Vancouver Budget totals $362,138 – April 20, 1896

Vancouver Budget totals $362,138 – April 20, 1896

A total budget of $362,138 for the year 1896 was approved by Council. Teachers’ salaries for the Central School totalled $6,485 for the year. If divided evenly among the eight teachers shown in this 1896 group studio portrait, each teacher would have received about $800 per year. Central School teachers showing right to left (back row): Mr. David Robinson, Mr. J. S. Gordon and Mr. Cowperthwaite; (front row): Miss Hartney (Mrs. Bird), Miss A. Buttimer, Miss Margaret Spillman, Miss Rachel Macfarlane and Miss Marian Johnstone

This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Darrin Pezer/Proactive Building Maintenance

Illustration: COVA AM54-S4-: Sch P87
[Central School Teachers]

Manuscript: City of Vancouver Archives
COV S 31 Volume 7 pages 134 – 157

to see or download PDF photos of the original manuscript for this date, click on the links below:


[Volume 7 page] 134

Vancouver April 20th 1896
The Council met on Monday April 20th 1896.

Present: His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Painter, Shaw, Schou, Banfield, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, MacDonald, Bethune, and Coldwell.

Moved by Alderman Coldwell
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the clause in the minutes of the meeting of the 17th next in reference to the tax on cigar dealers be struck out.
Carried

Moved by Alderman MacDonald
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That the minutes as amended be adopted.
Carried

Communications

From P. J. Johnson etal asking for the grading of Birch and Hemlock Streets.
Referred to the Board of Works

From A.M. Robertson, Esq M. D. Secretary of the Medical Board notifying the Council that the members of the staff had withdrawn their resignations.
Referred to the Health Committee

From F. S. Barnard, President of the Consolidated Railway Co asking that they be allowed to proceed with work in Stanley Park without waiting for the permission of the Dominion Government.
Referred to the Light Committee

From Wm Davies asking for the use of the City Hall for Friday the 24th next for a political meeting.
Granted

From Dr. Thomas reporting that he had examined into the mental condition of

[Volume 7 page] 135

Mrs Addison and although finding her feeble minded could not pronounce her insane.
Referred to Health Committee

From J. E. Miller, Collector of Inland Revenue, asking for the return of the reward paid to Wm Ward on behalf of Officers Purdy & Butler.
Referred to the City Solicitor

From L. P. Eckstein, Solicitor for James Wilcox, asking for damages for the drowning of P. J. Wilcox and from the City Engineer reporting that where the drowning took place was private property.
Referred to the City Solicitor

From Wm Ward reporting on the electric lights.
Filed

From Chas. E. Hope asking that some steps be taken to prevent the breaking of windows.
Referred to the Police Committee

The following reports were received and read.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on Friday April 17th 1896.
Present: the full Board

The following account was recommended for payment:
Thompson Bros Supplies .75¢

Sgd J.J. Banfield
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ Banfield
That the report be adopted.
Carried

[Volume 7 page] 136

Water and Market Committee

The Water and Market Committee met on Tuesday April 14th 1896.
Present: the full Board

It was resolved that Alderman Schou be such as a Delegate to Chilliwack and other Fraser River points to interview the farmers with a view of diverting their trade to Vancouver and that he have hand bills printed for distribution giving information regarding the Market; freight rates.

Sgd Wm Brown
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Bethune
That the report be adopted
Carried

Fire and Police Committee

The Fire and Police Committee met on Tuesday April 14th 1896.

Present: the full Board
Communications

From John D. Ronald, Brussels Ont offering to sell fire equipment to the City.
Resolved that he be informed that the Council has no intention of buying any equipment for the fire department this year.

From C. Sweeny etal asking the Council not to grant a Laundry License to the premises of John Dougall situated on Seymour Street.
Referred to the City Solicitor to ascertain if the City has power to refuse granting a license.

From the Chief of the Fire Department reporting that he had suspended Thos Whiston for drinking.

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the Chief’s action in suspending Whiston be endorsed and that he be discharged.
Carried

[Volume 7 page] 137

From Messrs Wilson and Campbell asking the City to pay over the money lost by one W. J. Kirkwood.

Resolved that after carefully considering the evidence in this case and the opinion of the City Solicitor thereon we recommend that the Chief of Police by being head of the Department be held responsible, and that he be required to pay over to Mr. Kirkwood the amount claimed by him.

The following accounts were recommended for payment:
C. F. Foreman Supplies $5.90
W. A. Cumyow Interpreting 10.00
Thos Dunn & Co. Supplies 1.50
Shelton & Co. “ 21.00
M. S. Rose “ 2.
M. Desrosier “ 2.75
Thos Dunn & Co. “ 7.89
John Taylor Labor 2.00
Fred Allen Supplies 70.09
S. James Interpreting 4.
Lee & Stewart Hack hire 1.
M. S. Rose Labor 1.
Van Transfer Co. Hack hire 1.
K. Ireyil Interpreting 5.
C. F. Foreman Supplies 32.11
J. Dodson “ 14.60
Robt Clark “ 2.
C. S. Philp “ 4.13
J. C. Woodrow “ 17.05
Clarke & Stuart “ 22.51
Crowder & Penzer “ 17.53

Sgd C.A. Coldwell
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Coldwell
Seconded by “ Schou
That the report be adopted.
Carried

[Volume 7 page] 138

Health Committee

The Health Committee met on Wednesday April 15th 1896.
Present: the full Board

The following tenders were received and opened for crematory repairs.

James Brown $49 Deposit $2.50
Carter Bros 60 “ 3.
Amos Schofield 70 “ 3.50

Resolved that the Tender of James Brown be recommended for acceptance.

Communications

From Mrs McLennan asking the Council to take charge of Mrs Addison an inmate of the Refuge Home.
Referred to the Health Officer

From H. McDowell asking to be paid for containers sent to the City Hospital.
Resolved that the motion be instructed to return all containers when empty and if they are not returned that they be paid for.

From Miss Macfie stating that she had engaged Miss Spence as a nurse in place of Miss Burnett resigned at a salary of $10.00 per month.
Resolved that the appointment be confirmed at the salary mentioned dating from April 1st 1896.

From the Milk Inspector furnishing report.
Filed

From Drs Robinson and Wade applying for the position of House Surgeon.
Laid over for estimates

From Dr Bell-Irving etal members of the Hospital Medical Staff stating that they were informed by the Chairman of the Board of Health that it was the intention to dispense with the Services of the Medical Staff and employ a House Surgeon. They entered their protest against this, as being an unnecessary expenditure of public money and tendered their resignations.

[Volume 7 page] 139

Resolved that the Health Committee is not responsible for the advertisement which appeared in the newspapers calling for a medical officer in connection with the hospital and that the change contemplated would not effect the arrangement with the medical staff and before a definite change is made that a conference will be held with them and we trust that will continue to look after the hospital.

The following accounts were recommended for payment:
St. Paul’s Hospital Board $10.00
Mc Lennan & McFeely Supplies 11.65
Mc Dowell & Co “ 53.48
Champion & White Scavengering 1.60
J. Edgerton Labor 2.50
W. J. McGuigan Inquest 10.
J. C. Woodrow Supplies 38.08
C. F. Foreman “ 36.94
A. E. Langis Med At 5.
F. Ellison Supplies 25.59
J. Carnahan “ 7.
Thos Dunn & Co. Bo “ 18.49
Victoria City Board 20.
Crowder & Penzer Supplies 41.60
B. C. M. L & S. Co. “ 1.00
Weeks & Robson “ 9.
Crowder & Penzer “ .80
News Advertiser “ 3.60
Champion & White “ 2.50
J. Dodson “ 12.65
Alfred Poole Medical Evidence 5.
News Advertiser Advertisements 3.96
C. S. Philp Supplies 10.68
Chris Anderson “ 5.44
Walker & Robinson “ 8.
Pioneer Steam Laundry Washing 60.97
Clarke & Stuart Supplies 8.30
Thos Dunn & Co. “ 5.61
Champion & White “ 3.
C. P. Ry Co. Ticket to Victoria 3.
St. Luke’s Home Board 10.40
W. J. McGuigan Inquest 10.00

[Volume 7 page] 140

The Board then adjourned.
Sgd D. McPhaiden
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Bethune
That the report be adopted.
Carried

Board of Works

The Board of Works met on Thursday April 16th 1896.
Present: the full Board

Communications

From W. L. Lyman etal asking for a sidewalk on Harris Street from Hawks to Campbell.
Laid over pending estimates

From James England etal asking that the old sidewalk from the Province Building on Hastings Street to the corner of Cambie Street be replaced by a new one.
Laid over pending estimates.

From the City Clerk, New Westminster stating that they will be pleased to loan their rock crusher to this City provided it is returned in as good condition as it now is.
Referred to the Chairman and Engineer to see to

From G. Plunkett and others asking permission to put in boulevards on Pender Street.
Granted

From the Deputy Attorney General Victoria in reference to the removal of the dams at Mount Pleasant where a boy was drowned and requesting the Council to take action in the premises.
Referred to the Engineer as to whether the dams are on the streets and to the City Solicitor as to the legal aspect of the question

Resolved that the Dominion Government be asked to approve the action of the City Council in reference to the filling in the lane in Blocks 14 & 15, D. L.196 South of Dupont Street

[Volume 7 page] 141

and not grand any foreshore rights beyond said lane.

Resolved further that the Dominion Government be requested to make a survey and plan showing what foreshore rights might be disposed of without interfering with navigation and until such plan is made not to dispose of any foreshore rights.

Resolved that tenders be called up to 4 p.m. on the 30th next for repairs to False Creek bridges.

The following account was recommended for payment:
Robertson & Hackett $49.00

Sgd H. P. Shaw
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the report be adopted
Carried

Introduction of By Laws

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the rules be suspended and the By Law to strike the rate for A.D. 1896 read a first time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a first time.

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the rules be suspended and that the By Law to provide for the granting of aid to the Alexandra Orphanage be read a first time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a first time.

Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the rules be suspended and the By Law to provide for payment of Aldermen be read a first time.
Carried

[Volume 7 page] 142

The By Law was accordingly read a first time.

Motions

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Clandenning

Whereas it is intended to hold in the City of Vancouver about the end of August 1896 a large public gathering for the purposes of public aquatic and athletic sports to be open for the competition of oarsmen and athletics from all parts of the world

And whereas it is deemed in the opinion of the Council to be for the benefit of the City that such a gathering should be held and in order that it should be successfully carried out a grant of money should be made in aid thereof.

Be it therefore resolved that a sum of money in aid of the prize fund for and expenses incurred in connection with the said public gathering aquatic and athletic sports and exhibitions be paid by the Treasurer of the City out of the annual revenue of the City for the year 1896 to the joint order of the Mayor of the City and the Chairman of the Committee to be elected by the citizens to carry out the said public gathering sports and exhibitions such sum of money as aforesaid to be equal in amount in the aggregate to that subscribed and paid by persons and corporations before the 25th day of August 1896 in aid of a fund to be raised for the purposes of the said gatherings sports and exhibitions but such sum so to be paid by the City shall not exceed the sum of $5000.

That this resolution shall take effect on its receiving the assent of a majority of votes polled on the 29th day of April 1896 when the opinion of the voters of the City will be asked thereon.

The poll at which the citizens shall record their votes shall be provided for and regulated as follows:

That each voter on the last revised voters list for election of Mayor and Aldermen shall be enlisted to one vote.

That following places at which votes may be recorded be established as follows:
Ward 1. School House at corner of Nelson & Hornby Streets

[Volume 7 page] 143

Ward 2. Seymour Street Fire Hall
Ward 3. City Hall
Ward 4. Market Hall
Ward 5. Fire Hall, Mount Pleasant

And the following are appointed Deputy Returning Officers:

Ward 1. H. J. Sharp
Ward 2. J. Hepburn
Ward 3. Wm Cargill
Ward 4. Thos A Robson
Ward 5. F. L. Prior

That the poll be kept open from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. on the 29th April 1896.

The expenses in connection with the poll shall be deducted out of any monies to be paid thereunto.
Carried

Consideration of By Laws

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ McPhaiden

That the following By Laws be reconsidered and finally passed and authorized to be signed and sealed by the Mayor and City Clerk:
(1) A By Law to license and regulate wash houses
(2) A By Law to fix the polling places the time and to appoint Deputy Returning Officers for the following By Laws:
(a) To bonus a steamer between Chilliwack and Vancouver
(b) A By Law to convey certain lands to the Canadian Pacific Railway Co.
Carried

These By Laws were accordingly reconsidered and finally passed.

[Volume 7 page] 144

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Brown
That the rules be suspended and the By Law to levy a rate for 1896 read a second time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a second time.

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the rules be suspended and the By Law to grant aid to the Alexandra Orphanage read a second time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a second time.

Moved by Alderman Schou
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That the rules be suspended and the By Law to provide for the payment of Aldermen be read a second time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a second time.

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ MacDonald
That the Council go into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the above By Laws.
Carried

Alderman Brown as appointed Chairman.

All of these By Laws were read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete with amendments.

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Brown
That the rules be suspended and the rate By Law be read a 3rd time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a 3rd time.

[Volume 7 page] 145

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Painter
That the rules be suspended and that the By Law to grant aid to the Alexandra Orphanage be read a 3rd time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a 3rd time.

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Mc Phaiden
That the rules be suspended and that the By Law to provide for the payment of Aldermen be read a 3rd time.
Carried

The By Law was accordingly read a 3rd time.

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That Alderman Shaw be granted two weeks leave of absence.
Carried

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That Alderman Painter act on the Committees of which Alderman Shaw is a member during his absence.
Carried

[Volume 7 page] 146

Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Bethune
That the estimates for the year 1896 be finally passed as follows:

Estimated Receipts

Cash on hand$3,07723
Liquor Licenses19625 
Opium “1000 
Insurance “3300 
2nd Hand Stores500 
Pawn Brokers300 
Pedlars500 
Plumbers225 
Drays350 
Laundries100 
Milk Vendors200 
Employment Agencies50 
Livery Stables100 
Scavengers150 
Telephone100 
Express Co.100 
Dogs1000 
Billiards100 
Auctioneers400 
Sundries325 
Government Grant Hospital5000 
“ “ Fire Brigade500 
“ “ Schools17259 
Poll Tax8895 
Water Rates44000 
Cemetery fees1000 
Police Court3000 
Market fees & rent500 
Hospital fees1000 
Brocton Point60520
Clearing 1851000 
Miscellaneous1000 
Street Rails Refund9000 
Taxes18007689
“ arrears577 
Total$36213832

[Volume 7 page] 147

Estimated Expenditures

Finance Committee

City Treasurers$1,500 
” Clerk1200 
” Accountant1200 
” Auditor720 
Assistants Treasurers Office825 
Clerk & Typewriter720 
Poll Tax Collector and Assessor720 
Solicitor2000 
License Inspector480 
Fuel City Hall350 
Light ” “200 
Stationery Advertising etc1750 
Telephone48 
Interest Exchange etc2000 
Insurance45 
Legal expenses1500 
Election “350 
Contingencies159318
Grant Aldermen3000 
” Mayor1200 
” Orphans Home500 
Total$2230618 

[Volume 7 page] 148

Water Committee
&
Market Committee
Salaries

Collector$900 
Clerk600 
Foreman780 
Stationery350 
Telephones150 
Genl Maintenance2720 
Submerged main500 
North Side Ex4000 
Shop100 
Tools300 
Contingencies1000 
Meters2000 
Services2500 
Extensions2500 
House at Narrows etc1000 
Market Clerk780 
” Repairs & Alterations1000 
” Contingencies220 
Total$21,400 

[Volume 7 page] 149

Fire & Light Committee
Salaries


Chief$1062 

3 Foremen2106 

4 Teamsters2808 

2 “1284 

12 Months increase60 

1 hoseman & fire alarm702 

2 hosemen1284 

4 “2088 

28 Months increase140 

1 Chemical engineer702 

1 Engineer882 

1 “702 

5 Months increase25 

1 Stoker642 

1 “522 

7 Months increase25 

Insurance396 
Fuel Oil & Waste 
450
Repairs Tools etc 1000
Telephones 120
Horses harness etc 450
Feed & Shoring 1700
Maintenance of Fire Alarm 150
Uniforms 600
Contingencies 400
Hose 1000 feet 1000
Street lighting 18200

Total$39510 

[Volume 7 page] 150

Board of Health
Salaries
Hospital


Matron$600 

Housekeeper300 

Nurse240 

Nurses 2 @ $10 each240 

Increase 8 @ $540 

Dish washer180 

Night nurse240 

Increase 8 mos @ $5.0040 

Porter420 

Cook360 
Health Officer480 
” Inspector780 
Cemetery Caretaker780 
Isolation Hospital Caretaker420 
Crematory Caretaker660 
” Increase 9 mos @ $545 
Contagious Diseases500 
Relief500 
Crematory Repairs250 
Scavengering800 
Hospital Lots & Interest3180 
Painting Hospital500 
License Inspector300 

Total$ 20366 

[Volume 7 page] 151

Police Committee
Salaries

Chief of Police$1,200 
Sgt ” “960 
Policemen 7 @ $705880 
” 3 @ 602160 
” 23 mos increase @ $10230 
1 Constable @ $15 per month180 
Caretaker300 
Pound Keeper600 
1 Policeman @ $60720 
Magistrate 1800
Telephones 36
Uniforms 650
Board of Prisoners 1100
Transport “ 100
Clothing “ 60
Pound Expenses 50
Contingencies 600
Salary Sgt 1895 Court Order. 350
Total$16976 

[Volume 7 page] 152

Board of Works
Salaries


Engineer$2200 

Clerk900 

Rodman etc900 
Stationery 250
Street Cleaning 2000
” Repairs 9000
” Sprinkling 300
Bridge Repairs 1200
Sewer Maintenance 1000
Surface Drains 250
Contingencies 3000
Street Improvements 19000

Total$40000 

[Volume 7 page] 153

Interest & Sinking Fund

By LawsNosAmount of LoanInterestSinking Fund
 12$14,100$846$478
 136900483.563.27
 2915000090001578.
 44200001200210.40
 6415000090001578.
 701500075091
 8012500062501315
 91200001000210.40
 94300001500315.60
 10012500062501315.
 126-75900023593.606208.68
 146-15157000022814.925998..30
 
 $82687.52$19861.65
 
   
Frontage Tax
   
 155 1876.711135.18
 199 1205.95729.40
 215 66.6644.78
 
Grand Total
 $85836.84 $21771.01

[Volume 7 page] 154

School Trustees
Teachers Salaries


High School$7020

Central “6485

West End “7560

East End “7510

Mt Pleasant “7560

Fairview1920

Caretakers Salaries


High School600

Central “600

West End “780

East End “720

Mt Pleasant “660

Fairview240

Maintenance


Fuel1500

Water400

Insurance300

Rent480

Supplies2000

Desks1500

Contingencies1000

Repairs


Buildings2500

Fences750

Total$52085

[Volume 7 page] 155

Park Commissioners

Sundries $5000

Free Library Board

Rent$500
Light250
Fuel100
Periodicals etc350
Book binding125
Stationery40
Sundries35
Salaries1200
New Books1000
Total$3600

[Volume 7 page] 156

Summary of Receipts & Expenditure 1896

Receipts

Cash Balance
$3,07723
Licenses Liquor 19625
” Sundry 8900
Government Grants 5500
Water Rates
44000
Sundry Receipts1710520
Arrears of Taxes (Est) 57700
For school purposes. Poll Tax 8895
” ” ” Govt Grant 17259
Taxes 1896 on Assessment of
$15253.874
  

School Rate 17/10 mills $2593125931

Debenture ” 76/100 ” 106777.1110769235

General Rate 11 24/100 ” 171453.54 

Allow for unpaid taxes $80000 

” ” ” 450004645354

Total$362,13832

Expenditures

Bank Advance Dec 31st 1895$17,72651
Warrants Unpaid1067243
Balance due School Board220568
” ” Deb Accounts268267
Finance Committee as per schedule2230618
Water ” ” ” “21400 
Light ” ” ” “18200 
Health ” ” ” “20366 
Board of Works ” ” ” “40000 
Fire as per schedule ” ” “21310 
Police ” ” ” “16976 
School Board ” ” ” “52085 
Interest & Sinking Fund ” “10760785
Park Commissioners ” “5000 
Library Board ” “3600 
Total$362,13832

Carried

[Volume 7 page] 157

The Council then adjourned

Henry Collins
Mayor

Thos F McGuigan
City Clerk