1872-12-11 Committee on Grounds and Committee on Lots: Report on Jonathan Mann, 1831.033.041

The Com on Grounds and Com. on Lots to whom was referred the communication of Mr Jonathan Mann relating to the management of Mount Auburn, particularly as regards the expenses incurred for Salaries and labor, the cost of maintaining the greenhouses and prices charged proprietors for plants &c, - and the amount paid for surveying and engineering, - beg leave to report the following statement of facts: -

1st - Salaries and labor - the attention of the Board was called to this question by the President several months since and previous to the date of Mr Mann's letter. - After a full discussion

it was Voted: "that the subject of the operatives employed by the Corporation and their rate of compensation be referred to the Com. on Grounds with full powers." -

Under this vote the Committee conferred with the Supt. and an immediate reduction in the price employed was effected; other discharges have been made since and as soon as the rush of fall work, such as topdressing &c, is completed a still further reduction will be made; - and the Committee hope that a system may be [?] before the commencement of another season, the adoption of which will materially lessen the expenses for labor while maintaining the quality and efficiency of the work performed. -

2^nd - Cost of maintaining the greenhouses

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and prices charged to proprietors for plants &c. - This subject has been heretofore acted upon by the Board of Trustees by reference to the Com. on Lots, and a report will be made at an early day. -

3^rd Surveying and Engineering. - The bills for surveying had attracted the attention of the Com. on Lots since, under the new By Laws it had been necessary to affix their approval to them, and upon eq enquiry the Supt. had informed them that the occasion of a considerable outlay had grown out of an understanding between him and a former Committee that the Sectional plans should be reviewed; - that work has been in progress during the past two years and is now completed; - the expense for such work is therefore at an end. - The other charges for

the usual surveys and measurements of lots are not considered excessive. -

Respectfully submitted

John T. Bradlee Chⁿ. Com. on Grounds.

J.T. Snow Chairman Com. on Lots.

Communication of Jonathan Mann; Reported of Spec. Com. on. Accepted & ordered to be spread upon the record. - December 11, 1872. (V=179)