SECRETARY'S REPORT 165 



Water and electrical installations in this new building were com- 

 pleted, and the large darkroom is almost finished. It is expected that 

 the building will soon be used to its full capacity and effectiveness. 



All the screening on the original large laboratory was replaced with 

 plastic screening, as expert advice had indicated this type was ex- 

 ceptionally good. Unfortunately, experience did not bear out that 

 recommendation as rats ate the plastic with gusto, and cigarettes 

 which accidently came into contact with the screen caused holes to 

 develop immediately. It is planned to replace all the plastic screen- 

 ing with the aluminum type. 



Some of the lumber and other materials needed for rebuilding and 

 repairing the laborers' quarters were purchased. This project in- 

 cludes the installation of indoor toilet facilities, a luxury to the labor- 

 ers, but an added health protection factor on the island. 



The roof of the Haskins Library Building appeared to be in poor 

 condition, but a careful examination revealed that the damage was 

 superficial, and the only repair needed was scraping and painting the 

 existing covering. These projects were carried out thoroughly, and 

 the roof is now in excellent condition. The runoff from the roof of 

 this building is not used as a means of water supply, and so painting 

 it presents no problem in this respect. 



The new electric water heater furnishes hot water for the kitchen 

 and shower baths and is proving to be a valuable addition. Though 

 hot water cannot be used too freely when a large number of scientists 

 are on the island, it has been a welcome convenience for all. 



The 110-120- volt, 60-cycle, overhead electrical installation, com- 

 pleted in 1955, is giving satisfactory service. Excellent arrangements 

 were made during the year for the maintenance and repair of the Diesel 

 generators. A Caterpillar generator was obtained on transfer, and 

 when this third unit is installed it is expected that no interruptions 

 in the electric supply will be experienced. 



Materials were purchased for building dry closets, electrically 

 heated, in the various buildings. Some dehumidifiers have been in- 

 stalled, and they are doing an excellent job of drawing incredible 

 amounts of water from each room. 



The large wooden water tank north of the old laboratory was in 

 danger of collapsing, and so some temporary, emergency repairs had 

 to be made until the water-supply problem can be resolved. During 

 the year it was discovered that a spring on the Snyder-Molino trail may 

 be the solution. Before this can be determined, possible contamination 

 from rain drainage during the wet season will have to be eliminated 

 in order to obtain a good sample of water for analysis. 



Minor necessary repairs were made to the launch Moon. Local reg- 

 ulations make it necessary to equip the speedboat with life preservers. 



