HomeMy WebLinkAbout2545 Letter (copy), George W. Taylor to Selectmen concerning the water supply for fighting fires, April 3, 1886New England Insurance Exchange
Room 59 Mason Building
Copy
Boston, April 3rd, 1886.
President
George W. Taylor.
Vice-Presidents
George A. French, Robert H. Wass
N. A. Clarke
Executive Committee.
Chas. E. Galacar, James Bruerton.
J. E. Tillinghast, A. H. Wray.
Frank A Colley.
Secretary and Treasurer
Arthur A. Clarke
Walter Blodget, Esq.
Selectman, Lexington, Mass.
Dear Sir; -
Replying to your request for my opinion as to the proba-
ble efficiency of the Lexington Water Works in case of a serious
fire, I have to say, that having investigated the subject with ref-
erence to insurance interests, I am fully satisfied that the con-
struction of the works, the capacity of the mains, the volume of
water and the pressure obtained.
I think a pressure of 60 to 70 lbs. is all that can be
handled to advantage, and our experience is that where this is
exceeding the tendency is to a less degree of efficiency and the dan-
ger of Hose or Mains bursting is greatly increased.
With regard to the statement, that stream of water
cannot be thrown over the Town Hall, permit me to suggest that I
doubt whether in all New England there is a system of water works
that could furnish such a stream under ordinary circumstances,
nor is it needed nor desirable for the prompt extinguishing of fires
[Letterhead]
New England Insurance Exchange
Room 59 Mason Building
Boston, 1886
Copy
President
George W. Taylor.
Vice-Presidents
George A. French, Robert H. Wass
N. A. Clarke
Executive Committee.
Chas. E. Galacar, James Bruerton.
J. E. Tillinghast, A. H. Wray.
Frank A Colley.
Secretary and Treasurer
Arthur A. Clarke
for as I before stated, any pressure above 60 to 70 lbs. retards
rather than aids the efforts of firemen, owing to the difficulty
of handling the hose pipes.
I think the Town of Lexington is to be congratulated upon
the protection afforded by the Water Company at so moderate a
tax upon the citizen,s and I know of no Town the size of Lexing-
ton where so good of services furnished at so reasonable it cost.
In this connection I may state that it is proposed to
re-adjust the rates of Insurance upon the building buildings covered by the
water supply, and upon the policies expiring upon the town property
this month, the difference in amount of premium saved will be
nearly $400 (Four hundred dollars,) a reduction of about 25%
I am, my dear sir,
Yours very truly,
Geo W Taylor President
New England Insurance Exchange.
[round seal of ROYAL CHARTER in left hand corner featuring a man and two shields - text reads INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER AND SPECIAL ACTS OF PARLIMENT] [underneath text reads - Geo. W. Taylor, Special Agent, 27 State St. Boston, Mass.
[Letterhead] The North British & Mercantile Insurance Company
of London & Edinburgh,
United States Branch, 54 William Street. N.P.
April 3rd. 1886
Geo. E. Muzzey, Esq.
Dear Sir:-
Replying to your query as to the effect the protection
of the water works has upon insurance rates in Lexington,
I can answer it no better than by enclosing copy of a letter which
I have written to the selectmen on that subject.
Trusting this will convey the information asked, I am,
Yours very truly,
Geo W. Taylor
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