various types of contagious disease, including erysipelas, mumps, diphtheria, and chicken pox being cared for. The new building is quite an improvement on the one heretofore used for this purpose and has ample facilities to take care of 50 patients suffering from different diseases, isolating each class.

Cafeteria. The two portable buildings received from the Veterans' Bureau were combined into one and with some changes erected into a building to be used as a cafeteria. This building has been completed and will be ready July 1 to be used as a cafeteria for employees of the hospital and where employees of other services detailed to this institution and various outside agencies having liaison workers at the hospital will be able to purchase their meals on the premises. Roads and walks.-The roads within the grounds in a number of places have been widened, new concrete curb built, and 34,575 square feet of concrete road laid. The roads require considerable overhauling and widening in order to accommodate automobile traffic.

Fire protection.--Weekly inspections of the institution have been made in company with a fireman representing the District of Columbia fire department, and all fire hose, fire siren, fire pumps, and fire escapes are tested regularly. Fire drills are held monthly. The work of fireproofing the basement of Center Building in accordance with the recommendations of the District fire marshal is about complete. In connection with this work, a great deal of inflammable material, such as unnecessary wood partitions, old cupboards, shelving, and trash, have been removed, thus reducing the fire hazard. Brick fire walls were built across the air chambers at a number of points to afford a barrier in the event of fire.

Auto truck scales.-An auto truck scale with a platform 13 by 20 feet, having a capacity of 30,000 pounds, was built near the cow barn. It is of the overhead suspension type and has been provided with a roof over the platform and an inclosed room, where the scale beam is located. The concrete pit beneath the platform has been provided with a drain, and the pit made accessible and of ample size for inspection and painting.

Water supply. Owing to the increased number of buildings that have been built on the east side of Nichols Avenue, commonly known as the Richardson group, during the last few years, it was necessary to increase the water supply to these buildings. For this purpose an 8-inch cast-iron water main has been installed from the water tank to this group, replacing the original 6-inch main formerly in use. Since the new main has been in operation the water supply has been adequate.

Incinerator. A brick incinerator with brick stack and concrete platform was built along the ravine below the power house for disposing of waste material, such as wet garbage, papers, boxes, and trash that should be destroyed. This incinerator has been put in service and assists in keeping the hospital grounds in a sanitary

condition.

Wall along Nichols Avenue.--The wall in the rear of the Administration Building was extended to take in the part formerly set in to be used as a gate. This place has been closed by erecting a stone wall to match the old wall as nearly as possible.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER

The financial statement for the year 1923-24 is appended. The auditing of all accounts has been done by chartered accountants. The expenditure of all money appropriated for our use by Congress takes place under the rigid supervision of the Department of the Interior.

J. STANLEY DURKEE,

President. 9