The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-06-03
WORK ON THE PARKS.
Monthly Report Of the New
superintendent.
A TABLE SEVENTEEN FEET LONG.
Kinnear Offers the Use Of Two Acres for
Fifteen Years-Grcat Reduction
in Monthly Expenses.

The park commissioners met yesterday,
Messrs. w. E. Bailey, w. +. Burgess. G. n.
Evans. Abram Barker and B. r. Bennett
attending. Superintendent Schwagerl was
present. Salary bills to the amount of
$629.S5, and for general expenses, 1888. 81,
were approved.
In reply to Mr.. Burgess, the superinten-
dent said there was no grass seed on hand.
Mr.. Burgess remembered bill for $42 for
grass seed and wanted to know what had
become Of it. Mr.. Schwagerl replied that
very much of Kinnear park had been sown
in lawn grass, and no doubt took large
quantity of seed. He was sure, however,
there was none on hand when he took
Office.
Commissioner Bailey reported that the
superintendent had made arrangements
with men for regular employment which
would result in great saving. They had
been paying $130 a month for teams; now
it will be $ll0. Other reductions are: In
strument man, $65, instead of STA; keeper
at Kinnear park. $55, instead of $63; ten
der, $45, instead of So; keeper at city
park, $50, instead of $73: assistant. $i5, in
stead OF $52. The report was approved.
The attention of the board of public
works will be called to the necessity of
taking measures to prevent water from
Olympic avenue running into the park
and washing out seed.
Superintendent Schwagert submitted
his report for the part of May during
which he was in office. His report is
chiefly general review.
George Kinnear offers the use of block
II. Kinnear's addition, for term of fif-
teen years, at no other charge than pay
ment of taxes. 1t is much more suitable
than the city park as a nursery 1t is
sheltered and the soil is very suitable.
Most available soil is soggy and unsuitable
for propagation.
Agreeable to your instructions constructive
work has been discontinued, except the COM
peton OF the ladies' toilet cottage, rustic bridge
leading thereto. planting of flower beds and
border with 665l plants, preparing and seeding
the remaining unfinished lawns in Kinnear
park.
The work in the nursery has been that of
maintenance; the working force On these is
reduced to four men and one team.
No material changes have been made in the
personnel except in the nursery, where large ex-
perience is needed.
The price of day labor and teams is main
tained; the monthly service is selected with ref
erence to the adaptation and availability ac-
cording to the most favorable terms offered to
the department that merit. industry, ability and
faithfulness can be promoted within the bounds
of your provision.
The general department of public works re-
ports limited progress; however, considerable
territory has been examined, valuable data
gathered from the city engineer, board of public
works offices and other sources, while consider
able OF the necessary paraphernalia of office
equipment and for field work has been col
lected. The magnitude and extent of your
undertaking, the limited resources at your COM
mnnd demands Imperative caution and iru-
gality
Mr.. George kinnear offers to the city the
use of block II in George Kinnear's addition,
with facility for an increase of area If needed
Tor period OF fifteen years, for cost OF clearing
and preparing OF ground and the payment of
taxes thereon for the latter thirteen years The
site is well sheltered the soil sandy leaf mould,
Its convenience self-evident. In view OF the
fact that the city park nurseries need extension,
added improvement and facilities, and in view
that such nursery addition will be detrimental
to the purpose and plan OF the park itself, as
also that the high elevation OF the site is not
congenial to the growth OF young nursery stock,
Mr.. George kinnears offer seems opportune and
may commend itself to your consideration and
action.
The honorable board of police commissioners
have consented to appoint some keepers or
tenders of the respective parks special police.
1t is, however, recommended that police boxes
be placed convenient to their call and reach to
make such appointments properly effective.
As soon the mathematical instruments
reach the department the Typographical survey
OF Lake Washington shore and adjoining land
Will be begun, meantime the needful prepare
ton IN establishing data of section lines and
level benches will be made. The office work of
mapping Is under way and should be enabled to
KEEP pace with the progress OF the field work.
The matter was referred to the judiciary
committee with power to act.
The finance committee was directed to
ascertain what steps the city intends TAX
ing with regard to a special election in or
der that the board may arrange tor an is
sue of $1,000 for park purposes.
superintendent Schwagerl exhibited his
new draughtlng table, which is very in
genious contrivance, designed by himself
and c. A. Swanson 1t is six feet high
and seventeen feet long The surface can
be turned to any plane coincident with its
axis; and along each side is huge roller
covered with light baize. 1t will take a
sheet OF paper thirty feet long by seven
teen wide. 1t is accompanied by four
standing benches and a straight-edge sew
enteen feet long. 1t is home made and
only cost $50. sheet of drawing paper.
which Will cost Sl20, has been sent for. A
detailed typographical map of the city Is
to be made which will do for all time.
The board adjourned to meet on
Wednesday week.