542 AXNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Prior to the filing of the award by the Appraisal Commission pre- 

 liminary work was necessary in order that the transfer mif^ht be made 

 with a minimum of confusion. The transfer of a complicated busi- 

 ness of this character presented many problems, and preparation 

 for handling numerous details was necessary. Rules and regulations 

 governing the operation and management of the market and the 

 cold-storage plant were prepared and promulgated. All of the per- 

 sonnel of the AVashington Market Co., except the officers of the com- 

 pany and four laborers, were retained by this bureau. This ar- 

 rangement provided for the uninterrupted operation of the plant 

 and avoided the serious confusion ^^■hich vrould inevitably have arisen 

 had the department been required to take over the property with an 

 entirely new personnel. Fortunately, no important details were over- 

 looked and the transfer was accomplished without interruption to 

 business or inconvenience to tenants or to the public. 



One of the most complicated problems encountered was the liquida- 

 tion of the cold-storage accounts. When the transfer took place the 

 cold-storage warehouse was nearly filled with perishable products. 

 These goods had l)een accepted for storage by the Washington Market 

 Co., and, consequently the company had a lien upon all storage 

 charges accrued to the date of transfer. The calculation and division 

 of storao'o charjjes on several hundred accounts presented a difficult 



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and important task which had to bo done in ccmnection with the un- 

 interrupted conduct of current business under governmental pro- 

 cedure and methods. The liquidation of these accounts was not com- 

 pleted by the end of the fiscal year, but was well in hand and will 

 shortly be entirely consummated. 



Center Market "represents a complex business organization. Retail 

 market stands are leased to 176 tenants and curb and other spaces 

 are provided for the use of approximately 200 farmers and truckers. 

 Four large wholesale houses dealing in meats and provisions are 

 listed among the tenants. In addition there is a large auditorium, 

 a bowling alley, a billiard parlor, and a resturant. 



One of the most prominent and complicated phases of the work is 

 the operation of the cold-storage warehouse. There are approxi- 

 mately 500,000 cubic feet of space available for the use of tenants 

 and others who may have need for storage facilities. "Wliile the 

 Center Market plant does not possess some important advantages of 

 the most modern cold-storage warehouses, its location and consequent 

 convenience to dealers in the market district has enabled the depart- 

 ment to retain the majority of the accounts formerly handled there. 

 Since this plant must of necessity be operated on a competitive basis, 

 adjustments in rates and forms of service must be made from time 

 to time as demanded by business conditions. 



Since assuming control of Center jSIarket the department has taken 

 vigorous measures to improve sanitary conditions. The meat stands 

 are now under the supervision of a meat inspector, who not only 

 requires that pure and wholesome meat be sold but that all utensils 

 and equipment be kept thoroughly clean. In this connection equip- 

 ment has been installed for furnishing hot water to tenants for 

 cleaning purposes. Measures have been taken for the purpose of 

 making the market more convenient and attractive to the public. 



A vast amount of repair and improvement was necessary in order 

 to place Center Market on a par with the modern public retail 



