which is "the school of the people." There are now 567 elementary schools with a total register of 964,136, and an average daily attendance of 764,752, with 24,226 teachers and principals. Besides the regular common branches, which include reading, writing, arithmetic, English (language and grammar, composition, spelling, literature), geography and history, instruction is now given in drawing, music, sewing, physical training, shopwork, nature study, science, civics and ldomestic science and art. For children of pre-school age kindergarten and kindergarten extension classes are maintained, open to children above the age of five. There are now 926 kindergarten classes with 40,566 pupils. In its provision for education of mentally and physically handicapped children our school system shows the great progress that has been made in education in recent years. Classes for Blind and Deaf. Anaemic and Tubercular Children For the blind children and those whose sight is in poor condition, special instruction is given. There are seven classes for the blind with a register of 68, and 54 sight conservation classes with a register of 898 pupils. A special school is maintained for the deaf children, in which 377 are nowv receiving instruction. For the undernourished, anaemic or physically subnormal child, special classes are conducted, the first consideration being physical condition. The classrooms 31 are suitably located, and the windows are so arranged as to permit the greatest possible influx of fresh air. Some of the classes hold sessions on the roofs of school buildings. At present there are 138 such classes with a register of 3,357. Outdoor classes are conducted in sanitariums, hospitals and on abandoned ferryboats, etc., for children who have tuberculosis or who have tendencies towards the disease. Sessions are held outdoors and the child receives care similar to that in the open-air classes. There are now 620 children in these classes, which have made it possible for many of the children to return to the regular classes in sound physical condition. Cripples Instructed in Schools and Hospitals Classes are conducted in schools and hospitals for children who have been crippled by accident or disease, or who are suffering from some disease of the joints or limbs. Special equipment is provided, so that the child may assume a comfortable position while receiving instruction. Hospital classes are for those children confined in the hospitals and whom we cannot transport to schools. Formerly these little ones would have been obliged to remain at home, or if able to attend school, would have to struggle under many handicaps. With the movable furniture and other special equipment, the crippled child whose mind is unaffected is able to make progress in his studies as well as the normal child. There are now 133 such classes with 2,729 pupils. For children suffering from cardiac diseases, special treatment is provided. There are now 36 classes for cardiopathic children, in which 873 children are receiving instruction and treatment. The pupils work under the careful supervision of doctors and nurses with a modified school program, and in class rooms located on the lower floors of the school buildings so as to cause a minimum of stairclimbing. For mental defectives, who in regular classes would be hopelessly retarded and would handicap normal children, classes are conducted in such subjects and activities as they can master. There are at present 315 such classes with 6,103 children. Home Teachers for Helpless Cripples The terrible scourge of infantile paralysis a few years ago left in its wake among our children hundreds of cripples, many of whom were so badly afflicted as to be helplessly bedridden or confined to their homes. For the instruction of these unfortunates at their homes, the Board of Education employs teachers who visit these children three or four days a week. It is needless to say that the visiting teacher receives enthusiastic welcome from both the parents and the child. Provision is now made for the speech defective who in years gone by because of his stuttering and stammering was an object of pity and ridicule. Teachers are provided who give instruction and curative treatment to groups of pupik who have such speech defects as stammering, stuttering, lisping and lolling. There are three probationary schools and three truant schools. These make provision for a type of exceptional or maladjusted child, the truant or incorrigible. Commitment to the truant or parental schools is employed as a last resort. In the truant schools there are 374 pupils. In a number of elementary schools prevocational classes and courses are con 32 ducted offering pupils in the 7th and Sth years an opportunity to engage in industrial work, and secure a type of experience in the elements of fundamental trades. Junior High and High Schools Our Junior High Schools include in one organization the last two years of the elementary school and the first year of the high school. A feature of these schools is the rapid advancement classes in which are placed exceptionally bright pupils. These classes do the work of the 7th, 8th, and 9th years in two years, thereby saving not only considerable cost to the city but also one year in the pupil's school life. There are at present 45 Junior high schools, with a register of 66,100. Day High Schools Next in iml)ortance to our elementary schools are the high schools, of which we have 35. These provide many different types of courses: —academic, agricultural, art, commercial, cooperative courses; dressmaking, costume designing, food and cooking, homecraft and homenaking, industrial art, manual training and scientific courses, preparing for admission to universities, tec'nological and professional colleges, art and industrial schools, as well as for business and technical positions. In the thirty-five high schools there are 106,243 children, and sonme 4,482 teachers and principals. 3,811 in Vocational Schools Our school system maintains four vocational schools; two in Manhattan, and one in Brooklyn, one trade school for girls, and the Board of Education also conducts a Textile School which has recently been made a high school organization. The courses of study prepare the pupils for various trades, and include such subjects as carpentry, electric wiring, machine shop, auto repair. plulmbing, printing sheet metal, sign painting, pattern making; for the girls, dressmaking, millinery, lampshade making, artificial flowers, garment machine operating an(l embroidery and novelty work. They now have 3,811 pupils. Three Training Schools for Teachers To supply the school system with properly trained teachers, the Board of Education maintains three training schools for teachers. The courses have been lengthened from two to three y;ears, and there are now 2,353 in attendance. To effect a better understanding between the home and the school there are employed in the day elementary schools a number of visiting teachers. They investigate cases of problem children assigned by the l)rincipal and endeavor to discover, if possible, causes of irregular attendance, tardiness, misconduct, poor scholarship, ill health, etc. They visit the homes, advise parents in reference to the need of medical attention and where to secure it and as to the need for proper food, clothing, exercise, etc., and through such efforts endeavor to secure a better adjustment of child, school and home. 33 School Lunches Served in Thirty Schools A school lunch service is maintained in thirty schools. This is to provide for nourishing food in schools where a high percentage of malnutrition exists among the pupils, and also to disseminate through a campaign of food education a knowledge of proper food for children. In Manhattan the food is cooked in central kitchens, and sent out in thermos containers by trucks to the different schools. In Brooklyn and The Bronx each school has its own kitchen. During the year a total of 1,250,000 children are served. After-School Violin Classes After school violin classes are maintained in many of the elementary schools. The Board of Education provides suitable rooms and heat. The pupils pay a small fee to the teachers, who are approved by the Board of Superintendents and the Director of Music. The children furnish their own instruments. Student Organizations Represent Variety of Interests In all the various day schools, pupils' school organizations represent a variety of interests and include, in the day elementary, self-government organizations, orchestras, glee clubs, athletic societies, hygiene clubs, little mothers clubs, etc. In the high schools there are literary societies, debating societies, athletic associations, civic organizations, student government organizations, glee clubs, orchestras and the like. They have the guidance of teachers who volunteer for the work. A large number of the schools maintain student newspapers or publications. School Libraries Contain 766,366 Books Since 1903 the Department has maintained an intensive system of school libraries. At present there are 3 training school libraries, 30 high school, 3 Junior-Senior high school, 44 Junior High School, 11,901 elementary classroom libraries, 34 central libraries in elementary schools, and 513 teachers' reference libraries. The total number of books was 766,366, with a circulation of 8,913,195 during the last school year. Compulsory and Voluntary Continuation Schools There are now eight compulsory continuation schools with 40,719 pupils. These are for children who have left the elementary school before completion of the course and who are now engaged in some occupation. Voluntary classes for improvement of workers in industrial concerns, department stores, hotels, etc., are also maintained for those beyond the compulsory age limit. 34 The Department conducts 68 Americanization classes for the training of adults in English and in citizenship. These day classes are held in settlement houses, church houses, schools, and serve large numbers of foreign mothers who are unable to attend regular evening school classes in English for foreigners. Many Thousands in Evening Schools Foremost among extension activities are the evening elementary schools, of which there are 69, with an attendance of 46,804. They afford instruction in common school branches; in English to foreigners, andl in sl)ecial subjects, such as homemaking, sewing and cooking. The Department also conducts 15 evening high schools, with academic, commercial and industrial subjects parallel to the courses in the regular day. high schools. There are 24,184 pupils availing themselves of these facilities. The evening trade schools, of which there are 10, offer instruction in trades, such as industrial home-making subjects, to 12,258 pupils over 16 years of age, who are employed during part of the day. Vacation Schools and Playgrounds During the summer the Board of Education maintains numerous vacation activities. In the 53 vacation schools in 1924 there were 20,393 pupils, and 14,407 in the three summer high schools. There are more than 258 vacation playgrounds and play centers at which the average daily attendance in 1924 was 137,483. Swimming pools and shower baths are also conducted in the schools, open day and evening throughout the year and are very popular. The number of school baths now operated is 72. Community Centers-Civic Forums-Free Lectures The community centers, of which there are 251, provide proper forms of civic training, recreation and social education for the young people, and also afford adults with opportunities for recreation. The community center has played a successful part in developing civic and social consciousness in neighborhood groups and has been an important agency in the work for Americanization. The extensive system of free lectures, open to adults, gives the people an opportunity of employing their leisure time profitably and hearing lectures on topics of timely interest. During the past school year the department conducted 82 centers, at which 2,428 lectures were given with an aggregate attendance of 513,235. 35 LIFE AND PROPERTY BETTER PROTECTED Police Department Reorganized, 2,226 Patrolmen Added-Organized Vice Suppressed, Crime Reduced-Entire Force Brought to Higher Standard Vice, gambling and organized prostitution operated openly and brazenly l)efore the present administration took charge in 1918. Depraved women infested the more frequented thoroughfares, acting in concert with proprietors of assignation houses and gambling resorts. Many disorderly houses and apartments and 48 notorious houses of assignation had been in operation for years, some of them for a quarter of a century. Poker, stuss, faro, roulette and other gambling games were conducted in them, in open defiance of the law. How this vicious element, some assuming an appearance of respectability, but most of them known thieves, blackmailers, pickpockets and burglars, could have flourished in. full view of a police administration that boasted of its efficiency. and indeed posed as political reformers, without guaranteed protection is beyond undlerstanding. Wiping Out Organized Vice The uniformed and special service police forces were reorganized, prostitutes were driven from the streets, gambling resorts and disorderly houses closed and an unrelenting war waged against organized vice. The intricate system of gambling on horse-races, with its nine racing centrals, hundreds of telephone connections and an army of agents and parasites, has been destroyed. Those who have survived, under the benign protection of racing clubs, exist only by dodging from place to place. Department at Highest State of Efficiency From the chaotic conditions that prevailed at the close of 1917, with disorganization, confusion and a shortage of 871 men, the Police Department has been brought to the highest state of efficiency it has ever known. Offices, station houses and habitations of the Department were in a dilapidated condition. Horses in use were aged, decrepit and worn-out, and the necessary supply of horses had been reduced more than one-half without replacement. The motor vehicular equipment had almost vanished. Hundred of bicycles or motor-cycles, broken or out of order, were stored, and the cars and cycles in service were generally in bad condition. The steamer "Patrol" and several of the police launches of the marine division were in a state of advanced decay. In fact, the total mobile and floating equipment was dilapidated and unsafe. Buildings Restored, Old Equipment Replaced Renovating buildings and equipment, restoring and replacing furniture, motor vehicles, bicycles, motor-cycles and horses, was an expensive and gigantic task, as we were obliged to provide for the current needs of the Department and at - Yl "I a I-~ L 0,, I — 7 1 I La J ~ A lfi, ''"U I r. ftl '...." \. /'I t 1 '. " I Ity T uI PO, IC ~vPRO VII) l)IPQ0IpV, llo:olVf fARIE 'VE AATI) M ATEp~rir i 37 the same time repair the neglect and improvidence of previous years. But this has been accomplished with complete success, and the physical and mechanical equipment is in better condition than ever before. Authority Centralized, Useless Positions' Abolished The old policy of creating special bureaus and squads to perform various police functions had broken up the organization into small groups without responsible control, resulting in duplication of work and inefficiency. Centralization of forces, establishment of proper supervision and control were accomplished by placing the entire uniformed force under the immediate control of the Chief Inspector, and the clerical and civilian forces under control of the Chief Clerk. A large number of useless positions were abolished, resulting in considerable saving of public funds, and other important economies were effected. New Station Houses Erected-18 Old Stations Abolished New police stations were provided to replace old, unsanitary and obsolete station houses in various parts of the city. Some of these have been completed and others are under construction. During the past seven years 18 old station houses have been abolished. Precincts have been consolidated, the territory extended and the re-districted areas better and more economically administered. Each precinct abolished results in saving the services of 1 captain, 4 lieutenants, 9 sergeants, 3 attendants and 1 clerk, their annual salaries aggregating $51,500. In addition there is a saving of $5,000 a year in cost of fuel, light and maintenance. As 18 of these stations have been abolished, the total annual saving in force and maintenance is $1,017,000, besides a property value approximating $1,225,000 in buildings which have been or soon will be turned over to the Sinking Fund Commission. Approximately $3,500,000 represents the total of other economies and retrenchments effected by the Police Department during 1918-1924 inclusive, as outlined in the annual reports for these years. Marine Equipment in Fine Condition By gift of the Federal Government, the Police Department, in 1920, received the tugboat "Nahant," valued at $400,000, which was re-christened the "John F. Hylan," and used to replace the steamer "Patrol," which Vwas turned over to the Department of Plant and Structures. Six new launches have been added and several old launches which were unserviceable have been disposed of. The marine equipment of the Department is in better condition than ever before, and will be still further improved by the repair of the steamer "Manhattan," now the flagship of the fleet. 2,226 Patrolnien Added to the Force Since January 1, 1918, 2,226 additional patrolmen have been appointed, bringing the'force up to a much higher state of efficiency than it has ever before attained. 38 This has miade it 1)ossible to regulate and control our complex traffic problemi and, at the samne timie, strengthen the patrol force, particularly in the rapidly growing suburban districts.. The total quota in 1918 was 10,886; in 1924, 13,154. During the p~ast seven years there heaxe been 3,328 appointments to fill vacancies, including reinstatemients, which with the 2,226 additions to the force mnakes a total of 5,554 appointmnents. These constitute about 42 per cent. of the entire force. The infusion of this large number of recruits, who were subjected to an extremely rigid and comprehensive course of training, has brought the patrol force of the city up to a standard heretofore unknown. Salaries of all mnembers of the Departmient have been increased, that of lpatrolnien beingo advanced fromt $1,550 to $2,500, other rankzs and gyrades receiving lesser lprop~ortionate increases. SE.R IO C) 50 kI M LS (MURDE.R, F-ELONIOU5 ASS5AULT, A55AULTAND, ROBBERYAND, BURG LARY) I - Ye-A.R 19~ 1511916 1917 J.2 129 12 91 12 1Q23 1924 ^ 15.500 yrl~ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ 14.750 14.000 _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 13 2 5 0 12 5 0 0__ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 1.I 7 5 0 11.000 ___ 97 ____ 0o __ __ __ _ - _ 10.250 9.5 0 0 __ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _9_ _ _ _ _ _ 147 _8.7 5 0 8.0 0 0 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S 5 ~ _ _ _, I Decrease in Major Crinies-Inierease in Arrests The four major crimies, murder, assault, assault and robbery, and burglary, totaled 14,431 in 1916 and 13,141 in 1917, while in 1924 these crimes wA7ere reduced to 8,548, a (lecrease of approximately 40 per cent. below 1916 and 33 per cent. below 1917. Although less crime was reported, the activity of the police is shown by a larger number of arrests. This active and sustained enforcement of the law, the suppression of vice and the pursuit of criminals, has made this city perhaps the cleanest, safest and most law-abiding in the country, when wve take into consideration its vast and varied lpoputlation, and the million commuters and strange rs wvho are here (laily aiid constitute a p)art of our ol~oice p~rob~lemi. 39 Regulation of Motor Vehicular Traffic The work of the motorcycle squad in regulating motor vehicular traffic shows a striking improvement. With practically no increase in the personnel, there has been an increase of 300 l)er cent. in summonses, arrests, convictions and fines. The revenue resulting from their activities now more than pays the entire cost of this organization, including the salaries of its members. Summonses and arrests increased from 16,154 with fines of $213,666 in 1917, to 70,536 with fines of $805,631 in 1924. De-centralization of Detectives At the advent of this police administration there were in the City nine detective branches which required the public to travel in many instances great distances to report crimes. Detectives also had to cover so much territory that they could not possibly have an intimate knowledge of conditions. Steps were immediately taken to abolish these branches and assign the detectives to the various precinct station houses, so that instead of detectives being available only at nine points they were made available at about 80 locations in the various boroughs. Experience from year to year, showing steady reduction in crime and an increase in arrests, has proved the wisdom of this change. Besides, a saving of nore than $10,000 per annum in rental, etc., of the former branches was effected. Police Reserve Rendered Fine Service Under the direction of Special Deputy Police Commissioner Rodman Wanamaker, the Police Reserve, established in 1918 by reorganization of the former Home Defence League, has made steady progress as a strong reserve force to aid the departlnent in any emergency. This force is divided into regiments which include field and machine gun detachments, motor boat and aviation divisions. During the war, when the regular force was greatly depleted, the entire personnel of the Police Reserve performed distinguished service, greatly assisting the regular force in the performance of police work. There was also organized an auxiliary Women's Police Reserve, whose members did splendid service in investigating irregularities and unlawful conditions affecting women and children; in relieving distress and destitution, and advising and assisting in general welfare service. The Field Day Games in 1918 realized $377,190.90, out of which funds advanced for uniform and equipment were refunded, and an additional sum set aside for the Police Reserve in the future. There is a present balance of $55,263.83 to cover future needs. Widows and Orphans Aided by Police Relief Fund The Police Relief Fund, which had become defunct, was reorganized in 1918, and ample funds provided by deduction of 15 per cent from all rewards received by members of the force, and by the proceeds of the annual field-day games. 40 This fund has been incorporated, and is used for every form or relief for members of the Police Department, their widows, orphans and immediate dependents. Since 1918 the total revenues have amounted to more than $2,300,000, of which over $700,000 has been disbursed for relief, $1,250,000 invested in Liberty Loan bonds, and $411,145 is on deposit in bank. Recreation Camp Established in Catskills A large Police Recreation Camp, with an area of 465 acres, eight dwelling houses and other buildings, has been established, purchased and furnished by appropriation from the Relief Fund. This camp, located in the Catskill Mountains, is devoted to the use of members of the Department recuperating from personal injuries, wounds and non-contagious diseases. Widows and orphans of members of the Department killed in performance of duty are given the privilege of spending two weeks at the camp each summer, at the expense of the fund. Members of the Department and their families can spend their vacations at the camp at the actual cost of food and service. A new fireproof structure is being erected to replace the old main building, destroyed by fire last September, and this will be ready for occupancy by summer. Schools for Training Policemen and Detectives The Police Training School for recruits has been thoroughly reorganized, with a comprehensive system of training. Large crowds attend the graduation exercises, held in armories throughout the city, and the public is given an opportunity of seeing the quality of men recruited into our police force. The Detective Training School, established in 1923, has more than fulfilled expectations and has become a l)ernlanent fixture in the D)epartment. Specially selected from members of the force, the men in this school are given an intensive course under competent instructors, and only those who receive a rating of 70 per cent. or more are transferred to the Detective Bureau, where they are subjected to a year's probation before being permanently assigned to the Bureau. Special Division Deals With Vice and Gambling From time immemorial responsibility for enforcing the laws against vice and gambling has devolved uplon the inspectors commanding the various districts. They were relieved of this responsibility andl these duties assigned to a Special Service Squadron, covering the entire city. Although this system hlas been in operation less than a year, it has clearly demonstrated its superiority with results four-fold greater than were obtained under the old method. Commercialized vice, gambling and other unlawful enterprises have been suppressed, and especially those violating the national prohibition law, which have for years resisted every effort, have been largely eliminated. 41 High Command at Headquarters-Deputy Inspectors Created For years no high commanding officer of the Department was assigned to Police Headquarters after 5 P. M. each day until 9 o'clock in the morning. To remedy this, two inspectors, designated as Deputy Chief Inspectors, were transferred to Headquarters and assigned to duty covering the hours closed for general business. As a result important details of police work are closely checked up, orders more promptly transmitted and executed, discipline preserved and the welfare of the public more efficiently served. By creating the rank of Deputy Inspector, responsible and experienced officers are always in charge of the various districts, and inspectors are relieved of routine office work and given time to devote to more important duties. This plan has worked out most satisfactorily. Public Forum Considers Coimplaints and Suggestions for Improvement To enable citizens to present complaints or suggestions for improvement of the service a Police Efficiency Forum has been established at Police Headquarters, with monthly sessions, which the public is invited to attend and be heard on any matters pertaining to the Police Department, its administration and development. This is only one example of the constant effort of the present police administration to secure the sympathetic cooperation of the general public, to remedy all causes of complaint and adopt any practical suggestions for improvement. Nine Divisions Established-Coimmands Reduced At the beginning of 1918 there were 17 inspection districts, each including an average of four or five precincts. The old territorial designation has been abolished, and the city divided for police purposes into nine divisions, each under command of an Inspector or a Deputy Chief Inspector. Thus the number of inspection units has been reduced, eight district offices abolished, the entire system improved, and more attention given the field work of the police. The traffic service is designated as the 10th Division, the detective service is under control of the llth Division; the work of enforcing laws against vice, gambling and violations of the Federal prohibition law and certain other special duties devolves upon the 12th Division, and the force assigned to Police Headquarters and its auxiliaries and all other detail work of the Department comes under the 13th Division. Best Criminal Identification Bureau in the World Many improvements have been made in the Police Headquarters building. The Criminal Identification Bureau and the photograph gallery connected therewith have been reorganized and brought up to the highest standard, so that this city now has the most modern and extensive criminal identification bureau in the world. 42 Traffic Methods Revolutionized-Conditions Vastly Improved Traffic had become so congested on important thoroughfares that it could not be handled by the old system. By laying out new traffic routes, reserving certain north and south thoroughfares for light vehicular traffic, designating oneway streets, prohibiting parking in crowded sections and instituting better methods of regulation and control, conditions have been immeasurably improved. New York's traffic system is now a model for the entire country. The flashlight system of regulating traffic, first inaugurated in 1920 on Fifth Avenue from Washington Square to Fifty-ninth Street, has been a pronounced success, and has been extended to Lafayette Street, Fourth Avenue, Park Avenue and Broadway, in Manhattan; the Grand Concourse, in the Bronx. and Bushwick and Bedford Avenues, in Brooklyn. The changing of the east and west streets in Manhattan below Fifty-ninth street to one-way was another important help in expediting traffic. Parking Menace Reduced-"Safety First" Emphasized Parking motor vehicles on congested streets became such a menace and obstruction, that steps were taken last year to prohibit parking on certain crowded streets and limit this privilege in other quarters. Marked improvement has been made in other particulars in clearing streets and facilitating traffic. Obstructions, including pushcarts, building material and other impediments have been carefully supervised and regulated, numerous aisles of safety have been established, stanchions and lighting equipment improved, and our thoroughfares reclaimed for the legitimate use of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The Bureau of Public Safety, established under the direction of Special Deputy Police Commissioner Barron G. Collier, has performed a very valuable service in preventing accidents by its educational campaigns, teaching motorcar owners, school children and the public generally the value of "Safety First." Motor Patrol Provides Better Protection for Outlying Districts During the past two years there has been installed a system of motor patrol which has greatly improved service in the Traffic and Detective divisions and in precincts throughout the city. In some sections a sergeant patrols the entire precinct in a runabout driven by a patrolman, and in many precincts patrolmen in automobiles cover territory formerly covered by mounted men, motorcycle or bicycle patrolmen. By this means they patrol areas, especially in the outlying districts, where years ago a policeman was seldom seen. The School of Equitation, established last summer, with a U. S. Cavalry officer as advisor, provides excellent training in horsemanship, and all men assigned to mounted duty must qualify in this school. The Telegraph Bureau has been improved and extended; the office of the Chief Clerk established in new quarters; the office of the Board of Surgeons provided with modern clinic and X-ray equipment. 43 Police Chiefs of World's Principal Cities in Conference The assembling here, under the auspices of our Police Department, of the chiefs of police of the principal countries of the world organized in the International Police Conference was an event of far-reaching importance. This marked the first step toward international cooperation in the all-essential work of identifying, classifying and penalizing the criminal element of this and every other civilized country. This promises, in time, to diminish almost to the vanishing point the possible theatres of activity of the professional criminal element, which can only be brought about by the close cooperation of the police powers of the various nations. The Conference reassembles here May 11, 1925, with forty-four countries and six hundred American cities represented. 44 FIRE APPARATUS COMPLETELY MOTORIZED New York's Fire Department Brought to the Highest State of Efficiency in Its History-Better Protection Given the Entire City It has become a national saying that the City of New York has the most efficient Fire Department in the country. The entire department has been motorized. The two-platoon system, which was urged for many years, has been put into effect, giving the me n more time with their families. A markel improvement in efficiency has resulted, and it is known that "the men give the best that is in them all the time." In 1918 the Department faced a great handicap, owing to world war conditions, 420 of its men being drafted into military service. No substitutes were provided. Their absence represented a city charge of $410,503, a service which it was glad to render to the Federal Government. Former Defects that Have Been Remedied The Department then worked under the one-platoon system. Its uniformed force numbered 5,178 officers and men. Contracts were uncompleted for the new fire alarm system in MIanhattan; the new fire alarm central office buildings in Brooklyn and The Bronx were unequipped. Many portions of the city were inadequately protected by fire alarm service. The system of the Rockaways was obsolete. There was no adequate system in Queens. Volunteer fire companies were operating in Queens and Richmond. Many overhead wires remained throughout the city-a menace, and constantly breaking down. No revenue was received by the city through the operation of the Fire Alarm Telegraph B]3ureau. The IDepartment was only partially motorized, 550 horses being in service. Many Improvements Inaugurated —Force Increased Many improvements were inaugurated soon after this administration began. Under the direction of the Mayor, the two-platoon system was started on June 10, 1919; and in complete effect October 1, 1920. The uniformed force now numbers 6,117 officers and men, an increase of 939. A new \Ianhattan system of fire alarm was completed; placed in service June 2, 1922. Fire alarm central office buildings in Brooklyn and Bronx were equipped and placed in operation March 1, 1923, and January 1, 1924, respectively. Eight hundred fire alarm boxes were salvaged froml old Manhattan system and installed in outlying sections of the city where needed. 1,500 More Fire Alarm Boxes Installed A new fire alarm central office for the Rockaways was placed in service on January 1, 1925. Aerial fire alarm wires, amounting to 534 miles, were abandoned wherever ~K - II I I j ",,,,w~~~ ~ ~`- ~-~~*dlc.~~b~a.~~.~-b i tjr!a1 ~f ~ I i ~ B;~~; `& a "r SOME OF THE 248 PIECES OF LATEST TYPE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 46 possible, and replaced with conductors and underground cables, which resulted in greater efficiency and lowering of fire insurance premium. Nearly 1,500 fire alarm boxes were added. The paid system was extended to Queens and Richmond. The Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau now yields a revenue of nearly $14,000 a year, which is increasing. Department Motorized-Apparatus Added The entire fire system has been motorized. There is only one horse now in use in the Department. Two hundred and forty-eight pieces of apparatus have been added, providing equipment of the latest type. The Division of Buildings of this Department, with no increase in office force, now prepares all plans and specifications for new fire houses, saving large sums in architects' fees. A new central fire alarm station is now being built for Queens. It will be completed by the end of 1925, at a cost of $257,000. Fire hose to the value of $600,000 has been added since January 1, 1918. The new fireboat "John Purroy Mitchel," costing $222,000, has been added to floating equipment. The launch "Captain Connell" has been added to the Marine Division. Motor Protection for Queens Residents Adequate fire protection for Hollis, Springfield, St. Albans and Queens Village has been provided by installation of engine and hook and ladder companies in leased buildings. A new fire house was built at Rockaway Beach, costing $95,000. It houses three fire companies, Chief of Battalion and Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau. New fire houses have been erected at Bayside, Forest Hills and Jackson Heights in Queens; Avenue U and East 9th Street, Brooklyn, and fire companies have been installed in each. Plans are now pending in the Board of Estimate and Apportionment for a building for new telegraph central office at Forest Hills, Queens. Appropriations have been made for sites for fire houses in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx, and the Woodhaven section of Queens. All new construction is durable and modern in every respect, insuring small cost for future maintenance. Fire and Explosions Prevented Steady increase in efficiency marks the work of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Bureau of Fire Investigation. The first-named Bureau is now selfsupporting. Its annual receipts amount to about $580,000. Sewer explosions have been largely eliminated by strict rules governing the disposition of oils and inflammable mixtures. Revenues Largely Increased in Recent Years Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau-no revenue prior to 1918; yielded a total revenue of $26,348.53 in 1923-24. 47 Bureau of Fire Prevention-increased its revenue by $287,360.43 in 1923, as compared with 1917. Budget allowance showed an increase of $7,643,975.10 in 1924, as compared with 1918. Total increase of revenue, measured year by year since 1918, is $7,977,648.06. Considerable Economies Effected By using new gasoline-propelled and pumping engines, hose wagons, which cost $5,500 each, were eliminated, an important saving. The cost of a new building at College Point, $65,000 to $75,000, was saved by overhauling and reequipping quarters of Hook and Ladder Company No. 130. Great economies were effected in repair and maintenance of lighting and starting batteries, ladders on hook and ladder trucks, wheels, etc. A total saving of $646,112.30 was effected by receipt of army pay of firemen, dropping 227 positions in engineer and civilian force, reduction of salaries of vacant positions and dropping nine volunteer fire companies. Fees of architects were saved by the Division of Buildings taking over preparation of plans and specifications for new fire houses. From 1918 to 1924, inclusive, the Department transferred unexpended appropriation balance to city fund for accruals a total of $1,299,755.19, representing savings effected by re-assignment and reorganization of various functions in the Department, the non-appointment of substitutes for firemen in military service, deferring filling of vacancies for firemen, reducing vacant positions in civilian force to minimum of grade, etc. Efficiency in Investigating and Preventing Fires Further extensions of the underground cable system are planned in all boroughs. Approximately $300,000 of this work will be completed in 1925. The Bureau of Fire Investigation has introduced 24-hour service by trained investigators for prompt investigation of fires, making this service more thorough and complete than ever before in the City's history. The organized "business squad," specializing in fires in business places, has been very successful in the suppression of arson and in apprehending "firebugs." The Bureau of Fire Prevention is daily engaged in its investigations with beneficial results, covering business and factory districts, hospitals and penal institutions. MM i., _ '. _. I t l p DIRECT RAIL DELIVERY TO TRANS-ATLANTIC STEAMSHIPS AT NEW STATEN ISLAND PIERS (Above) LOADING STEAMER. (Centre) PIER NEW 2, UNDER CONSTRUCTION. (Right) LAST SECTION OF MARGINAL WAY 49 IMMENSE NEW DOCKS AND PIERS BUILT Facilities for Trans-Ocean Steamships More Than Doubled-Piers of Modern Type Replacing Old Structures on North River New York's facilities for ocean-going steamers have been increased more in the past few years than in any similar period of its history. No city administration in fifty years has put into effect such comprehensive plans to modernize its docks and piers and increase its port facilities. In 1917, the year before this administration began, not one additional pier was constructed or projected, a series of piers had been turned over to the United States Government, and no provision had been made for accommodation of the previous occupants. In a detailed report to the Mayor, on March 13, 1918, the Commissioner of Docks pointed out that, because of the congestion in New York, due to lack of facilities, during the year 1917 this port had made a gain of only 5 per cent. in its export trade, while Philadelphia increased over 50 per cent., Baltimore 30 per cent., and Boston 27 per cent. The general condition of the piers and the paving of the marginal way was deplorable, he pointed out, due to the fact that the preceding administration had almost entirely neglected the upkeep of the marginal way and open piers. Great System of Piers Built on Staten Island The congestion of port facilities became so urgent that it was determined to build up the undeveloped waterfront from Tompkinsville to Clifton, Staten Island, making provision for twelve piers with ample accommodations for railroad connections and terminal warehouse facilities. This was the only section of the New York waterfront with a sufficient depth of water available to make logical the undertaking of such an enterprise. These piers, finally completed last June, are the finest of their type in existence. They have increased the wharfage available for transatlantic steamers by 26,000 linear feet. This is 19 per cent. of the total steamship wharfage space created during the half century of existence of the Department of Docks. In other words, the Borough of Richmond now has more wharfage facilities for overseas steamers than is in use for similar purposes on the entire island of Manhattan. A very important item in enlarging the use of the Staten Island piers will be the construction of the tunnel under the Narrows, which will bring the piers into direct touch by rail with Jamaica Bay and by the New York Connecting Railroad to Flushing Bay over the Hell Gate Bridge to the east shore of The Bronx. Before construction, these piers were leased on a rental basis of 7,/ per cent. of their cost, which would have made them more than self-sustaining, yielding a substantial revenue to the City. Because of the unprecedented slump in commerce, various lessees failed to carry out their contracts. Nine of the piers are now leased on a temporary flat-rate basis, putting tlhem to use for shipping purposes. With the revival of world trade and shipping, these piers will be abundantly useful, and must be utilized by shipping interests when they realize their great advantages. IeD wH MAz wiz LF0 f."It 51 Piers and Bulkheads Placed in Service The Department of Docks has placed in service again piers and bulkheads that had become dilapidated under previous administrations. The more important ones are: East 5th Street Pier, reconstructed and single story shed erected thereon with mechanical appliances; East 18th Street Pier, reconstructed, a shed built thereon, leased to Moore and McCormack Steamship Company, Inc., at a rental of $34,557 per annum; East 20th Street Pier, reconstructed, single story shed built thereon, rented to same company on revocable permit; Stanton Street Pier on East River, reconstructed, one story shed built thereon, now used for public wharfage purposes. Large Projects Undertaken and Under Way The construction of an embankm ent two miles long and 600 feet wide by pumping sand from channels in Jamaica Bay between Howard Beach and Far Rockaway, under contract for $981,920, will be completed during June, 1925. This will produce a channel thirty feet deep leading directly into the Jamaica district of the Borough of Queens, and a roadway 150 feet wide, besides 2,000 building lots on each side of the Cross-Bay Boulevard, which will return an estimated rental of $200,000 per annum. A modern waste disposal plant built entirely of reinforced concrete, the first of its kind in New York harbor, has been built around the Manhattan tower of the Brooklyn Bridge for the Department of Street Cleaning. It will materially decrease the present cost of disposing of refuse. Other dumping boards were constructed at Coney Island, Brooklyn and The Bronx. Building New Piers on North River A modern pier, known as Pier New 2, North River, is under construction at foot of Battery Place. It takes the place of two old ones and will be 650 feet long by 140 wide. This will be followed by construction of Pier New 3. The rentals will aggregate about $150,000 for each pier. A new pier has been built at the foot of Dyckman Street, costing $38,000, facilitating deliveries of building and other materials in this fast-growing residence section and providing a basin for many pleasure craft. 18 New Piers to Replace 32 Old Ones Thirty-two existing piers will be removed and eighteen modern adequately equipped piers will take their place on the North River waterfront between Vesey and Perry Streets, under plans adopted. These will remove congestion of West Street by increasing (lock service by about fifty per cent. Provision will be made for berthing of the largest steamships. The first pier will be built at the foot of Canal Street as soon as the Vehicular Tunnel to New Jersey is completed. It will be 1,024 feet long by 165 wide. All these piers will be rebuilt as rapidly as leases expire. Piers 46 and 47, North River, will be demolished and replaced by a modern structure for which $1,225,000 has been appropriated. This will eliminate unsightly conditions now existing. 52 To widen the marginal street in connection with South street, Pier New 35 will be constructed on East River. It will replace two old piers at a cost of $361,000. The New York Central Railroad, occupant of the old piers, has applied for lease of the new one. 30-Foot Channel in Jamaica Bay The City has appropriated $1,005,900 for construction of a 30-foot channel between Barren Island and Mill Basin, Jamaica Bay. Completion of this will meet the increasing demands of conmerce. In connection with this improvement, a terminal pier will be built at Canarsie at the head of the new channel. $500,000 has been appropriated therefor. The present Battery Landing will be extended at a cost of $43,000 which will remedy congestion of excursionists and permit better arrangements for berthing of floating baths. The pier at West 44th Street, North River, has been reconstructed to fit in with the plan to make a transcontinental passenger steamship terminal between 42d( Street and 59th Street. A similar pier will be erected at West 48th Street. A sadly neglected, dilapidated waterfront between Stanton Street and East 3d Street has been replaced by a new platform with a concrete deck for general wharfage pulrposes at a cost of $99,000. New Form of Lease-Wharfage Rates Increased To protect commerce from extortion on the part of lessees, a new form of lease has been adopted which provides for termination of leases on sixty days' notice. This will insure complete control by the City over its waterfront leases. Wharfage rates will be increased by about 100 per cent. by the new schedule of rentals, which it is believed will provide a substantial new source of revenue for the Department. Sheepshead Bay to be Improved The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund have adopted a new plan for the improvement of Sheepshead Bay which will remedy the noisome conditions complained of, and provide a shore front that will attract visitors and residents, while permitting fishermen and tradesmen of the locality to pursue their callings. Increased Revenue-Decreased Expenditures The revenues of the Department have increased $1,229,240, and its expenditures have decreased $636,690 in 1924 as compared with 1917, a total difference to the credit of this administration of nearly $2,000,000 annually. 53 ERECTING HUGE WHOLESALE TERMINAL MARKETS Experts Estimate Savings of $150,000,000 a Year to Consumers in Food Purchases-52 Acres in Bronx Terminal —Main Building 50 Per Cent. Larger Than Madison Square Garden Forty-three cents out of every dollar earned by the average family is spent for food, Government experts estimate. New York City's food bill exceeds $4,000,000 a day, and represents one billion five hundred million dollars a year. With the completion of the big wholesale terminal markets now under construction and to be erected, and the carrying out of other plans by the Department of Public Markets, the Commissioner estimates that there will be a direct saving to the purchasing public of at least ten per cent in the total expenditures for food. This would mean $150,000,000 per annum. New Markets in The Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan Three huge terminal markets are included in the construction program for which $22,500,000 has been appropriated. Located in The Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, they will be easy of access from every part of the city. The Bronx Terminal Market, now under construction at Exterior Street and East 151st Street, is situated on a plot of 52 acres fronting on the Harlem River. This will comprise wholesale stores, dry and cold storage, direct rail and truck deliveries, elevator service, ice-making plant and ice storage, refrigerating plant, refrigerator building for unloading cars in low temperature, freight and sorting yards, special storage for fish, eggs, butter and cheese; special storage and sales stores for live poultry; special sales and auction rooms for immediate disposal of fruits, vegetables and other produce, special storage and sales stores for all meats. The main building, now nearing completion, is 335 feet 6 inches long by 316 feet 2 inches wide. The area covered is approximately 2' acres-1i2 times the area covered by the Madison Square Garden, Madison Square Theatre and Music Hall combined; or 3X2 times the area covered by the Woolworth Building. Docks, Basins and Large Railroad Yards Docking space will be provided for ocean-going steamships, basins for lighters, steamers and fishing smacks, and arrangement for car floats to handle 500 to 600 cars daily. The receiving, classification and distribution yards will have direct connection with the tracks of the New York Central and New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroads, and by carfloat connection on the river front, with freight cars of all railroads entering the port of New York. The track layout within the market area itself will be able to accommodate more than 300 cars daily. A Farmers' Market will be a feature of this terminal, which will also have packing and grading rooms, garage service and station, and every facility for ---- I-L.-, L r:n,-L - -P,, I L1711 )L, 'LI" IJ T AD iun. NL, ~kz = ML - "I - - ri ~ H MARKE T RErRIT Uf I ON p o w 4o 4 9to 4-LI ~"-~;Cf3:~Ss rz ~~ I -D I, / F ', __ I R- I C-A Pj PO UL T r s rLOAT5 MARK~ET MARKET HARLEM RIV ER I_~ _ CITY'S WHOLESALE TERMINAL MARKET UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON 52-ACRE TRACT IN THE BRONX MAIN BUILDING, NEARING COMPLETION-50 PER CENT LARGER THAN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN 55 prompt unloading and sale of commodities, whether coming by rail, boat, motor truck or wagon. Wallabout Site Utilized for Brooklyn Terminal In the present Wallabout Market site, in Brooklyn, the city owns a tract of 43 acres, located on the East River and Wallabout Channel. The present market buildings are valued at about $5,000,000. On a part of this land, now only partially occupied by buildings, the new wholesale terminal market will be constructed. Track layouts and facilities will be provided for handling over 300 carloads a day, with ample pier and dock facilities to provide for water-borne traffic. For this $5,000,000 has been appropriated. West Washington Market Site Chosen in Manhattan The site selected for the Manhattan Wholesale Terminal Market will take in the present West Washington Market, at Gansevoort and West Streets, and also the Gansevoort Market, the open square bounded by Little West 12th, Washington and Gansevoort Streets. The West Washington Market, which has ten buildings, covers an area of 369 by 400 feet, while the Gansevoort, which is restricted to the use of farmers and gardeners, and has no buildings, covers approximately 125,000 square feet. This is recognized as a central point from which the city's food supply may be best distributed to downtown restaurant and uptown restaurant and hotel districts. Situated close to all the incoming railroad and steamship lines, it is served by elevated and surface cars, and is in close proximity to wide thoroughfares, affording easy access. These great terminals will be a most important step in solving the problem of economic reception and distribution of food and general supplies, of bringing the producer closer to the consumer and reducing the cost of handling food products. Millions Lost in Waste of Perishable Foodstuffs Handling of freights, under present conditions, results in thousands of cars being tied up at terminals waiting to be unloaded or receive shipments. Delays at dock terminals, hand-trucking from floats to streets, and other uneconomical methods, are slow and costly. At times trucks are held over for a day to secure their turn in loading or unloading freight. The actual waste of perishable foodstuffs from the time they leave the railroad bases of arrival until they reach the market or store destination is estimated at more than $329,000,000 annually. In remedying these conditions by establishing great wholesale terminal markets, by which perishable freights can be handled as efficiently as passenger traffic is handled at the Grand Central and Pennsylvania Stations, a saving in time, expense and products will be made which will be of the highest value to dealers, transporters and handlers, as well as consumers. To Improve Entire System of Handling Freights and Food The Board of Estimate and Apportionment has appropriated $10,000,000 for the proposed wholesale terminal market in Manhattan, and in developing the 56 plans a careful study has been made in order to put into effect the best possible methods of receiving, handling and distributing food products. From 10,000 to 15,000 carloads of foodstuffs alone enter New York City every week, enough to make a solid train from here to Philadelphia. More efficient handling of this immense traffic will be of untold value to the railroad and shipping interests, to producers, merchants and consumers. Wholesale Terminal Markets Will Be Self-Sustaining The Municipal Wholesale Terminal Markets will not only assure a fair deal to the producers, and a reduction of cost to the consumers, but will also be selfsustaining financially. 56 Open-Air Markets in Operation One of the outstanding accomplishments of the Department under the present administration has been the regulation and extension of "Open Alir" or pushcart markets, which has received public approval and resulted in an increased revenue to the city from this activity. There are, at present, more than eight thousand licensed l)ushcart peddlers operating in 56 open-air markets where the interests of the public as well as the peddlers are scrupulously protected. Sharp practices, fraud, short weights, unfit food, short change, and other reprehensible methods which formerly brought the markets into disrepute, have been eliminated in the interests of the purchasers. The peddlers are each assigned to a designated place, and protected against molestation and petty annoyances. The department collects a fee of one dollar a week from each pushcart standholder in the market, and receipts are issued for all payments. Each permit has a photograph of applicant attached, and a plate with the license number is issued and placed conspicuously on each cart or stand. The supervisory force remains on duty throughout the market hours, enforceing the rules of the department, police, health, and fire regulations, and preventing irregularities. Pushcart Markets Indispensable The pushcarts are an important factor in the handling and sale of food. They are particularly indispensable in the areas of the city where the density of population is greatest, and at least one third of all the fresh fruit and vegetables consumed in the city are sold through this agency. Previous to the present administration, the peddlers were generally mistreated and considered social and commercial outcasts. They were preyed upon by store keepers and property owners in front of whose stores they stood, driven from pillar to post, and often made to pay tribute to gangsters and petty grafters. Frequently the peddler was compelled to pay from $15 to $50 a month to hold a favored position in the then unofficial markets, with the chance of being driven out if some one would pay more, and, in many instances, he was of necessity required to sleep on the cart all night in order to maintain his position in the market. These conditions have been eliminated, and it is now admitted on all sides that the regulation and supervision of the markets inaugurated by the Department 57 of Public Markets has resulted in a great improvement, both from the standpoint of the people who purchase the necessities of life in the open air markets and from that of the pushcart peddlers themselves. Varied Activities of the Department The Department of Public Markets today operates eight public markets, fifty-six open-air markets, and has three municipal wholesale terminal markets under construction. It issues permits and licenses to ice dealers, pushcart and stoop-line peddlers, itinerant peddlers, peddlers (horse, wagon and motor vehicles), farmers and farmers' produce dealers, market watchmen, and market carriers. Through its Division of Information and Conservation, its Division of Statistics on Production, Sales, Storage, and Distribution, and its Bureau of Household Economics, the people are enabled to secure first-hand information on all matters pertaining to the handling and distribution of food within the City of New York. Department of Public Markets Pays a Profit to City Under the present administration the annual revenue of the Department of Public Markets has increased from $315,655.80 in 1918 to $923,063.03 in 1924, or over 192%, and the Department has turned into the City Treasury, over and above the cost of operation, $2,500,000 during the last seven years. Consumers Protected in Weights and Measures 300,000 Families Aided in Coal Purchases Created originally to protect particularly the interests of housewives in purchasing the necessaries of life, to insure full weight and measure to consumers, the Bureau of Weights and Measures has, under this administration, been employed to give such protection. One of the outstanding accomplishments was the amending of the Coal Ordinances compelling the 7,000 coal cellarmen and coal peddlers to mark their bags with the weight of contents. The 300,000 families living in cold water tenements purchase daily 15,000 tons of coal in lots of 100 poundls or less, and recent inspections made show that the ordinance is being complied with and these consumers are receiving honest weight. Under former administrations, the old horse-drawn carts did not get far from the Municipal Building with the result that many coal-yard scales in outlying territory were never tested. Substitution of motor-trucks makes possible frequent inspection of scales of the 250 coal yards in the city. The cost also was reduced over 75 per cent. Large Saving in Snow Removal The vehicles of the snow removal contractors are measured by the inspectors of this Bureau. In severe storms under former administrations as many as 154 to 196 temporary men were employed as inspectors. This was reduced to 58 75 in January, 1918, a saving of over $4200. Careful rechecking methods were established. Supervision Costs Cut Almost in Half The cost of supervision has been reduced from 27 per cent for 1918 to 16 per cent. The surrender of 1622 square feet of office space saved an approximate annual rental of $6,500, and the work was improved through concentration. The work is strenuous and the policy of playing no favorites has been followed. This has contributed to general efficiency and satisfaction among the force. Educating Children in Weights and Measures There has been cooperation with the public school authorities in giving demonstrations to the children of the use of the popular types of scales. Over 15,000 children attended the first year class in 25 high schools. Talks were also given to visiting school classes at the Bureau's Manhattan Testing Station, enabling children to become conversant with the various types of weighing and measuring devices in use in the city. 59 HEALTH CONDITIONS DECIDEDLY IMPROVED Death Rate Reduced to 11.61 Per Thousand, Infant Mortality Decreased 21 Points —New York Healthiest of Big Cities for Babies Health conditions in New York have greatly improved and this means not only far less sickness, but the actual saving of many lives. The death rate last year was only 11.61 per thousand inhabitants. It was 14.55 in 1917, and in 1898 was 20.26 per thousand. If the death rate of 1917 had prevailed, there would have died in this city last year 89,300 persons, 18,048 more than actually passed away, and if the rate of 1898 had prevailed the deaths would have numbered 124,600. So that the actual saving in life in 1924 as compared with 1898 would be 53,348. This is due not only to the efficient work of the Health Department, which exercises every vigilance to prevent as well as cure disease, to guard from epidemics and infections and promote the public health, but is also due, in no small part, to the ample supply of pure water, stricter inspection of foods, better housing, cleaner streets and the improved sanitary condition of the city. Healthiest Place for Babies-Infant Mortality Reduced 21 Points Within the past seven years the infant death rate has been decreased more than 21 points, establishing New York in first place among the ten largest cities of the United States, and giving it an enviable reputation as the healthiest place for a baby to be born in and to live in. In the four years prior to 1918 the rate was reduced not quite six points. This is striking evidence of the excellent work of the Bureau of Child Hygiene, and other agencies which look especially after the welfare of children. Notable Work Done for Children The number of baby health stations has been increased in recent years from 59 to 70 —an addition of 11, all located in sections of the city where most needed. Pasteurized milk stations have also been established at various points. Pre-school age activities were given great vigor and usefulness through the city's Children's Year Committee. The policy of boarding children in private homes has been changed, reducing the number of children in each home so that the "mothers" could give each child the parental attention needed. The number of midwives has been reduced to 1,341, reporting only 21.3 per cent. of the births. The practice of midwifery has been improved due to the Bureau plan of educating and cooperating with these women. Through intensive educational efforts by doctors and nurses, the rate of malnutrition among children was reduced to 15.2 per cent.-a gain of 30 per cent. since 1918. School medical inspection and dental and eye clinics have been carried on in the public schools, promoting the health and comfort of thousands of children. 60 Stricter Inspection of Milk and Food Milk inspection, including ice cream, has been brought to a high state of efficiency. Consumption of milk has been increased by over 500,000 quarts daily as a result of the campaigns for milk as the best balanced food ration, and because of the well founded belief of the consumers that New York City has the safest milk supply in the world. The daily consumption of milk approximates 3,000,000 quarts. The Food and Drug Bureau was re-organized, with an office in each borough, under supervision of a Chief of Division, resulting in much better inspection and improved sanitary conditions. The Municipal Sanatorium at Otisville has been coml)letely overhauled, modernized and improved and one new concrete building (Wilson Hall), erected. A definite plan has been completed for the erection of a new hospital building in the Borough of Richmond, and extensive repairs, improvements and additions to equipment have been made to other hospitals. Laboratories have been improved, enlarged and re-equil)pedl and the work established on a high plane of efficiency. The general administration office of the H-Tealth Department has been thoroughly re-adjusted. Its efficiency is now practically 100 per cent. Cooperation with the Department of Purchase has promoted economy and quickness in securing supplies. Report of Vital Statistics Improved The handling of vital statistics has been markedly improved. Increase in the output of paid transcripts of records of births, marriages and deaths has been 55 per cent. in the past four years. There has been much greater activity in prosecuting violations of health and sanitary laws. The year 1923 showed increases over 1917 of 17,941 cases and of fines imposed $96,929, and 1924 increases of 22,581 cases, and of fines imposed $103,217. The Health Department dealt most successfully with the added problems of the war period and the influenza epidemic, which taxed its resources to the utmost. Institutional inspection has been thorough and efficient. The Department has kept constant oversight of prevention of pollution of water supply, cooperating actively with the Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity. Pre-Natal and Other Clinics Established Since 1921, the Bureau of Child -IHygiene has employed dental hygienists to demonstrate to children approved methods of mouth hygiene. This has conserved the time of dentists for actual dental operations. Twelve pre-natal clinics, located in various boroughs. have been opened and are now in full operation, giving advice to thousands of prospective mothers. Physicians of this Bureau were assigned to assist Dr. Lorenz in his public clinics for crippled children, which were held in the buildings of the Department of Health. Over 20,000 children were found needing advice and treatment. 61 Boat Trips for WTomnien and Children One of the big features inaugurated for the care and health of women and children was the boat trips, under the initiative and auspices of the Mayor's Committee of Women, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Chairman, which were made three times a week to various points around the city. Thousands of mothers and children have been benefited. School medical inspection is being demonstrated by a special unit at Public School 43, Manhattan. The Department is cooperating with the East Harlem Health Center, inaugurated by the American Red Cross. A baby health station, a tuberculosis clinic, a life extension clinic and an eye clinic, are being conducted there. The lives of many undernourished babies have been saved through real mother's breast milk secured through volunteer mothers. Stations have been established in Manhattan, Brooklyn and The Bronx. A medical inspector was assigned to the Municipal Court and the Truant Court, aiding greatly in securing treatment of physical defects amilong delinquent children. Milk inspection has been placed entirely in the hands of the Division of Milk Inspection. Shell fish inspection has been putlt on an efficient basis and foods generally are carefully safeguarded. Sanitary Code Strengthened The Sanitary Code was strengthened, enabling the Health Department to cope with wood alcohol poisoning and regulate the sale of proprietary medicines of doubtful character. Constant vigilance is exercised under the powers conferred by the improved Sanitary Code, which are wide-sweeping. A few items will illustrate what the code regulates: Undertaking, sale of dangerous drugs, drinking containers, milk and ice cream food receptacles, summer camps, heating of occupied buildings, dogs, unnecessary noises, dead bodies, and many other items, whose regulation is vital to public health and safety. Services at all hospitals have been improved and several new ones added. The Dick test and Dr. Dochez's serum for treatment of scarlet fever have been introduced in hospitals. Plans for the entertainment of patients have been enlarged. Preventing Diseases and Infections The Bureau of Preventable Diseases includes scientific supervision of homes where contagious diseases are present and regulation of sources or causes of disease, or infections. In the campaign against diphtheria the work of the Bureau has resulted in lowering the death rate from 23 per 100,000 in 1918 to 12 per 100,000 in 1924. Seaside clinics were established in 1923 at Coney Island and extended in 1924 to Staten Island and Rockaway Beach. These clinics treated 5,146 cases, gave individual instruction to 1,916 and cared for 241 lost children. In 1923 the Department gave 3,788 lectures to 109,341 persons, and in 1924 62 2,101 lectures to 101,880 persons, on public health. These lectures were given in the English, Russian, Italian, Yiddish, Polish, Spanish and Syrian languages. Taking a leading part in the solution of the housing shortage, the Health Department has made three surveys, investigating about 30 per cent of the population. These had a material effect in bringing about the enactment of laws to improve housing conditions. Bad Conditions Overcome in Past Seven Years Contrast the present efficiency of the Health Department with the conditions that prevailed at the beginning of 1918. The Department then faced demoralization owing to a plan, formulated and practically agreed upon, to divide the city into health districts, with health officers in charge. This, we believe, would have impaired its usefulness and especially unfitted it to cope with the influenza epidemic of 1918-1920, and would have increased cost of operation. The infant mortality rate was high, 89 in 1917, with increased difficulties of further reduction. There were insufficient baby health stations. No pre-school-age work was being done. Child boarding was demoralized by overcrowding in individual homes, depriving the child of the effective mother care needed. There was a high percentage of midwives (1656 in number), who reported 33.57 percent of all births. School medical and dental inspection was insufficient. Children suffering from malnutrition had increased to 21.6 percent in 1917. Milk inspection was demoralized by war conditions, and later by influenza. The Food and Drugs Bureau was handled through a central office, necessitating citizens traveling from one part of city to another to get information. New hospital buildings were needed at all plants, and extensive repairs were imperative. The general administration office was in need of readjustment to promote efficiency. Under these and other conditions, the various staffs and employees of the Departments-many of whom were highly trained and efficient, were laboring under great handicaps at the beginning of 1918. Coped With Great Influenza Epidemics The Department has been firmly re-established on the type of bureau and borough organization under which it has made its best records. The first great proof of the wisdom of this was the ability of the Department to cope with the influenza epidemic which swept the city in 1918 and recurred in 1920. The panicky condition of the city's population was only quieted by the firm assurance of the Department that its employees were equipped to meet any emergency. The nurses of the Bureau of Preventable Diseases after finishing a day's work served at the bedside of patients in private homes voluntarily and without compensation. The magnitude of this epidemic may be better understood when it is recalled 63 that there were 186,619 cases of influenza and pneumonia reported and that 33,996 deaths occurred from October 1 to April 1, 1919. The many ways in which our doctors and nurses ministered to the sick and suffering, and the promptness with which our own hospitals and emergency food supplies were put at their disposal, would take a volume to describe. The Health Department met every emergency of this critical situation with promptness and efficiency. This was one of the outstanding accomplishments of its history. Substantial Economies Effected At the same time efficiency was increased, substantial economies were effected. The appropriation for nursing service for summer months was cut from 287 months to 87 months. Printed forms have been revised and many eliminated. Milk inspection work has greatly increased, without increase in the inspection force. Permits to ride on milk and freight trains, obtained by courtesy of railroad passenger agents, has improved the efficiency of the country service. The Food and Drugs chemical laboratory handled 27,783 samples for analysis in 1924, as against 11,000 in 1918, with no increase in force. The number of food establishments increased in that period by 39,548, yet inspections have been made without additional inspectors. By increased production of dairy herd and growing home products, savings of $47,778.37 a year, as compared with 1917, have been made at Otisville Sanitorium. In the hospital service economies were effected by adoption of standard menus, placing of food preparation and dispensation under dietitians, the use of home grown products and elimination of all useless drugs. Savings in Laboratory Work and Administration The laboratory work has been carried on by an increase in personnel much smaller than the normal growth of the City justifies. Labor-saving devices and a better and simpler accounting system have been main factors in making this possible. In general administration, 231 positions were dropped from 1919 to 1924, inclusive, representing budget allowance of $219,114. In the same period, 145 new positions were added, representing allowance of $239,872.50. This was an increase of only $20,758.50, showing substantial economy in view of the increased growth of the City and the work of the Department. The Department moved from a rented building to a City-owned building, thus effecting a saving estimated at $100,000 a year. Introduction of photographic machines in Vital Statistics sections saved the expense of copyists. New Activities of Health Department New cream regulations have been adopted and dealers are now arranging to comply therewith. This will assure consumers of the quality of cream they pay for. 64 The entire control of the inspection of milk and milk products, including ice cream and packing of cheese, is' under the jurisdiction of this Department, and the official regulations are rigidly enforced. This is in the direct interest of the public. Lectures and trade conferences are being held in the interest of a better understanding of food and drugs and the provision of the Sanitary Code relating thereto. These will be continued. Money has been voted to establisl a ferry service from the mainland to North Brother Island. This will facilitate transportation of patients to the Island Hospital and economize delivery of supplies, removal of garbage, etc. Plans for a nurses' training school have been made to promote knowledge of contagious diseases and care of patients therefrom; also to effect economy in nursing service. In our laboratories experiments are l)eing made with the Dick test to determine its value as an index to immunity to scarlet fever and on modes of producing an immunity to this disease. If these are satisfactory, every effort will be made to extend its use. Concentrated anti-pneumococcus serum is also being studied, with a view to facilitating administration and efforts are being made to produce more economical smallpox vaccine. The size of the power house at Willard Parker Hospital will be increased so that heat may be supplied for the hospital and for the Municipal Garage, now u(nder construction in that locality. This will save over $100,000 on first cost of plant and thousands of dollars yearly in operating expenses. Crude oil will be substituted for coal, saving in cost of fuel and labor. Survey of Institutions' Bed Capacity An investigation is under way to find the bed capacity of all institutions and summary of cases cared for, to be completed in about three months. Inquiries of citizens can be met fully as a result. Miscellaneous Activities It is prop)osed to vaccinate all employes of hoslitals and inmates of institutions against small-pox for their protection and that of the public coming into touch with them. An intensive survey is being made with a view to providing better ventilation in telephone stations. The American Telephone and Telegraph Company is cooperating. Spray painting and varnishing of automobiles and carriages is being studied, with a view to legislation proposed by the labor groups. Examinations of massage operators are being made, and quack doctors are being investigated in connection with the District Attorney's office. Radio lectures on matters of public health education are being given twice weekly through our Division of Lectures over the MIunicipal Broadcasting Station, WNYC. A survey of all oil-burning and varnish manufacturing plants has been undertaken, with a view to the abatement of odors. Original research work is being done to ascertain causes of cancer. 65 New Methods of Protecting School Children We are promoting a more up-to-date and economical system of school medical inspection, which many cities and towns as well as State organizations are following. A study has been made of the best methods of determining nutrition of school children and all are now using those found to be most practical. Surveys to determine the school conditions of children have been made by the Department of Health to assist the Department of Education, resulting in promoting improved health conditions among our school population. The use of milk as food by school children has been popularized. In cooperating with the Federal Administration in establishing May Day as Child Health Day, New York has practically taken the lead in this movement. Careful scrutiny of milk-borne diseases and communicable diseases existing on farms. with weekly typewritten reports, has been maintained, which has resriLted in safeguarding the health of the city's residents. Purest and Best Food Assured Constant vigilance respecting the character and purity of foods and drugs is exercised. Since 1918 from 200,000 to 300,000 annual inspections have been made of New York's food supply, with the result that it is considered to be the purest and best. The efficiency of our hospitals is constantly promoted by the introduction of proven new methods and equipment; the promotion of clinics and lectures and the adoption of new statistical methods. *Under its laboratory service the Department is investigating pasteurization plants, drinking fountains, dishwashing, laundries, etc. Influenza and other respiratory infections, venereal diseases, biological products and various other lines are being studied by the health authorities. Institutional and sanitary inspection is complete, and better than ever before. 66 BUILDING NEW PAVILIONS AT BELLEVUE HOSPITAL Quarters for More Nurses at Bellevue and Fordham-New Out-patient Department at Harlem Hospital-Spending $300,000 to Remove Fire Risks Two new pavilions, at a cost of $3,650,000, with a capacity of 325 beds, are being erected at Bellevue Hospital. This will permit the transfer of all patients from the old buildings which are no longer suitable, and which, after alterations, will be used by the otlt-l)atient dleartllent. Two new wings are being added to the Nulrses' Rlesidence at Bellevue at a cost of $575,000, which will provide for a sufficient number of nurses to care for the patients in Bellevue for years to come. Among the features included are a swimming pool, gymnasium, shower baths, reception rooms and a roof garden. This building will represent the most modern and coml)lete p1rovisions for training school purposes. Larger Quarters for Nurses at Fordham Hospital Plans have been completed for additions to the Nurses' Residence at Fordham Hospital, where it has been necessary to employ many more nurses to care for the increased number of patients. For these additions $440,000 has been appro)riate(l. It is also pllanne(l to rent a building to provile for the male employes, who are now housed in one of the wards. The addition to the out-patient department of the Harlem Hospital. for which $150,000 was appropriated last year, will overcome the crowded conditions in that institution. Expending $300,000 to Remove Fire Hazards On June 16, 1924, the Board of Estimate granted $300,000 for the purpose of complying with the directions of the Fire Department to overcome violations of the fire-protection regulations in Bellevue and Allied Hospitals. This work is progressing, and when completed will relieve the fire hazard that has existed in certain of these buildings. Laboratories in Charge of Eminent Pathologists and Chemists Eminent pathologists and chemists are in charge of the hospital laboratories maintained by the city, and work is being done that is of the greatest value for the relief of sickness, the advancement of medical science and the prevention of disease. The medical departments of three universities, Cornell, New York University and Columbia, function and teach in the wards and laboratories of Bellevue and Allied Hospitals. This not only adds to the service rendered patients, but places the institutions in the foremost rank as centers of medical teaching and research. Children's Service Enlarged and Improved A separate children's service was established at Fordham Hospital in 1919, similar to the clinics at Bellevue, Gouverneur and Harlem. The children's clinic I 'a.m"-. (Centre) TWO LARGE NEW PAVILIONS BEING ERECTED AT BELLEVUE HOSPITAL AT A COST OF $3,650,000 (Below) 1. ADDITION TO NURSES' RESIDENCE, BELLEVUE. 2. NEW NURSES' HOME FOR FORDHAM HOSPITAL 68 at Bellevue was greatly enlarged, and many more children are being cared for. Occupational therapy, combined with vocational training', was introduced in the neurological, psychopathic and tuberculosis wards at Bellevue, and also later at Fordham Hospital. This has proved very beneficial to patients and is invaluable in hospital work. Classes for the treatment of syphilis have been established at the various hospitals, and at Bellevue as many as a thousand cases a week are treated. An orthopaedic clinic was established in the out-patient department at Gouverneur Hospital and also a special department for the treatment of diabetes. The department of physio-therapy at Bellevue was extended, and is doing the maximum amount of work that the available space and staff will permit. Nurses Trained at Harlem Hospital and Mills School Establishment of a training school for nurses at Harlemo Hospital supplies an urgent need and is graduating a large number of qualified nurses each year. The Mills Training School for Male Nurses at Bellevue, which had been discontinued during the war, was re-opened in 1923, and serves the excellent purpose of providing male attendants for our hospitals. 69 138,000 AMBULANCE CALLS A YEAR ANSWERED Prompt Service Rendered in Accidents and Emergencies-No Expense Spared in Caring for Sick and Injured More than 138,000 ambulance calls a year are answered in New York. This necessitates the largest service of its kind in existence, which has been built up through the co-operation of public and private hospitals, and is being constantly improved, under the supervision of the Board of Ambulance Service. At the present time there are 110 ambulances in service, 105 gasolinepropelled and five electric, all the horse-drawn vehicles having been supplanted since 1918, when 14 of this old type were still in use. During 1918, the calls numbered 136,000, declining in the three succeeding years to about 110,000 annually, somewhat below normal. In 1922 the calls increased to 128,275 and in 1923 to 134,500 with a still further increase during the past year to over 138,000. Quick Work in Case of Great Disasters The efficiency of the ambulance service under the supervision of the present board has been strikingly illustrated in the case of large disasters, such as the Malbone Street accident, the Wall Street explosion, and the falling of the elevated train at Times Plaza, Brooklyn. Hardly had the accident occurred when ambulances and doctors were on the scene, caring for the injured and removing the wounded, dead and dying to the various hospitals. Realizing that the ambulance service is the life of the emergency hospital, the only relief for the injured, the first aid to the sick, the Board of Ambulance Service has endeavored to keep this idea, with all it means for prompt and effective service, before the hospitals and all who are interested in this vitally important work. Severe Strain Imposed by War Conditions Medical, surgical and chauffeur staffs of our hospitals were so depleted by the entrance of this country into the war, that the maintenance of the ambulance service presented serious problems in 1918. Doctors and surgeons gave their aid, women chauffeurs were employed in some instances where men were not available, and in the summer the shortage was relieved by the Motor Corps of America, which sent ambulances or chauffeurs to any hospital temporarily in need. Efficient Service in Influenza Epidemics When the epidemic of influenza, in the fall of 1918, began to make great headway, the Board of Ambulance Service, co-operating with the Health Department became the clearing-house for the condition of all hospitals under its supervision, receiving a morning and evening census of beds occupied and vacant, showing the hospital facilities available in every section of the city. Ambulances, with doctors and nurses, were kept in constant circulation. visiting homes, diagnosing and treating cases, and where hospitals were crowded 70 advising patients that if they followed instructions given and remained int their homes, there would be no danger. Fears were allayed, and in many sections what amounted almost to panic was prevented. No Expense Spared in Caring for Sick and Accident Cases At this trying time, when a distracted and terrified public was appealing for help, the Mayor gave orders that no expense was to be spared in the prompt removal of all sick and accident cases to hospitals, and authorized the Board to hire all kinds of equipment necessary for the proper performance of this work. But through the transfer of ambulances, one hospital, when its ambulances were not so busy, aiding those in other districts, the situation was met successfully and complete service maintained. On one occasion, for instance, St. Mary's Hospital, Brooklyn. sent notice that both its ambulances were out of service through accident, and the ambulance service of adjacent hospitals was also broken down. Ambulances from the Volunteer Hospital, in Manhattan, were immediately sent there. The B. R. T. accident at Malbone Street occurred that same evening, and these ambulances, with six doctors from St. Mary's Hospital, were the first to reach the scene of the disaster. That is an example of many such instances, this transfer service being in operation in all parts of the city. \luch timne and( effort lias )been given to curtailing the speed of ambulances through city streets, and enforcing the rules limiting them to fifteen miles an hour in the congested districts and twenty miles in the outlying sections. The use of sirens has been forbidden, and as rapidly as lossible those in use have been replaced by the bell, reducing the llise andl (liscomfort. l)irect wires from the hospitals to police heatdquarters have reduced (lelays in answering calls. Traffic conditions have 1een inlltmrve- l at hlospital lltrances, bridges and congested points, so that ambulances are given the right of way. Ambulance Stations at Coney Island and The Bronx Several years ago the regular ambulance service covering Coney Island was found to be inadequate. An ambulance station was, therefore, established at West Eighth Street Station House, where a doctor and chauffeur, with motor ambulance, were on hand until midnight on all holidays, Saturdays and Sundays during the season. During the seasons of 1923 and 1924 it was necessary to assign an additional ambulance at Mermaid Avenue and West Seventeenth Street. This service not only relieved the hospitals, but brought almost instant attention to the many accident cases occurring in the densely crowded portions of the island. An ambulance was also stationed at Pelham Parkway and Eastern Boulevard, in The Bronx, on holidays and Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings during the summer months. This saved three miles on all calls to the several beaches along the eastern water front of Fordham I-lospital's district. New Hospitals Assigned Districts Old districts have been readjusted, to cover territories where certain hospitals discontinued their ambulance service, new districts established to meet 71 changing conditions, and hospitals which have established ambulance service have been assigned districts which they could cover efficiently. Reserve trucks have been added to the Fire and Police Departments, which can also be called upon in emergencies. In order to meet the increased cost of maintenance and operation, private hospitals are now paid $2,500 per annum for each ambulance, increases having been granted in 1918 and again in 1923. Without these increases, it is doubtful if many of the hospitals could have continued to maintain their service. Medical Examiner Plan Far Superior to Old Coroners' System it Replaced The office of Chief Medical Examiner replaced that of the Coroners on January 1, 1918. Under the old system no medical records were kept, and no autopsy protocols were furnished the District Attorney or for court purposes. During the first year a system of reports suitable for court purposes was inaugurated, so that, at the present time, the medical examiner may go to the grand jury, to trial or to the State Industrial Board with an accurate and detailed report of the circumstances surrounding any death that is under investigation. A statistical bureau has been established, from which data relating to different kinds of cases is made available for department records and investigation, and for the various organizations interested. Deaths from Intoxication, Food or Other Poisoning Analyzed Progress has been made in having proper chemical analyses made of persons supposed to have died from intoxication or alcohol, narcotics, food or other various forms of poisoning, and a separate report is sent to the central office in all such cases. This routine investigation has resulted, the Chief Medical Examiner believes, in the practical elimination, in New York City, of the danger of wood alcohol. But unfortunately, he points out, the so-called intoxicating liquors which are sold under the name of "hootch" are often more deadly than even wood alcohol, and the department is forced to make a large number of examinations of people who have died on the streets, many of which are cases of poisoning fron bad alcohol, resulting in heart failure. Criminal and Casualty Cases Promptly Reported Reports in all criminal and casualty cases are sent to the District Attorney and the police are furnished with a complete report of any case in which they are required. Copies of these reports are also in constant demand in order to settle claims and compensation cases. This is a vast improvement upon the old Coroners' system, which signally failed to develop the purely legal-medical phases. The quasi-judicial duties of the Coroner have been taken over by the magistrates, who are competent lawyers and are able to elicit in a satisfactory manner the testimony of witnesses in accident and other cases which come under their jurisdiction. Establishment of a Homicide Court for the numerous vehicular accidents has been a great aid to the city and the public. This is furnished with complete 72 reprts of accident cases and, when necessary, the medical examiner testifies in cort to the findings. When it is considered that the Chief Medical Examiner's office handles more than one-sixth of the total deaths in the city, the daily burdens of this office may be appreciated. Saves Large Amounts Formerly Spent for Experts' Fees The present system is not only far more efficient than the old plan, but has resulted in saving many thousands of dollars formerly spent in experts' fees. In the old days, when the department did not have its own chemist or pathological experts, the District Attorney was forced to have the examinations made by outside authorities. In one case, some years ago, the District Attorney of New York County paid $90,000 for experts in a case which at the present time would involve no expense to the county. The economies thus made during this administration have saved large amounts in cases that are now handled without added expense by the city's own experts. 73 POOR AND NEEDY GIVEN PROMPT RELIEF 268,000 Benefited Annually by Department of Public Welfare-Homes Preserved, Mothers and Children Helped by Child Welfare Board and Women's Committee Every dollar given for the relief of the poor and needy should go directly for the purpose intended, with the least possible expense of administration. The distressed of our great city should not be exploited in the interest of organized mendicancy. With this idea, the Department of Public Welfare is now functioning. Conditions were chaotic at the beginning of 1918. Certain agencies had organized "charities" as a business, with high paid officials and big overhead. They had antagonized the religious charitable societies, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish. The preceding Commissioner, apparently siding with the "business philanthropists," had promoted unsympathetic investigations of the religious charities. Helpful relationship between these and the Department had been destroyed. The morale of administration was upset. Expensive officials furnished by "business philanthropy" and inexperienced "experts" were foisted upon the Municipal Civil Service Commission. A lay director displaced a physician as Superintendent of Sea View Hospital. An inexperienced "expert" was placed in charge of mentally deficient children at Randall's Island. He had a large staff of "social investigators," with a tremendous increase in office force and equipment, who spent uncounted time and money in preparing voluminous reports which nobody read. Disgraceful Conditions that Existed There was friction between medical and lay officers, and demoralization had spread through the entire technical staff. It was a welter of intra-departmental politics, discreditable to the city and injurious to the poor and needy. Finances suffered. There was increased cost to the city, and appropriations were more or less based upon guess-work. For several years the expenses had far outrun the appropriations. Loose and unbusinesslike methods prevailed. The plant and equipment of institutions were decaying. There was unspeakable filth and neglect, especially in the hospital for feeble-minded children at Randall's Island. Several of the pavilions of Sea View Hospital, which cost the city millions to erect, were used to house favored employees. Plumbing and sanitary conditions were disgraceful. This condition tended to the spread of tuberculosis or other infection. Children were "boarded out" under conditions that were disgraceful and injurious. Remedial Measures Applied Promptly When the present Commissioner took charge, the Department took remedial measures at once. )a NEW CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL, BRO3OKLYN-CARES FOR MORE THAN 5,000 PATIENTS A YEAR 75 During the four (4) years of the previous administration, there was appropriated for repairs and Fire Prevention Work.............. $406,992 During the eight years of the present administration, there was appropriated for repairs and fire prevention work................ $3,202,893 Cordial and sympathetic relationship with the denominational agencies was re-established. The Department and these agencies held a Cooperative Conference at Town Hall, October 10, 1921. Distinguished representatives of the churches, commercial organizations and denominational charities were present. The annual sessions have been supplemented by conferences held at the office of the Commissioner of Public Welfare. At these conferences the philanthropic activities of the religious organizations and of the city itself have been coordinated. In the very first months of 1918 it was decided that one of the problems which must be considered most carefully and sympathetically was the subject of unmarried mothers. Through all the previous years of the Department's history these mothers and babies had been considered in the district offices and by the same general standards which were used for married mothers and their children. For this reason the consideration of all the cases of unmarried mothers, abandoned babies and foundlings was turned over for investigation and decision to the office of the General Inspector, where the investigations are entirely confidential and are known outside only by number. Improvement in Methods and Institutions There is, as a result, a constant improvement in the methods of the institutions that receive from the city nearly $8,000,000 a year. "Agencies," "Blureaus" and other activities bearing pretentious titles and providing sinecures for political favorites have been abolished. Better service is freely given by the denominational agencies, experienced in philanthropic work, with no motive of lucrative employment. The Commissioner, his deputies and the physicians of his medical staff are in sympathetic touch with every progressive movement in philanthropy and medicine and act conjointly with non-official medical schools, medical societies and other organizations designed for social improvement. Administration Re-adjusted-Force Reduced Following a careful survey of the Administrative Department, 18 unnecessary investigators were dismissed. The actual cost of the Department under this survey was $19,303.26 less in 1918 than in the preceding year. The saving in salaries amounted to $130,835.74. The system of unit cost accounting was developed and improved. The lay director at Sea View Hospital was dismissed, and a physician was placed in charge. The General Medical Superintendent of the Department, who had been relegated to Kings County Hospital through personal politics, was brought back to headquarters. A physician was placed in charge at Randall's Island. Records were reduced in volume and the clerical staff re-organized on simpler lines. 76 Finances Systematized-Revenue Increased The financial system was re-arranged, so that budgets could be prepared covering the actual expenses of the Department, excess expenditures could be avoided and requests for revenue bonds to supplement budgetary appropriations reduced to a minimum. Likewise the revenues of the Department were increased. The collections for 1917 were $121,701.46. The total collections 1918-1923 inclusive were $1,510,306.52-an average yearly of $251,717.75. The collections for 1924 were $356,394.47, and since 1921 they have been in excess of $330,000.00 annually. Cost of materials and supllies has increased with the general increase in cost since 1917, and the activities of the Department now touch a much larger number of persons. In 1917, those benefited by the Deplartment's activities were 94,649. In 1923, they were 268,718, including public charges in private institutions. In 1924, the Department's own institutions alone cared for 210,356 persons. The various institutional plants of the Department have been improved. At Sea View Hospital, all of the pavilions have been made available for patients, increasing the capacity from 750 to 1,000. The employees who 1reviously occupied two of the pavilions have been housed elsewhere. All buildings were cleaned, repaired, put in order and new construction added; this was also done at Randall's Island and the ITome for the Aged and Infirm and other institutions. A new hospital was constructed to take the place of the old Cumberland Street Hospital. New additions were made to the Kings County Hospital and the Almshouse was removed from the Kings County Hospital and the buildings formerly used by the Almshouse remodeled for the care of chronic and neurological cases. As a result of the above improvements, the American College of Surgeons certified the hospitals of the Department as Class A. Cumberland Hospital Built-Others Improved On July 13, 1922, the new Cumberland Hospital onNorth Portland Avenue and Auburn Place, Brooklyn, was opened for the reception and care of patients. It is an eight-story, fire resistant structure, with a bed capacity of four hundred, having all modern equipment. In 1924, 5,007 patients were treated in the hospital proper and 30,484 in the dispensary. In the Kings County Hospital group two new wings, 45 rooms each, were added to the Nurses' Home; a four-story building containing 110 rooms was constructed for female employees; six new service rooms for nurses attending patients were built in the main hospital; a new operating suite was construcled; and equipped; a new dispensary suite was built with accommodations for about 50,000 dispensary cases; the old roof-gardens were remodeled and many other improvements made. At the Greenpoint Hloslital andl the Neurological Hospital on Welfare Island there have been numerous improvements. 77 Twelve New Buildings at Randall's Island At Randall's Island, where conditions were deplorable, twelve new buildings have been completed, ten for patients, one for the staff house and one for living quarters for teachers. Medical Boards Reorganized-Standards Raised In the hospitals the medical boards were all re-organized; the best possible attending physicians were obtained and the system of staff conferences was established in each hospital according to the plan prescribed by the American College of Surgeons. As a result of improvements of this kind, as well as in physical equipment, all the hospitals of the Department, for the first time in the history of the city, were placed in Grade A by the American College of Surgeons. The Department physicians were encouraged to work with the medical societies of the several counties in which their hospitals were located, and, as a result of this, in Kings County Hospital, where there was great need of post-graduate medical education, they started post-graduate classes; the lectures and clinics being given by the distinguished surgeons and physicians in attendance and on the visiting staffs. Special attention has been paid in these classes to the study of occupational diseases, and the seed has been planted for a medical education development with great advantage to science. Nursing Progress-Schools for Attendants and Post-Graduate Courses The improvement in the four schools of Nursing has been very marked. This improvement was made possible by the better hospital equipment and by the various measures taken to bring the schools to such standard as would insure better nursing care for the patients. Four Schools for Training Attendants were established. These Schools are the first of their kind in the country and their organization is practically epoch making in that it has revolutionized the care given to chronically sick patients in special hospitals, and in the community. Post graduate courses for trained nurses were also organized for work along special lines. The course for work with mental defectives is the first definite effort to prepare the graduate nurse to work intelligently in this field. The course in tuberculosis work is also of far reaching importance and meets a long felt need for trained workers in this line of endeavor. City Cancer Institute Established in Manhattan the Department secured, without expense to the City, sufficient radium for the treatment of 300 cancer patients, and a New York City Cancer Institute was opened under the direction of Dr. Isaac Levin, for the purpose of affording treatment to cancer sufferers who are without the means of paying for expensive hospitalization. New and Enlarged Clinics Another important new activity has been the establishment of clinics and the enlargement of those already established. In 1917 there was no'dispensary of 78 importance at the Kings County Hospital and none at City Hospital. Since that time a large dispensary has been opened at Kings County Hospital and another at City Hospital. These dispensaries furnish treatment and medicine without charge to patients who apply there and who are not in need of hospital care. The treatments are given by the physicians and attending staffs and do not cost the taxpayer one penny. In 1917 the number of treatments given at dispensaries of the Department's hospitals was 78,569. In the year 1924 the number of treatments had been increased to 106,839. Occupational Therapy has been established in all of the institutions of the Department, thus making the stay of patients and inmates more agreeable as well as giving them the advantage of its curative effect. Social Service Departments have been established il the various institutions of the Department, wllich have been of marle(d service to the patients and a great relief to their minds as this division investigates the family condition of patients and secures relief for them during the stay of the patients in the institutions. At the request of the Commissioner of Public Welfare, an ordinance was enacted regulating the soliciting of contributions in public and limiting indiscriminate collections upon the streets and( highways. 24,500 Children Cared for, Mothers Assisted, Homes Preserved, by Board of Child Welfare The Board of Child Welfare, operating under a State Law, with the support and co-operation of the city administration, has been the means of keeping thousands of needy childrel in their owvn homes who would otlerwise have been committed to institutions as public charges, or deprived of many of the necessities of life. When the father has died, leaving his family destitute, or when he is an inmate of an insane asylum or prison, the burden of the mother is particularly heavy, and many cannot maintain their homes unless given financial assistance and advice. Allowances are granted, at present, to three classes of mothers-widows, who greatly outnumber the other groups; wives of men in insane asylums, and wives of men sentenced to serve five years or longer in prison. In every case the mother must be deemed mentally, morally and physically able to care for her children, and must meet citizenslhiI and residence requirements. 24,500 Children Cared for in 9,000 Homes In 1918 there were under care of tlhe Board 14,911 children in 4,856 families, requiring an expenditure of $1,700,000. By the end of 1924 there were 24,500 children cared for in 9,000 homes of the five boroughs, at a cost of approximately $4,800,000. Standard Budget Made Up for Each Family Field visitors call at the homes of applicants, interview relatives and all concerned, ascertain the amount of wages, insurance and other income and the exact status of the family and its members. 79 To determine the amount given, a standard budget is made up for each family, including rent, food, clothing, fuel, light, sundries and carfare. All sources of income are then computed, and the amount of allowance is the difference between the budget and income, providing it does not exceed $18.85 per month per child. That has been the maximum allowance, though the Board is permitted to give as much as is paid to institutions for the care of children, $22.50 on the congregate and $29 on the cottage plan. While support is given only to children under 16 years of age, this aid often enables the widowed mother to give shelter and the care of a home to aged or crippled relatives who would otherwise have to be committed to institutions. Most Famlilies Soon Made Self-Sustaining Each family is visited at least once every three months, and if it is found that they can manage without further assistance, the allowance is discontinued. It is regarded only as a temporary help to tide them over the time of their greatest need, and but a small percentage of families remain on the payroll for a long period of time. Suggestions in regard to housekeeping, diet and the proper care of children are given by the visitors, and assistance is given in providing medical attention or care in convalescent homes. Hundreds of requests come for advice on various problems affecting the family group, and in many ways the workers have been called upon to do Big Sister work. Close Record and Supervision of Cases By a complete filing and case report system and index, information is immediately available regarding any case, close supervision is exercised, and allowances are adjusted in accordance with needs. School reports are secured for every child of school age on the payroll. Insurance is determined or verified from the records of the insurance companies. Marriage License Bureau reports indicate whether any widows assisted have re-married. More Than 62,000 Visits a Year Made by Investigators Twelve investigators have been added in the past three years, owing to the larger volume of work required. During 1923 representatives of the Board made 62,000 visits, and a still larger number last year. The offices have been moved from the old quarters in the basement of the City Hall to 145 Worth Street, where the entire building is at the disposal of the Board. A Medical and Dental Clinic has been installed on the second floor of this building, where thousands of children under care of the Board have been given necessary treatment, for which their mothers could not afford to pay. The new Dental Clinic in the Heckscher Foundation Building has agreed to treat free of charge all Board of Child Welfare children living in the northern section of Manhattan and The Bronx. Employment Found for 1,635 Boys and Girls One of the most valuable additions to the work of the Board has been the Juvenile Employment Bureau, established in 1919, which gives vocational guid 80 ance to boys and girls just leaving school and aids in securing suitable positions for them and for others under 18 years of age. In 1923, 2,019 were referred to positions and 1,635 of this number were placed. There were 3,168 interviews for consultation only. The employment secretaries also placed in part-time positions a number of widows seeking employment to supplement their allowance. Sails and Parties Given-Recreation Provided Recognizing the need of recreation in families unable to pay for any form of entertainment, the Board has endeavored to provide this in some degree by donations of friends and a small fund made available by the City Chamberlain. Through the co-operation of the Mayor's Committee of Women, all-day sails up the Hudson or along the Sound are arranged for mothers and children under care of the Board. Two sails a week were given last summer, with an average of 600 passengers on board each trip. Christmas parties are held in the Board building, which are enjoyed by thousands of destitute children. The State Department of Labor's survey, in 1923, showed that only 37 per cent. of the mothers receiving assistance from the Board of Child Welfare had children of working age, and 18 per cent., 1,385 families, were entirely dependent upon the Board for support. Thousands of Mothers and Children Aided By Mayor's Committee of Women Under the able chairmanship of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, for the past seven years the Mayor's Committee of Women, which took such a conspicuous part in the war activities of the city, has rendered equally distinguished and useful service in reconstruction, relief and civic aid. The Mayor's Committee of Women cooperates with and distributes through 82 organizations engaged in hospital, relief and social service work covering all sections of the City, irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation. In providing free milk and coal for needy families, All-Day \\ater Trips in summer for mothers and children, establishing pasteurized Milk Stations for babies and school children and first aid Seaside Clinics, the Committee performs incomparable service to the less fortunate citizens of Greater New York. During the period from 1918 to 1924 the Committee hasDistributed 3,868,183 quarts of free milk to needy families. Established twelve stations distributing pasteurized milk. Distributed 4,535 tons of free coal to 32,869 families. Created a milk fund, through their own endeavors, of $473,321.88. and a coal fund of $43,751.52. On the "All-Day Water Trips" were carried 137,667 people-mothers and babies, and school children. Provided the money, erected and furnished three seaside Clinics under the auspices of the Health Department. During this period, 1923-24, there were treated 1,222 medical and 4,801 surgical cases, individual instruction was given to 3,983 persons, and 242 lost children were cared for. The Committee served 54,554 six ounce bottles of milk to mothers and children at one cent each. , t 'OUL",, ",,~,' 1 utIt Io,, f I Al jrf 47 &In-rvrB tz c MAORS COMMITTEE OF WOMEN I MILK BOOTH y. v -... @," - iAOLPH HEARST..^*x — _ -0 - ~J.. L 4. 137,667 MOTHERS AND CHILDREN TAKEN ON ALL-DAY WATER-TRIPS 3,868,183 QUARTS OF MILK DISTRIBUTED TO NEEDY FAMILIES 82 Urged and secured the establishment of a House of Detention for Women, "whence a woman does not go back into the world with the stigma of having been in prison." This building is now under construction, the corner stone of which will be laid in May. The Committee on Social Service has given relief to hundreds of drug addicts and helped to reform them. Canteens Served 321,649 Soldiers and Sailors During the war period, the Committee cooperated fully with every war activity and led the women's organizations of the City in the sale of Liberty bonds. One of its greatest features was the establishment and maintenance of five "Canteens," where 321,649 soldiers and sailors were received, entertained, fed and given kindly favors such as cigarettes, theatre tickets, etc. They served 343,113 meals. The "Canteen" buildings were models of comfort and hospitality. In every way the Committee has sought to give aid and recreation to disabled veterans, and to assist in solving their varying problems. The Committee's Americanization meetings in 1920 were attended by over 60,000 foreigners, representing 27 different nationalities. The Committee cooperates with the Federal Government in assisting women to make out their first naturalization papers. Prominent Part in Notable Public Affairs The Women's Committee has taken a prominent part in the welcome of returning troops, the receptions to distinguished guests and in the notable entertainments in connection with conventions, celebrations and other public functions and figured prominently in the City's Silver Jubilee. The officers are: Mrs. John F. Hylan, Honorary Chairman; Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Chairman; Sophie Irene Loeb, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Nelson Herrick Henry, Secretary; Mrs. George W. Loft, Treasurer. Mrs. Oliver Harriman, Miss Elizabeth Marbury, Mrs. William Einstein, Mrs. Walter W. Irwin, and Miss Sara Graham Mulhall compose the Executive Committee. Miss Helen A. Kloberg is the financial secretary, and Miss Emily Cavan the staff secretary. 83 STREETS KEPT CLEANER THAN EVER BEFORE Garbage and Wastes are More Promptly Collected and Disposed ofNew Apparatus Clears Snow and Keeps Traffic Moving Cleaner streets, prompter clearing away of snow and ice after storms, more frequent collection of garbage and better methods of disposal are practical reforms brought about by this administration, for which the residents of New York are duly thankful. Few people realize what a huge job this is. With 3,800 miles of streets within the city limits, there is a mileage to cover that would stretch across the continent, from New York to San Francisco, with enough more to reach from here to Canada. This enormous task has been accomplished in the face of many difficulties and handicaps. When this administration took charge, in 1918, there was a shortage of 1,500 to 2,000 men in the labor forces. The extreme cold weather had blocked the slips with ice, and scows loaded with ashes and refuse were frozen in at the dumps. Contracts for Disposal Abandoned The company holding the contract for disposal of ashes and rubbish in Manhattan and The Bronx was unable to continue the work, and abandoned its contract. A new garbage disposal contract had just gone into effect. There was so much complaint of the reduction plant, when warm weather came, that the grand jury and State Board of Health conducted inquiries, and on October 2, 1918, the contractor abandoned the contract and the plant was closed, forcing the department to return to the archaic method of disposing of garbage at sea. Practically all the collection work was being performed with the inadequate 1 2 cubic-yard carts installed in 1896. A few motor tractors and trailers had been installed in one district, but these were of a clumsy, awkward type, and were almost ruined by lack of proper housing. Streets Buried in Snow and Ice for Months This lack of equipment was particularly noticeable in the winter of 1919 -1920, memorable for its severity and heavy storms. Having practically no snow removal equipment of its own, the department had to depend upon hired motortrucks for snow plow work, and upon contractors for removal. It was impossible to remove the effects of one storm before the next came along, with the result that the city was buried in layers of frozen snow, ashes (spread for the protection of horses) and ice for many weeks. To remedy conditions a committee was appointed by the Mayor to study the entire situation, make recommendations and draw up plans for modern collection and snow removal equipment. 1. ONE OF THE 50 BIG CATERPILLAR TRACTORS USED FOR SNOW REMOVAL 2. SOME OF THE 100 NEW 7-TON MOTOR TRUCKS FOR REFUSE COLLECTION 3. VACUUM CLEANER IN USE BY STREET CLEANING DEPARTMENT 85 Motor Trucks Replacing Horse-Drawn Equipment Commencing with the initial installation of motor equipment in 1920, the Department has consistently pursued the policy of replacing its horse-drawn vehicles with motor trucks for the collection of ashes, garbage and rubbish, and augmenting its street cleaning department with motor flushers, so that we now have 1,075 motor trucks and flushers lurchased in the past four years. At the present time practically 80 per cent. of the horse-drawn equipment in the Borough of Mlanhattan has been eliminated, in Brooklyn 40 per cent. and in The Bronx 30 per cent. The public is materially benefited by this change, as collections from households can be made much more rapidly by the use of 2, 5 and 7-ton motor trucks, and we are able to give service more regularly in outlying sections which formerly received service two or three times a week. Snow Promptly Removed-Traffic Kept Moving Another advantage of the motor over the horse-drawn equipment is that snow plows can be attached to the 5-ton trucks and flushers, and all the main arteries of traffic are kept open while the snow is falling, so that deliveries of coal and food supplies are not delayed. In addition to the motor trucks and flushers, the department now owns 140 caterpillar tractors which are used for snow-plow work in winter, and 10 Fox rotary brooms which are used for cleaning snow from the five large bridges which span the East River. These latter, which are operated in teams, are started as soon as snow begins to fall, sweeping the snow from the roadways into the river below, so that when the storm is over these bridges are practically clear and there is no delay to traffic. We also have two mechanical snow loaders, one of which can load a ten-ton truck in one to two minutes, a great saving of time, labor and expense over the old method of shovel-loading by hand. Vacuum Cleaners and Rotary Brooms for Streets Three vacuum street cleaners have been added, which pick up fine dust as well as ordinary litter, cleaning 100.000 square yards of pavement in an 8-hour day. Small rotary brooms are also used for street cleaning and snow removal. Thirteen Garages Erected-$32,000 Saved in Rent Thirteen garages have been erected for housing our motor equipment, enabling us to discard six stables as the leases expired, providing proper housing for equipment and saving $32,000 annually in rentals. Twenty Sea-going Scows in Fleet lBeing compelledl to return templ)orarily to sea-disl)posal of garbage, we had to work with oinly 7 l)ottom(-dlutlling anlld 2 side-dlumping secoln-hand( scows. This equipment being entirely inadequate, 12 additional dumping scows were built in 1923. Our fleet now consists of 20 sea-going scows, ample at present to take care of the peak-load of garbage daily. 86 New Dumping Boards and Disposal Plants Erected Five new dumping-boards, replacing old worn-out structures, have been installed in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. By eliminating the long haul to Wallabout, garbage is removed and disposed of on a scow at Coney Island by 11 o'clock in the morning, an imlprovement appreciated by the hundreds of thousands of visitors to that resort. Four Disposal Plants Erected A disposal plant, with a capacity of 300 tons of mixed refuse daily, has been completed by the Department of Plant and Structures and is now in full operation. The Brooklyn Ash Removal Co. has built one 100-ton plant in the Brownsville section, and is erecting another in the Bensonhurst section. The contracts contain a recapture clause whereby the city will eventually acquire these two plants. The second disposal plant built by the city, at 139th Street and Harlem River, is nearing completion and will soon be in operation. This, which has a capacity of 300 tons daily, will enable us to close the dump at West 96th Street, and will destroy all the dry and wet refuse from the upper east side of Harlem, which is now carried to Riker's Island. The Department last September purchased the plant at Riker's Island for unloading scows carrying ashes and rubbish from Manhattan and The Bronx. Additional fire-fighting apparatus has been installed, and it is believed this work can and will be performed without nuisance to residents of adjacent boroughs. For Efficient Disposal of All Garbage and Rubbish It is proposed to continue building disposal llants until we have sufficient to take care of the entire daily output of garbage and rubbish, eliminating the objectionable fires at Riker's Island and doing away with the sea dumping of garbage. With an ample number of sea-going scows it has been possible to have a more perfect separation of household wastes, such as separating garbage from ashes, and in this way the problem of keeping down odors due to mixtures in the same receptacle was solved. Consequently there was an increase in garbage of 50 per cent., from 950,000 to 1,400,000 cubic yards. The sea-dumping scows have a capacity of 2,000 yards each, so that it was possible to give a daily service to handle this quantity of material in collection and disposal of garbage. This alone offset the increase in cost due to the larger quantities, and by the efficient handling of the material by the dumpers, eliminated something like $250,000 from the budget. 87 BILLION GALLON SUPPLY OF PURE WATER Immense Damnis, Reservoirs and World's Longest Tunnel Built-Better Water Service Given Entire City at No Increase in Cost The city's present consumption of water is 800,000,000 gallons daily, of which 760,000,000 gallons is supplied by the municipality. Still more water may'be provided from existing works in case of emergency. Upon the completion of the Schoharie reservoir the total available supply from all municipal sources will be in excess of 1,000,000,000 gallons per day during periods of extreme drought. This will give some idea of the task of furnishing the City with pure water, which involves also the protection of a watershed embracing 1,136 square miles. The development of new sources of supply and the construction of dams, reservoirs, and conduits is carried out under the direction of the Board of Water Supply, and the maintenance and distribution under the Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity. During the past six years a purer, cleaner and more palatable water has been supplied at a better pressure with no increase in price. Longest Tunnel in the World Built in Catskills With the development of the Esopus watershed, delivering 400,000,000 gallons daily, the first stage of the huge project in the Catskill Mountains was completed, and in 1918 work was begun on the second stage, the development of the Schoharie watershed. The first step was the construction of the Shandaken tunnel, 18.1 miles in length, through which the water of Schoharie Creek could be delivered to Esopus Creek and Ashokan Reservoir. This tunnel, the longest in the world, is horse-shoe in section, concrete-lined, with inside dimensions of 11 feet 6 inches in height by 10 feet 3 inches in width, and is now completed and in service. Its cost was $12,204,655.55. A temporary dam, constructed in 1923-24, diverts the flow of Schoharie Creek into this tunnel until the Schoharie Reservoir is finished. Great Gilboa Dam is Nearing Completion In 1919, the contract for construction of Gilboa Dam, on Schoharie Creek, was awarded, the estimated cost being $6,819,910. The Schoharie Reservoir formed by this dam will be 5.8 miles long and 0.7 miles in width with an average depth of 57 feet, storing about 20 billion gallons. The dam will probably be finished by the latter part of the present year. The clearing of the reservoir preparatory to flooding the basin is already completed. On July 1, 1921, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorized the expenditure of $15,750,000 to complete the Catskill Aqueduct. Contracts were awarded in November, 1921, for two additional steel pipes at the 14-pipe siphons of this aqueduct between Ashokan Reservoir and Hill View Hospital, near the city line. These pipes are completed at 13 of the 14 siphons and are in service, the earned cost at the end of 1924 being $5,944,680.22. The delivery through the t! RESERVOIRi Prolts vilIle.1~0 - s4 lz)~'"N~ /3I IWest Kill V -: seichm /1 - 1Nj i Zpai miao n a I — & it R: B ~hoeniciou ' &AII, ' ies Falls Kaat sylenvi I L' / Si S kA+ Cs MT '. 9 -L" Woodstock OWest 1IR tonyHoffcj kshok 'IO sB — I 2 4 6 M bt