ANNUAL REPORT

To the Legislature of the State of New York:

As requested by law, the Board of Managers of Thomas Indian school present for your consideration, the following report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1924.

We are grieved to report the death of one of our members, Mr. Walter S. Kennedy, who has served the Institution faithfully for many years. The following resolution was passed by the Board at their meeting held November 8, 1923:

WHEREAS, Death has removed from our ranks Walter S. Kennedy, who for over ten years has been a faithful member of the Board of Managers of Thomas Indian School,

Resolved, That we the remaining members of the Board of Managers, give expression to our deep sense of loss. Mr. Kennedy has for many years been a leader among his people. He has often served in official capacities and was one of the best informed on Indian laws and traditions. He was held in high esteem by the white people of the community as well as by the Indians. His council will long be missed both by the School and his own people.

Resolved, That this resolution be entered in the minutes of this meeting and that a copy be sent to the family.

Governor Smith appointed Mr. John L. Snyder of Irving, New York, in place of Mr. Kennedy. Mr. George J. Mentley's term expired in February and his place was filled by Mr. Frank J. Lehley, of Brant, New York. The Board feels that these two men will render valuable assistance in the management of the School.

The Board has held monthly meeting at the Institution and feel that we have kept in reasonably close touch with the affairs of the School. Many improvements have been accomplished during the past year which are a credit to the Institution management. The school department was never in better condition. The buildings are being repaired and improved. The children are well cared for and much has been done to promote their comfort and happiness. The farm operations are improving from year to year.

We wish to call your attention to the reports of the Superintendent, Attending Physician and Steward which are attached hereto. These reports present in detail the various features of the work. We feel that the Superintendent is very modest indeed in suggesting that we ask only for a special appropriation for a gymnasium and the installation of a new boiler. Considering the

work that is being accomplished and the judicious manner in which the moneys are expended, we feel that your Honorable Body cannot justly refuse these appropriations. We wish to express our due appreciation of your past favors and we confidently hope for a favorable consideration for these requests.

Respectfully submitted,

W. S. LAWTON, President.
FRANK J. LEHLEY, Secretary.
JOSEPHINE L. SISSON.
GRANT MT. PLEASANT.
WILLIAM HATCH.

JOHN L. SNYDER.

CHARLES L. FEIGEL.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

To the Board of Managers of the Thomas Indian School:

I submit the following as my third annual report as Superintendent:

PERSONNEL

There have been several changes effecting some of the employees who have been with us for. a number of years.

November 1st, Mrs. Emma B. Adams who had been in charge of one of our boys' departments for a number of years, retired. Mrs. Adams is a lady of high ideals and unquestionable loyalty. She has always worked for the best interest of the pupils and the School.

Mr. John Henry who has been employed by the School in various lines for the last twenty-five years, took advantage of the Employees' Retirement System December 1st. During the past twenty years, Mr. Henry has been our Gardener. He was always faithful in the performance of duty and we are glad to know that he is in position to take life easier for the rest of his time. His place was filled by the advancement of Mr. Richard Marble who had been with us in other lines for several years.

January 1st, Mr. Carl W. Dankert, who had been our farmer for about fifteen years, left to take a position with the Department of Farms and Markets. Mr. Dankert had become very efficient in the management of the farm operations and we were very reluctant to lose him services. His place has been filled by Mr. Sherman Warner who had been with us for several years and who is proving himself a worthy successor.

February 1st, Mrs. Viola R. Moyer who had been in charge of our domestic science department for several years also retired. Mrs. Moyer had had many years of experience in public schools before coming to us. She retired after a long and faithful service and is entitled to a well-earned vacation. We have been extremely fortunate in securing Miss Florence O. Roberts of Rome, New York, to take charge of our domestic science work. Miss Roberts is well fitted by training and experience to continue and expand the work of the department.

Mr. Fred Russell retired June 30th, after nearly thirty-nine years of service at the school. Mr. Russell has been employed in various lines, but for the past twenty-nine years he has been Chief Engineer. He has witnessed the development of the present plant and the erection of all the buildings now on the grounds. Aside from Dr. Lake, who passed away last year, Mr. Russell enjoys the