Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-03-05
and from it to distributing pipes, generally cost


more thsn the whole works, pipe and all by the
| Holly system.
There was another trouble. Surveys were made
| and plans and estimates were submitted and ex-
rerience taught tina. the cost generally exceeded
| the estimates nearly or quite 100 per cent.
In proposing works for Augusta on the Holly
system definite plan and specifications including
building, machinery Of given capacity, quantity,
size and strength Of pipe, number OF hydrants,
valves etc. are presented not as estimates, but as
proposition for a contract, with bond for its
faithful completion at definite price, and that
price SO low as not only to make 1t q desirable
acquisition to Augusta, but so as TO insure its be-
ing more than self sustaining. and instead Of be-
ing burthen upon the tax payers, would be really
a profitable investment, beside the incidental ad-
vantages to be derived from its introduction.
Another great advantage in the Holly system is
that it performs double duty. The old system
supplied water for domestic use. and when there
was fire it furnished water for fire engines. The
Holly system not only furnishes water for domes-
tic use as cheapy and more desirsbly than the old
system, bat is at the same time in itself, any num-
Der of fire engines circumstances may require,
with steam up ready for throwing water without
moments delay after the fire is discovered SO
that in addition to the ordinary income for water
for ordinary purposes, it saves in fire department
expenses more than enough to pay the whole cost
of running the works, and is q hundred times
more efficient than you can possibly make the Old
system, while the works cost less than hall as
much as by the old plan. They are therefore not
only within the reach but are very desirable &C
QUESTION, and good investmen. even for cities
not a. large as Augusta. In fact many towns not
half as large have Holly water works and would
not part with them for any consideration. There
is always opposition at first, that 49, there are
always some who doubt the expedency OF the IN
vestment, but not one after they see them tested,
and learn what they will do al such moderate
cost There is not an exception to this ia the sixty
towns having Holly water works in operation.
Augusta has peculiar sdvan tages for their intro
duction-splendid water and water power to run the
machinery The annual expenses would be trifipg,
and with IIallowell to unite and pay part ofthe ex-
pcrses, as the same machinery would supply both
cities with scarcely any additional expense except
cost Of pipes, it would make it really paying ia
ycstment beside incidental advantages.
The proposition is to take water from above the
dam and filter it; the machinery to be run by
water power; handsome brick house that will
be credit to the city with rooms for family;
stone foundation for building and machinery and
a slate roof for the house; machinery with six
pumps all to work together or either one or more
to work separately, to be of 2.000,0 gallons ca
pacity at easy working, duplicated so that when
supplying 10000 population there will be reserve
for fire purp ,ses four miles 37l4 feet pipe four to
twelve inch laid, with all special castings; fifty
double delivery hydrants with drip; double gate
brass mounted valves to shut of pipes in small
districts pipe to be measured in the ground, all
material furnished trenches back filled and streets
left in as good condition as before pipe was laid;
pipe to stand and be tested to 50 per cent. more
pressure than will be required for fire streams;
the whole to be completed and tested and turned
over to the city in perfect working order for
(Sl0l 1907 one hundred and one thousand one
hundred and thirty dollars, payable in city bonds,
running twenty years.
Your property is valued for taxes at ASS, los.
There is quite sn amount Of personal property not
taxed. Real estate Of course Is not estimated at
its value for taxation. 1t would be very safe to
say that combustible property in Augusta could
not be bought for less than 100000. Insurance
is from one to four per cent; important risks,
risks on which a reduction of insurance is of i'm
porancc to the interests of the city, are three to
four per cent; isolated dwellings Ito say average
rate Ia per cent. would amount to $4,000 on
the property in Augusta to burn.
The average reduction of insurance rates as
proren in more than fifty towns where Holly works
have been introduced is fully twenty five per cent.
That would make saving in insurance risks alone
of 5000. You have over 1000 buildings. Sup
pose half take water at $500 year, will be
s. 900 Railroads, manufacturing companies, ho-
tets, stables etc., and those who would need more
water than $500 rate say $4,000, fifty hydrants,
more thsn equal 10 fifty engines each throwing
two streams, $1,000 each per aunum, would be
SO 500, would make:
Insurance risks decreased, $4,000
Income for water very low estimate, 1000
Hydrant service, 3,ooo
Would be income per annum 24,500
Works to be paid for in twenty years SOL
would be s. $50 per annum. Interest on whole
amount though lesscned every year 5000, cost
of running it by water power, 81 900 per annum.
Total cost paying one twentieth Of cost of works
each year and counting interest on whole cost, is
per annum 1913, l20, leaving net profit of II $3.50
per annum original cost Of works interest and
running expenses, beside incidental advantages.
Suppose the saving Of insurance is not counted
then there is profit of 81 $50 per annum without
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