Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-02

Woodwork and improves the general
appearance of the buildings.
"A new washing machine has been
installed in the laundry and such re-
pairs have been made as have been
found necessary to keep UP the
efficiency of that department. The
large steam disinfector, for the use Of
the laundry, which was introduced into
this department last year has been in
daily operation, contributing largely to
better sanitation in the cleanliness OF
our bedding, clothing, and such arti
cles of all kinds as is found in such
condition as to warrant steam disin-
lection. The value of this auxiliary in
the daily use for which, it is designed
cannot be overestimated.
1.-THE radical improvements which
have been, or are now being, carried
into execution consist in the renovation
of the first wing of the institution, for
women. the complete reconstruction
and enlargement of the farm house,
and of carrying out of the entire
sewerage of the institution into the
deep water of the Kennebec river. In
last years report quite detailed eX-
PLANTATION was presented of the recon-
struction of the wing, to which re-
port the Legislature will have access,
SO that it seems unnecessary to re-
capitulate. 1t is of interest. however,
to state that while the various con-
tracts were severely handicapped by
long delays in receiving the proper ma
terial which entered into reconstruct
ton, yet the work has been carried for
ward nearly to completion. 1t would
now be ready for occupation only from
tSe fact that we have been delayed for
several months in receiving certain
portions of the fixtures necessary to
complete the plumbing. The entire
painting of the building is being per-
formed by, and under the direction Of,
our painter and is practically COM
pleted. Indeed, it has been found
necessary in the completion Of the
building that our entire mechanical
force should be called into requisition.
We have learned from long experience
in the construction of former buildings
that many details are necessarily left
to be completed by our own me-
chanics before occupation is made
suitable. The work will be prosecuted
with much vigor with the hope that
the first of the coming year. The plan
in renovation and the material used
has been such as to render absolutely
fireproof construction. The institu-
ton and it's patients are to be con-
graduated that it's occupancy will at
ord increased comfort and contribute
largely to more efficient sanitation and
treatment more especially so as one
of it's wards is designed for the physi-
cally sick and helpless.
Agreeable to instructions, the matter
of installing system of telephones in
the institution was thoroughly in
vestigated and the conclusion was
reached that for the accommodation of
the hospital the Clark Automatic Tele-
phone and Switchboard presented the
most practical features. Accordingly
a contract was entered into between
the above company and the institution
to install a plant at a cost of $2,511OS.
The work was completed during the
early part of the season and its opera
ton since has demonstrated the fact
that it was thoroughly and efficiently
installed. Through it's wires every
part of the institution is in communica--
ton, including all of its outlying
buildings. One advantage over other
systems and which became an induce
ment for US to make contract is the
fact that it does not necessitate
salaried person for it's operation, hence
we regard this system as more
economical. Each person wishing to
communicate becomes his own operator.
A guarantee was received to furnish all
MI ny,1in FREQ IF r.,
the institution for the term of five
years. Thus far no defects have been
observed and we see no reason why its
structure may not be durable. 1t
facilitates business and is a great con-
veaience in it's adaptation to the wants
Of the entire institution.
"As the harvests have been gathered
from the farm and garden we have
been surprised at the excellent results
obtained, because of the exceptionally
cold season that has prevailed. 1t
may be of interest to our citizens, es-
pecially to those engaged in agricultu-
raj pursuits, to learn somewhat of the
magnitude of the operations of the
institutions farm. There has, during
the season been about eighty acres I'M
der the pillow and which was handled
in the following manner: Twenty
seven acres were planted to corn de-
signed for ensilage; nine and onehalf
acres to potatoes: three quarters of an
acre to beans; four acres were sowed
to peas and oats, and five acres to
oats alone; the balance was seeded
down. The yield of potatoes was two
thousand four hundred and thirty
bushels, that of hay three hundred and
eighty-one tons, and the product of the
corn acreage was three hundred and
seventeen tons. The above statistics
apply only to the farm. We have I'M
der cultivation in our garden about
twenty acres which has been well
handled for many years and is in
high state of fertility. The detailed
resources of these two auxiliaries will
Il presented in the carefully prepared
fiji ancial exhibit of the steward and
treasurer but it is sufficiently apparent
from casual observation that there has
been an average production in both de-
partments. They are each providing
opportunities for a large amount of
physical exercise which is so essen
tial to the well being and improve
%s0,1 l. -.