$5,000 was set aside for public works to provide employment – married men to be paid $1.75 a day; singles $1.25. A by-law to finance Granville Street improvements by selling debentures was introduced. Decision was delayed on a public request request to fix the term of alderman at one year.
This transcript was made in 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Gerald Soon
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
COV S 31 Volume 5 pages 692 – 694
[volume 5 page 692]
Vancouver Feb 6th 1894
The Council met on Tuesday February 6th 1894.
Present His Worship, the Mayor and the full Board of Aldermen.
A petition was presented to the Council praying the Legislature to make certain amendments to the City Charter to fix the term of Aldermanic office at one year and providing for the appointment of all the License Commissioners by the popular vote.
Moved by Alderman Salsbury
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the Mayor be authorized to sign the said petition.
Moved in amendment by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by Alderman Franklin
That the matter lie over for future consideration.
Amendment carried.
The Council went into Committee of the whole for the consideration of the question of employing work for the unemployed, Alderman Wm Brown in the Chair.
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the Finance Committee be asked to place to the credit of the Board of Works the sum of $5000.00 to be expended by said Board on public works for the employment of the unemployed, under the following conditions:-
(a) That married men receive $1.75 per day of 9 hours and single men $1.25 a day of 9 hours.
(b) That no married man be employed more than 4 days a week continuously, no single men more than 5 days.
Carried
[volume 5 page 693]
Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ Queen
That a relief Committee consisting of Aldermen Bethune, Wm Brown, Shaw, McDowell and McPhaiden be appointed to whom all applicants for work must apply. Carried
The Committee then rose and reported the passage of the above resolutions which were confirmed.
Introduction of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman McCraney
Seconded by “ McDowell
That the By-Law to raise a sum of money by way of Debentures for the paving of portions of Granville and Hastings Streets and the construction of a basement drain on Granville St under the Local Improvement Systems be read a first time. Carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ McCraney
That J.W. Balmain be temporarily employed as overseer on the reservoir at a Salary of $4.00 per day. Carried.
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Queen
That the attention of the Hon. The Minister of Marine and Fisheries be called to the fact that False Creek harbour in the City is steadily filling up that a series of bars are forming across its channel which requires
[volume 5 page 694]
Dredging to make navigation possible and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr.Corbould M.P. Carried.
The Council then adjourned
R. A. Anderson
Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan
City Clerk
