area, continued with construction on Routes 50 and 40 and completed
work on many other roads. Our program for the care and treatment
of our mentally ill is expanding in a most satisfactory manner. In

1962. two of our mental hospitals received accreditation, and, with
the completion of improvements now underway, we are hopeful that
others will be accredited soon.

In the general election of last November, the people of the State
ratified our permanent plan to establish supervisory and regulatory
authority over savings and loan associations. They also approved
our legislation establishing the municipal court for Baltimore City
with full-time judges. Our program of economic development is now
moving ahead at full speed, bringing into our State many millions
of dollars of new business investment and creating thousands of new
jobs. We are beginning to see now the fruits of our labors to rehabili-
tate the vital oyster industry in the Chesapeake Bay and other tidal
waters, and, while it is too early to adjudge the final results of our
vast new shell-planting program, there is every indication that we
have seen a halt to the downward trend in the oyster yield and may
expect steady advancements in production during the years ahead.

Our efforts on behalf of public education have been increased, at
the primary and secondary levels as well as in higher education. Dur-
ing the past year, we have been engaged in laying the foundation for
expanding our system of public higher education to meet what we
foresee as a doubling of enrollments within the next ten years. With
plans already laid, we expect to see this expansion begin in 1963.

In the short time we have here today, I could not hope to cover
in detail all the achievements of 1962 and all the expectations of

1963. Suffice it to say that the year now coming to a close has been
a good one, and all of us are looking hopefully to the future. As we
celebrate the beginning of a New Year, I, as your Governor, am re-
solved to carry on with vigor and determination our effort to give
the people of Maryland good government, efficient government, effec-
tive government during 1963. And now, to conclude, Mrs. Tawes and
I extend to all of you our best wishes for happiness, good health and
good fortune next year and in all the years ahead.

A happy New Year to all of you.

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