The Committee are under the impression, that the improvements indicated, cannot be effected, at a cost, much, if any, less than the sum named. It is true, that for many purposes, the present Water Works, might be made with a comparatively small outlay, to answer tolerably well for some years to come; but in the all-important matter of protection from fire, it is their belief, that any patching of the present system, is mere trifling; the only result of which will be, to waste money, and to engender a false security; which may possibly terminate in some calamity, more serious than any that has yet occurred. When the water was first introduced into St. John—some years ago—the engineer recommended the laying down of a 24 inch instead of a 12 inch main, but the difference of cost—some £12,000, was thought to be an insuperable objection, and the 12 inch main was laid. Not many years after, the citizens of our sister city, lost one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, in one night, simply from the want of a sufficient supply of water.
It was the inefficiency of our Water Works for fire purposes, that first turned Mr. Edward Longard’s attention to this subject. The Committee will leave the further consideration of Alderman Twining’s Resolutions, for the present, in order to explain Mr. Longard’s scheme. As an intelligent native mechanic, and an experienced fireman, who has devoted much time, and thought, to the question of water supply, it is but fair to Mr. Longard, to state his views in detail.
Starting with the conviction, that the Long Lake can never afford sufficient head pressure, by the natural power of gravitation,—Mr. Longard proposes to bring the water from the Birch Cove Lakes, into a Reservoir, to be built on Shaffroth’s hill, and thence, by three main pipes into the city,—one for the north—another for the middle—and another for the south district. The Birch Cove Lakes having an elevation of 237 feet, which might be raised by damming to 240, or even to 245 feet, would be sufficient, without mechanical aids, to fill the reservoir on Shaffroth’s hill; the summit of which is some 230 feet above the sea, and admirably situated for commanding the whole city. From this height, the water would descend upon the city, throughout its whole length, with such force, that the present Engine Company would be able, without assistance, either from the citizens, or the military, to subdue a fire, in far less time, than it could possibly be accomplished by 500 men, with the present defective water-system.
“By the proposed scheme, 16 efficient jets could be concentrated on any point in the city below Barrack street, each jet delivering, at least, 100 gallons a minute—in all 1600 gallons each minute; and in all the higher and suburban parts of the city an ample supply would be furnished.”
Mr. Longard computes the cost of this work not to exceed £40,000, and that the interest and other annual expenses, would not be over £2600, while the saving in insurance alone, would be, at least, double that amount; leaving a yearly surplus, of clear gain to the citizens, of some £2500.
The Committee are free to admit, that, in their judgment, Mr. Longard’s scheme is simple and intelligible, and supported by facts and arguments, which cannot fail to produce a strong impression on the public mind. The calculation of saving, in the item of insurance, is a most modest one, Mr. Longard having based it upon a supposed reduction of one-eighth per cent, while the probability is, that one half per cent would be much nearer the truth. The very first year after the introduction of the Croton Water into New York, the premiums of insurance were reduced, on an average, 40 cents on the hundred, while the expenses of the Fire Department, which had previously been seventy thousand dollars, fell the same year, to thirty thousand. The want of water, this year, will impose an extra tax, upon our own citizens, of certainly not less than ten thousand pounds.
Were there no Water Works already in Halifax, the Committee would have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Longard’s scheme for the adoption of the Council. There are, however, certain advantages to be derived from the purchase of the Water Company’s Works, which ought not to be overlooked. There is the great advantage of having so much work already done, and an income at once available; which income, the Committee believe, might be considerably increased, by judicious management, under civic control, without becoming a grievance to any citizen.
The Committee are very loth to assume the responsibility of advising in this matter, but they have arrived at certain conclusions, which they now submit for the consideration of the Council.
The present Committee was called into existence, chiefly for the purpose of considering the best mode of obtaining a larger supply of water for fire purposes; but the Resolutions of Alderman Twining, which were submitted to the Council previous to the Great Fire, having been referred to this Committee,—the field of enquiry is, thereby, proportionally enlarged. Indeed, the Committee feel, that they have now the whole question of water supply for the city before them, and the exigencies of the time demand, that it should be dealt with in a comprehensive spirit.