Privileges:—The net results in the Privileges as a whole showed a modest increase over 1922. Some definite progress was made in the program of improvements to be carried on for this department. Most of those of importance will be referred to in detail elsewhere in this report under their proper headings. It will take several years to bring the facilities for the proper handling of the various branches of the Privileges up to the standard we have set for them.

New Refreshment Pavilion:-Early in 1923 plans and specifications were prepared by Wilder & White, architects, for the new refreshment pavilion, authorization for the construction of which was granted by the Executive Committee late in 1922. Approval of the plans in detail was delegated by the Committee to Mr. Sturgis, with power. Some delay was encountered in getting approval of the plans and location of Pavilion by the Municipal Art Commission and Park Commissioners, and in getting estimates from building contractors, so that in spite of our very best efforts the actual construction work could not be started until March 22nd, 1923. The general contract for the pavilion was given to H. H. Vought & Company, who had previously executed several construction contracts in the park, including the animal hospital, with entire satisfaction.

For the second time in connection with buildings for Privilege purposes, it was decided to make this building as permanent as any building previously constructed in the Park. Special consideration was given to the question of the roof. Tile, slate and copper were considered, and copper shingles of varied shades decided upon.

It was hoped that both the construction work and the installation of the equipment could be completed by May 1st, but because of the many different kinds of work to be done, this was impossible. We were, however, able to begin business in the building on June 5th. Acknowledgment of earnest cooperation is due to the following contractors, all of whom gave their very best efforts towards first class workmanship and prompt completion:

General Contractors, H. H. Vought & Co.; Copper Shingle Roof, Anaconda Copper Company, Andrew Whitman; Refrigerating Plan, Automatic Refrigerating Co.; Marble Work,

This is the old, rustic pavilion that for many years served a useful purpose as a refreshment booth.
Photograph by Elwin R. Sanborn.

A permanent structure of brick, and of some architectural pretensions has replaced the original pavilion. Modern conveniences of the

most advanced type have been installed.

Photograph by Elwin R. Sanborn.

P. M. & W. Schlicter; Tile Floor and Counters, Grueby Faience Tile Company, and Mart and Lawton; Soda Fountain Equipment, L. A. Prouty Co.; Plumbing, David Brandt; Brass Work, Manhattan Brass Company; Decorators, Moeller & Potts; Lighting Fixtures, The Simes Company.

We believe that in the completed building we have as satisfactory a small refreshment-stand arrangement and facilities as can be found elsewhere for Park service. A picture of this building and surroundings is reproduced in this report.

Rocking Stone Restaurant:-It was decided to make a change in the position of steward and head waiter, and after investigation Mr. Antonio Maizzi was engaged. Mr. Maizzi has had a long and varied experience in catering to the public in restaurant service, and he knows the importance of good food and good service.

Various improvements need to be made in the facilities and equipment at the Restaurant, and we intend to carry these into effect as rapidly as the financial results there will justify. The latter part of the season showed a very encouraging improvement.

Boating:-The boating business during the past season clearly showed the advantage of the improvements made the previous year. Some additional improvements were carried out during the year just concluded, the most important of which was the construction of a stone stairway leading to the south end of the dock, replacing the temporary stairs at that point. The new stairway was extended back into the bank, entirely outside of the retaining wall, and in this way added considerable dock space where more room was badly needed. Another very important improvement was the erection of a substantial picket fence entirely enclosing the south end, from the service entrance of the Boat House to the Lake.

The operation of the electric launches has for several years past been the most difficult and unsatisfactory part of the boating business. Our three launches have seen long service, and while we have endeavored to keep them in repair from year to year, they have now reached the point where a thorough overhauling must be given them before they are again put into service.

The entire row-boat equipment was put through our repair shop during the winter. A carload of new steel row-boats was received at the beginning of the season, and orders were placed for another carload to be delivered early in the coming season, to replace equipment that must be discarded.

Boat-House Restaurant:-Several new improvements were made at the beginning of the season, among them the construction of a cork and cement refrigeration room in the cellar adjoining the kitchen on the south. A little later on it is hoped that an automatic refrigerating machine can be installed that will take care of our entire refrigeration problem, but the expense of such equipment could hardly be undertaken at this time. A radio receiving set was installed at the Boat House with two amplifiers, one in the dining pavilion, and the other for the lake. These seem to be appreciated both by our boating and balcony patrons. Evening programs were enjoyed by large crowds, both on the dock and while boating on the lake, where they can be successfully heard at considerable distances.

Guide Book:-Sales of the guide book and profits therefrom showed a very satisfactory increase during the past year. The 7,000 or more copies on hand on the first of January were nearly exhausted by mid season. We arranged for the issue of the eighteenth edition of which 23,000 were printed in August. No revision was made of any importance in the guide book, with the exception of abandoning the flush-cut binding used on all previous editions, and substituting a regular overhang standard book binding. The new book has met with general approval, and in view of the unusually large number of out of town visitors expected in New York during the coming summer, it is doubtful if the eighteenth edition will run through 1924.

Souvenir Books, Postals and Miscellaneous Publications:The sale of postals showed a very encouraging increase, both in sale and profit for 1923. In fact, our last edition of these cards, which ran to nearly two million, was so depleted at the end of the year that steps must be taken to get out a new issue early in 1924. Plates which are in first class condition will be used, with possibility of our having a limited number of new subjects substituted for the least attractive ones.