174 



stalled at a cost of about $3,000. The old random system was 

 used, most of the ditches being placed along the edge of the 

 highlands and a systematic oiling program was started. These 

 ditches were maintained for several years, and the systematic 

 oiling has ever since been carried on over the adjacent territory. 

 Without question this work produced a large measure of relief, 

 but it gradually became evident that the work would have to be 

 done over with a more modern system of ditching and over a 

 more extended area to afford complete relief from the mosquito 

 pest. The season of 191 5, when under the influence of severe 

 rainfall and tidal conditions the old ditching system failed to 

 prevent surface breeding on a large scale, brought the matter 

 to a head. 



In August, 191 5, a number of residents of Lawrence, Wood- 

 mere, Hewlett and Far Rockaway formed the Rockaway Penin- 

 sula Mosquito Extermination Association. I was elected as the 

 President; Tracy H. Harris, Vice-President; Peter B. Olney, 

 Jr., Treasurer, and James N. Rosenberg, Secretary. 



During the fall and winter a vigorous campaign for funds 

 was carried on, and private subscriptions aggregating about 

 $24,000 were obtained from^ the leading property owners and 

 a number of lessees residing in the Peninsula during the summer 

 months, and plans were made to begin the drainage work in the 

 spring of 19 16. 



When the City of New York decided to drain the meadows on 

 the lands in Jamaica Bay within the city limits the Rockaway 

 Peninsula Association was relieved of the necessity of doing any 

 work there, and decided to confine its work to that section of 

 meadow lands in Jamaica Bay outside the city limits, and the 

 large section of meadow land on Hempstead Bay, or so-called 

 Rockaway Bay, extending from the city line at Far Rockaway 

 eastwardly to East Rockaway through the communities of Law- 

 rence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere and Hewlett. The Association 

 then became an incorporated body, with the same executive 

 officers — C. C. Adams, President; Tracy H. Harris, Vice-Presi- 

 dent; Peter B. Olney, Jr., Treasurer, and James N. Rosenberg, 

 Secretary. 



