The Park Governments of Chicago 135 



the same period of owning and operating their own 

 machines. After an examination of conditions under 

 which the park machines are used, the Bureau beheves 

 that reductions might be made in the number of machines 

 owned and in the number of chauffeurs employed by the 

 Park Boards so that a present salvage value of approxi- 

 mately $8,000 and an annual saving thereafter of approxi- 

 mately $22,000 in cost of operation and maintenance might 

 be realized without impairing in any degree the efficiency 

 of the park work. If additional machines were subse- 

 quently found to be needed from time to time, they might 

 be requisitioned, as is done by the city, under a low-bid 

 contract previously let to a private garage. 



5. The purchase of the three Pierce Arrow machines 

 (one 7-passenger and two 5-passenger) by the South 

 Park Commissioners and two 7-passenger machines by 

 the West Chicago Park Commissioners is an indication of 

 extravagance in the use of public funds. Covered run- 

 abouts or coupe cars, such as some of the officials now 

 use, would be more suitable for all, would require less 

 original outlay and less cost of upkeep. It is recommended 

 that no more large machines be purchased but that they be 

 rented by the hour, if required. 



6. During the two years prior to September 1, 1911, 

 the West Park Board paid William Holliday, a mechanic, 

 over $9,000 for his services in repairing automobiles and 

 for automobile parts and supplies purchased by him. The 

 transactions with him show gross waste of funds and dis- 

 regard of the most common business principles. 



7. To regulate the automobile service in the parks, it 

 is essential that there be not only an accounting control 

 over the expense thereof, but also administrative control 

 over the use of the machines. The economy of automobile 

 service is usually measured by the cost per mile of miles 

 run. Although it is important that such data be made a 

 matter of current record, it will not suffice as a basis to 

 test the economy of machines used by public employees. 



