Item
Town Improvement in St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Standard
July 17/1840
Water—A correspondent suggest the prospects of having good supply of water from public pumps, in various parts of St. Andrews, to be furnished at the public expense. The cleanliness and health of the poor would alone be more than a corresponding equivalent for the amount of the outlay.
Standard
Feb 13/1861
An Act to incorporate sundry persons by the name of the St. Andrews Water Company. Be it enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governor, Legislative Council, and assembly as follows: 1. that Benjamin f. Milliken, John Aymar, William Whitlock, B. R. Stevenson, James W. Chandler, and their associates, successors and assignees, be and they are hereby constituted and declared to be a body corporate by the name of "The St. Andrews Water Company," and shall have the powers and privileges made incident to a corporation by Act of Assembly of this Province, for the purpose of supplying the inhabitants of the said Town of St. Andrews with water, and for carrying on and managing the necessary works therewith connected."
Standard
July 8/1863
Water Company laying new pipes along Water Street. Street Commissioner working on Streets. New bridges, some streets gravelled. Many above Parr St. had been left unattended for years.
Standard
Aug 31/1870
Town Well
We have been requested to direct the attention of the authorities to the disgraceful condition of the street near what is commonly known as “Berry’s Well,” and the careless practice of throwing dirty buckets into the well, which is now the principal source of the water supply for a large portion of the town. It has been suggested that a large pump be placed in the well, which when covered over, would prevent filth from accumulating in the water, and to some extent be a saving in the waste which occurs daily. This is a subject which requires immediate attention, as water is becoming scarce daily, and the benefit to the people would, in a sanitary view, far overbalance the cost of erecting the pump.
Pilot
Nov 9/1887
Some parties are at present agitating the introduction of water into St. Andrews from Chamcook Lake, which some assert is 60 to 90 feet above high water level. (first mention of the scheme; actually predates Land Company)
Pilot
March 15/1888
More details on land company. Application for incorporation of land and Chamcook Water company. See photocopy and below.
Application for Legislation
Notice is hereby given that an application will be made to the Legislature of New Brunswick during its present session for the passage of an Act to incorporate THE CHAMCOOK WATER COMPANY, whose object will be to supply water from the Chamcook Lakes to parties resident in the parishes of St. Andrews and other parishes in the County of Charlotte, with a capital stock of $100,000 and power to issue $100,000 bonds on their property and other powers to enable them to carry out this object.
Dated 13th March, 1888
Benjamin R. Stevenson, Sol. for Applicants
Pilot
March 29/1888
Chamcook Water Co. Bill passed in House of Assembly.
Pilot
April 19/1888
Engineer for Chamcook water line arrives. Town expects water within the present year. See photocopy and below.
“The people of St. Andrews may reasonably hope to be supplied with the water from the lake sometime during the present year. Mr. Forbes found that the water in Chamcook Lake is about 95 feet above high water. The highest point in town is on Prince of Wales street, west of Fort Tipperary, 125 feet above high water. Mr. Forbes thinks that the water in the Lake is exceptionally pure. At this season of the year, the water in many lakes from which towns and cities draw their supply is of a deep amber colour, while that in Chamcook Lake is as white and clear as spring water and of unusually fine flavour. It can readily be seen that some method of forcing the water through the pipes must be adopted which is a matter for the consideration of the company. We heartily congratulate our fellow townsmen upon the prospect of having in the near future brought to their doors a supply of pure water, such as very few towns are possessed of.”
Pilot
May 24/1888
Advantages of good water supply. See photocopy and below.
“All time saved from hard labor is a gain. The convenience in cities and towns is a great advantage. In estimating the returns to be secured from a water supply for a place, consideration must be had for items not appearing on the company’s books, but which have a value inestimable in dollars. These are: First, Promotion of health. Water from a supply system averages much purer than from wells. It is stated that typhoid fever has practically become a country disease. In certain New England counties the lowest average mortality is in districts where there are many cities and towns, most of which have water supplies and sewerage systems. The highest mortality is in sparsely settled towns having no public works of this nature. Without a water supply we can scarcely have any sewerage system. The sprinkling of streets and decrease of repairs on gravel and macadamized roads are worthy items.
Second:--By saving property. A supply of water for fire purposes can best be provided in connection with the domestic supply, and the power to prevent a widespread conflagration lies usually in the proper arrangement of the water supply system, where the hydrants should not be located too near large wooden buildings.
Third—By reducing insurance. The insurance companies of New England are always ready to recognize the introduction of water by a very substantial reduction of their rates, generally from twenty to fifty per cent.
Fourth—By encouraging manufactures. Many mills have private fire appliances, but all need external protection, and a reliable water supply and a consideration of its provisions and the consequent insurance rates often determines the location of great manufactories.
President Fanning stated that he had found that for five years after the water supply was introduced in a certain city, the saving in insurance over the rates that prevailed before had been greater than the cost of the supply during that period.”—F. L. Fuller in Scientific American
Pilot
June 21/1888
Second part from St. John Daily Sun
One of the most important portions of the work undertaken by the Land Company is the introduction of a good system of water works by piping from the Chamcook lakes in the nearby highlands. A charter for a water company was obtained at the recent session of the provincial legislature, and the work will be carried on with such dispatch that ere the grand rush sets in, St. Andrews will rejoice in a perfect system of sewerage and water supply. The Chamcook water is perfectly pure and of the very best quality. The elevation gives a sufficient head to supply much of the ground to be covered, but for the higher portions of the town a pumping station will be necessary.
Pilot
Sept 6/1888
No action from Chamcook Water Co. Contract published to provoke discussion. See photocopy and below.
“We publish in this issue a copy of the pamphlet submitted to the Fire wards of this town for the consideration by the Chamcook Water Co. What action, or if any, has been taken by that body in respect thereto, up to the present time of writing, has not transpired. Considerable talk has been made regarding the action of the Co. in not commencing the work as was intimated would be done the present summer. We feel that by publishing the foregoing it will give the public some tangible ground for discussion, and perhaps in some way lead to a solution. The Co. are, in a spirit of fair play, entitled to some answer for or against the plan. We do not propose at the present time to make any reference as to the merits of the case but would be pleased to throw open our columns for a public discussion of the matter.”
A Copy of the Contract the Chamcook Water Company proposes to make with the fire wardens of SA, NB.
See photocopy—basically 30 hydrants at 70 dollars per year, 50 dollars per additional hydrant.
This indenture . . . between the Chamcook Water Company, a corporation duly and legally organized under the laws of NB, party of the first part, and the Fire Wardens of Sa, in the Province of NB, party of the second part,
Witnesseth, That whereas the said party of the first part proposes to build, maintain and operate a system of Water Works in the parish of Sa, for the purpose of supplying he inhabitants with an adequate supply of pure water, for domestic, manufacturing, and other purposes, including the extinguishment of fires.
Now therefore, by and in consideration of the premises, covenants, and agreements hereunto written, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto that the said patties shall enter into and be bound, each with the other, by the following agreement, for a period of ten years, from and after the date of eh completion of said Water Works by said party of the fist part.
First, The said party of the first part agrees to furnish an ample supply of pure water for all purposes hereafter specified.
Second, The said party of the first part agrees to furnish, lay, set, and maintain a thorough and complete system of cast iron street-main and distribution pipes, including necessary valves, gates, and other appurtenances of every kind necessary for the proper working of the system, to be laid in and through the streets and highways of the said town, in order to obtain in the best possible distribution of water for protection against fire, manufacturing purposes, domestic services, and all other purposes required within the said town. the said pipes, ranging from eight inches in diameter t four inches in diameter, all properly coated and thoroughly tested before leaving the foundry to a hydraulic test pressure of three hundred pounds to the square inch of inside surface, and to be properly laid to a depth of not less than five feet below the surface of the streets in which they are intended to be laid.
Third, The Said party of the first part agrees to furnish, set and maintain thirty improved fire hydrants at points to be designated by the said party of the second part on the said lien of pipes before laying the same, and the said party of the first part shall agree to keep and maintain said fire hydrants in good repair and ready for active service at all times during the period of ten year, and for such further time as the same may be rented by the said party of the second part. during such period the said party of the first part agrees to furnish through each of said hydrants an efficient supply of water, for fire protection, under a pressure sufficient to throw at least two steams, through not less than two hundred and fifty feet of hose, over the highest building within the piles district, or that may hereafter be piped under the terms of this contract, and the party of the second part hereby agrees to pay the said party of the first part, during the said term of ten years, the sum of seventy dollars per annum for each of said thirty hydrants, payment for same to be made semi-annually, on the first days of January and July of each and every year during the said term of ten year, the amount due on the first payment to be estimated pro rata from the time the water is turned on for effective service and thereafter as above
Fourth, The said party of the first part agrees to furnish , set, maintain, and keep in repair under the same regulations as agreed relative to said thirty hydrants, all additional hydrants required during the said period of ten year. the annual rental of each of said additional hydrants to be sixty-five dollars a year, for the remainder of the period of ten years, provided same are located on the line of pipes already laid.
Should, however, the whole number of hydrants located and used by said party of the second part reach the number of fifty hydrants, then the price of reach of said hydrants to be paid by the party of the second part shall be sixty dollars per annum. In like manner, should the number reach 75 hydrants, the payment shall be fifty dollars per annum, and for 100 hydrants, forty-five dollars per annum. In either case for he unexpired portion of said to year’ term.
Fifth, The said party of the second part shall, on all necessary occasions, have the right to use said hydrants for the purpose of testing the same, or the fire apparatus, without extra charge therefore, and the said party of the second part shall have the right to have the location of any hydrants changed upon the line of the pipe agreed upon, by paying the actual expense of the same.
Sixth, The said party of the first part agrees to furnish water at its street mains free (in lieu of any taxation which may be levied upon any of the said Water Works property), for the following purposes, Viz: for display fountain, in “Indian Point Park,” for one public school house along eh line of pipe, for all churches situated along the line of pipe, for one improved watering trough or drinking fountain, for man and best. the said water company guarantees that such supply shall be full and adequate at all times.
Seventh, It is mutually agreed that no charge for said hydrant rental hereinbefore referred to shall begin until the water is turned on for effective fire service, and thereafter as above. Evidence of such completion, so far as applies to this contract, shall be an effective flow of water from any and all of said thirty fire hydrants.
Schedule of Rates for Water Company
See photocopy
Dwelling Houses:
private dwelling house occupied by one family for one faucet, $8 dollars. for each additional faucet, to be used by same family, four dollars.
For first water closet, six dollars.
For each additional water closet, three dollars.
for each hopper water closet, without self-regulating faucet, twenty-five dollars.
When a house is occupied by four or more families, and but one faucet is used for all, for each family, six dollars.
When a house is occupied by more than one family, each family having water carried into their part, the following rates shall be charged:
for one faucet, eight dollars
for each additional faucet, not heretofore specially rated, four dollars,
For first bath tub, six dollars,
for each additional bath tub, four dollars,
for first water closet, six dollars,
For each additional water closet, four dollars,
When bath tubs and water closet are used by more than one family, for each bath tub and each water closet, each family, five dollars
For first self-closing urinal, four dollars
for each additional self closing urinal, two dollars
When two faucets are used, one for hot, and one for cold water, both emptying into one bowl or sink, but one charge will be made for both.
Whenever the rate for a dwelling house and stale shall exceed $40 per annum, a special rate will be made by the company.
Boarding Houses.
When the average number of boarders in each family exceeds four, it shall be rated as a boarding house.
For first faucet, twelve dollars,
For each additional faucet, five dollars,
for first water closet, ten dollars,
for each additional water closet, six dollars,
For first bath tub, ten dollars,
for each additional bath tub, five dollars
Hotels
For each bed for boarders and lodgers, (not including water for bath tubs, water closet or urinal) four dollars
For each bath tub, twelve dollars,
for each water closet, twelve dollar
for each self-closing urinal six dollars
Stores, Warehouses, and Offices, not including manufactories and workshops
for first faucet, eight dollars,
for each additional faucet, five dollars
When two or more tenants are supplied from same faucet, each tenant, six dollars,
For water closet when used by more than one tenant, each tenant, five dollars,
for each additional faucet or water closet, half the above rates additional will be charged.
For each self-closing urinal six dollars
Markets
For first faucet, fourteen dollars
For each additional faucet, eight dollars
Bakeries
Bakeries will be charged according to the aver age daily use of flour, viz:
for each barrel of flour, per day, the sum per annum, five dollars
Provided in no case shall a bakery be charge less than ten dollars
Saloons and Restaurants
for first faucet, eight dollars,
for each additional faucet, five dollars
for first water closet, eight dollars,
For each additional water closet, five dollars,
for each self-closing urinal, five dollars
Workshops
for first faucet, ten dollars
For each additional faucet, five dollars
for first water closet, eight dollars
for each additional water closet, five dollars
for each self-closing urinal, five dollars
Stables
For private stables, including water for washing carriages, ten dollars,
for each additional horse over two, three dollars,
for first cow, four dollars,
for each additional cow, two dollars
Livery, Club and Boarding Stables
Livery stables, for each horse or other animal, including water for washing carriages per day, two cents
Truckmen’s Stables
For first horse, five dollars
for each additional horse, three dollars,
for hose, first horse, ten dollars,
For hose for each additional horse, five dollars
full rates will be charge for water closet run by waste water form sinks
Hose
For hose, not over three-eighths inch orifice, for sprinkling streets, washing windows, and similar uses, to be used on premises and street opposite one hour each day, five dollars
For one sixteenth inch jet or less, ten dollars
for one-eighth inch yet, twenty dollars,
for three-sixteenth inch jet, thirty dollars,
large fountain sill be charged special rates.
Steam Engines
for each stationary engine working not more than ten hours per day, for each horse-power, ten dollars,
For manufacturing purposes, with daily use of over 10,000 gallons per day, per 10,000 gallons, twenty five cents,
Very large amounts subject to special contract.
Beacon
May 23/1889
General Manager Van Horne told the congressional committee that the CPR was built to make money for its shareholders and for no other purpose under the sun. this is just what everybody thought.
Mr. Thomas R. Wheelock, of shanghai, has just completed negotiations for the purchase of forty acres of land on the western commons, owned by David McRoberts. Mr. Wheelock will make that his summer residence, and as he has made all the money he wants in China, he will spend the remainder of the year in Boston, or New York. Mrs. Wheelock will be in St. Andrews this summer.
SA Electric Light Co. incorporated at last session of Legislature but now in a "quiescent" state. "At the present time, the sun by day, the moon by night, and the Beacon at weekly intervals, are the only illuminators that St. Andrews possesses."
Beacon
Aug. 29/1889
Water system needed. See photocopy and below.
"The most pressing need that St. Andrews has at the present moment is an improved water system. The time has arrived we think when such should be provided, no matter what it costs. The present old-fashioned system of obtaining the supply from wells is dangerous to health, and offers but a very limited protection in the case of fire. Besides, it seriously retards the progress of the place. We may boast of the healthfulness of our town, but while its inhabitants are compelled to obtain their water for domestic purposes from wells that have been in use for one hundred years almost, the boat appears an empty one. The adoption of a system of water works would remove, to a very material extent, danger form fire and danger from epidemics. It would tend to the development of the place, by encouraging outsiders to come in and build; it would enhance the value of property and reduce insurance premiums, without adding much to our present taxes. The fire wardens, on whose shoulders, we believe, rests the responsibility, should proceed in this matter at once. The coming winter will probably be a quiet one, so that if the work was entered upon now, it would furnish remunerative employment to many men who would otherwise be idle."
Beacon
Sept 19, 1889
The water problem is no nearer a solution this week than it was last. The fire Wardens do not appear to have taken any action on the Chamcook Company’s latest offer, and no advance has been made by their own committee in the direction of water. They have corresponded with several artesian well operators, but their figures are away beyond what the committee had anticipated. It looks now as if the experiment of boring will be done by hand. Whatever is to be done should be done quickly
An Improved Water System
The discussion of this important topic in the Beacon, leads me to offer a few remarks upon the subject. While publishing the Standard for nearly half a century, and since my retirement from that office, I have endeavoured to promote the welfare and prosperity of St. Andrews to the best of my ability, and believe, that in some measure, those efforts were productive of benefit; I still feel anxious to do all in my humble way to forward its interests. I thoroughly agree with the Beacon in its advocacy for having a pure and abundant supply of water; and read with attention the clear, concise and to my view reasonable proposition of Mr. R. S. Gardiner, V. P. of the Chamcook Water Co. on the matter.
It has been admitted that a purer or better spring of water is not within the limits of the town than on my own premises; but I am not so selfish as not to be willing to be taxed for abundant supply of that element for my fellow townsmen, and believe that a majority of its inhabitants will cheerfully submit to a moderate increase of taxation for that purpose. There is not a community in the province with so moderate a rate of tax as SA, and it behoves its property holders to foster any movement on the part of the Land Co. or others to improve the town. The large expenditure of capital by the Land Company, and the success which has crowned their efforts, are a guarantee of their desire to make this vicinity widely known and appreciated. That there are some impure wells in their own, located in low ground and not over tidy back yards, will not be denied, which in some cases have been productive of fatal consequences, and which should be filled dup.
It matters not who furnished a supply of water for house ore or fire purposes, whether the townspeople or the Chamcook Water Co. An ample supply can be had within the town plot from the ridge commonly known as the Barrack hill, by boring through the rock, in other words artesian wells not much over one hundred feet in depth, and at a moderate coast, as the piping for conveyance to all parts of the town would be on an inclined plant, steep enough not be require pumping apparatus. The wells on the hillside are seldom ten feet in depth, and furnish a supply of water even in the driest months; this I know from actual experience of forty years.
Like other communities, it has men of brains, enterprise and pluck but unfortunately do not possess the necessary funds to carry out the good work whole those who have means, lack public spirit and will not invest. The fact is as I recently expressed it, we require an infusion of new blood and capital; a quantum of American push, speculative a progressive spirit, a whole souled interest in the town. The bugbear of taxation is worn out; every city and town in the Dominion tax themselves for improvements, and they must do so, or remain in the cold shades of neglect and decay, which its people I believe will not permit. I comply with your request, and have written over my own signature, as I am neither “ashamed or afraid to discuss the subject in public point.’—A. W. Smith
Beacon
Oct 3/1889
Interest in a water system has flagged since the rainy season has filled up all the wells.
Beacon
Oct 17/1889
Women and Water—Old Town, Maine, a little town situated at the junction of the Maine Central and Bangor and Piscatqaquis railways, but not possessing one-third the advantages that St. Andrews has, is deeply agitated over a system of waterworks. The position of this town, in some respects, bears a close resemblance to that of St. Andrews. A company exists there having large vested interests in the town, and they have made what the Bangor News says is “a very fair and equitable offer,” viz. If the town will note to take fifty hydrants at fifty dollars per hydrant, the company will put in a system of water works to supply Old Town, Stillwater and Great Works, and include in their offer a supply of water for two public fountains, also water for street sprinkling, the town hall and all school buildings free of cost. This offer is not so good as that offered St. Andrews by the Chamcook Water Company, yet it would appear from the following Old town despatch to the News, that there is a strong probability of its being accepted . . . . (Dover has waterworks, Brewer, Bucksport, Ellsworth)
Beacon
Nov 14/1889
The Water Question
Boston, Sept 16
W. D. Forster, Esq.
My dear Sir, Just before leaving SA, I promised to send you for your own information, figures and facts upon the cost, etc., of a water system. My time has so largely been occupied in my legitimate business, that until now I have had no opportunity of complying with that promise.
Based upon the estimates of hydraulic engineers, the cost of construction of water works for SA—by a system of bored wells—would be $43,000. This covers cost of boring four wells to an average depth of 120 feet. Stand pipe to contain 150,000 gallons, 30 fire hydrants, steam pump and fixtures, an 8 inch supply pipe on one of the streets running from NW to SE, six inch pipes on the other streets laterally, and four inch pipes upon certain of the streets transversely. Bonds issued to the amounts of the cost at 5 percent would amount to an annual expense of $2,150, to which add the annual cost of maintenance, such as superintendence, Engineer, labor, fuel, would be $2,500 more, making a total of annual expense $4650, which the tax-payers must pay. On the other hand the Chamcook Water Co. stands ready to put in the water system, upon the town through its Fire Wardens, making a contract with the Co. for 30 hydrants at a total annual cost of $1500.
It may, in answer to this, be asserted that under a water system owned by the town, the cost of water to private users would be much less than under the Water Company ownership. Reference to “Whipples” Water Supply for 1888-9, which gives the figures for over 500 water systems in Canada and the United States, does not bear out such an assertion. Fredericton, NB, for instance: with a population of 7000, expended $109,000, has a bonded water debt of $100,000 at 5 percent interest, has 9 miles of piping (SA would have about 6 ½), ye the average charge to users for water is about the same as the Chamcook Water Co. proposes. New Glasgow, NS, 5000 population, with 8 ½ miles of piping, expended $65,000 and has a bonded debt of $68,000 at 4 ½ percent, and charges much above Chamcook Water Co. figures. Truro, NS, with 6 miles of pipe, has expended $43,000, has a bonded debt of like amount at 5 ½ percent, and charges private users a fraction less than Water Co. proposition. The same general condition prevails in nearly all small places where the municipality has put in the works; the exceptions being those towns so situated that the water supply is brought from lakes, ponds or streams, at an elevation above the town, rendering unnecessary the steam pump, stand pipe or reservoir; but as such a condition does not exist at SA, comparison with these exceptional cases is valueless.
It may be said by those representing the town: “We don’t propose to put in the complete system; therefore the cost, bonded debt or interest, will not be as great as the figures above given.” Very well; the proposed contract of the Water Co. only compels the fire-board to immediately locate 12 hydrants at a cost of $50.00 each per annum, equal to $600.00, and in any event the rental of fire hydrants only commences when each hydrant is ready for service. Besides, the suggested answer is unfair to the taxpayers. A partial system may give Mr. Odell, Mr. Magee and yourself a water supply, while Mr. Lamb or Mr. Smith, by reason of living on the hill, will be without it. Yet all rive gentlemen would be taxed pro rata to provide a water system. If the own put sin the water, it will at the same time put a bonded debt upon the tax payers, that will be a lasting burden and unless the whole system at an approximate cost of $43,000 will be provided, the town’s needs will only be partially me for the time being and the further expenditure must come sooner or later, while it must not be forgotten that the principal amount which the bonds would represent finally becomes due, and must be paid. I understand that it has been suggested to bore several artesian wells, from which though people may carry their drinking water. Such an idea is merely throwing money away, because it does not in an effective way, meet the needs of the future which I believe St. Andrews has.
Furthermore, I cannot see how St. Andrews can undertake the raising of money for the purpose, upon bonds, until incorporation of the town can be had, and it is not necessary for me to dwell upon that as an event of the near future. The whole situation summed up seems to me to be this: a corporation stands ready to put in the water system upon the basis of a contract with the town, whereby the maximum cost to the town when completed will be $1500 per year. Rather than accept this it is proposed by citizens, that the town shall bond itself for say $43,000, bind itself to pay annual interest upon that debt of say $2150, together with such further as long as may be a deficit between water sold and expenses of operation. If the gentlemen interested in the latter plan, proposed investing their own money as a business operation, that would be one thing, but to place upon the town a large interest bearing debt, when it is not necessary, should be opposed by very tax-payer, upon grounds of self-protection.
Yours truly,
Robert S. Gardiner.
Beacon
Oct 30/1890
Water Works
The Water Company, in August 1889, made a proposition to the town on which to base the commencement of the work; which proposition, stated briefly, required a pledge from St. Andrews to pay $600 per year for ten years, for twelve fire hydrants on Water street, between the railway station and Harriet street, and the addition of $50 per year for each hydrant up to 18 additional, elsewhere than on Water Street, no charge against the town to begin until water for use is turned on to each hydrant. Not only has this proposition never been considered by the board of Fire Wardens, but it is stated that the official to whom it was delivered has never placed it before the board. We believe it to be the duty of the Fire Wardens to take this matter up, and it need, be, submit it to the vote of the rate-payers. . . . The fear of additional taxation seems to be the greatest obstacle in the way of water works, but it should be remembered that it will increase the amount of taxable property, and there light ten burden on the town.
Beacon
May 20/1909
The Water Question—On Tuesday night, the rate payers are to be asked to cast their votes for or against the by-law to authorize the Town Council to sink experimental test wells, with a vow to ascertaining whether a sufficient supply of good water for town use could be procured by this means and what the cost would be.
Beacon
Aug 5/1909
Town will drop investigation of drilling at Hume’s hill pending the Land Company’s investigation of water situation.
Beacon
Aug 12/1909
One of the most important questions before the people of St. Andrews is that of a dependable water supply. The future development of the town depends to a very large extent upon the solution that is reached. In the interview which Sir Thomas Shaughnessy gave to the representatives of the town last week he stated that he would feel compelled to withhold his consent from any farther hotel enlargement until the water question was determined beyond the shadow of a doubt. He did not say this for the purpose of influencing popular feeling in St. Andrews but for business reasons which must be potent to everybody who is acquainted with the situation here. Sir Thomas recognizes the fact that the St. Andrews people are not in a position to bring in a supply from Chamcook, but he hopes that when engineers have looked over the ground a way may be opened up whereby the water can be obtained at a cost that would be within reach.
Well drilling machine at Algonquin pounding the earth day and night, seeking for more water.
C. P. R. Engineers are making a survey from Chamcook Lake to St. Andrews in connection with the water plans.
Beacon
Oct 21/1909
No work in Council from St. Andrews land Co on its water decisions.
New Algonquin wing laid out.
T. R. Kent, Well-borer, last week cleaned out and tested the artesian well from the which the Algonquin hotel has been procuring is supply lately. It yielded 1350 gallons per hour for a period of 36 hours.
Beacon
Nov 11/1909
Proposed Water System
Town Council Wants to Co-operate with C. P. R.
The town council met in special session on Friday night last when a communication was read from Sir Thomas Shaughnessy with respect to the proposed water system from Chamcook Lake. Sir Thomas outlined the water schemes his Company were considering, and stated that while they were designed for the Company’s hotel and cottages, they might be made available for the Town, if it wished to join with the Company and bear a proportion of the expense. The Company’s estimate of the cost of bringing the water by a 6 inch pipe, by gravity a distance of 11,500 feet, then pumping it through a 6 inch pipe to a 300,000 gallon reservoir on the hill and in the rear of the Hoar property, and from there into the Company’s hotel and cottages through a 10 inch main, was in the vicinity of $80,000. This did not include land damages.
The Water Committee in submitting the communication, made the following recommendations:--
“Your committee, being of the opinion that an arrangement favorable to the town might be entered into with the C. P. R. by which the Town would agree to pay a certain proportion of the cost of bringing water from Chamcook lake to the limits of the town proper, and also a certain proportion of the cost of maintenance thereafter, the Town to assume the burden of distributing and maintaining the water within the confines of the town, or that an arrangement might be made by which for a stated yearly sum the Company would agree to deliver at the head of the Town a sufficient supply of water for town purposes--would recommend that he correspondence with the C. P. R. be continued with that object in view.
“Your Committee would further recommend that it be empowered to obtain an approximate estimate from some reliable engineer of the cost of furnishing the Town with the necessary pipes and plant to supply the town with water from the source above indicated.”
The report was unanimously adopted, the members of council giving expression t the hope that the negotiations would result in providing the Town with an up-to-date water
Beacon
Jan 6/1910
Water committee to prepare estimates of piping town for water.
Beacon
Jan 27/1910
Artesian well tests at Algonquin. One yielded 144,000 on 24-hour test. Shaughnessy’s 16,000. “The new well at the power station has been pronounced a failure, but good results are expected from the well on the site of the hill overlooking Katy’s Cove.”
Some very satisfactory tests have been made of the artesian wells at the Algonquin hotel by Mr. Kent. The well immediately in the rear of the hotel yielded 144,000 gallons on a 24 hours test, and the Shaughnessy well, 15,400 gallons for 24 hours. The new well at the power station has been pronounced a failure, but goof results are expected from the well on the side of the hill overlooking Katy’s cove.
Beacon
March 3/1910
Town Council—Considers Water and Schools
On Feb. 17 the Chairman of the committee had an interview with Mr. W. S. Painter, representing the Algonquin Hotel Company and allied interests, when the latter stated that the recent dynamiting and deepening of the artesian wells connected with the Hotel and cottages had resulted in an abundant flow of water, so that it would not be necessary for the Company to take up the propose Chamcook Lake extension. This announcement leaves the Town water situation practically in the same position as it was when Sir Thomas Shaughnessy suggested to your committee that the experimental tests at Hume’s Hill should be deferred until his Company had had an opportunity of making a survey to Chamcook lake, with the exception that the Council is in possession of an approximate estimate of the cost of piping the Town and also the proportion of the coast of construction the Hotel Company would expect the Town to be as should connection to be made with Chamcook Lake.
the recent tests of the artesian wells in connection with the Algonquin Hotel and cottage have, your committee has been informed, disclosed the following conditions:--The well immediately in the rear of the Hotel a capacity of 100,000 gallons per day; the well at the top of Cemetery Hill road, 72,000 gallons per day; the Shaughnessy well, 16,000 per day; the well alongside the power station, no appreciable flow. The well at the foot of Cemetery Hill has become brackish, but it is thought that this can be remedied when the supply from it again becomes available.
Omitting from consideration, the two latter wells, the total capacity of the available wells is about 190,000 gallons per day, while the estimated consumption of the hotel and contiguous cottages ill scarcely reach 100,000 gallons, leaving surplusage of 90,000. It must be apparent from this condition, that if these wells continue to yield their present supply throughout the season, it will be some years before any necessity will arrive for a connection with Chamcook Lake.
As it is useless to expect the town to develop either commercially or residentially, without an adequate water supply your committee feels that further action on the part of this council is necessary, and would recommend that the committee be authorized to resume its deferred tests at Hume’s Hill, so that if a sufficient flow of good water is obtained, the question of bringing it into Town might be submitted to a vote of the rate payers.
Respectfully submitted, R. E. Armstrong, Wright McLaren, C. S. Everett
Beacon
May 5, 1910
Well at Hume hill giving good tests. Perhaps sufficient for town use. Testing at present 24,000 gallons per day.
Beacon
May 19/1910
Water System
In the boring of the test well at Hume’s Hill the people of St. Andrews have made the beginning of a water system for the town. The flow secured, it is true, is scarcely sufficient for town purposes, but there can be little doubt that an ample supply can be obtained by drilling a little deeper. This will be a subject for the new council to take up.
The town needs a water system, as does every town with any pretensions toward progress. There are but two sources of supply available to us. One is at Chamcook Lake, the other is from an artesian well. The C. P. R. having abandoned consideration of Chamcook connection, because of an ample supply of artesian water for their hotel and cottages, the town is likewise compelled to drop the consideration of a supply from this quarter. Of itself the Town cannot afford to bring water from Chamcook and it is even doubtful whether it could afford to pay the two-thirds cost of construction which the C. P. R. people thought was a fair proportion for them to pay. But at all events, the Chamcook connection is out of the question. The only other alternative is a supply from an artesian source. This is the reason why a majority of the people of the town and of the town council voted in favor of having an experimental test well. One great advantage of the well at Hume’s Hill is that the water can be brought in by gravitation to any part of the town.
Now that a beginning has been made, the matter will have to be pushed through to a determination of one kind or another. We believe that the Council would be justified in appropriating a sufficient sum to sink the present well to a depth of at least 500 feet. Then, if the supply was appreciably increased, the council might proceed to enquire as to the cheapest method of conveying the water to the town. The engineer’s estimate of piping the town and providing hydrants [40] was $60,000. This contemplated pipes on several of the cross streets as well as on all the other streets. There might be a saving made in this particular. The subject is one that requires careful and cautious consideration, having in view the necessities of the town and the capabilities of the people to bear further financial obligations.
In this connection, we have been told by one who is in a position to know that it will not be long, unless a water system is procured, before the town will be called upon to expend a lot of money in repairing or renewing the fire tanks. This would furnish a reason why the subject of a public water system should be kept to the front.
Beacon
May 19/1910
Editorial on water question: CPR has abandoned Chamcook plans. Town would have had to pay 2/3rds of cost of construction anyway. Yet Hume well at present scarcely sufficient for town needs. See photocopy. Town cannot afford Chamcook like on its own.
Beacon
May 26/1910
Some have objected to need for water system, as St. Andrews once had mills, factories and shipyards without one. Armstrong says they left for places where water could be found. Water may bring them back again.
“Last week the big steel tank was placed on the tower in the rear of the new wing.”
Beacon
Sept 8/1910
On water question: the artesian well system at Algonquin has proven to be insufficient. The CPR’s engineer has been here, looked over the proposal for Chamcook, and departed hence. Will know in a few days whether Shaughnessy will cede to wishes of town or opt for summer service alone. Should Company submit proposal to town taxpayers should carefully consider advantages of permanent system--listed here.
Since the above was set up we have had an intimation from an authoritative source that the CPR will proceed at once to lay a permanent underground pipe from Chamcook Lake to SA, with a view to supplying their own needs and of furnishing water to the town, if a satisfactory arrangement can be effected.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 15/1910
Chamcook line reservoir probably to be placed on F. H. Grimmer property, opposite Mr. Elliott Hume’s residence. Line will follow road from Mowat Hill to Thompson property, then head for Algonquin.
Beacon
Sept 22/1910
C. P. R. Water Plans
Town Council Grants Authority to Open Up Streets
A special meeting of the town council was held on Saturday night to take action upon some matters arising in connection with the projected water system from Chamcook Lake. The Mayor [R. E. Armstrong] stated that he had had a conference on Wednesday with Engineer Lumsden, of the C. P. R., and that the latter on behalf of his Company had requested that eh Council give permission for the opening up of roadways for the laying of pipes and that some other necessary preliminaries be arranged. These matters, he said, were covered in a resolution which he would ask the Council to consider and adopt. [Motion here follows] . . . A motion by Ald. Everett that the clerk correspond with Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, asking him to submit at the earliest possible date a proposition whereby the Town may be enabled to share in the advantages of the projected water system, was also adopted.
Beacon
Feb 23/1911
Motor for waterworks to be 50 hp gasoline-powered pumping 400 gals per minute. Pump house to be put alongside track where water pipes enter Senator MacKay’s property. Water will flow to that point by gravity. Then forced up to reservoir on Hume’s Hill, then on the highest point in town.
Beacon
April 13/1911
The Water Works
The last cut is now being finished at Chamcook Lake. The foundation for the pumping station has been laid. This week the reservoir will be begun. The contractors say they can finish up in a month.
Beacon
May 25/1911
Chamcook Lake Water
Now connected with Algonquin Hotel
A very important event in the history of St. Andrews occurred on /Saturday last, when the last pipe in the water works system was laid at Chamcook Lake and the waters of this beautiful lake were of for the first time brought within immediate reach of the town.
The construction of this water works system was begun last Fall by the CPR, the contract with Messrs. Joseph McVay and Son, of SS, requiring it to be completed during the present month. Mr. Hugh Lumsden, an engineer of large experience, planned and carried out the work. The primary object of this system was to provide an abundant supply of good, pure, water for the Algonquin hotel and cottages, and to give connection with the town, in case a satisfactory arrangement can be entered into. It is hoped and expected that this will be done.
An analysis of the water, which was made before the work was begun, shows it to be of remarkable purity and softness. It is absolutely free from bacteria and is about as perfect a drinking water as can be procured anywhere.
The pipe enters Chamcook Lake at his south-western extremity, a few rods north of the track. An eight inch pipe follows the course of the track for 8,500 feet, and then by the aid of a 40 h. p. gasoline engine is forced up the hill, a distance of something like 7,900 feet, through Senator MacKay’s woods (crossing the Saint John road a few rods north of the Catholic cemetery) to a concrete reservoir on the top of the hill overlooking the town. This reservoir has a capacity of 250,000 gallons. Provision has been made for its enlargement should the Town make a permanent contract with the Company. From the reservoir the water is brought in by gravitation in a 12 inch main, following the highway almost the entire distance. A 10 inch pipe, 1100 feet long, carried the water to the hotel. The entire distance traversed by the pipes is about 23,250 feet.
Beacon
June 22/1911
Hydrants for fire protection will be erected in front of the Algonquin hotel.
Beacon
July 20/1911
Chamcook water is great stuff, but the Algonquin bell-boys, who were chased out of their little trundle beds a few nights ago [during big rainstorm] by the big water tank overflowing into their rooms, thought it might choose other hours for its capers. (this would have been in the big water tank on top of the Painter wing)
Beacon
July 9/1914
The two vital questions of the moment in St. Andrews are those of the present inadequate summer arrangement of the C. P. R. train service, and of the pressing necessity of a general system of water supply for the town.
There are not two opinions in the whole community in regard to the C. P. R. train service, all citizens, indeed all persons who have any connexion whatever with the town, are unanimous in their condemnation of the treatment St. Andrews is receiving this summer at the hands of the C. P. R. Because, forsooth, the Algonquin Hotel was destroyed by fire, the citizens of this town are to be denied a right they have enjoyed for more than thirty years. Is the town regarded as an adjunct to the hotel? The destruction of the hotel was itself a great loss to the town, but it is not claimed that the fire was of incendiary origin. Then why punish the citizens doubly for what is no fault of theirs, and which they could do nothing to avert? Let us have our former summer train service restored at once; and let us see to it that the service next winter is greatly improved. Every citizen of this town, every visitor here, contributes something to the revenue of the C. P. R., and it is a short-sighted policy of this great national transportation company to do, or to neglect to do, anything to antagonize so many of its patrons. Two trains a day are as necessary to St. Andrews this summer as during any summer in the past. [cut back to one train per day, then, as in winter]
The question of a system of water works for the town appears to be on a different basis, inasmuch as the desire for it is not unanimous, however incredible this may appear to those who wish to promote the best interests of . . . [get the rest of this]
Beacon
Nov 11/1915
St. Andrews Waterworks. Article on lack of progress in securing water. “The prime essential, either in a household or in any manufacturing industry, is an abundant supply of good water. Several abortive attempts have been made to establish industries in the town, but they have invariably resulted in failure through the lack of sufficient quantity of good water. The Town is lighted with paraffin lamps, and there is no prospect of electric light until there is a supply of water to permit the establishing of an electrical generating station. The vacant lots in the Town make their silent and pathetic appeal for persons to build thereon; but the first inquiry of a prospective builder is--”Where is the water supply?” We are all looking forward to the time when St. Andrews will once more be a port of importance, but how can ships, under present conditions, get a supply of fresh water in the Town?”
Sidewalks of town in bad shape. Details. Culverts choked with leaves, etc.
Beacon (f9822)
Jan 8/1916
. . . The resolution gave the C. P. R. the concessions and authority which they sought; and it was believe at the time by the ratepayers, and presumably by the Council, that it placed the C. P. R. under certain obligations to the Town when the Town was in a position to extend the system of water works which the C. P. R. proposed to install. The Mayor [R. E. Armstrong] is said to have drafted the resolution; and if it had been done by the solicitor of the C. P. R. it could not have been more cleverly worded to confer upon the railway corporation all that they sought, without placing them under any obligations to the ratepayers of the Town in future, so far as waterworks are concerned. It is inconceivable that the Town Council, in a matter that so vitally affected the interests of the Town, did not secure the services of a competent solicitor to scrutinize the resolution and see that the Town’s interests were adequately safeguarded. But it was not done; the Town saved the small fee it would have had to pay a legal advisor, but it placed itself completely in the hands of the C. P. R., which through the officials of the company, have ever since treated the Town with contempt, or worse, in the matter of waterworks. What the townspeople thought at the time, and have ever since stated and believed, that the C. P. R. were placed under an obligation to the Town by the terms of the resolution, is an utter fallacy. The C. P. R. promised nothing; and ever since have done nothing to co-operate with the Town in the installation of waterworks for the whole Town. That a promise of such cooperation should have been embodies in the resolution must be evident even to the meanest intelligence. To say that the interests of St. Andrews were betrayed on 17th September, 1910, is to state the case as mildly as possible; and the onus of the betrayal must ever rest upon the shoulders of the Mayor at that time [Armstrong].
While the C. P. R., according to the terms of the Council’s resolution, are under no obligations whatever to cooperate with the Town for the purpose of installing a general system of waterworks, there is surely a moral obligation that they should do so. But for the past two years and more the officials of the C. P. R. have adopted tactics of procrastination bordering on contempt; and, as we understand the matter, the Town Council is unable to obtain from the C. P. R. any definite proposals, or anything beyond vague and indefinite promises of future consideration. This is unworthy of a great corporation.
New Year’s honors have been bestowed upon the President [Baronetcy] of the C. P. R., and the townspeople are sincerely pleased that their fellow townsman should have been so signally honored by our Sovereign; but if Sir Thomas (to use his lesser title, not yet being formed what the higher one is to be) wished to rise higher in the esteem of the people of St. Andrews he can easily do so by meeting their wishes in the matter of waterworks and by cooperating with them until their desired object is attained.
(cr. Douglas: “We have made every effort in our power to safeguard the interests of the Town, and have been met with an evident desire on the part of the officials of the Company to forward the enterprise in every possible way, and they have shown no disposition whatever to take an undue advantage of the Town.”)
Beacon (f9822)
March 11/1916
Waterworks
Feb 7/1916
To the Rate-Payers of the Town of SA
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At the last session of the Council the Chairman of the Committee on water supply was instructed by resolution to prepare a report for publication in the Beacon for your information.
I deemed it advisable to go over the ground briefly from the beginning of the present agitation so that the whole matter may be better understood.
Some years ago the water supply at the Algonquin Hotel proved inadequate, and negations were opened between the Canadian Pacific Railway Co., and the Town of St. Andrews with a view to cooperate in the construction of a Water System having its source of supply at Chamcook Lake
The Company placed the matter in the hands of Mr. Painter, then Chief Architect, who decided to make an effort to increase the supply from the existing Artesian wells by blasting and deepening them, and it appeared as though his efforts were successful, whereupon Mr. Painter informed the Town that as far as the Company was concerned the water problem was solved.
The Mayor and Council then endeavoured to find some other solution of the problem. An appropriation of $1000 was voted by the Council, and a well was sunk on Humes Hill, on Commons land; near the site of the present reservoir. It will be understood that this move was made after all hope of co-operation with the Company had been lost. Although the Council has been censured for spending $1000 in sinking this well instead of co-operating with the Company.
It was the intention of the Mayor and Council, should this test well prove satisfactory, to sink a sufficient number of such wells to supply the Town.
However, the Algonquin Hotel was again opened for business, and the water supply promptly dropped below the requirements of the Hotel itself and the cottages which were also depending on the same source for supply.
Sir Thomas (now Baron) Shaughnessy then gave orders to proceed at once with the construction of a line to Chamcook Lake, which would be independent of the Town, and as a preliminary step, the Company through its solicitor, petitioned the Town for certain privileges, such as the right to lay and maintain water mains in the streets and highways of the Town.
An act was then prepared, and a draft was presented to the Council for consideration and an effort was made to bind the Company to submit a reasonable proposition to the Town at an early date, it being understood that the Company’s plant would be of sufficient capacity to meet the Town’s requirements. This proposal, which was made in the form of a resolution was not, however, incorporated in the Act which was presented to, and passed by the Assembly.
The terms of the Act however clearly indicate that the Company had in mind the claims of the Town, and makes it competent for the Company to enter into an agreement with the Town to provide a water supply.
Unfortunately the plant proved to be very defective, and the Company did not care to take the matter up until it should be placed in proper condition.
In 1913 a committee was appointed by the Mayor, and an effort was made to come to an understanding, and interviews were held with Mr. Allerton who endeavoured to forward the enterprise in every possible way in his power, but chiefly on account of the unsatisfactory condition of the plant, nothing was accomplished.
In the spring of 1914 a committee was again appointed. This committee at once engaged an Engineer, and had plans and specifications prepared and an estimate of the cost made of a distribution system that would embrace practically every house in the Town, and provide hydrants at frequent intervals for fire protection. It was found that the cost of such a system would be close to sixty thousand dollars.
The committee then took the matter to Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, direct who took it up sympathetically and promised a proposition at an early date, and in order to hasten the matter, he sent his personal engineer Mr. Omany, down from Montreal t meet with the committee and our engineer with a view to an understanding which would be mutually satisfactory. Mr. Omany promised to lay the information he had secured before Sir Thomas so that we would have a proposition in two weeks time.
About the same time the two weeks were up, however, the war had begun. A proposition was not forthcoming, and it was deemed advisable to let the matter drop until such time as conditions would become settled, and the question could be placed before the ratepayers with some prospect of success. The council concurred, and the committee was discharged.
In the spring of 1915 a committee was again appointed, who at once interviewed Sir Thomas Shaughnessy. This interview resulted in the following propositions:
For a minimum supply of 150,000 gallons daily, 12 cents per thousand gallons.
For a minimum supply of 200,000 gallons daily, 10 cents per thousand gallons.
As the minimum quantity was largely in excess of what we might be expected to consume for the first two or three years it was felt by the committee that the proposition was prohibitive, and a further effort was made to have the minimum reduced.
The whole matter was then placed in the hands of Mr. H. C. Grout, General Superintendent, unfortunately on the eve on an extended vacation period.
Upon Mr. Grout’s return the matter was again taken up and the Committee had several interviews with him, and he again took the matter to Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, resulting in the following proposition:
“In accordance with discussion which we held in your office on Wednesday last in connection with supplying the Town of St. Andrews with water from our Chamcook pumping plant, the Company are prepared to furnish a supply from the surplus available after taking care of our own requirements on the basis of additional cost of operation plus 5% on the coast of supplying a meter at the wye in the hotel grounds and any necessary additions to the plant to meet the requirements of the town supply, together with 5% on a proportionate amount of the initial cost of installation, which will be in proportion to the annual consumption of water by the Company and by the Town.
“I figure that we will be able to furnish the Town with a supply up to 100,000 gallons without increasing the reservoir capacity, unless it is considered advisable in the interests of the Town to have a greater quantity in reserve than will be afforded by the present 250,000 gallon reservoir. We would not, however, care to undertake a supply in excess of 100,000 gallons without increasing the size of the reservoir, as it would be taking too great a rush should emergency arise.” [here follows the rate table quoted elsewhere]
. . . It will be understood that the minimum named in Mr. Grout’s proposition was arrived at by the total elimination of all upkeep and depreciation charges.
. . . This matter should not be gone into too hastily. It should have the careful consideration of every ratepayer. At the same time it should be borne in mind that this is the only price the Canadian Pacific Railway Company will make, and if the ratepayers decline to enter into an agreement, it will be many a long year before the Town of St. Andrews will have a water system unless the plant is taken over the expropriation or agreement.
The Company is willing to have a clause inserted in the agreement whereby the whole plant will revert to the Town by the usual process of arbitration upon the expiration of a stated number of years. They also agreed that all the cottages at present supplied by them, except the Company’s cottages, will become Town . . . in the event of the Town’s water mains being brought within reaching distance.
The clause in Mr. Grout’s communication in reference to meters is in consequence of a request of the committee that the Town be allowed to sell water by direct connection to the Company’s main from the wye back to the reservoir on Hume’s Hill. Mr. Grout stated he had no doubt this could be arranged by agreement, but the Town would be required to provide meters so that a tally could be kept on the quantity of water consumed.
. . . We have made every effort in our power to safeguard the interests of the Town, and have been met with an evident desire on the part of the officials of the Company to forward the enterprise in every possible way, and they have shown no disposition whatever to take an undue advantage of the Town.
Let us not lose sight of the fact that Fire protection such as this system would provide is a very valuable consideration, and it is hoped that substantial rebates on premiums will be obtained.
No account has been taken in this report of the probably revenue that will be derived from the sale of water, but it is certain that our citizens will very generally avail themselves of the opportunity and provide themselves with a supply, and after the first year the income will be very considerable, possibly reaching a self-supporting stage in three or four years.
Respectfully submitted,
Goodwill Douglas
Chairman Committee on Water Supply
Beacon (f9822)
March 18/1916
Ratepayers and the Water Question
Being deeply interested in the question of a water supply for the town of SA, I most respectfully submit the following arguments, thinking that the publication of the same might to a slight degree assist in the campaign which you have been so ably carrying on in your valuable paper during the past months in reference to this vital issue.
Along with the majority of ratepayers I have at times criticized the Town Council for their apparent negligence in this matter. Of course any man accepting an election as counsellor must expect a certain amount of adverse criticism, and such criticism if intelligent is no doubt not only valuable but necessary in order that the business of the town be carried on with the best results. However, the trouble is that we as ratepayers do not know what the Council is doing because we do not attend its meetings. I myself attended their last meeting and must confess that I learned more of the water question than I had learned during the past two years by hearing it discussed on the street, and by reading the reports (necessarily brief) of the work of the Council which have been published in your paper from month to month. The Council invited questions from the ratepayers present; such were asked and gladly and satisfactorily answered.
Now, if we as ratepayers could be brought to feel that the councillors are doing their best in this matter, and to realize how little thanks they get for the work they do, surely we would arouse ourselves to the necessity of action. The present Council are, I think unanimously in favor of the installation of a water system. Let us return them to office that they may “finish their work.” And let us start such an agitation on this question that every man, woman and child in the old town will be heard discussing it, and awaken such an interest that when the day of voting comes every man will be found at the poll ready to express his opinion.
Now for some arguments for and against. Out of all the discussion that I have heard on this question the only argument that I have heard against it, is that our taxes would be increased to such an extent that we would be unable to meet them. This idea however is far from right. The taxes of necessity would for a few years be higher but not to such an extent as some would suppose. If the system were installed and the water supply paid for by the year, and not one house in town took water, all the extra annual expenditure could be borne by an increase in the taxes of only about two-thirds. That is, if a man’s tax at present is $12.00 per annum, under these extreme conditions it would only be increased to $20.00. But if the system were put in, it would only be a few years till comparatively every house in town would take water. A man would be ashamed to be seen on the street carrying a pail of water. When the telephone system was installed only a very few homes felt that they could afford the luxury, but now nearly every house is supplied. It is regarded as a necessity. So would it be with water. Thus this direct revenue would greatly minimize the additional tax. In fact after we should get some industries, which are sure to come as soon as water comes, and are sure not to come until water does come, to help bear the assessment of the town, this added assistance together with the revenue above referred to would probably do away with any additional tax whatsoever. Therefore in a few years we would reap all the benefits of the water system without it being the slightest burden.
Now as to some of the benefits or arguments in favour of installing a water system. In the first place it is bound to bring industries as already stated. The natural conditions and advantages of this location for almost any industry could not be beaten the world over. Industries would mean steady employment for the young men and women now constantly growing up and leaving the town in search of a means of livelihood. Industries would mean greater population, more money in circulation, more business for the stores, the hotels, the private boarding houses; better salaries for the clerks, better salaries for the school teachers and ministers, and more money in the pockets of every enterprising citizen directly or indirectly.
A water supply would guard the health of the townspeople. We never have had any serious outbreak of an epidemic here, but we must not fool ourselves with the thought that such a calamity might never come. Cleanliness is the foe of disease, and to have cleanliness we need water and water in abundance. When we pause to think of the cesspools that have been put in during the past ten years, and of the closets that have been connected with the old sewers which open above high water mark and poison the surrounding neighborhood with their filth, and which even cause discomfort in cellars and at street corners come distance from their mouth, do we not marvel that the community has not been overrun with typhoid or some such epidemic?
Then there is the protection from fire that a water system would afford; and this protection would greatly reduce insurance rates. When the Algonquin Hotel burned about two years ago, had the wind been blowing as strongly from the north as it did blow from the south-west, there would have now been no need of any discussion of the present water question. The town would have been burned to the last house. But shall we simply thank Providence and depend entirely on Him for future protection? “God helps them who help themselves;” let us rather therefore make use of the talent (natural conditions) that He has given us, and make our town not one of the loveliest, but the loveliest, the healthiest, and the happiest spot on earth.
And again we must understand that a great part of the $60,000 or whatever the system might cost for installation, would be spent right here in town. Our own working people would have a fine season’s work at good wages, and all the outside help would of necessity spend a great part of their earnings here for board, clothing, recreation, etc.
Did space permit we might elaborate on many other although perhaps less important advantages to be derived from the installation of a water system. Just to mention a few: we should have no twenty minutes pumping first thing after breakfast, no inconvenience to suffer of being without soft water two or three times a year, no breaking of ice in the hogshead down cellar in the winter time, no difficulty in keeping our streets free from dust, and our lawn and garden in fine shape, no trouble in having a skating rink or a curling rink. By purchasing a small water motor we could run small machinery such as washing machines, sewing machines, lathes, etc. etc.
In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I would respectfully suggest that you open your columns for general discussion, and invite other ratepayers to publish their ideas. I personally feel such an interest in the matter that I should like to be one of ten (or more) ratepayers to guarantee to pay a water tax of $100 per year for five years, if by so doing it would increase the probability of our having the system installed.
We have at length after all these years come to the point where it is possible to get a water system installed, opportunity now knocks, shall we vote “yes” and invite prosperity and beauty, health and happiness? Or shall we vote “no” and invite disease and sorrow, retrogression and poverty?
Thanking you in advance Mr. Editor for the space of which I fear I have occupied too much, I am
Most respectfully,
Ratepayer
SA, NB
March 11th, 1916.
Beacon
May 20/1916
Editorial argument for water supply as way of increasing permanent population. “It is not too much to say that at the present time the chief business of St. Andrews is catering for summer residents.”
Costs per faucet of new water supply. Fourth Pioneer Battalion to be established on O’Neil property known as Doherty’s Hill. Water supply to come from main on St. John road.
Beacon
May 27/1916
Water: 135 in favour, 47 opposed.
Supervision of further negotiations should be placed in hands of Board of Commissioners.
Beacon
May 5/1917
Bill “To authorize the Town Council of St. Andrews to provide a Public System of Water Works.” Mayor G. K. Greenlaw re-elected some time back.
Beacon
July 5/1919
Town Council
. . .
Aldn. Douglas reported results of an interview with Mr. Grout of the C. P. Railway Co., and submitted memo of terms on which the St. Andrews Land Co. would supply water, and suggested that Mr. Fraser Armstrong, C. E. be engaged to take charge of the work on behalf of the Town, etc.
The St. Andrews Land Co will supply the Town of St. Andrews with a water supply subject to the following terms and conditions:--
1. The Town supply to be delivered at the existing ten-inch wye connexion, with a Venturi meter to be installed, the readings of which will determine the amount of payment.
2. The shall not connect onto mains at any other point than the above except by special permission and then only provided that meters are installed at this connecting point at the expense of the Town.
3. In any partial or total breakdown the hotel requirements shall have precedence over those of the Town, but an effort will be made to so distribute an available supply so as to meet the most urgent requirements of both parties.
4. The hotel and cottages on the hill shall be supplied directly as at present, but shall not be connected with the Town’s water system.
5. The Town shall pay for its water supply as per the following schedule:-- [basically about 18 to 25 cents per thousand gallons on a sliding scale from 20,000 to 40,000 gallons on the low end, to 80,000 to 100,000 on the high end; about 2 to 6 cents per thousand gallons if the reservoir is enlarged, again, on the same sliding scale]
Moved by Aldn. McFarlane seconded by Aldn. Finnigan and carried: That the committee on water supply be authorized to engage an engineer and have this matter submitted to the people as soon as possible.