The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1915-01-15
REPORT of SECRETARY ROONEY
CONTINUED from Page Six

merchants IN 1relgnJS now pald. Tor
it is conceded that in all rates into
and out of Ocala more than 60To of
same is consumed or made up be-
tween Jacksonville and Ocala.
With these conditions before US it
seems that wisdom should prevail,
and the conditions be met at the
quickest moment and put Ocala on
the map as the great distributing cen
ter of Florida.
In submitting the annual report,
showing the amount of collections and
disbursements, it should be a source
of much satisfaction TO every mem \
Der that under all the financial de-
preston, and the many failures to
keep up subscriptions and dues that
we are able to make the showing as
presented. Had every subscriber and
member stood loyal to their pledges,
the organization would be out of debt
and money on hand to accomplish
many other results.
One item in this report should be
well weighed and pondered over and
that is that representing salaries
paid. Every dollar of this has been
spent in Ocala, returning to those
contributing thereto. And with your
secretary there has been an addition
al amount of $35 per month, brought
| into Ocala, representing an amount
received from Jacksonville. There
fore this should be considered when
you take up the amount of disburse-
ments. Had this gone out of our city
it would have put different phase on
the matter.
wish especially to call attention to
the express rate hearing transferred
from Washington to Ocala, which has
given our city more prominence
throughout the country than any
meeting or gathering ever held in oul
city.
Again the long and short haul hear.
ing brought us clearly before all sec
tons.
Too much stress cannot be giveI
the work of issuing the express anC
freight rates, under the direction O.
the governors which meant so much
to the shippers and producers as thi
information was accurately compile,
and supplied to all sections of on
county. Couple this with the hun
dreds of letters written, questions an
swered, information supplied, import
ant subjects handled, results secured
that each individual action meant jus
that much thought, time and effor
and cooperation to secure.
/ If the city and county would care
fully study and enter into the lif
and activities of this organization
and realize the untiring efforts of tn
H officers and governors in carefully GO
ing into and reasoning out the man
Il questions, projects and plans tina
come before them, conservative
guarding the welfare of each, don
believe any thoughtful man would re
main away from its meetings but a
would be active in its deliberations
In bidding the old year of har
: work and earnest effort gooy-bye, "
welcome the new with stronger d.
a termination to build up on til
strength and failures of the past,
y stronger structure and with indom
s table energy and purpose press TO
I ward and onward, not faltering (
Z wavering until success is achieve
: and the reward secured-Ocala give
7 lower freight rates, made an indu
: trial center, backed by the best agr
Z cultural conditions in the state.
{ In conclusion permit me to adv
: cate change in the city charter
q our council can make a tax levy
o cooperate with the Board of Trade
" its work. Secure an immediate a
. preparation from the county commi
sioners to provide finances for Il
NJ publicity campaign to be carried I
and pressed during the season tn
Florida is filled with people.
This is the way ST. Petersburg al
other cities have been able to gro
Let Ocala not only follow their lie;
but get in the forefront, set a pa
and not stop until we have fine a
ditorium, a permanent Chautauqua,
- - Il