Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-12-15
JOSEPH s. MacLAUGHllN
On Marketing Facilities

A NY substantial reduction in living costs
n lies in the establishment of modern mar
keting facilities that would eliminate many
overhead charges in connection with the
in this city, in the opinion of Joseph 5. Mac
Laughlin, chairman of the market commits
sion under the last administration.
1.-THE recent market commission, after
survey of the conditions existing in this
city," Mr.. MacLaughlin says, 'was unani.
terminal market, accessible to all railroads
and to vessels coming to the port. me
logical center for such q market would pc
along the river front, where it could be
readily reached by all the railroads through
the medium Of the belt line along Delaware
avenue.
1.-THE establishment Of such market would
naturally call for the provision of adequate
storing facilities for produce of all sorts and
for surplus, as well as refrigerating plants
for the handling Of perishnble goods.
"In addition TO this great wholesale ter
minal market, there would be numerous re.
tail markets in the most thickly populated
section of the city. These markets would be
supplied from the central one by means of
automobiles and freight trolleys. which would
deliver goods to the retail dealers in the
original packages.
"All these markets would be under mu
nicipal control in the distribution and rout-
ing of supplies. This would lead to the
elimination Of extra cost Of transfer long
hauls and inefficient distribution.
Much Needless Hauling
"A large amount of the food that finds
its way to West Philadelphia tables arrives
in the city at Thirtcth and Market streets,
is hauled from there to Dock street and so
back to the retail stores in West Phiadel-
phia. The consumer himself pays for all
this needless hauling around of goods that
he might have secured much nearer home in
the first place.
1.-THE city would own these market places
just as 1t owns the municipal piers. and
would receive an annual revenue from them.
The markets would be under the supervision
Of market board operating under a com
missioner of markets. The prices in them
would be regulated by the question of supply
and demand. and the officials would oversee
operations in such way rs to do away with
the possibility Of boarding. There would be
a free flowing of supplies all the time and
a high percentage Of the present waste would
be eliminated.
"Such a market system, adequate TO han.
die speedily and efficiently all goods shipped
to the city. would make Philadelphia at
traCtiye to the producers from all over the
country. Instead of great deal of the
second rate commodities that are the best
that can be had in this city. Philadelphia
would be In commercial position to receive
and handle the best,
such system, through the saving of
pershables, proper storage and refrigeration
and expeditions handling, would reduce the
cost of food to the consumer about 20 pcr
cent The consideration of this project
should be one of the vital problems In tho
minds of the people of Philadelphia, for il
affects each one of them vitulIy.
Should Urge Re. establishment of Plan
"The citizens should see to il that the
movement by the market commission under
thc recent administration should be re.
initiated An appropriation Of SO 900 was
voted at that time. but 1t was merged when
thr administration went out OF bower
shortly over n year ago
"Thc plan then under consideration wns
to have experts study market conditions and
The hest means of installing a modern and
adeuuate system here. 4 campaign of edu-
cation of the public to the necessity Of surb
n forward step was also planned
"The installation of the complete system
of n central market and retail summarizes
would cost about twenty millions Of dollars
philadelphia is the most backward biz
city in the country in this respect. That IL
the way the big producers regard the local
markets. The New Jersey farmers pass
this city up to ship so per cent of their
Urnduro to New York markets, in spte az
The shorter haul here. They know that local
| dealers lack facilities for unloading and
| handling and storing the goods and that there
| will be losses from demurragc and spelling,
| There can be no permanent relief in the
| high cost of living here until our market
! system Is changed. IL was inadequate for
! the city when there we're fewer than mil