144 State Papers and Addresses

direction the purchasing of $5, 000, 000 or more of merchandise each year is
being accomplished through business-like methods followed in other progressive
States as well as in modern business. It is estimated that an average saving
of 10% has been effected by the State's new system of centralized purchasing.

The activities of the State Purchasing Bureau were broadened considerably
during 1939 through the $100, 000 revolving fund under which the Bureau
operates. Virtually all food supplies now are being bought on specifications
and tests rather than by brands, in cooperation with the Bureau of Agricultural
Economics.

In addition to its cooperative work with the insurance companies operating
in Maryland, the State Insurance Department has taken seriously its obligation
under the law to "head up" the State's efforts towards the elimination of fires
and fire hazards.

During the year more than 100 public buildings, and buildings used for
public purposes, were examined for fire hazards, and in many cases recom-
mendations were made regarding the elimination of hazards, which recom-
mendations now are being carried out.

The Department has prepared a complete code of regulations governing
the manufacture, sale, use and transportation of explosive materials, including
fireworks, in the State, as well as pertaining to fire escapes, flammable liquids,
gasoline, etc., and governing dry-cleaning establishments.

The cooperation of the volunteer firemen of the State has been sought and
ever to be made available for agricultural purposes.

obtained by the Department for the regular inspection of public buildings,
and buildings used for public purposes, throughout the State. A school for
fire marshals was held at the University of Maryland, as a result of which seven
special Deputy Fire Marshals were named, and others will be named in every
county of the State. In its fire prevention work, the Department is receiving
the active support of the leaders of the 12, 000 volunteer firemen of the State.

The Department also is developing a plan of education in fire prevention, in
cooperation with the public schools of the State and the volunteer fire organiza-
tions. During 1939 more than 15, 000 booklets on fire prevention were distri-
buted throughout the public, schools,
law providing for individual studies of prisoners and coordination of work

During the year our State inaugurated a real parole system, under a new
among the parole department, the penal institutions, and law-enforcing agen-
cies. Under another capable appointee, Herman M. Moser, this new set-up is
now functioning very satisfactorily.

Maryland's farmers fared well as a result of legislation passed during
the past year. $125, 000 per year was provided for eradication of Bangs Disease,
as well as $40, 000 per year for Japanese Beetle Control. Increased funds were
made available also for control of Bee Disease, Strawberry Disease, Tobacco
Disease, and Poultry Disease, as well as for enforcement of the Fresh Egg
Law, the sum total of these deserved appropriations being the largest amount
ever to be made available for agriculture purposes.

Labor legislation of the most constructive sort was enacted into statute
during the twelve months. The office of the Commissioner of Labor and
Statistics was greatly improved in set-up, and there is now a full-time official
for the performance of these important duties. The result is that, under John
M. Pohlhaus, whom I appointed, employers and employees alike are guaranteed