City Solicitor Hamersley was ordered to return all commissions he made on city investments during 1893, 94 and 95. Policemen authorized to enter any room in any Fire Hall at any time. “As the City does not furnish free medical attendance on firemen”, Dr. Thomas’ bill of $5.00 for treatment of John Clough was referred to Clough himself.
This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Anonymous
Illustration: City of Vancouver Archives FD P61.2
Firemen responding to night alarm at Fire Hall No. 2 on Seymour Street, 1896
Original handwritten minutes: City of Vancouver Archives Series 31
Volume 6 page 934-945
To see photos of the handwritten pages for this date, click on the buttons below (three parts):
[Volume 6 page] 934
Vancouver January 6th 1896.
The Council met on Monday January 6th 1896.
Present His Worship, the Mayor and Aldermen Shaw, Coupland, Gallagher, Queen, McPhaiden, Clandening, Brown, Sanders, Bethune and McDonald.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From O. L. Spencer etal asking for the use of the Market Hall for the evening of the 7th to hear an address from the Hon. Joseph Martin and, others.
Moved by Alderman Shaw.
Seconded by ” McPhaiden
That they be granted the free use of the Hall for the evening of thee 7th inst.
Carried
From J. A. Catherwood etal advocating Saturday as a Market Day.
Referred to the incoming Council.
From A. St. G. Hamersley forwarding Bonds of the Western Electric Heat + Power Company and approving of same with the exception of the word “final” which was agreed to be taken out and the words “by way of liquidated damages” inserted in lieu thereof.
Filed.
From C. D. Rand asking for the unexpended portion of $100 deposited on account of a purchase by-law.
Referred to the Finance Committee
From the City Solicitor stating that he was not prepared to admit that the point raised by Messrs Wilson + Campbell and the
[Volume 6 page] 935
Hudsons’ Bay Co regarding license for shops was correct but advising that a reduction of the amount be considered.
Laid over for motions.
From Robert Harrison applying for the position of Cermatory Caretaker.
Filed
From R. D. Kimmon and Co, asking for a share of the City’s Insurance.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From O. Bowman recommending J. G. Langley as Market Clerk.
Filed.
From the City Solicitor stating that W. H. Hooper would have to take out a liquor license.
Referred to the License Inspector.
From Wm. Ward reporting on the electric lights
Filed.
From C. J. Mayne etal, asking for a sidewalk on 9th Av. east
Referred to the Board of Works.
The following reports were received and read:-
Fire Market + Police Committee
The Fire, Market + Police Committee met on Friday January 3rd 1896.
Present Aldermen Gallagher, Coupland, Sanders and McDonald.
Communications
From the City Solicitor thating that the Chinese pedlars were prosecuted under By-Law No 202 but he did not know of any other pedlars being prosecuted.
Laid over.
From J. S. Johnston, Sergeant of Police stating that he was ill with Typhoid Fever from January
[Volume 6 page] 936
3rd to February 23rd during which period he paid for a substitute: he acted Sergeant from February 23rd to june 3rd and Chief from June 3rd to Sept 4th.
Resolved that Sergeant Johnston was off duty from January 3rd to February 23rd through illness during which time he drew his salary of $70 per month and paid a substitute $60 per month. He resumed duty of february 23rd and was appointed Acting Sergeant and that after his appointment as Sergeant and owing to his illness he was allowed to remain in the station at night, otherwise he would not have been able to go on duty at the time he did.
He was also acting Chief for three months. That after considering the communication of Sergeant Johnston and after looking into the facts in connection with the case and remembering that his salary was raised five dollars per month on account of the services rendered while he was acting Sergeant and Chief we are of the opinion that he is well paid for his services and that we are not indebted to him in anyu way.
Of course we do not wish to insinuate that he had not done his duty to the best of his ability and taking everything into consideration he gave general satisfaction.
From Angus McLennan applying for a position on the Police Force.
Resolved that he be informed that there are no vacancies at present.
from C. J. Harling etal, asking the City not to grant express licenses to Chinese.
Filed.
From J. H. Carlisle stating that a building belonging to Robert Barker on Granville Street might prove
[Volume 6 page] 937
dangerous in winter.
Filed for reference.
from J. H. Carlisle reporting having suspended Thomas Whiston, Foreman of Mount Pleasant Fire Hall and Whiston’s explanations in connection therewith.
Laid over.
From Thos. Lillie reporting that he had allowed Fireman Lester 15 minutes off duty on the 20th of Dec.
Filed
From Thos. Lillie explaining that the trouble between him and Police Officer Colwell arose over fighting cocks and from Colwell explaining his side of the matter.
Resolved that the Committee has looked into the trouble between the Firemen and Police, and has ordered Thos. Lillie to remove his game birds from the Fire Hall premises at once, and he instructed Chief Carlisle to put notices in each Fire Hall to the effect that the Police are at liberty to have access to the Halls at any time, day or night.
And that in future the Committee will not countenance any interference with the officers of either department. That where any officer exceeds his duty that the matter be reported to his respective Chief.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
J. E. Gardner Interpreting $6.50
Geo Thorpe. Special Police 14.00
The Chief furnished a return shewing the number of persons apprehended during the year.
The Board met again on Monday January 6th. Present the full Board.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
Crowder + Penzer Supplies $145.31
C. F. Foreman ” 27.22
[Volume 7 page 938]
G. R. Gordon Supplies $65.
C. F. Foreman ” 11.85
C. Casselmann ” 11.80
John Boyd + co. ” .40
D. Evans ” 70
McLeod + Cooke ” 18.33
J. Dodson ” 11.10
J. C. Woodrow ” 16.33
C. M. Hawley, Balance of Account 5.
G. L. Allan Supplies 2.50
R. Robertson 8.
Thos Dunn + Co ” 19.80
Communications
From Dr. Thomas furnishing an account for $10.00 for attending on John Clough.
Resolved that as the City does not furnish free medical attendance to the police department that Dr. Thomas account be referred back to him.
Resolved that the suspension of Thos. Whiston be confirmed dating from Dec 24th 1895 and that he remain suspected for 30 days from the 24th of Dec and that when he resumes duty that he be reduced to the rank of ordinary fireman and be placed at No. one Fire Hall.
The Committee further recommends that James Moran be appointed Foreman of No. 3 Fire Hall and that James Lester be appointed to drive the Chemical engine and that C. F Mills be appointed temporarily to act as fireman dating from the 3rd of January 1896.
Resolved that the salary of Archie Robinson Market Clerk be fixed at $65. per month, and $1.00 for each night that the Market Hall is used by parties other than the City.
sgd S. H. Gallagher, Chairman
[Volume 6 page] 939
Moved by Alderman Coupland.
Seconded by ” Queen.
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on January 7th 1896.
Present Aldermen Shaw, McPhaiden, Sanders and McDonald.
Communications
From Major and Eldridge complaining of the side walk being torn up at the New Twigge Cook Block Water Street being detrimental to their business.
Resolved that Mr. Cook be notified to have the new walk laid, as soon as possible.
Resolved that the Foreman for Ward 5 be instructed to lay down a temporary sidewalk, 3 plank, on 13th Av between Westminster Road and Quebec St as soon as practicable.
Resolved that the News. Advertiser and World Offices be requested to furnish the Board of Works with their respective papers for 1896 at the same rate as heretofore namely $5.00 each per annum, same to be kept on file in the Engineer’s Office.
The Annual Report of the Chairman was read and approved.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
H. H. Layfield + co. Supplies $1.20
Van Hardware co. ‘ 10.30
Thos. Dunn + co ” 12.50
T. Thomas etal Labor. 293.90
sgd H. P. Shaw Chairman
Moved by Alderman Shaw
Seconded by ” McPhaiden
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
[Volume 6 page] 940
Health Committee
The Health committee met on Monday January 6th 1896.
Present Aldermen McPhaiden, Shaw, Brown and McDonald.
Communications
From Miss Macfie furnishing monthly report.
Filed
From the Health Inspector reporting on the unsanitary condition of Lots 21 to 28. Block 14. 196. Dupont Street and stating that a number of the shacks had fallen and advising that the Chinese be not allowed to rebuild them.
Resolved that the Fire inspector be instructed to take steps to prevent the reconstruction of the shacks that have fallen.
From J. L. Brown furnishing milk report.
Filed
From D. Poole asking to be placed on the Medical Staff of the City Hospital.
Resolved that his request be granted.
From S. A. McPherson asking not to be compelled to connect the building in rear of st. Ann’s Convent with the sewers, as the same will be turned into a school room in the spring.
Laid over.
From the secretary of the Gas Co asking that the whole of the hospital be plumbed for gas.
Filed
From Chas. Nelson, furnishing a list of the drugs used during the season and asking that the new tenders be called on that basis, also suggesting that the successful tenderer have the dispensing of all the prescriptions and that no order be given for a less amount that what
[volume 6 page] 941
is tendered on.
Resolved that the new specifications for drugs contain only those items mentioned by Mr. Nelson and that when drugs were ordered that the amount quoted in the specifications be taken but we desire that no change be made in making up prescriptions.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
Cassady + co. $3.38
M. J. Janes .70
W. J. McGuigan 10.
Geo. Brewster 2.15
H. H. Layfield 5.
G. Drysdale 5.80
C. F. Foreman 12.06
M. H. Hanes 230.40
Hugh Graham 11.25
Weeks + Robson 3.
Thos Dunn + co. 10.63
Chas. Nelson 94.30
sgd D. McPhaiden
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by ” Shaw
That the Reprt be adopted.
Carried.
Finance Committee
The Finance committee met on Friday Jan 3rd 1896.
Present Aldermen Bethune, Gallagher, Clandenning and Brown.
Communications
From the Provincial Secretary asking the
[Volume 6 page] 942
Council to pay $12.75 for sending R. D. Pitt to Old Man’s Home, Kamloops.
Resolved that he be informed that the Council did not ask to have Mr. Pitt sent to Kamloops and do not therefore consider themselves responsible for the payment of his fare.
Resolved that the Mining of the Loaning Board be ratified by Council for the years 1894 and 1895.
The Board met again on Monday January 6th 1896.
Present the full Board with the exception of Alderman Clandenning.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
News Advertiser supplies $25.95
Scoullar + co ” 1.50
C. P. Telegraph co. Telegrams
E. Bloomfield Supplies 80.
B. C. Gazette Supplies etc. 193.20
The World P + P Ads. 79.57
Con Ry + L Co Lights 107.61
sgd Alex Bethune
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by ” Shaw
That the Minutes of the Loaning Board for 1893 be included in the recommendation of the Finance Committee for ratification by Council.
Carried.
Yeas Aldermen Shaw, Gallagher, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, Sanders + Bethune.
Nays Aldermen Coupland, Queen + McDonald.
The Report as amended was adopted on motion of Alt Bethune. Seconded by Ald Sanders.
[Volume 6 page] 943
Motions
Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by ” McPhaiden
That the Local Government be asked to set aside for Vancouver for the year 1896 the sum of $6000 for the City Hospital and $1000 for the Fire Department.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Queen
Seconded by ” Brown
That the Council of the City of Vancouver take all necessary steps to oppose the granting to the Consolidated Railway + Light Company any rights or privileges to open and break up the soil and pavements of any roads or streets in the City in the event of the Company applying to the legislature as by the notice given by them shewing their intention to do so.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Brown.
Seconded by ” Bethune.
That the word “final” be struck out of each bond on the new contract for the lighting of the City; and that the words “by way of liquidated damages” be inserted in each bond after the figureees “5000”.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Brown.
Seconded by ” Queen.
That the bonds be accepted subject to the condition that similar bonds in all respects as those now deposited excepting being altered in accordance with above resolution be exchanged for them within 30 days from date.
Carried
[Volume 6 page] 944
Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by ” Clandenning.
That the thanks of this Council be extended to the Vancouver Poultry and Pet Stock Association for the kind invitation extended to Council to attend their show.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Queen.
Seconded by ” McPhaiden.
That G. Bowler be paid $10.00 for advising the Council on the electric light contract.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Brown.
Seconded by ” Bethune.
That the Western Heat and Power Co. be granted an extension of 40 days for the completion of that portion of their contract which was to be finished in 90 days.
Carried.
Yeas Alderman Queen, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, Sanders, Bethune and McDonald
Nays Aldermen Coupland, Queen + Gallagher.
Moved by Alderman Gallagher.
Seconded by ” Queen.
That Mr. Hamersley be requested to turn over to the City Treasurer all monies received by him, as commissions from the Sinking Fund in the years 1893, 1894 and 1895 and that the City Treasurer receive the same in trust for the different parties who have been charged commission by Mr. Hamersley.
Declared out of order by Mayor.
[Volume 6 page] 945
The Council then adjourned to 11 a.m. on Monday.
Henry Collins
Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan
City Clerk
