TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT 91 



all restaurant business of this class was so extremely difficult 

 and unprofitable that the net result for the year showed a loss 

 that had to be absorbed by other more profitable divisions of the 

 Privileges. An earnest effort was made to maintain the stand- 

 ard of service without the proportional increase in prices that 

 have been made in downtown restaurants. Another season our 

 prices will have to be advanced considerably if the present con- 

 ditions continue, or we must be prepared to assume a further 

 loss. 



Boating. — The boating receipts for the season made a very 

 satisfactory gain over last year, particularly the receipts for 

 the rental of row boats. A considerable sum had to be expended 

 in the repair of boats, which was continued through the winter 

 by some of our regular force. In addition to this, it was found 

 necessary to replace some of our oldest equipment by the pur- 

 chase of a carload of standard steel boats. These were delivered 

 early in the season. 



Our electric launches were given a much-needed overhaul- 

 ing by a carpenter and now are in very good condition. They 

 gave good service throughout the season. 



The two small cashier and refreshment booths on the dock 

 are inadequate for the increased requirements, and another 

 larger booth is being constructed to be ready for use at the be- 

 ginning of next season. 



Boat House Restauirnit. — The results in the operation of the 

 Boat-House Restaurant during 1919 were disappointing. The 

 kitchen was again closed during the winter and service restricted 

 to the lunch room ; and every possible effort made to reduce 

 the operating expenses. In spite of all our efforts, however, a 

 considerable loss in this branch had to be assumed by the boat- 

 ing business. 



Soda Water. — There was a continuation of difficulties at- 

 tendant upon this branch of the Privileges for the past several 

 years. While most of the restrictions in force during the war 

 were removed, prices of all commodities entering into the busi- 

 ness were continually increased. Deliveries were difficult, and 

 good help was almost impossible to obtain for the short season 

 of employment that we can offer. Our policy of pushing the 

 plain drinks and simplifying the service made necessary for 



