New-York tribune., 1922-08-26
WI. Hundertrnark, Head
of Farmers Association.
Tells Tribune Growers
Pay Fortune i'm Tribute
Their Space Given
To Speculators
Ready to Give HirshfieId
Evidence of Corruption
and Municipal Neglect

Charges that public markets of
y Nsr York City are administered by un-
official bosses who mulct farmers and
market gardeners of huge sums an
naally; that they are conducted in the
4 interest of spectators without munich
pal supervision, were made yesterday
By William l.. Hundertmark, secretary
Z and general manager of the New York
D Market Growers Association.
i Mr.. Hundertsnark's statement fol-
lowed an announcement by Commits
sioner of Accounts Hirshfield that he
I, had summoned the former to appear
before him in hearing September
10 to testify with regard to market
conditions. No such summons has
1 been received by him, Mr.. Hundert-
mark said, but he asserted that an inn
mediate investigation into the admins
tration of New York City's markets
is imperative.
4 letter from Morris l.. Ernst, at
torney for the association, was sent
\ to Commissioner Hirshfeld yesterday,
calling attention to the non-arrival of
Il his publicly announced summons and
nrging that an early date be set for
n me nearing. ne. lebIeT TGaQS.
"We will be,pleased to present to you
testimony in our hands, which in the
& Judgment of this association clearly in
\ dicates that the markets are being i'm
properly administered. We ask that a
date for the hearing be set so that you
Z may have ample opportunity TO call as
witnesses substantial number of
farmers who are now attempting to
use public market places of New York
City. We believe you will be perform
ing 8 real service to the city if you will
+ 1t the outset examine number of the
users of these markets SO as to get
evidence of the method of issuing
F licenses to such users.
Licenses Outside Law
4The testimony will, in our Judgment,
clearly indicate that there is no
adequate basis in law for any licenses
issued at present; that licenses are be-
ing issued to persons other than farm
els and market gardeners. as provided
IL the ordinance, and thu in sap4ssss.se
are preliminary affidavits taken fro,s
iysscants for licenses. The procedure
sla our opinion, clearly in violation
d the code Of ordinances
aff your hearings commence at this
sage we will be able to give you
who will testify as to substantial
nightly payments being made for
Avatchmen, carrier and other services,
such payments being made to persons
holding no legal position of appoint
ment in the administration of the City
Of New York, but continuing their
practice of collecting revenue from the
farmers. They stand as unofficial
bosses of the markets.
Feeling sure that you do not wish
merely to examine one or two wit
nesses for the purpose of publicity, as
is so often the case. with political Of
fceholders, and trusting that You
really wish to get to the crux and the
t crooks of the situation, we wish to
assure you of our heartiest co-opera-
+ ton. These are matters of prime i'm
portance, not only to the farmers of
the vicinity but to the people of New
York City, and we believe continu-
arce Of the present practices in the
markets will eventually deter legiti-
mate farmers of the district from
bringing their produce to this city"
No Blinking Situation
There is no blinking the situation
IN New York City's two produce mar
kets," said Mr. Eundertmark. "They
are conducted under system of ter
,orism and extortion by unofficial
posses who appear secure in their posi-
tons and boast of their security. This
considered statement. 1t will be
supported by affidavits. The men max
= ing them are trying TO use these pub
X nc market places under severe handi-
X cap.
The ordinance provides that the
Continued on page three)