Vancouver merchants continually cheated by “fraudulent absconders” who charge goods and then escape on the Steamers without paying. Lawyers Davie & Pooley offer to represent the city in in the pending suit with the CPR for $1,000. Vancouver’s three elementary schools and lack of any high school completely insufficient for booming population.
This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland
and Joy Marie Vasquez
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 677-691
[page 677]
Vancouver Feb 4th 1889
The Council met on Monday February 4th 1889 at 7:30 P.M.
Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer Aldermen Brighouse, Brewer, Clark, Costello, Horne, McConnell, Lefevre, Oppenheimer, Salsbury & Whetham.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From L. Eng. Panet, Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, acknowledging receipt of communications from the City Clerk and Mayor respectively dated 9th March 1888 and 9th January 1889 re title to Stanley Park and grants made for maintenance of Park and stating that no other title could be given for said Park except the order in Council already furnished and also stating that there were no funds available for making grants towards improving the Park. Referred to the City Solicitor.
From Wm. Smith, Deputy Minister of Marine acknowledging receipt of resolution of Council re Fore Shore of False Creek. Laid on the Table.
From H. Stanton Private Secretary to Lieutenant Governor acknowledging receipt of resolutions of Council. Filed.
[page 678]
From F. W. Sentell offering to lay 10 ft sidewalks on Burrard Street for 40 cts a foot. Referred to the Board of Works.
From F. W. Sentell et al praying that a sewer be put down on Burrard Street and sidewalks laid thereon. Referred to City Engineer & Board of Works.
From the Deputy Minister of Agriculture acknowledging receipt of communication from His Worship, the Mayor the the (sic) building of Immigrant sheds at Vancouver and the appointment of an Immigration Agent. Laid on the Table.
From John Castile asking for the position of Street Inspector. Filed.
From Geo. M. Taylor, asking that Seymour Street South be graded and sidewalked. Referred to the Board of Works.
From Geo F. Baldwin, Assessment Commissioner submitting Assessment Roll for the year 1889 and reporting the total valuation to be $6,604,008.00. Referred to Finance Committee.
From Geo. F. Baldwin, City Treasurer submitting Statement of Receipts and Expenditures for A. D. 1888. Referred to Finance.
[page 679]
The following accounts were read and referred to their respective Committees:
Jacob Sehl $15.00
Thomson Bros. 36.40
A. W. Wright 3.39
Henry Avison 60.00
Thos. Becketh 1.50
C. P. Telegraph Co. .30
A. Larwell 1.50
Godfrey & Co. 5.90
John McAllister 14.90
Hill & McKinnon 177.25
C. M. Hanley 2.85
R. I. Winch 16.01
W. J. McGuigan 25.00
M. Goldstein 1.60
F. W. Hart .60
Tattersall’s Stables 11.00
Palmer Bros. 158.36
Hayes & McIntosh 15.52
V. W. Haywood 5.50
J. McDonnell 9.00
Davidson Bros. 38.50
John Scuitto 86.15
F. X. Martin 41.89
J. Miller 10.00
VanVolkenburgh & Bro.
The World 74.40
Queen Bros. 5.00
Abrams & McLean 6.50
Electric Illuminating Co. 417.90
John Scuitto 12.05
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Reports
No. 2 Park Commissioners
The Park Commissioners met on Thursday January 31st 1889 and beg to request:
1. That $10,000.00 be placed in the Estimates for the current year, to their credit for carrying out the necessary works in connection with the Park.
2. That the City Engineer be instructed to render any assistance in his power in regard, any assistance in his power to the preparing of plans, specifications and estimates for any works required in the Park.
Sgd. Thos. F. McGuigan, Secretary
Vancouver Feb 4, 1889.
Referred to the Board of Works.
Works No. 3
The Board of Works met on Saturday February 2nd 1889 at 12 o’clock noon. Present Aldermen Horne, McConnell and Oppenheimer.
We beg to recommend:
1. That a six foot sidewalk be laid on the North Side of Dunsmuir Street from the East Side of Howe to the West Side of Burrard and a ten foot sidewalk on Burrard Street from Dunsmuir to Melville Street estimated cost 218.80.
2. That a six foot sidewalk be laid on Haro Street from Burrard to Bute cost $348.00.
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3. That an eight foot sidewalk be laid on Columbia Avenue, West Side from Oppenheimer St to Dupont Street cost $240.00.
4. That hereafter all planking laid on the streets shall be of 3 inch plank instead of 2 inch and that the plank on Granville Street South shall be 3 inch instead of 2 inch.
5. That the City Engineer be instructed to repair the streets where necessary.
Tenders
Tenders have been received for the planking of Granville Street South & Water Street and for the shed and fence at the City Hall.
We recommend that they be awarded as follows:
Planking of Granville Street DL. Gow.
“ of Water “ H. Connacher
Shed & fence, Goodmurphy & McLellan
Sgd. S. Brighouse, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Clark seconded by Alderman Costello. That the Board of Works report be adopted. Carried.
Finance No. 4
The Finance Committee met on Friday February 1st 1889 at 8 P. M. all the Members being present.
[page 682]
We beg to recommend:-
I. That Lots 1 and 2, Block 4, 200 a be purchased for a Pound Site for the sum of $370.00.
II. That $1038.40 and $364.78 be voted out of Revenue and placed to the credit of the Granville Street Bridge Debentures and Ward 5 Street Improvement Debenture respectively to cover the overdrafts on said Debenture accounts.
III. That the following improvements recommended by the Board of Works be proceeded with:
1. Planking Granville Street South $1940.00
2. Laying 173 ft 10 ft sidewalk on Dunsmuir 73.00
3. Laying 200 ft 10 ft sidewalk on Granville 71.00
4. Raising Crossings on Water Street 10.00
5. Gravelling on Block on Hastings St. 400.00
6. Filling up Cambie Street 313.00
7. Gravelling Georgia St, Hotel Vancouver 360.00
8. Filling Hastings St: Cambie to Abbott 760.00
9. Planking Pender St: Howe to Stable 520.00
10. Grading lane at Presbyterian Church 116.00
11. Planking 70 ft, lane at Harts Opera House 56.00
12. Grading lane in Block 42 55.00
13. Laying sidewalk on Richards St. 1,219.00
14. Sidewalk on Seymour St. Davie to Drake 166.00
15. Repairing sidewalk in lane, Block 10 4.00
16. Repairing sidewalk in Homer St, Block 11 6.00
17. Lane in Rear of Burrard Hotel 5.00
18. Sidewalk on Drake St.: Granville to Richards 56.00
Total $6,120.00
As authorized by Council your Committee has taken action on the com
[page 683]
munication of Messrs Davie & Pooley, the Solicitors retained by the Corporation in the suit pending between the C. P. R. Co and Vancouver and have authorized the Chairman to forward them the following letter.
Your favor of the 18th inst to Mr. J. J. Blake was laid before the Council at its setting on Monday last, and referred to the Finance Committee with power to act.
In reply I beg to say that the City of Vancouver will be willing to follow your practice, as regards costs; and make the following agreement and contract with you namely, to pay you an ordinary retainer of say fifty dollars and any costs you may incur, provided the suit goes no further, but if continued to trial to accept your offer of one thousand dollars in full for your legal services in all proceedings before the Courts of this Province, the City to be responsible to you for all disbursements for witnesses etc. and to receive from you any costs you may recover against the other side.
Should the case eventually go to appeal to Ottawa, of course further arrangements as to costs will have to be made and you will be at liberty to retain Mr. Richards Q.C. whenever it may in your judgment be necessary but it is not desirable to incur any expenses until it is in your opinion absolutely in the City’s interest to do so. May I ask you to be good enough to reply
[page 684]
stating whether this meets with your approval.
Yours truly
(Sgd) W. F. Salsbury, Chairman of Finance Committee
(Sgd) W. F. Salsbury, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Howe seconded by Alderman Brewer. That the Report of the Finance be adopted. Carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Costello, seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That the portion of Street lying between Westminster the end of the planking on Westminster Avenue and the City Boundary on New Westminster Road be granted with good coarse gravel and that the Board of Works be directed to call for Tenders for the same and have the work done at the earliest possible date, also a sidewalk 8 feet wide be constructed from the junction of Westminster Avenue and the Westminster Road on the West side of the Road, also to the City Boundary and any other repairs required as it is a road to the Cemetery. Carried.
[page 685]
Moved by Alderman McConnell seconded by Alderman Brewer.
1. That Police Patrol be extended to South Granville Street in the West-end and to False Creek Bridge on Westminster Avenue and eastwards in the east end of the City at once.
2. That two additional numbers be added to the Police Force forthwith and two others as the growth of the City requires them.
3. That W. D. Haywood and Herbert Atkinson be placed on the Police Force as numbers thereof, subject to the rules and regulations governing the force.
4. That a lock-up be set apart at Fire Hall No. 2 on Seymour Street for the detention of prisoners in the West-end of the City over night.
5. That all lock-ups on Station houses now or hereafter built be numbered the same as the various wards of the City in which they are or may be situated.
6. That the Police Magistrate perform the duties of Police Court Clerk in addition to his other duties until such time as the increased duties of the office shall warrant the appointment of a permanent officer to that position.
7. That the following bills be paid:
[page 686]
Cum Yow, Interpreting $15.00
Queen Bros. Hack Hire 1.00
G. I. Wilson, Dry Goods 2.25
H. McDowell & Co. Drugs 1.25
V. W. Haywood, Fares 11.00
Dunn & Co. Supplies 8.65
John Scuitto, Bread 29.26
McGuigan & Langis 10.00
R. C. Winch, Supplies 3.40
Van Volkenburgh, Meat 13.80
F. X. Martin, Groceries 40.26
C. P. Tel. Co. .65
J. M. Stewart, Fares 4.00
8. That the following estimates of expenditure necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the Police Court and Police Force and Gaol of this City be submitted to the Finance Committee for their approval.
Police & Gaol Departments
Salaries, Eight Men $6800.00
Boarding prisoners 1250.00
Clothing for Police 760.00
Clothing for Prisoners 150.00
Transportation of Prisoners 500.00
Police Furnishings 75.00
Stationery & Books 30.00
Allowances & Watchmen 295.00
Contingent Fund 1200.00
Total $11,060.
Police Court Estimates
Salary of Magistrate $1000
Printing & Stationery 150
Dominion & Provincial Statutes 30
[page 687]
Set of B. C. Gazettes 1886-7-8 $15.00
Law Books 15.00
Interpreter’s fees 150
Total 1,360
Making in all the sum of $12,420.00 required for the current year to carry on the business of this branch of our civic service.
Moved in Amendment by Ald Salsbury seconded by Alderman Horne. That the matter contained in the motion of Alderman McConnell be referred to the Police Committee for consideration in the regular form. Amendment carried.
Moved by Alderman McConnell seconded by Alderman Whetham. That owing to the numerous enquiries for farming and fruit growing lands in the vicinity of Vancouver, be it therefore resolved that the Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works be communicated asking for information in reference to the unoccupied portions of Homesteading Lands in this Section. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Oppenheimer seconded by Alderman Costello. Whereas an appropriation was made by the Legislative Assembly of this Province at its last session
[page 688]
for the purpose of erecting a Court House in the City of Vancouver and the said Legislative Assembly has been respectfully asked to Supplement the sum then granted to construct a building suitable to the present and future wants of a rapidly growing City like this.
And whereas the school accommodation of the City of Vancouver is entirely inadequate to supply the wants of the School population, though there are now three school houses erected in the City, one in the east end another in the West-end and the third in the Southern part of the City, and the school population is rapidly increasing, unless further school accommodation be made by the Legislative of the Province at the present Session there will be hundreds of Children of School age who will be unable to attend School during the coming year.
And whereas long before another Session of the Legislative will be held there will be very many more children in Vancouver qualified to attend a High School than would entitle us to a High School here and whom if no provision is made for the erection of such High School will be deprived of the power of continuing their studies to their great detriment.
Therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vancouver in Council Assembled.
That the Legislature of the Province
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be informed of the great inconvenience which at present arises to the Vancouver suitors in the County Court of the District of New Westminster, this Court being only held from time to time and with undefined intervals holden in the City of Vancouver, so that complainants with their witnesses have frequently to undergo the trouble and loss of time and expenses imposed in a Journey to the County Court holden regularly at in the City of New Westminster.
And furthermore that the Merchants and Trades people of the City of Vancouver are under the present circumstances totally at the mercy of debtors who intend to abscond by the Sound Steamers for the want of the chance of immediate steps being taken for the prevention of the immediate departure of such fraudulent absconders.
And be it further resolved that His Honour the Lieutenant Governor in Council be respectfully requested to take into consideration these grievances and immediately arrange for the permanent residence of a County Court Judge in the City of Vancouver.
And be it further resolved that the said Legislature be respectfully requested to place in its estimates a sum of sufficient for the erection and equipment for a large school house to be erected in the central part of the City and for the erection and
[page 690]
equipment of a High School in a suitable location and for supplying teachers therefor.
And be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to His Honor the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Carried.
Consideration of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman Salsbury seconded by Alderman Horne. That the Amendments to the Street Railway be taken up and reconsidered. Carried.
The Council went into Committee of the Whole on By-Law, Alderman Horne in the Chair.
The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete with amendments.
Moved by Alderman Horne seconded by Alderman McConnell. That the By-Law be read a third time and signed, sealed and gazetted. Carried.
Notice of Motion
Alderman McConnell gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would introduce a By-Law authorizing the Mayor and Council of the City of Vancouver to raise by way of a loan the sum of $30,000 to erect market buildings
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on the site now owned by the City for that purpose.
The Council then adjourned.
D. Oppenheimer, Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan, City Clerk
