New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-02
What 1t Did to Carry Out
Its Programme at
Albany. a
SPECIAL EFFORT TO
AMEND TORRENS ACT
Some Important Measures Now
Awaiting Governors
Action.
BY THE REAL ESTATE BOARD.

this year given to the work OF the
Legislature by the legislation and tax
alton committee of the Real Estate
Board. Weekly meetings were held by
the committee and action taken on bills
that affected real estate or city finances
generally. In every case the attitude OF
the Real Estate Board was presented at
Albany, either by personal representa-
ton before committees or by written
statements TO legislators introducing
the measures under consideration or to
the chairmen of the proper committees.
Some of these measures looked to the
carrying out Of the legislative pro-
gramme of the Real Estate Board, out
lined before the Legislature convened.
The following is a brief reference TO
some of the more important bills affect
ing real estate owners and now in the
hands of the Governor:
Special effort was made in the direc-
ton of amending the Torrens act, the
work being in charge of Professor Al
fred G.. Reeves, chairman OF the boards
committee. This bill, introduced in the
Senate by Senator Boylan, was passed.
II was Assemblyman Ahern's bill in
the Assembly. II was recommitted dur
ing the closing hours of the session.
The Lockwood Ellenbogen bill, de-
signed to secure simpler building in
spection, was passed by both houses Of
the Legislature, but was vetoed by the
Mayor after the Legislature had adj
journed.
Senate Int. No. 1893, print No. 1894
Senator lchrist)-Amending Section
$50, real property law, by providing
that cemetery lands in first class cities
may be assessed for local improve
ments Of sidewalks abutting Thereon,
in the sa e manner as other lands and
regulating the collection OF such as
sessments. This bill was actively sup
ported by the Real Estate Board.
Senate Int. No. 1880, print No. 2,l3l
Senator CarswelD This bill abolishes
| the recreation commission and confines
, these duties to the Commissioner OF
Parks for each borough within the
Jurisdiction of the Department or Ed
ucation. This legislation was suggest
ed by the board as far back as last No
vember.
Senate Int. No. 1903, print No. 2,0S3
Senator Sanders a new Sec
ton 3 to the labor law. This places
the enforcement of the requirements
Of the labor law, in cities Of the first
class, in the Bureau of Buildings OF
the several boroughs, excepting Juris-
diction over exits and fire escapes. IL
will give a measure of home rule in
matters of this kind such as is not now
had by real estate owners. This bill
was introduced at the request OF the
Real Estate Board.
Senate int No. 1888, print No. 2,o45
Senator Mills)-This amends Section
s3-a of the labor law by providing that
in New York City the Fire Commits
sioner may waive the requirements for
fire alarm signal system in buildings
not over four stories or buildings
equipped with automatic fire sprink-
lers. IL in his opinion such signal sys--
tenn is not necessary for the safety Of
occupants. This bill was actively sup
! ported by the Real Estate Board.
Senate Int No. Lass, print No. i,7Ss
Senator Cromwell)-Amending Section
1l9-a of greater New York charter
relative TO assessments for local i'm
provements confirmed after January i,
1908. Il provides in effect that in di-
viding instalment assessments the i'm
provements shall not be considered.
This will be Of great benefit to the
small owner. This legislation was rec
commended by the Real Estate Board.
Senate Int.-No. 1909, print No.
1881 Senator Mills)-Repealing Sec
tions and 79-f, labor law, by
defining factory building as
any building or structure, any
part of which is occupied or used for
a factory and in which at least one
tenth of all persons employed are en-
gagged in the work of factory, but
not building used exclusively for
dwelling purposes above the first story.
II provides that approved wire glass
shall be required in all cases where
glass is permitted in a fire retarding
Enclosure of a vertical shaft, and makes
other provisions relative TO freproof
shutters for windows, etc.
Assembly Int. No. 1923. print
No. 1854 (Assemblyman Thorn)-
This bill amends Subdivision 2,
Section 79-b, labor law. by pro-
viding that the present require
ments of the section relative 70 fire
walls around stairways shall apply TO
buildings more than six stories In
height instead Of to buildings more
than five stories.
Another bill in the Governors
hands is Senate Int No. 1924,
print No. 1856 Senator Spring..
which amends the labor law by
establishing the State Industrial Com
mission, transferring thereto the
powers and duties Of the Workmen's
| Compensation Commission and abolish
/ ing the Office of Commissioner Of Labor
and Deputy Commissioner Of Labor, the
Industrial Board and the Workmen's
Compensation Commission. II also ere
ates an industrial council consisting
of five employers and FIVE employees.
This bill has not been urged oy the
Real Estate Board, although the board
| believes that the principle providing
for a court review nv any perxap n,
/ reasonableness of the provisions with
respect to rules and regulations is not
] ..s.L 1ut x....,, 81 fa.t,..