In this 1888 illustration with the Vancouver Volunteer Fire Department, William McGirr and son are pictured within. McGirr, a pioneer in Vancouver later took up as a tobacconist at the Sunnyside Hotel, Gastown. McGirr, a night watchman at the time of these minutes, had his allowance increased to $20.00 by the Police and Fire Committee. Meanwhile, a vote was established on whether to license beer and light wine in Music Halls.
This transcript was made in 2022 by Transcribimus volunteer Joanne McCormick
Illustration Source: City of Vancouver Archives FD P27
Hook and Ladder Company
Text Source: City of Vancouver Archives Series 31
Volume 8 pages 160 – 170
To see or download photos of the original handwritten page for February 14 1898, click on the buttons below (three parts):
[Volume 8, Page] 160
The Council met on Monday February 14th 1898
Present: His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Townley, Painter, McQueen, Neelands, McPhaiden, McGuigan, Brown, Foreman, Bruce and McMorran.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From E. J. Clark, asking for royalty due him from Dr. Kendall on Rock Crushing Contract. Referred to the Board of Works.
From D. B. Charleson drawing attention to the bad condition of Pender Street. Referred to the Board of Works.
From C. J. Marani asking for the partial lowering of the lane in the rear of Brackman & Ker’s place of business. Referred to the Board of Works.
From J. Chase asking for the opening up of the lane in Block 35, 2000. Referred to the Board of Works.
From Miss Peters etal, asking that the Charter be amended to provide for a curfew law. Referred to the Police Committee.
From James England, Secretary of the Gas Co asking at what time the paving of Water and Alexander Streets and Westminster Avenue was to be proceeded with so that the Co could prepare to put in permanent mains. Referred to the Board of Works.
From Miss Peters asking if a maternity ward could not be provided in …..
[Volume 8, Page] 161
… in the new addition to the City Hospital. Referred to the Health Committee.
From the Chief of Police reporting on the electric lights. Filed.
From the City Solicitor stating that he had received no further information that would lead him to alter his former opinion on the Ramsay matter. Referred to the Board of Works.
From E. Odlum asking the Council to subscribe #100 for the Art Historical and Scientific Association. Referred to the Finance Committee.
From Messrs Padmore etal, asking the Council to amend the Charter to provide for the licensing of tobacconists. Referred to the Finance Committee.
From Harry Lindley asking for the renting of the Market Hall as a Music Hall. Referred to the Market Committee.
From H.A. Mellon complaining about the street near his premises. Referred to the Board of Works.
The following Reports were received and read:
Fire & Police Committee
The Fire and Police Committee met on Tuesday February 8th 1898.
Present: the full Board
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
City Grocery Co supplies $32.02
McDowell & Co supplies $2.10
[Volume 8, Page] 162
Dr Poole medical evidence, etc $10.00
A.E. Lees & Co supplies $2.00
W.J. McGuigan inquests $20.00
D.J. McLean supplies $4.75
McLennan & McFeely supplies $1.88
Knowdell & Co supplies $2.60
Chief of Police disbursements $25.25
CPR Telegraph Co telegram $10.81
Thomas Dunn & Co supplies $5.86
Communications
From the Chief of Police asking for new uniforms, helmets etc for the Police. Laid over until he furnishes in detail a list of what he requires.
From Sergeant Johnson asking for leave of absence on account of ill health. Resolved that he be granted two months leave of absence.
From M. Rae asking for a raise of salary. Laid over to be considered with the other applications.
From Night Watchman Purdy and McGirr asking that their allowances be increased and from the Chief of Police recommending an increase for them. Resolved that their allowances be increased to $20.00 a month each dating from the 1st of February.
The question of providing better Jail accommodation was discussed. The matter was finally left in the hands of the Mayor and City Engineer to prepare plans and estimated cost of alterations and that they also formulate a scheme for future Jail accommodation.
Signed R.A. McMorran, Chairman
[Volume 8, Page] 163
Moved by Alderman McMorran;
Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Water & Market Committee
The Water and Market Committee met on Wednesday February 9th 1898
Present: Aldermen Brown, Townley, McGuigan and Neelands
Communications
From George Aubrey etal asking to have water main extended about a block and a half further west on 7th Avenue Fairview. Laid over for the City Engineer to report and for the Secretary to receive applications.
From J.G. Anderson asking for water supply on Log 19, Block D, 264A, 8th Avenue east. Laid over to be inquired into.
From Harry Lindley withdrawing application to lease City Hall for one year. Filed.
Moved by Alderman Townley that tenders be called for supplies of brass work, lead pipe, etc for the ensuing year, as per specifications to be seen in the office of the City Engineer. Carried.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
City Grocery Co supplies $65.08
W. Ralph supplies $61.60
Hastings Saw Mill supplies $44.73
Thomas Hatch labor $13.00
Vancouver Iron Works supplies $20.00
Thomas Dunn & Co supplies $201.30
Evans,Coleman & Evans supplies $40.66
John Boyd & Co supplies $45.92
BC Elec Ry Co supplies $5.00
Coacher & Robinson supplies $15.00
[Volume 8, Page] 164
Charles Hack supplies $57.50
Water Works labor $458.50
Signed William Brown, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brown; Seconded by Alderman McGuigan
That the Report be adopted. Carried.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on Friday February 11th 1898.
Present: the full Board
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
R. E. Gosnell year book $1.60
G. W. Hutchings supplies $5.50
News, Advertiser supplies $26.82
Telephone Co rents $39.85
J.J. Cowderoy clerical work $7.50
A. Pellen Harvey consultation $10.00
The following contracts were approved and authorized to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and the Corporate Seal affixed thereto:
Feed Contract and Grocery Contract
Communications
From the Manager of the Mining Critic, submitting the name of Barclay Bouthotue [?] As his bondsman on the printing contract. Referred to the City Solicitor.
From the Mayor and Aldermen of Rossland, inviting the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vancouver to their Winter Carnival to be held on the 18th and 19th instants. Resolved that their invitation be accepted.
From the Manager of the new Vancouver Coal Company stating that he would tender to supply the City with coal if he was informed what kind was wanted.
[Volume 8, Page] 165
The Clerk was instructed to give him the information.
From the City Auditor asking for an increase of salary. Laid over.
Resolved that the management of the Alexandra Hospital be granted the use of the Committee Room for holding their meetings on the 2nd Tuesday in each month.
The question of granting a rebate to all those paying their Poll Tax before the 1st of May was considered.
It was moved by Alderman Bruce,
That all parties be allowed a rebate of 5 per cent on their Poll Tax if the same is paid at the City Hall on or before the 1st of May.
Moved in amendment by Alderman Painter that no change be made in the present system. Amendment carried.
Moved by Alderman Painter
That the Poll Tax Collector be instructed to collect monthly from all parties with whom he leaves books.
Carried.
The Chairman submitted a copy of the Financial Report or the year which was adopted and 300 copies ordered to be printed.
Messrs. E.M. McDonough and Nicol Allan applied for the position of Collector of Provincial Votes.
It was resolved that the City be divided into two districts east and west of Carrall Street, north of False Creek and east and west of Bridge Street, south of False Creek.
That the employment of the two men shall be as follows: to be exclusively engaged in the collection of votes and registering ….
[Volume 8, Page] 166
… votes on the Provincial Lists to personally report to the Finance Committee at each meeting the result of their work.
To be paid $3.00 per day, engagement may be terminated at any time by the Finance Committee.
That Messrs E.M. McDonough and Nicol Allan be appointed under the above resolution, McDonough to take the east district and Allan the west; work to commence on Tuesday next. Carried.
Signed James McQueen,
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McQueen;
Seconded by Alderman McGuigan
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on February 10th 1898.
Present: Aldermen Painter, Neelands, Foreman and McPhaiden
Communications
From a large number of petitioners asking that Powell Street be graded full width to City Limits. Laid over until Estimates are prepared.
From I. Oppenheimer, complaining of lane in rear of his warehouse. Referred to Foreman for Ward 3.
From Mason & Co complaining of condition of sidewalk on Princess Street near Campbell avenue, also complaining of the crossing. Referred to Foreman for Ward 4.
From petitioners, asking that a 6-foot walk be laid on Sophia Street from Westminster Road to 13th Avenue on the east side. Laid over pending estimates.
From Parson Produce Co complaining of condition of lane at side of Commercial block Columbia Avenue. Referred to Alderman for Ward 3.
[Volume 8, Page] 167
From Ramsay Brothers re blockade of sewer in rear of premises claiming compensation. Referred to the City Solicitor.
From Brackman & Ker Milling Co asking that lane near proposed new brick building on Hastings Street be cut to same grade as street. Referred to Engineer and Alderman for Ward 4.
The matter of clearing the rocks away from the beach at English Bay was discussed but laid over for further consideration.
Resolved that S. Madison be allowed $10.00 extra for diving for the moving of sewer outlet: Columbia Avenue.
Resolved that a new single dressed walk be laid on Granville Street opposite the Mackinion Block as soon as the ground is cleared.
Messrs Cleveland and Taylor applied for permission to use street corner Hastings and Westminster Ave for building purposes. Granted subject to usual bond or deposit being furnished.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
Roberston & Hackett supplies $257.85
BC T & T Co supplies $128.56
T. Clough drayage $.75
S. Elkins labor $755.75
Signed H.J. Painter, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Painter; Seconded by Alderman Foreman
That the Report be adopted. Carried.
[Volume 8, Page] 168
Light, Railway & Tramway Committee
The Light, Railway and Tramway Committee met on Friday February 11th 1898 at 2:30pm.
Present: the full Board
Mr. J. Buntzen, Comptroller of the BC Electric Railway Co was present.
It was resolved that the City grant the Company the right to operate their cars on Powell Street on the conditions of the original agreement; on the condition that they carry out the agreement of the 30th of April 1895 relating to the payment for the rails on Hastings Street from Carrall to Cambie Streets and operating that track in accordance with the conditions of those agreements and double track two blocks on Westminster Avenue between Hastings and Powell Streets and a block and a half on Powell Street from the present switch to Westminster Avenue and operate the same under the agreement affecting the tracks on those streets and on that the Company to operate a 20 minutes service on 9th Avenue from Westminster Avenue to Robson Street.
That the Mayor and Chairman interview the General Superintendent of the CPR Co to prevent shunting on Carrall Street.
Moved by Alderman Neelands
That the City Auditor ascertain and report the receipts from the New Westminster ad Vancouver Tramway Service for November and December on which percentage will have to be paid under the Agreement of the 24th of August 1891.
Signed D. McPhaiden,
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Painter;
Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That the Report be adopted after adding thereto the following words after the words “Westminster Avenue” “and from Carrall Street to Westminster ….
[Volume 8, Page] 169
… Avenue on Hastings Street.
Moved in amendment by Alderman Brown,
Seconded by Alderman Bruce
That the Report be adopted after striking out the words “on the conditions of the original agreement” after the words “Powell Street” and inserting in lieu thereof the words “on terms to be arranged”.
Amendment carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman McQueen;
Seconded by Alderman McMorran
That His Worship the Mayor be authorized to purchase a ticket to Calgary for Mrs Reinhardt and child, who are without means.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Bruce;
Seconded by Alderman McGuigan
That the City Charter be consolidated up to date immediately as it is very hard for new Aldermen to properly understand their duties while they cannot be supplied with a modern copy of the City Charter, and that 200 copies be printed.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Neelands;
Seconded by Alderman McMorran
That Section 9 of the City Charter be amended by adding after the word “Nomination” in the eighth line the words “the Nominee shall also produce satisfactory evidence as to his property qualification” and by striking out the word “six” in the 19th line and inserting the word “seven”. Carried.
[Volume 8 page] 170
Moved by Alderman Townley
Seconded by ” McMorran
That the question of amending By-Law No 177 being a By-Law to determine and fix the fees payable upon Liquor Licenses so that “Music Halls” be included in the list of licensed premises be submitted to a plebiscite of or vote of the ratepayers.
That the Voters’ List as used in the last Municipal Election be the list used in the said plebiscite.
That the Voting be by ballot and in the manner prescribed by the City Charter for the election of Mayor.
That the cost of the said plebiscite (not to exceed $100.00) be paid out of the general revenues of the City.
That the following be the question submitted for the vote of the ratepayers, as aforesaid:-
“Shall the Liquor License By-Law be amended so as to provide for the issuing of a License to the Music hall for the sale of beer and light wines in connection therewith” and that in the event of the ratepayers by a majority vote, deciding that the By-Law be amended as aforesaid this Council pledges itself to amend the By-Law fixing the annual license fee at a sum not to exceed $500.00
Carried
Notice of Motion
Alderman Townley gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would introduce a By-Law to fix the polling places, the time and to appoint Deputy Returning Officer for holding an election on the question as to whether there shall be or not be a Music Hall.
The Council then adjourned.
James F. Garden
Mayor
Thos F. McGuigan
City Clerk
