Council met with Mr. Imrie Bell to discuss the proposed graving dock (drydock). Bank of BC confirmed that the investors were good for the amount required. Mr. Bell agreed that after the completion of the project no Chinese workers would be employed. (The Vancouver Labour Council had also requested to Council that no Chinese labour be employed during the building of the project, either, but they did not gain that point). Mr. Bell also told Council he would strongly recommend to his Company that Council have a representative on the Board of Directors.
This transcript was made in 2016 by Transcribimus volunteer Anonymous
and sponsored by Shirley Barnett
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 4 page 190 only
[Vol 4 pg 190]
Vancouver January 14th 1891
A Special Meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday January 14th 1891 for the purpose of meeting Mr. Imrie Bell to discuss matters in connection with the proposed graving dock.
Present His Worship the Mayor, and Aldermen Carroll, Brighouse, Godfrey, Hobson, Templeton, Brown, McDowell, Doering and de Pencier, also Mr. Imrie Bell and the City Solicitors.
His Worship the mayor opened the proceedings by introducing Mr. Imrie Bell.
The City Clerk read a resolution passed by the Council on January 27th 1890 whereby the Mayor was empowered to enter into negotiations with the Dominion and Imperial Governments and with any individuals or companies who may desire to undertake the erection of a dry dock and make such arrangements with them as may lead to its early construction.
A letter was read from J. Cooper Keith Manager of the Bank of B.C. stating that he had cabled to ascertain the financial standing of Messrs Perry, Cuthill, De Longo & Co and they were good for the amount proposed to be expended.
Mr. Bell agreed to have a clause inserted in the Agreement to the effect that after the completion of the works no Chinese would be employed.
He would also strongly recommend to his Company that the City should have a representative on the Board of Directors.
No further promises were given.
The Council then adjourned.
Thos. F. McGuigan, City Clerk
D. Oppenheimer, Mayor
