15 



prove an exception to the rale, but make plans at this meetinpr to celebrate 

 its proiden anniversary during the week of our coming fair in proper form, 

 whether it be in the way of extra decorations, special attractions or o her- 

 wise. To this end it would be proper to appoint a committee to formulate a 

 program suitable for the otscasioo, with instructions to report its recom- 

 mendations as soon as possible to the board, when responsibilities may be 

 divided, so that each member will have some specific duty to perform in 

 making our jubilee year the already predicted sue ess. It is my belief that 

 the committee will be able to arrange a program whii^h will afford an ap- 

 propriate celebration, and at the same time tend to largely increase the re- 

 ceipts of the fair. 



OUR {needs. 



While we are congratulating ourselves on success of the past, we must not 

 overlook the necessities of the future. There is much work yet to be done 

 on the grounds in the construction of additional buildings, drives and walks, 

 and with the modern condition of our grounds and buildings I need not say 

 that more thought on your part will develop many improvements in conduct- 

 ing the various and incrensing departments. Let, therefore, each superin- 

 tendent exert his best efforts towards better service, the reduction of ex- 

 penses, and to increase the extent, or income, as the case may be, of his 

 department. It this is properly done, I predict at this time that the fair of 

 1902 will stand successfully unprecedented in the history of our board. 



woman's building. 



The erection of a Woman's Building will be one the most important mat- 

 ters that will come before you at this meeting. On ihe night of September 

 20 last, the beautiful building erected in 189*J, with its contents, was totally 

 destroypd by fire. Fortunately we had insurance on the building, in the sum 

 of $8,000, but none on its contents. Thanks to the Northern Assurance 

 Company of London, the money was promptly paid, so that this sum, at 

 least, is at your disposal at the present time. In the consideration of the 

 new building I would respectfully invite the fullest thought as to its general 

 character and purposes, which is a matter that was not as clearly defined as 

 it should have been in the act making the original appropriation. 



WATER SUPPLY. 



I beg to call your special attention to the water supply on the grounds in 

 case of fire. The pipes now in service are entirely inadequate and cannot be 

 depended upon, even with the city fire department on the grounds to aid in 

 ext«ngaishing a fire. The mains are only four inches in diameter, and there 

 are many '"blind ends" which so reduce the pressure that if a fire should 

 break out among the frame buildings it would be little short of a miracle if 

 we did not meet with a total loss. 



With the view of taking this matter up at this time, a map has been pre- 

 pared at my suggestion, showing the mains as now laid as well as the pro- 

 posed new system of hydrants and of circuits that are provided for. From 

 this map it will be seen that if the new plans are carried out every building 

 will havH at least two fire plugs of two pipes each, located at convenient dis- 

 tances from the buildings to be protected, supplied with a thorough circuit 

 of mains, which cannot tail to give the protection needed. I am informed 

 that the expense of this needed improvement will not exceed $2,500. which is 

 nothing compared with the great risk wo are running under present condi- 

 tions, and hence I hope that you will give this important matter the consid- 

 eration it deserves at this meeting. 



ILThe thanks of the board are due our worthy member, Mr. F. C. Rossiter, 

 for the special interest he has manifestnd professionally as an engineer in 

 the improvements made on the fair grounds during the past year, and also 

 for the complete chart of the grounds already referred to. He has done this 



