Evening journal., 1916-10-05

the summer months, "A producer may
be located between Fourth and Fifth
streets and. ln tho winter. be moved
above sixth street, or even "A greater
distance away. Farmers ask that
they be allowed to rent opposite
spaces in order that their customers
will know where 10 find them the year
around. Approximately six hundred
spaces on King and Madison streets
are licensed by the year which means
an income Of about $4,000 TO the city
Independent Of the daily pro rata fees
collected ON the various markets.
The Clerk of the Market is elect
ed by majority of votes Of all the
members OF the Council and his term
Of appointment Is for two years. The
Clerk Of tho Market is also Sealer
of Weights and Measures used within
the public markets and market houses
ih the city Of Wilmington. lie re-
ceives the sum Of $4,000 per am
mum. together with all the fees and
emoluments 10 which. by any law or
ordinance. he is entitled to receive
as such Clerk Of the Market He
rs allowed to retain as his compensa>
ton for his service for collecting and
paying over the moneys received byI
him for the use Of the city, 10 per
cent Of such sums" and all of the
fees for his service as Regulator Of
Weights and Measures in the market
Through an Act of the General As
sembly in 1887. the Street and Sewer
Department is given exclusive juris-
diction over the streets from build
ing line to building line and there
fore has control of the markets
and general supervision over the Clerk
Of the Market. though the Council
appoints the said clerk and receives
for the use Of the c''y all market
rents. This conhiction of jurisdiction
cannot help but be highly detrimental
to the best interests of the market.
City ordinances further provide for
market for New Jersey farmers on
the north side Of Fourth street from
King to Walnut streets. for grain,
fruit and vegetable markets on the
north side of Fourth street from
King TO Orange streets, and from
Jefferson to Monroe streets for
huoksters on the south side of Fourth
street from King 20 Walnut and from
Jefferson to Monroe streets; for fish
markets on King street from Front
10 Second streets and on Madison
street from Front to Second streets;
and for a shed at Front and Church
street wharves to be used by persons
bringing their produce I'm boats and
who pay wharfage for such boats.
The huckster market, the fish market
and the shed market at Front and
Church street wharves. practically
are not used at the present time.
The fruit grain and vegetable market
extending from Orange to King
streets on Fourth street, and the New
Jersey farmers market. are located
| ln the wholesale produce section Of
/ the city and are largely recognized
as wholesale markets The market
DAYS are Tuesdays. Wednesdays Fri
/ DAYS and Saturdays. except during
the peach. berry and melon seasons.
when the market may be used daily
except Sundays. A fee of $50 per
day is collected by the Clerk Of the
Market for the privilege Of standing
in these markets.
The preceding facts show that curb
markets have been in existence In
] Wilmington since 1889. and give some
idea OF the almost chaotic conditions
brought about by the laws which
have been enacted from time to time.
Jurisdiction and responsibility are
vested In the City Council and in the
street aud Sewer Department and
hence claimed or disclaimed by both
according to the nature OF the case
demanding attention. The markets
therefore as In many other cities have
not been given the good business
management which the success OF
such institution demands, and abuses
have sprung up which have gone
I undisturbed until they now present
real obstacles I'm the operation of the
4 markets Wilmington has popula-
ton Of over 100, 700, and is steadily
increasing in commercial Importance.
Up to the present time. the city mas
maintained its farmers line" on
King and Madison streets and has
population with marketing habit"
with the universal demand for the
quicker cheaper and more sanitary
handling OF foodstuffs, the question
now il. how best can the city inn
prove its market facilities and put
them on a practical business basis.
Present Conditions.
The principal curbstone market is
. on King street. one OF the important
business streets of the city, and just
! main thoroughfare. Originally, the
curb market was located on Market
I street Chence the name) but years
/ ago IL was found necessary to move
the market to King street. In the
course Of time. business has develop
ed on King street in conjunction with
the market until most lines Of trade
!, now are represented there. Meai
markets. fruit and provision shops
and grocery and fish stores seem e
; predominant. What the farmers ant
truckers do not sell, these stores sup
ply. and thus enable the marke
patrons TO make practically all pur
u chases Of foodstuffs along King street
Necessity compels the producer
e 10 display many of their product
n along the curb openly. but there Is M
10 reason for allowing the adjacen
- stores to lose sight Of sanitary requis
II ties I'm the desire to exhibit thei
70 goods as near to the curb market a
o possible. and neither should the pro
d ducers be allowed to display withou
e adequate protection food stuffs whicl
u are especially liable TO contaminated
+ when exposed TO the air and dust o
IS the street. on any market day, meat;
q fish. baked goods. condiments, etc
s. are found for sale ON counters i'm from
q OF the stores with no protection what
U soever from heat. flies. dust, and pro
2 miscuous handling. Much Of IN
10 meat ON sale along King street is dar
- in color and most unattractive. due 4
- ---....,,ro g., fho MIR nurinr the warn