The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-02

the opinion that while such markets are
by no means n certain panacea for all
the evils of the food distribution sys-
tenn in New York city, some adaptation
OF the terminal market Idea should be
carried out in at least three boroughs.
The spending of vast sums for elaborate
terminal market buildings in each bor-
ough Is unjustihed. The possible saving
to the public is not commensurate with
the burden of cost that the public will
have to bear.
THE solution Of the basis evils OF
the present system Of food distribution
in New York city will depend In great
measure on other remedies than the
mere changing OF the physical movement
OF foodstuffs. Terminal markets, may,
however. be great aid to the accom-
plishment OF the other remedies recon-
mended by this commission. Without
the carrying out of a general programme
Of improvement In trade practices ana
conditions, particularly the esta blishment
Of standard grading of farm products
and the sale OF such products by standard
descriptions, the erection of terminal
market buildings might have very little
effect In improving the present bringing
together of large volumes of produce at
one point.
Practicable for Manhattan.
I'm Manhattan it seems entirely prac-
ticable to build spur tracks connecting
for the receiving and unloading of
freight cars and boats. Covered plat
forms should be provided for the unload
ing of freight cars and loading OF trucks
and every practical convenience for the
prompt and economical handling of ship
ments. The extent to which other fea-
lures Of a model terminal market are
added should be determined by the
definite prospects of their immediate
utilization by the trade or by coopera-
tive organizations, on such rental basis
that the city will get a reasonable re-
turn on its investment.
I'm The Bronx the conditions are such
as to offer the most favorable prospects
for success in establishing a complete
terminal market with every modern con-
venience for the Capitalization of the
wholesale distribution of foodstuffs for
the borough and part Of upper MaHhat-
tan. Here Is seems practicable to erect
a terminal market building on a site
convenient for connection with all the
railroads entering The Bronx and with
docksla at the Harlem River.
Such a market would also serve as 9
Wholesale centre for the cities of West
chester county, particularly Mount Yer.
non, Yonkers and New Rochelle. and
many cities further north which nov
| buy much of their fruits and produce II
lower Manhattan and haul It by trucl
twenty to forty miles. The important
thing is for the city OF New York &c
| adopt a programme for building such 6
| market at once and appoint a commit
tee, including the Commissioner of Pub.
| lie Markets. the Comptroller and tn,
| Mayor and at least one other person
who should be specially qualified b.
training and experience for dealing will
the technical problems involved, to pre-
pare detailed plans. select a site anC
| start the construction work.
| There will, Of course. be a consider
able element among the wholesalers an,
jobbers that will for selfish reasons op
pose any plans Of this kind. They cal
only be ignored. The majority OF tn
trade opposes Improvement in the sys
tenn OF handling foodstuffs only from
ignorance. and the active cooperation o
this majority is essential, else the pub
lie might erect the finest kind OF a ter
minal structure and derive no benefit
from 1t for the service of both Brook
| lyn and Queens"