Part 2

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.

Taking this broad view of the question, the Committee, then, have two schemes presented for their consideration; either of which, for about the same cost, it is believed, may be made to answer every requirement of the city; and to each of which, certain peculiar advantages, and disadvantages, appertain.

Supposing the purchase of the Halifax Water Company’s Works, which, at present, barely suffice for domestic purposes, to require £50,000; it would require another £50,000, to make them efficient for fire purposes, and for the supply of the upper parts of the city. But an advantage would be gained by having a great part of the work already completed.

On the other hand, supposing Mr. Longard’s scheme to be adopted; the carrying out of this scheme, solely for fire purposes, would cost some forty or fifty thousand pounds, while to extend it through the city, so as to make it available for every purpose, would cost some fifty thousands additional; beside keeping the streets in confusion for years to come.

It is thus apparent, that neither scheme is perfect, and that either scheme fully developed, so as to be made capable of supplying the wants of the whole city, would cost, somewhere in the neighbourhood of £100,000.

Such being the state of the case, and assuming no better plan to be presented to the Council, the Committee suggest, whether, upon the whole, it would not be best for the city, partially to adopt both schemes, and thereby secure the advantages of each, without incurring the inconveniences of either. The Committee have an impression that the present Water Works could be purchased, and put in good working order, for a sum, not exceeding £50,000; and that for another £50,000—perhaps for less money—an ample supply might be obtained, by Mr. Longard’s scheme, for fire purposes, and for the supply of the higher parts of the city. The cost of both schemes, would thus, not exceed, what it would be necessary to expend, to make either scheme perfect; and the city would enjoy the unquestionable benefit of having two sources of water supply, instead of one.

The Committee do not consider it any part of their duty, to suggest the mode, by which the capital, necessary for these operations, may be raised; yet it is their conviction, that in a financial point of view, the enterprise would be a safe one.—A fire tax, levied upon real estate, would meet the interest of half the capital; and the other half would be more than met, by the revenue derivable from consumers.

The Committee present the above view of the case, as the best practical solution of a perplexing problem which, at this time, occurs to their minds,—reserving to themselves, of course, the right to adopt any more feasible plan that may be suggested.

As a preliminary step, however, and taking all the circumstances into consideration, the Committee finally recommend:

That the City Council shall, forthwith, or as soon as may be convenient—consult some competent and experienced Engineer, whose advice and opinions may enable the Council to decide, what is best to be done, in order to accomplish the desired end.

This course was adopted by the city of St. John, in like circumstances; as well as by Montreal and Quebec; and from the Report, lately published, it appears, that a precisely similar course was pursued, by the Common Council of Glasgow, before they embarked in that splendid scheme, by which they have recently introduced the water into the city from Loch Katrine.

The Committee cannot be supposed to know, and do not pretend to know, more of the matter under discussion than many of their fellow-citizens. They have endeavoured to discharge a very difficult task to the best of their ability, in the hope that such measures will ultimately be adopted by the Council, in reference to the supply of water, as will meet the expectations, and satisfy the present and future demands, of the whole community.

In conclusion, the Committee have to acknowledge the friendly co-operation and assistance of His Worship the Mayor, the Chairman and Ex-Chairman of Firewards, Mr. Muir, Superintendent of the Halifax Water Works, and of several members of the Fire Department. They have also to tender their thanks to F. W. Lincoln, Junr., Esq., Mayor of Boston, and John M. Walker, Esq., Commissioner of Water Works at St. John, New Brunswick, for much valuable information, furnished with obliging promptitude.

All of which is respectfully submitted, JOHN A. BELL, _Chairman_.

HALIFAX, N. S., 2ND DECEMBER, 1859.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. Silently corrected typographical errors. 2. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. 3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.