Henry B. Warren (City Engineer) and John P. Lawson (Assistant Engineer) have each filed charges against the other. Mount Pleasant citizens request an electric light at the intersection of Westminster Ave (now Kingsway/Main) and Eighth Ave, and the Police Committee recommends the hire of an extra officer to form a beat “south of False Creek”.
The Sugar Refinery Committee toured the completed (Roger’s) sugar factory. Alderman Godfrey gave notice that at the next regular meeting of Council he would move that the Dominion Government be petitioned to change the name of the first narrow to that of Lion’s Gate and of False Creek to Pleasant Inlet.
This transcript was made in 2016 by Transcribimus volunteer Devon Harlos
and sponsored by Shirley Barnett
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 4 pages 632 – 639
Vancouver Feb 2nd 1891
The Council met on Monday February 2nd 1891.
Present His Worship The Mayor and Alderman Carroll, Brighouse, Godfrey, Templeton, Brown, McDowell, Doering and DePencier.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From Henry B. Warren and John P. Lawson City Engineer and Assistant City Engineer respectively making charges against each other.
Moved by Alderman Godfrey
Seconded by “ DePencier.
That the correspondence be accepted as read and published.
Carried.
From J.M. Browning Land Commissions asking for a crossing opposite the Opera House.
Moved by Alderman De Pencier
Seconded by “ Templeton.
That the matter be referred to the Board of Works with power to act.
Carried.
From Alice A. Betts asking use of the Market Hall on the 19th inst. on the most favorable terms for church purposes.
Market Committee.
From Wm. Prentice Secretary of the British Columbia Sugar Refining Co. Ltd. Informing the Council that the terms of the Agreement entered into between the Corporation and the Company had been complied with and asking for the release of the franchise held by the Bank and the title deeds of the property in connection with the works.
Filed.
From Yates, Joy and Russell Solicitors for J. G. McDonald wishing for a balance claimed to be due on Westminster Avenue contract.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From G.W. Thomas, Market Clerk furnishing weekly report.
Filed.
From the City Engineer denying that he had found difficulty in following up Mr. Mohun’s work.
Filed.
From G.E. Corbould Eng. M.P. acknowledging receipt of communications re free postal delivery and the removal of the Burnaby and Parthia shoals.
Filed.
From Tatlow and Spinks asking for a settlement for expenses incurred through change of grade on Oppenheimer St.
Board of Works.
From the Pound Keeper furnishing monthly report.
Filed.
From W.H. Mason et al. asking for an electric light on the corner of Westminster Av. & 8th Av.
Referred to the F.W. & L. Committee.
From A.D. Primiek asking for the grading and sidewalking of 14th Av.
Board of Works.
From Miss. S. Bowes furnishing copies of “Home Cheer.”
Filed.
Reports
Police. No. 2
The Police Committee met on Tuesday Jan. 27, 1981
Present Aldermen DePencier, McDowell, Hobson and Carroll.
It was recommended:
1 That the following accounts be paid:-
M.G. McLeod Ry fares $8.00
W.S. Cook Scavenging 1.25
Sam North Ry fares 4.00
Henry Collins Blankets 48.00
2 That an additional member be added to the police force so that a beat can be established on the South Side of False Creek on Mount Pleasant as petitioned for by a large number of citizens in that vicinity and that the City Clerk be instructed to invite applications for said office.
3 That a police officer be detailed for duty at the C.P.R Opera House on the opening night, Feb. 9th.
4 That the present pound keeper be notified that his services are no longer required and that the City Clerk be instructed to invite applications for the position.
The Bylaw defining the authority of the Police Commissioners was considered and approved on Motion of Alderman Hobson.
Sgd. H. DePencier
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Doering
Seconded by “ Brighouse.
That the Report of the Police Committee be adopted.
Carried.
Finance No.3
The Finance Committee met on Friday January 30th 1891.
Present His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Brown, Hobson, and Carroll.
It was recommended:-
1 That the following tenders be accepted:-
For Coal & Wood Palmer Bros.
“ Feed Crowder & Penzer
“ Tax Book & Assessment Roll
“ Printing The Telegram
“ Drugs T.R. Morrow
“ groceries John Sciutto
2 That the City Solicitor be requested to report whether the City would be justified in paying a portion of the amount due to the Improvement Co. on the Sugar Refining Site stating the amount and that the balance be retained by the City until all disputes are settled.
3 That Dr. Bodington be paid $2.00 extra for witness fees in the case of C.P.R. Co. vs the City.
4 That the petition of W.H. H. Johnson asking for a bonus for a varnish factory be not-entertained.
5 That a desk be ordered for Mr. Huntly’s office. Cost not to exceed $20.00.
6 That the following accounts be paid:-
Bank of B.C. Exchange. $51.30
Henderson Directory Co. Books. 9.00
Wm. Collier Report. 5.00
T.F. McGuigan Express. .30
Daily Telegram Subscription. 3.90
C.P. Telegraph Co. 3.51
John Leask Clerical Work. 10.00
T.O Townley Registration. 3.05
Deputy Returning officers. 40.00
The World P&P Co. 35.51
John Johnson Drayage. 3.00
Sgd Wm Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Brighouse.
That the Report of the Finance Committee be adopted.
Carried.
F.W. & L. No.2
The F.W. & L. Committee met on Wednesday January 28th 1891.
Present: Aldermen Templeton, Brown and Godfrey.
It was recommended:-
1 That the following account be paid:-
J.M. Buxton Coal. $12.50
2 That the communication from A.J. Alcock et al praying for two electric lights on Westminster Avenue on the corner of 10th and 13th Avs. be laid over for the present and that the Vancouver Electric Railway and Lights be requested to raise the lights on 12th Av. and Quebec St. to the top of the pole as they are in other parts of the City.
3 That the resignation of Ernest Scratchley as Fireman be accepted and that Wm. Davie be appointed to the vacant position at a salary of $45.00 per month.
4 That the Chief of the Fire Department be instructed to get an estimate of the cost of protecting fully the fire alarm system from danger of distraction.
Sgd. Wm. Templeton
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brighouse
Seconded by “ Doering.
That the Report of the Fire, Water & Lights Committee be adopted.
Carried.
Reading Room Committee
The Reading Room Committee met on Wednesday January 27th 1891.
Present His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Godfrey, McDowell and Carroll.
It was recommended:-
That the resolution passed by the late Council fixing the number of the Free Reading Room and Library Committee at seven be amended by increasing the number to ten and that the following constitute [the Committee viz. His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen McDowell and Brown and Revs. Father Fay and Clinton and Miss Geo. Pollay, M.H. Hirschberg, Chas. Whetham, A.H.B McGowan and F.C. Cotton, the latter being added in Council on motion of Alderman DePencier, seconded by Alderman Carroll.
Sgd. J.T. Carroll
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Doering
Seconded by “ DePencier.
That the Report of the Reading Room Committee be adopted.
Carried.
Works No. 4
The Board of Works met on Thursday January 29th 1891.
Present: Aldermen Brighouse, Brown, DePencier, Godfrey and Templeton.
It was recommended:-
1 That the City Engineer be instructed to examine and report upon the petition of A.E. Lees et al. for the sidewalking of Richards Street from Robson to Helmcken; also upon the petition of J.O. Le Cappelain for a sidewalk on Melville Street from Burrard to Thurlow; also upon the petition of B. Byron Johnson et al. for the grading and sidewalking of Broughton Street from Pender to Barclay.
2 That the matter of claims for wages against the contractors on South and East Parks be referred to the City Solicitor to report upon the liability of the City.
3 That the communication of James McGeer regarding the location of certain streets in [unreadable] receive due consideration from the City Solicitor and that he be requested to appear before the Board at the next meeting and report on the same.
4 That Neil Buie be not allowed any further amount than that awarded to him on the Bunker contract.
5 That A.D. McDonald be awarded the contract for a 6 ft. sidewalk on Burrard Street between Gore and Dunlevy avenues.
6 That the numbers left-over from the street numbering contract by Henderson Directory Company be purchased by the City at the rate of 5 cents a piece.
7 That the claims preferred by the Vancouver Gas Co. and the Vancouver Water Works Co. for lowering and repairing gas and water pipes be reported on by the City Engineer.
8 That all of the correspondence between Messrs Warren and Lawson be laid before the Council.
9 That the following accounts be paid:-
A. Parker Salary $75.00
D. Urquhart, Block 3 O.G.T. 264.14
D. Gibbons grading lanes 12.86
do Westminster Av. 143.65
Henderson Directory Co. street numbering 384. 54
Sgd. Sam Brighouse
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Godfrey.
That the report be adopted
Carried.
Health
The Health Committee met on Tuesday January 27th 1891.
Present Aldermen Carroll, McDowell and Templeton.
It was recommended:-
1 That the following accounts be paid:-
Alex McDonald Digging grave $1.75
A. Larwill Labour pest house 10.00
U.S.S. Co. Rent 22.50
Dr. Bell-Irving Mental examination 10.00
2 That Messrs, Blake and Magee, Solicitors for Chinese Clients, be paid $50.00 in full satisfaction of the value of the hogs destroyed by order of the Health Inspector.
3 That the Health Inspector be instructed to examine into the complaint of James Askell regarding a nuisance on Lots 5 & 6 , Block 5H,5H1 and abate same if found necessary; also that he report upon the condition of the Steam Laundry on Richards Street.
4 That the Health Inspector be appointed an Inspector under the provisions of Section 6 Chapter 107.49 Victoria Styled “The Adulteration Act”.
5 That the Matron be instructed to furnish a list of the C.P.R. patients admitted to the hospital since she took charge of furnishing dates of admission; also that she be instructed to make a return of all patients admitted to the hospital who were injured in the C.P.R employ or on the Chinese boats; also that she be instructed to notify the City Clerk whenever a dead body is placed in the morgue.
6 That the Health Inspector be instructed to enforce the provision of the Health By-law in regard to slaughter houses.
7 That the communication from Mrs. Annie E. Webster asking for an appropriation of $2500.00 for a hospital for women and children and that of Mssrs Woodward and Drummond asking for an increase of salary be laid over until the estimates are being framed.
8 That the Board of Health be empowered to act in the matter of the removal of the Morgue from its present site to some other location.
Sgd. J.T. Carroll
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brighouse
Seconded by “ DePencier.
That the Report of the Health Committee be adopted.
Carried.
Report of the Sugar Refinery Site
Consequent upon the acceptance of the invitation extended by the Directors of the B.C. Sugar Refining Co. Ld. to this Council to visit the works and inspect the same and the process of sugar refining. The undersigned visited the works on Thursday the 29th January.
We were received by the Directors and Managers and most courteously conducted over the establishment.
We made a careful inspection of the buildings and machinery, which was in full operation and were much impressed by the substantial and permanent character of the forum and completeness and perfection of the latter.
No expense has been spared to place the works in a thoroughly effective condition and the large quantity of sugar of a high-class quality already produced has demonstrated the ability of the plant to do all that was agreed. We are fully satisfied that the Company have fulfilled all the pledges made to the Council and have carried out the contract in a most satisfactory manner.
We congratulate this City upon possessing such a useful industry and hope that the increase of population and consequent demands may soon require an increased plant to meet the demands.
We have pleasure in recommending that the Bank of B.C. be instructed to release the $10,000 guarantee deposit given by the company and place the same to the credit of the B.C. Sugar Refining Co. Ld. according to agreement dated August 4th 1890.
Sgd. D. Oppenheimer. Mayor.
“ John McDowell
“ W. Templeton
“ A. Godfrey
“ H. DePencier
“ J.T. Carroll
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Brighouse.
That the Report of the Sugar Refinery be adopted.
Carried.
The City Solicitor submitted a report of the proposed amendments to the City Charter which were duly read.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by “ Doering.
That Clause 3, of Section 41 which exempts church property from municipal taxes be struck out.
Carried.
Alderman Carroll voted nay.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by “ Brown.
That County Court judges be not struck out in Section 21.
Carried.
Alderman Carroll and DePencier voted nay.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by “ Godfrey.
That Section 186 be not amended but be as at present whereby the power of appointing a police magistrate is vested in the Council.
Carried.
Alderman Carroll voted nay.
Moved by Alderman McDowell.
That Section 142 Subsection 27 be amended by inserting the words “licensing and locating” after the word “erection” and the words “and laundries” after the word “wash-houses”
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by “ McDowell.
That the City Solicitor be instructed to have the proposed amendments published with the alterations.
Carried.
Introduction of By-Laws
Alderman McDowell introduced a By-Law to appoint the polling place etc. for holding an election in Ward No.2 to fill the vacancy in said Ward through the resignation of Alderman Garden, which was read a first time.
Motions
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Carroll.
That the following labor account be paid
B. Romang etal. $78.10
Consideration of By-Laws.
Moved by Alderman Doering
Seconded by “ Templeton.
That the By-Law granting a bonus of $100,000 for the construction of a graving dock etc. be now read a third time.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman DePencier
Seconded by “ Doering.
That the By-Law defining the powers of the Police Commissioners be read a second time.
Carried.
The Council went into Committee of the Whole on the By-Law with Alderman DePencier in the Chair.
The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported back as complete without amendment.
The By-Law was then read a third time on motion of Alderman DePencier, seconded by Alderman Doering.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by “ DePencier.
That the rules be suspended to allow of the second reading of the polling place By-Law.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Templeton.
That the By-Law be now read a second time.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Templeton.
Seconded by “ Godfrey.
That the Council go into Committee of the Whole on the By-Law.
Carried.
Alderman Godfrey was appointed Chairman.
The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported back to Council as complete.
The By-Law was then read a 3rd time on motion of Alderman Templeton, seconded by Alderman Godfrey.
Notice of Motion
Alderman Godfrey gave notice that at the next regular meeting of Council he would move that the Dominion Government be petitioned to change the name of the first narrow to that of Lion’s Gate and of False Creek to Pleasant Inlet.
The Council then adjourned to Thursday the 12th day of February at 8 P.M.
D. Oppenheimer,
Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan
City Clerk
