1942: Maine

Area and Population.

The north-easternmost state in the Union, Maine has an area of 33,215 sq. mi. and a population, in 1940, of 837,226. Admitted to the Union in 1820, after having previously been a part of Massachusetts, its population is principally native white, with quite a number of Canadian-French residents in the manufacturing cities of the southwestern part of the state, and in the northern section of Aroostook County.

The largest city in the state is Portland, with a population of 73,643. Others are: Lewiston, 38,598; Bangor, 29,822; Auburn, 19,817; Biddeford, 19,790; Augusta, the state capital, 19,360; and Waterville, 16,688. Due to the large shipbuilding plants at Bath, South Portland, and Portland, the population of these cities has been greatly increased, but mostly at the expense of other Maine cities and towns.

Education.

Figures of the latest available school census show 253,254 boys and girls of school age, 5 to 21 years, and a total enrollment of 179,695 pupils. The average of salary for men is $1,603 in the secondary schools and $944 in the elementary schools; for women, secondary schools, $1,167; elementary schools, $787. Due to scarcity of teachers these figures are advancing, but no totals are available. The state expenditure for public schools is $1,569,913; and the local taxes paid for education amount to $6,633,977.

Agriculture.

Maine's crop production for 1942, according to late estimates, is well ahead of 1941 figures in most lines. The Maine potato crop, which is about five-sixths of the New England production, was more than 45,000,000 bu., one per cent larger than the 1941 crop, and three per cent ahead of the ten-year average. Fine crops were harvested in the east-central section of Aroostook, Maine's great potato county, but the yield was comparatively light in other sections of Aroostook and in central and southern Maine.

Maine's production of both potatoes and apples was greatly aided by the remarkably mild weather prevailing during the harvest season, which allowed producers to put their crops under cover in exceptionally good condition. Apple production in the commercial apple counties was unusually high in 1942, late figures being 730,000 bu., about 125,000 bu. in excess of the 1941 crop, and almost 200,000 bu. in excess of the ten-year average harvest. McIntosh, Northern Spy and Baldwin apples did particularly well.

Buckwheat production was about the same as in 1941, but not much more than half the ten-year average of 192,000 bu. The corn crop was fair, with a yield of about 740,000 bu.

Industry.

Maine's principal industries enjoyed a prosperous year in 1942. The pulp and paper mills generally were fully occupied throughout the year, and are at present working on a three-shift, forty-hour basis, although some are not operating on a full six-day week. The number of employees and payrolls has increased in the industry.

During 1942 Maine experienced a revival of its shipbuilding industry. Many iron vessels were launched at Bath and South Portland, and during the year wooden ships were turned out in large numbers from yards that had not been operated for a generation.

Maine's boot and shoe industry showed a slight increase in production in 1942, with the value of production reaching approximately $75,000,000. In general, the factories were operating on a one-shift, forty-hour week basis.

Employer-employee relations in Maine industry were exceptionally good. There were but eight strikes, seven of which were quickly adjusted by arbitration. More serious was the strike at the South Portland shipyard in December, but that was adjusted within a week.

Legislation.

Maine had a brief special session of the Legislature in 1942, from January 12 to 24, called to create the Maine Civilian Defense Corps; improve military laws and make war appropriations.

Election.

Maine held its biennial election in 1942 and chose Sumner Sewall governor for his second term. Sewall, a Republican and a banker of Bath, was opposed by George W. Lane, Jr., of Lewiston, a Democrat and also a banker. Mr. Sewall received 118,047 votes to 58,558 for Mr. Lane, very similar to the result in the state election in 1940.

Maine Democrats made very little effort in the campaign, failing to nominate a candidate for the House of Representatives in the Third Maine District, and leaving many vacancies in their county tickets. Wallace H. White, Jr., Republican, of Lewiston, was reelected to the United States Senate, receiving 111,520 votes to 55,754 for Fulton J. Redman, his opponent.

Defense.

In connection with the war effort, Maine has organized an efficient State Guard, with headquarters at Portland and Bangor, and a State Guard Reserve. Civil Air Patrol units have been organized and trained. Maine has had under construction during the past two years some 23 or 24 airports and flight strips, projects financed in general through WPA and CAA programs, with the help of local communities and the Maine Military Defense Commission. The Commission also completed for occupancy, during 1942, eight armories, and is awaiting material for the addition of two more.

Finance.

Financially, Maine has had a successful year. Operations of the general fund for the fiscal year, ending with June, 1942, resulted in a net gain of $2,070,000. Revenues of the general fund totaled $19,363,000 for the fiscal year, of which $13,748,000 was available for appropriations, the remainder earmarked for departments. Major revenues were from the state tax on cities and towns, and the net revenues from liquor. Expenditures for relief increased approximately $700,000 over the previous fiscal year. In the six months since the close of the fiscal year, liquor sales have continued to increase. The total bonded indebtedness on June 30, 1942, was the lowest in many years, and there was a net reduction of $1,939,000 in the year ending on that date. It is estimated that there will be further reduction in the present fiscal year.

State Officers.

Governor, Sumner Sewall; Acting Secretary of State, Harold I. Goss; Controller, A. L. Kane; Treasurer, Belmont A. Smith; Auditor, William D. Hayes; Attorney General, Frank I. Cowan; Commissioner of Education, Harry V. Gilson; and Commissioner of Finance, Julian A. Mossman.

United States Senators:

Ralph O. Brewster, Wallace H. White, Jr.

1941: Maine

Area and Population.

Admitted to statehood March 3, 1820, Maine ranks 38th in size among the states, with an area of 33,215 sq. mi., including 2,175 sq. mi. of inland water surface, according to remeasurements of the United States undertaken for the 16th census in 1940. It ranks 35th in population numbering 847,226 according to the 1940 census. The largest cities are Portland, 73,643; Lewiston, 38,598; Bangor, 29,822; Auburn, 19,817; Biddeford, 19,790; and Augusta, the capital, 19,360.

Agriculture.

Maine agriculture fared better in 1941 than for many years. The potato and apple crops were larger than in preceding years, and better prices prevailed. The dairy and poultry outlook is good, as the production has been stepped up by reason of the lend-lease program.

Potato production for 1941 was 45,360,000 as compared with 44,055,000 bu. in 1940, and a ten-year average of 44,016,000 bu. The prices received by producers were larger than in recent years. Maine's business in certified seed potatoes is constantly increasing, 21,854 A., being so planted in 1941. Maine's apple production for 1941 was 787,000 bu. as compared with a production of 651,000 bu. in 1940. The prices to the apple growers were larger than for years.

Industry.

Business activity in Maine in 1941 was pronounced, due to defense measures and government orders in addition to usual business. Maine's paper and pulp mills were running to full capacity and the lumber industry showed distinct improvement for 1941. In boots and shoes the production for women and children was about normal, but much increased for men's shoes, due to Government contracts which caused many shops to run at capacity. Great impetus was given the Maine textile industry during the year, with many of the mills running three shifts. Maine was very free from labor troubles, nor was scarcity of labor noted, except in November and December in forest employment.

Education.

Maine continues to give improved scholastic advantages to the boys and girls of the state, due to increased legislative appropriations. In 1940 the number of inhabitants of school age, from five to twenty-one, was 253,254. There were 4,150 elementary or common schools; 216 high schools; and a total enrollment of 179,676.

Legislative Matters.

New laws enacted by the Maine Legislature at its session adjourned April 26, 1941, became operative July 25, or ninety days after adjournment, with the exception of emergency legislation, and of legislation proposing an increase of one-half cent a gallon on the state tax on gasoline, extending the tariff to four and one-half cents. The gas-tax legislation was held up by a referendum petition recorded by 15,273 voters, and finally defeated on Dec. 10, by an approximately 5-1 vote.

A companion law, effective March 1, 1942, unless the voters reject the gas-tax increase, provides that the state shall take over from municipalities the expense of certain highway maintenance and snow removal. A considerable assistance to the revenues of the state has resulted from the tax of two cents a package on cigarette sales, enacted by the law-makers. Operative in July, a revenue of $888,000 was collected in the first five months of operation.

Included in laws passed in connection with national defense were the establishment of a Maine State Guard to serve in the absence of National Guardsmen: a sabotage law to prevent interference with defense industries; exemption from poll-tax payments by persons who have been for six months members of the United States armed forces; increase of the state debt limit by $2,000,000, the amount of a bond issue for military bridges.

Another bond issue for $450,000 was authorized to expand the campaign for eradication of Bang's Disease. Legislation was enacted to permit new trials in criminal cases, based on newly-discovered evidence, if requests are filed within two years after judgment.

A bill backed by the State Grange to permit organization of rural electrification cooperatives was enacted, as was also a revision of the potato tax law, under which a cent a barrel is paid. By the revision, 25 per cent of the tax receipts shall be spent in research, a similar percentage in advertising, and 50 per cent shall be used by the Maine Development Commission in the interests of the potato industry.

A pre-marital law, providing for medical examination, was also enacted by the Legislature. Authorization for a turnpike highway extending across the state, from Kittery to Fort Kent, was given, construction to begin if and when necessary funds are made available.

Defense Activities.

Maine, recognized as a state of strategic importance, was the scene of great defense activity during 1940. Efforts were made in two general directions, air and naval. Today Maine is dotted with airports, all along the coast from York County to Washington County, and on interior lines also. The Augusta airport is the only state-owned port, the others being sponsored by municipalities with the assistance of Federal and state funds.

Under the first plans airports were established at Presque Isle, Houlton, Millinocket, Bangor, Princeton, and Lewiston-Auburn. These have been completed and turned over to the military authorities. The other airports, later authorized, are in various stages of construction. Their locations are Augusta, Portland, Waterville, Brunswick, Caribou, Sanford, Dexter, Belfast, Old Town, Pittsfield, Bar Harbor, Greenville, Eastport and Rockland. Other locations have been approved, but construction has not been begun. The Presque Isle airport is one of the largest in the country. All the plans call for runways of a minimum of 4,500 feet.

The State Defense Commission has constructed armories at Brunswick, Belfast, South Portland, and Norway, and turned them over to the Adjutant General's Department. Others at Saco, Portland, Rumford, Newport, and South Brewer are near completion. Funds are set aside for armory construction at Presque Isle and Houlton.

Shipbuilding, long stagnant in Maine, has taken on a new activity with naval ship construction at the Bath Iron Works, and a large building program at the new South Portland yards where much of the construction is for the British Government. There are small shipyards in operation in many ports.

Civilian defense plans have been carefully prepared. Maine is ranked second in this activity.

Finance.

The net revenue of the state for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1941, was $40,005,306.30; and the net expenditure was $38,472,761.43. Monies available, including legislative appropriations, and expenditures of a few of the larger state departments were: banking, $74,568, expended $58,586.93; unemployment compensation, $8,307,663.23, expended $2,962,940.71; highways and bridges, $14,247,178.92, expended $9,069,977.67; and welfare, charities, etc., $7,581,883.18, expended $7,094,733.42.

State Officers.

Governor, Sumner Sewall; Secretary of State, Frederick Robic; Controller, Julian A. Mossman; Treasurer, Belmont A. Smith; Auditor, William D. Hayes; Attorney General, Frank I. Cowan; Commissioner of Education, Harry V. Gilson.

United States Senators:

Wallace H. White, Ralph O. Brewster.

1940: Maine

Area and Population.

The tenth state admitted to the Union (1820), Maine was formerly a part of Massachusetts. It has a total area of 31,857 sq. mi., about equal to the aggregate of the other five New England states. The population of Maine according to the 1940 census is 847,226, an increase of 6.2 per cent over the census report of 1930 (797,423).

The largest city in the state is Portland, which is given a population of 73,643 by the 1940 census. Lewiston is the second city, with 38,598 people; Bangor, third, with 29,822; the other more populous cities being Auburn, 19,817; Biddeford, 19,790; Augusta, the state capital, 19,360; Waterville, 16,688; South Portland, 15,781. Ranking tenth is Bath, which has a rapidly increasing population of 10,235, due to contracts for naval construction awarded the Bath Iron Works under the national defense program. Presque Isle (5,456), which became a city in 1940, is a center for Aroostook County's great potato industry.

Because of its location as the northeastern outpost of the United States, and because its ports are nearer to Europe than those of any other state, Maine is being given considerable importance in national defense plans; several large airports and armories are now under construction or enlargement.

Education.

Educational advantages for Maine boys and girls have been materially increased in the last three years by legislative appropriations, used by the state Department of Education to give equal opportunity for the scholars in the smaller towns of the state as compared with those of the larger centers.

The number of inhabitants of school age is 259,998; there are 4,627 common schools; with an enrollment of 134,607 pupils in the elementary schools, and 36,734 in the high schools. The state expenditure for public schools in 1939 was $10,587,449. The average for teachers' salaries is $1,338.18 in the high schools, and $792.97 in the elementary schools.

An advanced step taken by the state in 1940 was the appointment of Dana Cotton, of Gorham, to the new office of State Director of Vocational Education.

Agriculture.

Production of potatoes, Maine's greatest single crop, reached 45,135,000 bu. in 1940, an increase of nearly 7,000,000 bu. over the 1939 crop of 38,250,000 bu. Aroostook County, which in some years leads all counties of the country in potato production, had a 1940 crop of 38,364,000 bu., six million more than in 1939 and well above the ten-year average.

Lower prices for growers in the months following harvesting made it doubtful however, whether the receipts of the farmers would be larger than for the lesser crop of 1939. Maine potato farmers will receive a gross revenue of approximately a million and a half dollars for cooperation in the Federal crop-control plan.

Industry.

In the fall of 1940 Maine's industrial establishments were on the whole busier than during the same period in 1939. Estimates indicated that long logs, pulp wood, and dimension stock were about five per cent greater than for the corresponding period in 1939, with a good market and excellent prospects.

Increased activity was apparent in the manufacture of news print, specialty papers, fine writing and book papers, sulphite and ground wood pulp, spools, bobbins, dowels, and novelties.

Although the cotton and rayon textile mills reported no marked advance, the woolen industry was more active. Shipbuilding and heavy metal industries showed an increase; boot and shoe production a slight decrease.

Incomplete figures reported the sardine pack to be of excellent quality in 1940, but about half the size of the previous year.

Tourist Trade.

Persons who vacation in Maine spent approximately $98,000,000 in the state in 1940, according to an estimate made by the Maine Development Commission, a state department that advertises and promotes Maine's recreational advantages.

Maine is particularly proud of the large number of young people who spend the summer at boys' and girls' camps in the state. Over two hundred camps of this character are patronized by approximately 12,000 youngsters from all parts of the country each year.

Legislative Matters.

The Maine Legislature, which meets regularly biennially, was called in special session in May, because of shortages in the state funds. The special session adjourned in May to July, and again to October, appointing committees of investigation of state departments and for improvement of methods of transacting business of the state. Several changes in the Maine Code are expected at the next legislative session.

An independent audit of state finances disclosed a large shortage, and William A. Runnells, State Controller since the establishment of the State Code in 1932, was placed on trial in October, pleaded guilty to charges of larceny by embezzlement, and was sentenced to prison for a term of five to ten years. No indictments were brought against any other persons, although the resignations of three other officials were requested and received by the Governor.

Finance.

In public finance, Maine has continued the practice of keeping its expenditures within its receipts. Maine's net revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1940, was $38,172,563.49, as compared with net expenditure of $36,969,745.23. The actual increase of revenue above the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, was $412,279.38.

The increased tax revenue was largely from the greater amount received from gasoline, railroad and malt beverage taxes. The larger appropriation credits of the state were: highways, $28,222,376; liquor commission, $6,844,554; social security, $4,609,619; unemployment compensation, $3,541,280.

Banking.

Maine banks are in excellent condition. According to figures of the American Bankers Association, the commercial banks, as of December 1, 1939, made more than 25,538 new loans, totaling $22,926,726 to firms and individuals, renewed 45,048 outstanding loans totaling more than $34,325,428, and made 735 new mortgage loans to individuals, totaling $1,581,627.

These records are based upon reports from 66 per cent of the commercial banks of the state. Savings banks increased their deposits $1,102,000, and the savings deposits in trust companies were increased $1,300,000 from September 1939 to September 1940.

Political Events.

Maine, which has but once since the Civil War given its electoral vote to the Democratic Party, remained true to its Republican allegiance in the November election, the official vote being: Willkie, 163,951; Roosevelt, 156,478; a plurality of 7,473. The size of the plurality was unexpectedly small, however, as in the September gubernatorial election, Sumner Sewall of Bath, Republican nominee, received 162,719 votes to 92,003 for Fulton J. Redman of Portland, Democratic aspirant; a Republican majority of 70,716. Sewall carried every county in the state.

Another result of the September election was the victory of Ralph O. Brewster, of Dexter, as United States Senator over Ex-Governor Louis J. Brann of Lewiston. In the Republican primary in June, 1940, Brewster, a former Governor and member of the House of Representatives, won the primary nomination for Senator over Governor Lewis O. Barrows of Newport.

State Officers.

Governor, Sumner Sewall; Secretary of State, Frederick Robie; Treasurer, Belmont A. Smith; Controller, Harold E. Rodgers; Auditor, William D. Hayes; Attorney General, Frank I. Cowan; Commissioner of Finance, Frederick Payne; Commissioner of Education, Bertram E. Packard.

United States Senators:

Wallace Humphrey White, Jr., Ralph O. Brewster.

1939: Maine

Area and Population.

Formerly a part of Massachusetts, Maine became a separate state in 1820. It had a population in the census of 1930 of 797,423, of whom 795,183 were white; and 694,815 were recorded as native white. The total area of Maine is 31,857 sq. mi., about equal to that of the other New England states combined.

The largest city of Maine is Portland, with a population of 70,810, and property valuation of $116,774,655. Lewiston is second in population, with 34,948 residents, followed by Bangor, 28,749; Auburn, 18,571; Augusta, the state capital, 17,198; Biddeford, 17,633; and Waterville, 15,454.

The chief industries of Maine are agriculture, fishing, lumbering, and the manufacture of boots and shoes, paper, pulp, and textiles.

Agriculture.

Maine's agricultural year was generally satisfactory. The potato crop for 1939 was estimated at 38,250,000 bushels as compared with a production of 41,000,000 bushels in 1938 and with an average of 44,033,300 bushels annually for the decade of 1930-1939. The Lowered production was due largely to the reduced acreage planted to potatoes in accordance with the plans of the Federal government for controlled production. The growers are confident that the money value of the 1939 crop will be materially in excess of that of 1938; and in addition the Maine potato farmers will receive a gross of about one and a half million dollars for their cooperation in the crop control project.

All but 6,000,000 bushels of the Maine potatoes were from Aroostook County, with its crop of 32,397,000 bushels, very probably retaining for Aroostook its frequently-won distinction as the greatest potato producing county in the United States. The demand for Maine certified seed potatoes increases steadily, and the growers are well satisfied with the results of the recently-enacted law that places a tax of a cent a barrel upon potatoes, the receipts being donated to national advertising of the product. Although this legislation has been in effect but two years, the market for Maine-grown potatoes has materially expanded.

Maine dairy farmers received an estimated return of $15,400,000 for 1939, which is about half a million dollars in excess of the preceding year. A large part of this revenue was for milk shipments outside of the state.

Corn production was 520,000 bushels as compared with the yearly average of 508,000 bushels. Maine's apple crop amounted to 900,000 bushels, about 40,000 bushels in excess of the 1938 crop, but far below the ten-year annual average of 1,400,000 bushels. The blueberry crop of 198,896 bushels was very close to the normal figure, while production of 72,000 bushels of wheat was some 25 per cent in excess of the average wheat crop of the state.

Industry.

Maine's paper industry had a very prosperous year in 1939, with production greater than in 1938, which was also a good year. The newsprint mills were generally operating upon full time, while the manufacture of book paper and fine writing paper was about normal.

In the boot and shoe industry the year was fairly good, although the effects of the 1937 strike in the large shoe centers of Lewiston and Auburn had not been entirely overcome. In textiles, the year was rather dull in woolen manufacture and good in the cotton industry.

Reports from the coast fisheries were satisfactory, with the best sardine pack recorded in years — more than 2,000,000 cases. Fish were plentiful and large.

The summer resort business of the year was excellent, the amount expended in the state by tourists being estimated at $98,000,000. There are 225 boys' and girls' camps in the state, with an annual enrollment of between thirteen and fifteen thousand. Nonresidents own summer property in Maine valued at about $100,000,000.

Legislative and Political Events.

On Jan. 5, 1939, Lewis O. Barrows of Newport was inaugurated for his second term as Governor of Maine. The Legislature comprised 30 Republicans and 3 Democrats in the Senate, and 125 Republicans and 26 Democrats in the House. Senator Sumner Sewall of Bath was elected President of the State Senate, and Donald W. Philbrick of Cape Elizabeth, Speaker of the House.

A bond issue proposed by the Legislature for highway construction purposes was defeated in a referendum in September.

The most important legislation of the 1939 session and the most discussed was the so-called automobile title law, which was designed to restrict or prevent the sale of stolen cars. Under this law used cars imported for sale or trade must be registered, the sellers must file a $5,000 bond; dealers must file inventory of used cars annually; and owners must procure certificate of title at or before registration.

Education.

The Maine Legislature in January made a special appropriation of $200,000 a year for two years for the purpose of equalizing educational advantages, with the aim of improving conditions in the less financially able communities. This followed similar action by the Legislature in 1937. It is expected that the amount will be increased in future years. The state expenditure for public schools in 1938-39 was $10,523,539. The school census of April 1939 reported 258,159 persons of school age. The state has 4,570 elementary schools with an enrollment of 136,681, and 278 high schools with an enrollment of 43,517. The average teacher's salary in the elementary schools is, for men, $928; for women, $779; in secondary schools, men, $1,580; women, $1,148; in academies, men, $1,664; women, $1,100. The largest educational building development was in Waterville, where Colby College was preparing to move to a new site on which four buildings are already completed at a total cost of a million and a half dollars. The plans contemplate the construction of some eight more buildings before removal.

Finance.

Although Maine, like other states, has been compelled to make unusual expenditures for relief purposes, the end of its fiscal year, June 30, 1939, found the state with a balanced budget, a surplus of $12,355.08, and a debt reduction of $1,015,000. It appropriated $900,000 for old-age assistance, to be matched with $800,000 municipal funds and $1,700,000 Federal funds, providing for an average of 14,200 payments a month. In addition there were appropriations of $488,000 for state pauper relief, $31,000 for emergency aid, and $30,000 for the care of neglected children.

The larger cost items for operating the state government for the fiscal year ending with June 1939 were: health and welfare, relief and institutions, $9,505,442.87; highways, $12,377,676.34; $797,119.06 for Public Works Administration, Works Progress Administration and National Industrial Recovery Highway Fund Administration; General Government Expenditures, $5,790,837.97; Protection of Persons and Property, $1,266,713.29; interest and retirement of bonds, $3,103,549.85; Education, $3,569,842.64; Development, Conservation and Recreation, $1,159,020. In addition, thirteen state institutions with inmate population of 5,312 were operated at a total cost of $2,124,908.36.

Banking.

Maine banks are in excellent condition. According to figures of the American Bankers Association, the commercial banks in the first six months of 1939 made more than 38,000 new loans, totalling $34,000,000 to firms and individuals, and renewed 68,999 outstanding loans totalling more than $52,000,000. These figures are based upon reports from 66 per cent of the commercial banks of the state. Savings banks increased their deposits by $1,500,000, and the savings deposits in trust companies were increased $2,250,000 from September, 1938 to September, 1939.

State Officers.

The principal state officers are: Governor, Lewis O. Barrows; Secretary of State, Frederick Robie; Treasurer, Belmont A. Smith; Commissioner of Finance, William S. Owen; Controller, William A. Runnells; Budget Officer, William H. Deering; Attorney General, Franz U. Burkett; Adjutant General, James W. Hanson; Auditor, Elbert D. Hayford; Commissioner of Education, Bertram E. Packard.

United States Senators.

Frederick Hale, Wallace Humphrey White, Jr.

1938: Maine

Area and Population.

Originally a part of Massachusetts, Maine became a separate state on March 15, 1820. With an area of 33,040 sq. mi. it ranks 38th in size among the states. In population it ranks 35th, numbering 797,423 according to the census of 1930; 856,000 on July 1, 1937, according to the latest Federal estimate. In the 1930 census, 795,183 inhabitants were recorded as white and 694,815 as native white. There were also 1,096 Negroes, and 1,012 Indians.

Important cities are Portland, the largest, 70,810 (1930 census); Lewiston, noted for textiles and shoes, 34,948; Bangor, a commercial center, 28,749; Auburn, a shoe-manufacturing city, 18,571; Augusta, the capital, 17,198; Waterville, also noted for textiles, 15,454.

Agriculture.

Maine often leads the states in its production of potatoes. Of the potato crop for 1938, 85 per cent was grown in Aroostook County, the leading potato-growing county in the United States. Maine certified seed potatoes are shipped all over the country and are in larger demand each year. The outside market has been extended by the action of the legislature in placing a tax of a cent a barrel upon potatoes, the receipts being devoted to national advertisement of the product.

The dairy products for the year brought a revenue of $15,000,000 to Maine farmers, in large part for milk shipped to New England cities. Maine farmers devoted 16,000 acres to the production of sweet corn for the canning factories. Maine's apple crop for 1938 was considerably under the usual figure, due to the damage by the hurricane last September. The 1938 crop is estimated by the state Department of Agriculture at 858,000 bushels, as compared with 1,498,000 bushels, the ten-year annual average. The yield of dry beans was about 910 pounds per acre.

Industry.

General business conditions in Maine have been depressed in the last few years, but not so seriously as in most of the states. The pulp and paper industry has kept up well, and most of the mills were operated during 1938 on a forty-eight-hour schedule. The boot and shoe factories averaged operation on a weekly four-day schedule, and the woolen and cotton mills of the state showed an increased production over 1937. The principal industries of the state were free from labor difficulties during 1938.

An important natural resource of Maine is found in its water power. The developed power amounts to 610,300 h.p.; and the undeveloped is estimated at 796,600 h.p.

In the past decade Maine has given increasing attention to its resort possibilities, and the action of the legislature in doubling the annual appropriation for the use of the Maine Development Commission has had beneficial results. The Commission estimates that tourists and visitors expended $105,000,000 in the state during 1938. A rapidly developing summer business of the state is that of summer camps for boys and girls. In 1938 some 12,000 boys and girls from other states spent the summer at Maine camps.

Education.

As the result of the passage by the legislature of a bill designed to effect the equalization of educational opportunities, an appropriation of $200,000 annually is now being made to provide for improved school facilities in the less affluent communities. This special appropriation has made possible for some towns a longer school year, slightly increased salaries for teachers, and a more adequate supply of textbooks and educational equipment.

Legislation.

The most important matter of legislation to become fairly operative during 1938 was the establishment of a Board of Emergency Municipal Finance. This is for the purpose of enabling cities, towns, and plantations that have fallen into financial difficulties to receive assistance from the state and be established on a sound financial basis; also to assure to the state the collection of the taxes due from such cities, towns and plantations. The Board is authorized, if necessary, to take over and regulate the administration of such communities, with the management of its financial affairs. In accordance with this provision, administration of the affairs of one city and five towns has already been taken over by the state.

Political Events.

In the state election held in September, 1938, Lewis O. Barrows, Republican, was re-elected Governor for a second term of two years, defeating Louis J. Brann, Democrat, former Governor, by 157,206 to 139,745. Winfred V. Tabbutt, Socialist candidate, received 287 votes.

Finance.

Maine regards with pride the financial record of the state, as it balanced its budget and had a surplus of $386,000 for the fiscal year ending with June, in addition to reducing its debt by $989,000, and setting aside for the Deer Isle-Sedgwick bridge $145,000. At the end of the fiscal year, Maine was paying 10,158 old age assistance checks, a number increased by the end of November to 12,100. The state appropriation for old age assistance in 1937-38 was $600,000, and was increased to $1,700,000 for the fiscal year 1938-39. In addition, bridge bonds in the amount of $525,000 were called and retired. The appropriation for state government as set up by the legislature was reduced by $434,379 for 1937-38 through economical administration, and by $426,145 for 1938-39.

State Officers:

As the result of the September 1938 election, the principal state officers are: Governor, Lewis O. Barrows; Secretary of State, Frederick Robie; Treasurer, Belmont A. Smith; Commissioner of Finance, William S. Owen; Controller, William A. Runnells; Budget Officer, William H. Deering; Attorney General, Franz U. Burkett; Adjutant General, James W. Hanson; Auditor, Elbert D. Hayford; Commissioner of Education, Bertram E. Packard.

United States Senators:

Frederick Hale, Wallace Humphrey White, Jr.