Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-09

been nearly $1,000 more than in 1898 for
the same time. y comparison for the
past four years was interesting to the
memebers. 1t was rs follows:
~ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. lJ.26s.25
lS'N ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. lsl96.23
1899 .--...........- ............ 1855. 70
But this IS not looked upon as the
result wholly Of the good show or the
management, as one must consider
that in the past two years the condi-
ton Of the people has been so much
better with more ready money in cir
culation. Yet it is pleasing and shows
that the fairs are growing more and
more popular. The association hopes
in time, with its present success. to be
able to pay off its great debt and at
the same time to continue to improve
its grounds ana exhibits
The first matter Of new business
taken up was introduced by Col. G. II.
osgood. and it was that Of the auctio-
neering of the boxes. He explained
the present method and asked that
something be done SO that a better
price could be received for the boxes
At the present time they are sold for
certain amount for so many seats. but
in order to secure box a man must
20 To the auction and bid for them.
This extra amount he pays is the
premium. At this auction man get
ting good box. as in Col. Osgood'S
place, may pay a premium of $50 for
his box or as high as $50. as in some
cases. this year Another man by wait
ing until the bidding has subsidized may
get 4 nice box equally as good as the
so one, for something like 81 or s..
The colonel thought the premium. even
if they We're auctioned off. should be
placed at a safety amount to insure a
good price for them. He thought none
ought to be let go for premium of less
than SO. This was left to the trus-
tees.
The matter that caused the greatest
amount of discussion was that Of the
rights of the life members in regard to
the city hall shows. These shows have
in the years past been the losing part
of the fair. They have never paid the
operating expenses. and it is getting so
that they are not expected to. Last
year, the cost was $l400. while not
quite half that amount was taken at
the door. This year. every effort to
make an attractive exhibit as possible
with attractions in the evening, was
done, and yet. up to Thursday night,
only $500 had been taken at the door.
Considering this and also the fact
that the City hall show is now. in fact,
a part of the regular fair, the trustees
upon the recommendation of Secretary
Clark, directed the secretary to write
to each life member to see If they
would give up their privilege of adj
mission to City hall and would pay
whenever they went there. The sec
rotary received 800 replies to 40 queries
and all but one of those 800 replies We're
to the effect that they would cheerfully
do SO.
Judge Wing brought up the matter,
evening. and said he should
move an amendment to the constitu-
ton relating to the rights of the life
enter the City hall exhibit free of
charge. This was opposed by DR.. Ros-
coe c. Smith of Auburn. Remarks in
favor of the amendment were made
by Hon. Joseph II. Manley. DR.. G. Nj.
Twitchell and others, and when the
matter was put to vote it was over
whelmingly carried.
This matter of the City hall show is
likely to be the cause of discussion
among the trustees later. 1t was pro-
posed, Thursday evening, to abandon
the City hall exhibits altogether. as it
is so great an expense to the associa-
ton. Another plan that has been
heard many times being discussed Is
that of erecting building on the
grounds over on the back side of the
tracks where the exhibit can be car