524 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE . 



REPORT, SUPERINTENDENT FORAGE. 



To the President and Executive Committee of the Michigan Agricultural Society: 



As superintendent of forage, I would state that total cost (601,090 pounds) of 

 straw used was .$160,23, as against !i!254.4G for 1895. Through the forethought of 

 Mr. Fifield, 'superintendent of Speed Department, comes most of this saving by 

 not furnishing straw to speed horses. The plan of having superintendents of 

 departments needing straw, give orders for same, worked very well; think the 

 amount of straw used was but little above what was actually needed. 

 [Signed.] W. E. BOYDEN, 



Superintendent Forage. 



REPORT, SUPERINTENDENT GATES. 



To the President and Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen — I had seven men employed at the gates at the last fair, in all 35 

 days time, which, with the necessary expense, cost the society $111.65. In this 

 connection, let me thank C. W. Young who generously helped the chairman of this 

 committee by taking charge when I was obliged to be away. The main matter we 

 had that made this work unpleasant, and perhaps, in the estimation of some, 

 unbusiness4ike, was being obliged to collect cash from the passengers in the car- 

 riages at main gate, which, perhaps, was difficult to avoid. 



Very respectfully. 



[Signed.] F. H. LATTA, 



Superintendent of Gates. 



REPORT, SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE. 



To the President and Members of the Executive Committee of the Michigan State 

 Agricultural Society: 



Gentlemen — As has been our custom, a few trusty policemen were placed on duty 

 at the fair grounds at Grand Rapids as early as Friday prior to the State Fair. 



The whole number of pQlice on duty at different times during the fair were 62, 

 time ranging from one to eight or nine days each. The wages paid were $2 per day 

 without board, lodging furnished the men, however, on the grounds at police head- 

 quarters, the secretary, Mr. Fralick, looking after the matter of cots and blankets 

 and contributing generally to the comfort of the men. and in such a manner as to 

 leave no cause of complaint. Thanks to the efficiency of the force and the assist- 

 ance of the officials and city police, no complaints on accounts of pick-pockets or 

 from pilfering were reported. Receipts from "fence jumpers" were $2, which 

 amount was turned over to the treasurer of the society. 



Messrs. Strong, Beach and Bates rendered us excellent service, as is their cus- 

 tom. The force, which included many of our old and trusty members, were zeal- 

 ous in the discharge of their duties, and are deserving of credit. 



I desire to thank my brother members of tlie committee for their very kind con- 

 sideration and assistance rendered me during the entire fair, and particularly are 

 my thanks due the president of the society. Mr. Ball, who both worked with, and 

 stood by the police department from start to finish, in our efforts to protect exhibit, 

 exhibitor and patron. 



Very respectfully, 

 [Signed.] N. T. KELSEY, 



Superintendent Police Department. 



