The Harvard Dining Association has just contracted for a new engine and generator, a much needed addition to the present plant. It will guard against a breakdown and consequent crippling of the service, for although the present auxiliary power is suited for lighting purposes, it is useless for the washing and ice-cream machinery, the well-pump and ventilating fan, all of which take direct current. In the spring, when the ventilating and artificial ice plants must be run longer each day than they are now, the generator would be heavily over-loaded and might prove inadequate. The installation of the new generating machinery will permit small repairs to be made during daylight hours and thus reduce deterioration, as the old and new equipments will probably be run alternately.

The new generator will give 50 kilowatts direct current at 110 volts, as against 30 kilo-watts given by the one in use. The expense of the apparatus represents improvements to the plant and will be distributed, both principal and interest, over a number of years.

Work on the new machinery, which will be located in the north-east corner of the basement, will be begun at once, and it will be completed about the middle of April.