The Improvements On The Fair Grounds

Superintendent Mills made a ful] and interesting report to the board of managers of the fair association last Thursday, which is given in ful] below: Ann Arbor, Mieb., Jan. S, 1891. Gentlemen of the Board of Mauag-ers of the Washteuaw County Agricultura! and Horticultural Society; I would respectfully report the doings of your superintendent for the past year. As I have given itemized accounts, from time to time, to the auditing committee, and they reported to you, I will give, at this time, only a general report. The work of moving from the old to the newgrounds placed agreater amount of work than usual in the hands of your superintendent. Cost of moving buildings per contract.. $ 535.00 For labor 2,519.53 " material 804.89 Water pipe and hydrants 102.00 Total $3,761.42 To this was contributed 59 days' team work by the farmers at $3.00, making $177.00. Eight hundred seventy-eight dollars and tvventyfive cents was laid out on the track. You have 454 feet of horse stalls, 220 feet of doublé cattle stalls, 240 square feet of sheep pens, 160 square feet of hog pens; main hall, 30x90 feet; carriage house, 30x60 feet; grand stand, 30x80 feet; ladies' waiting room, 36x36 feet octogon; two octogon buildings, 32x32, with 20-foot connection, making a hall 32x84 feet; judges' stand, 12x12, three stories high. Fence and track fence are in good order. Everything is arranged to the best of my ability. Two acres about the main building need seeding. ïhere should be some arrangements made for setting out shade trees on the grounds The fair of 1890 was well filled in. all departments. We must not expect too much oi the superintendent of each individual department; he will not act as pólice unless we pay hira for that work. The horse department is too large for one man to do justice to; he should have the privilege of securing two good assistants, so his work may be done before the close of the fair. Mr. VVaite, of Manchester, had more work than he could do himself and do justice to exhibitors. I think he is entitled to more thanks than is generally given the man in his place. Our rules should be plain and cover all points, and then insist that the department superintendent, as agent for the society, allow no misrepresentations or premiums procured dishonestly. We were free from all disturbances on or near the grounds; liad but small use of pólice. You place in the hands of the general superintendent a great dea of power and many responsibilities Perhaps it would be for the interes of the society to well define his du ies and put some restrictions upon ïim. The track nee(js more work done upon it; 5ut no two w]-o have driven upon it agree just what that work should be. We need more horse stalls. Some of the exhibitors have expressed a desire to build stalls for their own use, at their own expense the society to have control of them when they do not wish to use them. think we should be generous to uch people. We should have a good dining hall on the grounds and perhaps it would be for the interest of the society to manage it. If they do, they had better conduct the booths also; in that way receive all the profits of the fair. We let all booth privilege on a new plan. Although ridiculed by some, we re, ceived, as 15 per cent. of sales$121.30. and did not allow games of chance or gambling devices on the ground. No distributing of bilis or advertising, except by our exhibitors. This seemed to give good satisfaction. Have leased the house belonging to the grounds, with some stable privilege, for $125.00 for one year. I think the society should insist that they have some remuneration from all who have use of the grounds.. The superintendents of the different departments should be well posted on all the rules and regulations of the society and insist that they are carried out in full, showing favors to none but justice to all - the society as well as exhibitor.