58 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



OUR MAINTENANCE FUND FOR 1919. 



By the most careful management and all possible economies, 

 the Zoological Park was carried through the year 1918 on its 

 fund of $207,586 from the City and $2,642.70 from the funds of 

 the Zoological Society without a deficit. In preparing the an- 

 nual budget for 1919, it was resolved to ask for no increase save 

 a sum sufficient to give each member of the Zoological Park force 

 drawing less than $1,400 per year a salary increase of 10 per 

 cent. Such an increase would benefit 147 persons, and called 

 for an addition of about $14,000 to our appropriation. In spite 

 of rising prices we resolved to attempt to go through 1919 on 

 the same funds as for 1918, and therefore the total amount called 

 for by our budget was $221,873. 



In making up the tentative City Budget, the Board of Es- 

 timate cut us down to $175,000 ! 



At the public hearing on the budget, and by correspondence, 

 strong protests were made against that reduction, and an urgent 

 appeal was made for at least $200,000. Eventually the Board 

 increased our amount to $190,000, but coupled with it a condition 

 that the $15,000 added above the tentative budget was for the 

 purpose of providing for a salary iyicrease of $100 to each em- 

 ployee receiving less than $1,800 per year. 



We heartily endorse the increase in the pay of our low- 

 salaried employees, and we are most thankful that they are to 

 have it. At the same time, our own troubles are on a basis of 

 $175,000 per year for everything save that increase. 



The cut we have sufi'ered in salaries and supplies amounts 

 to about 15.5 per cent, of our living expenses for 1918 (i. e., 

 $207,586). 



Now, how is that 151/- per cent, deficit ($32,000) to be met? 



The working force of the Park must be reduced to make it 

 fit the money available for its pay. 



The Zoological Society will raise and contribute toward the 

 cost of food, fuel and general supplies a sum that will cover the 

 151/2 Psi" cent, deficit created under those items. The figures will 

 have to stand about as follows : 



Reductions in the working force, to save $10,000 



To be raised by subscription in the Society 18,000 



To be taken from the Animal Purchase Fund 4,000 



Total deficit to be met $32,000 



