Council wrote to Ottawa that, “the great rush of gold seekers” had caused such an increase of traffic to and from Coal Harbour that it… “makes it a pressing necessity that the entrance to the Harbour through the narrows should be located and properly marked to prevent accidents.” The Federal government had previously promised to attend to it: here Council is trying to hurry up the process.
This transcript was made in 2023 by Transcribimus volunteer Leah Minuk
Source: City of Vancouver Archives Series 31
Volume 8 pages 182 – 189
[Volume 8 page] 182
Vancouver February 28th 1898
The Council met on Monday February 28 1898.
Present – His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Painter, Townley, McQueen, Neelands, McPhaiden, McGuigan, Brown, Foreman, McMorran and Bruce.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From Henry Walden etal, asking for a sidewalk on Hastings Street.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From J. Buntzen asking that the City Solicitor be instructed to draw an agreement in accordance with resolutions passed by the Railway Committee on the 14th and 21st of Feb.
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden,
Seconded by “ Bruce
That the City Solicitor be instructed to draw an agreement between the B.C. Electric Co. and the City in pursuance of the resolution passed on the 21st of February for the running of cars on Powell Street, Hastings Street from Cambie Street to Westminster on and double tracking Westminster Avenue from Hastings Street to Powell Street.
Carried.
From Judge Bob giving notice that Friday the 4th of March at 11 a.m. had been fixed for hearing appeals against Assessments.
Filed
From Col. Warren drawing attention to the dangerous condition of Robson Street sidewalk.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From B. Curlew asking that the present ward men be discharged and new men employed.
Referred to the Board of Works.
[Volume 8 page] 183
From Mrs. Skinner asking for a grant for Young Women’s Christian Association.
Referred to the Finance Committee
From E. A. Atkinson asking for a sidewalk on Alberni Street.
Referred to the Board of Works
From the Health Inspector quoting cost of putting in water closets for Market Sheds.
Referred to the Health Market Committee.
The following Reports were received and read:-
Fire and Police Committee
The Fire and Police Committee met on Tuesday February 22nd 1898.
Present the full Board.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
| Crowder & Penzer | Supplies | $ 24.60 |
| Geo Leonard | Repairs | 1.00 |
| D.J. McLean | Supplies | 5.50 |
| J.C. Woodrow | “ | 31.28 |
| C.S. Phelp | “ | 8.38 |
| Clarke & Stuart | “ | 7.25 |
| J. Dodson | “ | 34.90 |
| Evans, Coleman & Evans | “ | 11.01 |
| W.J. McGuigan | Inquest | 10.00 |
| Brackman & Ker | Supplies | 114.66 |
| Can Gen’l Electric Co | . “ | 2.56. |
Communications
From Alex Macfarlane resigning his position as Driver on the Fire Brigade to take effect on the 15th of April next.
Resolved that his resignation be accepted and that applications be called for filling the position. Applicants to state age.
From Wm. McGirr and Ths. A. Smith appling [sic] for positions on the regular Police Force. Filed for reference.
[Volume 8 page] 184
The Chief of Police reported verbally that he had temporarily appointed D.D. McIntosh. D. McIntosh, George Thorpe and Daniel Leatherdale as special Policemen and further that the Police Force as at present constituted was ample.
It was resolved that the temporary appointments made by the Chief be approved and that no further temporary appointments be made without the approval of the Board.
Resolved that owing to the fact that Sergeant John Shou has long and faithfully served on the Police Force (nine years) that he be allowed full pay during the months he will be away on sick leave.
That Malcolm McLean be paid for the full month of February.
From the Chief of Police asking for uniforms, helmets etc. for the Police Force.
Resolved that the Chairman and Chiefs of the Police Force and Fire Brigade ascertain what is necessary in the way of accoutrements, clothing etc and that they be authorized to call for tenders for same.
Resolved that a pair of rubber boots be purchased for one of the drivers in the Fire Department.
Moved by Alderman McQueen
That the temporary repairs to the Jail be proceeded with according to the plans submitted and approved by the Mayor and City Engineer.
Carried.
Sgd R.A. McMorran
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McMorran.
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
[Volume 8 page] 185
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on Thursday February 24th 1898.
Present the full Board.
Communications
From W. T. Dalton Architect submitting telegram and letter showing that an understanding had been arranged between Messrs. Martin and Robertson and the Hudson’s Bay Co. as to party wall.
Plans approved for Messrs Robertson and Martin building subject to a copy of the telegram and letter being deposited for reference in the City Engineer’s office.
From A. E. Beck asking for a sewer in Block 23 D.L. 185.
Laid over pending estimates.
From a large number of petitioners asking for improvements on Thurlow Street and Pacific Street.
Laid over pending estimates.
From Ferguson etal asking that Jervis Street be improved.
Laid over pending estimates.
From O.L. Spencer asking on behalf of A.E.E. Clark 20 cents per yard for all rock supplied to the Corporation since May 1897.
Referred to the City Solicitor
From petitioners on 8th Avenue, Mount Pleasant, asking for new sidewalks on South Side from Westminster Avenue to Quebec Street.
Laid over pending estimates.
Resolved that Mr. Hackett of Robertson & Hackett be requested to accompany the City Engineer to examine the condition of the Golden Gate Building corner of Davie & Granville Streets.
[Volume 8 page] 186
Mr. Towler interviewed the Board asking for an extension of time before moving his hen coops etc from the lane in rear of his premises.
The Board informed him that they would examine the premises.
The Board went carefully into the respective tenders for hardware for the current year.
Resolved that the contract be awarded, as far as possible evenly between Messrs Dunn & Co. and Messrs McLennan & McFeely & Co.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
| R. C. P. Mills | Supplies | $ 34.14 |
| S. Elkins etal | Labor | 827.30 |
Sgd H. J. Painter
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Painter
Seconded by “ McMorran
That the Report be adopted
Carried.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on Tuesday, February 25th 1898.
Present Aldermen McQueen, Painter, Brown and Bruce.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
W. E. Johnston Clerical work $60.00
Communications
From W. J. Hardie Winnipeg Free Press asking for City Advertising.
Filed.
From S. Lucas Hunt and others giving notice of appeal against the ruling of the Court of Revision in regard to the assessment of certain properties.
Resolved that the appellants be invited to attend a special meeting of the Finance
[Volume 8 page] 187
to be arranged. The City Solicitor was instructed to make the arrangement and report date of meeting to the Clerk.
Collector McDonough reported that he had collected 290 names for the Provincial voters list to date and Allan 306.
Sgd Jas McQueen
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McQueen
Seconded by “ Bruce
That the Report be adopted
Carried.
Water and Market Committee
The water and Market Committee met on Wednesday February 23rd 1898.
Present Aldermen Brown, McMorran, Neelands and Townley.
Communications
From Harry Lindley asking for a lease of the Market Hall.
Laid over.
From L. J.Cody et al asking for a lavatory in connection with the Market Shed stores.
Moved by Alderman McMorran
That one public and one private water closet be placed in the corner of the shed.
Carried
From the Market Clerk asking for remuneration for night work.
Laid over for meeting of Special Committee
It was resolved to extend a 4” pipe two blocks further west on 7th Av Fairview and place a hydrant at west end.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
[Volume 8 page] 188
| Ths. Hatch | Clearing Hall. | $ 6.00 |
| B. C. Mills | Supplies | 46. 21 |
| Champion & White | “ | 2.50 |
| Ths. Dunn & Co. | “ | 5.23 |
| Armstrong & Morrison | “ | 7.00 |
| A. J. Lapworth | Painting | 10.00 |
| Bruckman & Ker | Supplies | 27.95 |
| Evans, Coleman & Evans | “ | 30.45 |
| J. Dodson | “ | 6.90 |
| Geo Adams | Labor | 10.00 |
| Muir S.S. Co. | Towing | 5.00 |
| Clarke & Stuart | Supplies | 6.65 |
| Water Works | Pay Roll Labor | 470.45 |
The Estimates for the year were presented and laid over for consideration.
Sgd Wm. Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Foreman
Seconded by “ McMorran
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Brown.
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the great increase in the shipping into and out of the Harbour of Vancouver in consequence of the great rush of gold seekers to the new fields lately discovered north of this City makes it a pressing necessity that the entrance to the Harbour through the narrows should be located and properly marked to prevent accidents and as the Hon Mr. Tarte Minister of Public Works when visiting this City last year acknowledged the need of this and asked the Member for Burrard Inlet Mr. Geo. R. Maxwell to make a note of it and call the Members attention to it later on. Be it therefore resolved the Mr. Maxwell’s attention be called to this matter and that he be requested to have it put into effect with as little delay as possible
Carried
[Volume 8 page] 189
The board then adjourned
James T. Garden
Mayor
Ths. F. McGuigan
City Clerk
