CITY OF BOSTON. OFFICE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST BOSTON, May 1, 1874. To the Honorable City Council of Boston: The Directors of the East Boston Ferries have the pleasure to submit herewith their Fourth Annual Report, showing the condition of the property under their care, and the receipts and expenditures of the department for the financial year ending April 30, 1874. REPORT. The amount paid into the city treasury during the past year was $219,507.50, and the expenditures $297,383.53. The latter amount includes the sum of $61,000 for the new boat "Winthrop," which has taken the place of the "Jefferson," recently sold by auction on account of being deemed unsafe. The boats, drops, slips and ferry buildings are in good condition, with the exception of the coal-shed at the North Ferry, and one of the drops of the south ferry, both of which will be replaced by new structures at an early day, the City Council having made appropriations for that purpose. The estimated receipts for the next financial year are $220,000, and the expenditures $270,000. It is probable that in the financial year succeeding the next, an appropria tion will be required to provide for a new boat, to take the place of the "General Grant," which has become in many respects unsuited to run with the other boats. It is with satisfaction that the Directors call attention to the fact, that notwitstanding the large increase of travel across the ferries, not a single serious accident has occurred during the year, a fact which reflects credit upon the officers and men having charge of the several boats. The Directors would also call attention to the universal expression of approval, coming from those using the ferries during the year past, to the cleanliness of the boats, their regularity in running, and the improved condition of the ferry-houses. To maintain the department properly will require liberal appropriations by the City Council, as well as a careful oversight on the part of the Directors. The cost to the city, up to this date, for the purchase of the boats, etc., franchise, and the running expenses, also, the revenue from tolls, has been for 1869-70 as follows: Cost of boats, franchise and discount on loan* $276,375 00 1,008,101 06 789,166 04 This leaves a deficit of $218,935.02, to which should be added the interest on the loan made for the purchase of the boats, etc. The annexed exhibit shows in detail the expenditures of the past year, and the nature of the public travel using the ferries. In conclusion, the Directors desire to *It should be stated in this connection, that the city also paid in 1859, for the avenues leading to the People's Ferry, and the East Boston Old Ferry, the sum of $250,000; and from that year till 1869, for repairs on the People's Ferry (drops, slips, and buildings), the further sum of $57,885.08 was paid. These expenses were incurred during the time the ferries were operated by the old companies, and before they came into possession of the city. Since May 1868, the sum of $3,000 has been annually received from the Directors of Public Institutions, for the use of a portion of a wharf connected with one of the avenues. recognize the fidelity and valuable services of their Clerk, Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendent. Respectfully submitted. D. D. KELLY, President. EBENEZER ADAMS, Directors. Statement showing the nature of the travel upon the Ferries, together with the receipts and expenditures for the financial year, 1872-73: Amount of tolls for teams, Cr'dt Funds 3,032,900 Foot Passes, 1 cts. 45,493 50 3,961,473 "Passengers, 2 cts. 79,229 46 112,618 Outstanding F. P, 1 cts. 1,689 27 Sundry Team Tickets Total received for Ferriages, $84,235.56, North Ferry, $87,146 51 237 50 $126,649 73 $213,796 24 $129,560.68, South " Amount carried forward, $213,796 24 |