Order in Council has been passed permitting bridges across False Creek and Coal Harbour. Bank of Montréal to purchase debentures of $150,000. Shows confidence in the future prospects of the city. H Buster to receive license for day and night scavenger. Space between City Wharf and railway to be a temporary dump. Meeting with sports groups to discuss a proper field. Mayor to appoint a committee to consider a bylaw for street railway.
This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland
and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 304 – 319
[vol2 page 304]
Vancouver May 7th 1888
The Council met on Monday May 7, 1888 at 7:30 P. M.
Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Brighouse, Couth, Dougall, Humphries, Lefevre, Mannion and Oppenheimer.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From Wm. Sinty asking for the position of Immigration Agent. Referred to Immigration Committee.
From R. J. Harvey, Secretary of the Vancouver Foot Ball Clerk asking that a representative from the Council be at their meeting on Wednesday evening May 10 at 8. P. M. Clerk instructed to reply.
From John Devine, City Auditor declining the proposed increase in his Salary. Filed.
From A. Gobeil informing Council that an Order-in-Council had been passed permitting the City to erect bridges across False Creek and Coal Harbour. Referred to City Solicitor.
[vol2 page 305]
From H. Abbott Eng, declining to sell a Block South of Hastings Street for a Market ground. Filed.
From H. E. Croasdaile and R. G. Tatlow in reference to the rent of Mr. [unreadable] office. Referred to Finance Committee.
From John Rankin and others re Canvas Awnings. Referred to Board of Works
From J. R. Luiton re Wharf at foot of Columbia Avenue. Referred to Board of Works.
From D. L. Beckingsale, Secretary of School Trustees, asking for an increase of Salary for Miss. Murchie. Referred to Finance Committee.
From Health Inspector, Submitting Report for April. Filed.
From C. H. Temple et al asking that Davie Street and Richards Street be opened up. Referred to Board of Works.
From Vancouver Iron Works Co. et al asking for the planking of gravelling of Heatley Avenue. Referred to the Board of Works.
From His Worship, Mayor Bate
[vol2 page 306]
Nanaimo inviting the Mayor and Council to that City on May 24th 1888.
Accounts
The following accounts were read and referred to their proper Committees.
H. Arkell, feed, $7.90
H. E. Croasdaile, Rent 28.00
Geos: Baldwin 1.75
Vancouver Herald 9.50
Brunette Saw Mill Co. 53 cts
Palmer Bros. 24.00
A. J. Marks 18.00
Charles Jordan 5.00
Jos Hooper 11.25
McLennan & McFeely 61.40
H. Arkell 2.50
A. Godfrey & Co. 84.00
D. L. Beckingsale 10.00
Frank Baker 8.00
W. C. Marshall 4.00
Thomas Penny 3.00
D. McCallum 18.50
J. H. Carlisle 8.75
Vancouver Carriage Works 4.22
C. M. Hawley 7.00
Hayes & McIntosh 31.76
Van Valkenburgh & Co. 19.70
H. McDowell & Co. 51.33
Vancouver Wine Co. 6.50
F. W. Hart 49.25
Thomson Bros. 15.25
Russell, McDonald & Co. 10.50
Vancouver Electric Ill Co. 192.75
H. Berry & Co. 5.00
[vol2 page 307]
Telephone Co. 8.00
S. T. Tillery 37.70
Hastings Saw Mill Co. 11.00
Robert Robertson 64.00
Aaron Goldstein 3.25
Mr. Sweeney 1.50
Wm. Dufour & Co. 90.00
Joseph Brown 4.00
Silverman & Robin 34.25
A. C. Thicke 2.35
John Scuitto 30.26
Thos. Dunn & Co. 60.85
D. McCallum 50 cts
Vancouver Boating Clerk 671.34
B. I. F. B. Co. 20.00
C. P. Telegraph Co. 3.65
E. H. Allbee 1.70
T. F. Woodaman 165.00
H. Comacher 2.00
John Lovelt 19.00
Dunn & Ferguson 11.20
John Scuitto 4.00
W. Beavers 28.00
F. X. Martin 389.63
R. Mathison 7.00
Reports
Finance No.
The Finance Committee met on Friday May 4 and Saturday May 5 1888 and beg to recommend that the City Clerk be instructed to communicate with the Provincial Secretary with a view of Ascertaining the intentions of the Govern
[vol2 page 308]
ment regarding the sending of exhibits from this Province to the Industrial Exhibition, Toronto.
We have taken into consideration the resolution from the Board of Trade, urging the City Council to make some provision for providing better accommodation for Immigrants and would recommend that a Sum be voted for that purpose.
We also recommend (1) That the City Clerk and City Treasurer be paid forty dollars each for extra services for compiling the Tax Book. (2) That James Cooper Keith be paid the expense of a cablegram from London re Smelter Agreement amounting to $6.26.
We have received tenders from the Several Monetary institutions and financial agents in this City for the purchase of the proposed issue of debentures of $150,000 and beg to recommend the acceptance of that of the Bond of Montreal, whose tender is:-
If payable in London 104 for debentures of 100 and if payable in Vancouver $102.00 for debentures of $100.00
After due consideration we consider the latter the most favourable arrangement for the City and would therefore recommend its acceptance and would add that the figure that this loan has been negotiated should be a source of satisfaction to the ratepayers as it shows in a most
[vol2 page 309]
Unequivocal manner the great confidence that is felt in the prosperity and future prospects of our City.
Sgd., R. H. Alexander, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Mannion seconded by Alderman Lefevre. That the Report of the Finance Committee be adopted. Carried.
Health No.
The Board of Health met on Friday April 27th 1888 and beg to recommend that a License for day and night scavenger be awarded to H. Buster upon his complying with the Health By-Law in that respect.
We recommend that By-Law No 50 be amended by adding two clauses there to providing for the erection of privies as set forth in said amendments.
Sgd., J. M. Lefevre, Chairman
The Health Committee met on Friday May 4th 1888 and beg to recommend the payment of the following accounts:-
Thomas Lynan $5.00
F. C. Birks 10.68
We recommend that the space between the City Wharf and the railway track be selected as a temporary dumping ground and that the Health Inspector be empowered to make the best arrangements.
[vol2 page 310]
possible with the lessees of said wharf for the privilege of using same. We also recommend that the Board of Works take into immediate consideration the advisability of draining the low places in the inhabited portions of the City as their present condition is dangerous to the public health.
Sgd., J. M. Lefevre, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Lefevre seconded by Alderman Brighouse. That the report of the Board of Health, be adopted. Carried.
Fire, Water & Light: No.
The Fire, Water and Light Committee met on Thursday April 26th 1888 and recommend that the Chairman of this Committee be appointed to wait on Mr. Brown, freight agent, with a view of getting more favourable rates on the fire engine, also that he select a site for a tank in the vicinity of the foundry and report to this Committee.
Sgd., J. Humphries, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Lefevre seconded by Alderman Dougall. That the report of the Fire, Water and Light Committee be adopted. Carried.
[vol2 page 311]
Works No.
The Board of Works met on Friday April 27th 1888 and beg to report that the following tenders have been received for street improvements:
For Drake Street;
McKay & Culby,
Grading etc per ft; 80 cts
Log Culverts per ft; 10 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 16.00
R. H. Coumacher,
Grading etc per ft; 53 cts
Log Culverts per ft; 7 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 17.00
McDonald & Cameron,
Grading etc per ft; 64 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 17.00
Boyd and Clandening,
Grading etc per ft; 68 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 17.00
For Pender Street;
Stephenson & McCraney,
Grading etc per ft; 73 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 17.00
James Stewart,
Grading etc per ft; 75 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 18.00
Boyd & Clandening,
Grading per ft; 62 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 17.00
McDonald & Cameron,
Grading per ft; 62 cts
Box Culverts per m ft; 17.00
[vol2 page 312]
For Seaton Street,
McDonald & Cameron,
Grading per ft. $1.20
Cribbing per ft. 12 cts
Bridge per m ft. 16.50
Box Culverts per m ft. 17.00
Stephenson & McCraney,
Grading per ft. $1.24
Cedar logs in position per ft. 9 cts
Iron drift bolts per lb 15 cts
Box Culverts per m ft. 17.00
Bridge [unreadable] per m ft. 20.00
H. Coumacher,
Grading per ft. $1.43
Cedar logs per ft. 7 cts
Bridges & Culvers per m ft. 18.00
Boyd and Clandening,
Grading per ft. 66 cts
Crib timber per ft. 10 cts
Bridge timber per m ft. 18.00
We recommend that the contract for the improvement of Drake Street be awarded to R. H. Connacher, Pender Street to McDonald & Cameron and Seaton Street to Stephenson & McCraney and that crib work be constructed across the gulley on Seaton Street instead of a bridge, and filled in with earth.
We have received the communication of Mr. A. G. Ferguson regarding the construction of a Street railway and have laid the matter over till next meeting.
Mr. Fripp, Architect has submitted a plan of the proposed fire hall inside measurement 34 x 25 with a tower at one side, which
[vol2 page 313]
can be furnished throughout at a probable cost of $1,600.00 and with the upstairs left in the rough for $1,400.00.
We recommend that the latter be erected and that the City Clerk be instructed to call for tenders forthwith in accordance with plans submitted.
We further recommend (1) That the following accounts be recommended for payment:-
(1) James Stanford on account of Hospital $700.00
Harry Blyth et al Street work 102.00
(2) That A. E. McCartney, Architect, be empowered to call for tenders for the painting of the City Hospital and to select a location for a well on the hospital grounds and report to this Committee.
(3) That no action be taken regarding the communication of A. Gobeil in reference to plans for the construction of bridges across the Fraser River, the same being outside the City Limits, nor in reference to the communication of F. W. Hart, for the repairing the road to the cemetery for the same reason.
(4) That no further action be taken in the matter of Street improvements until the Finance Committee make arrangements for funds to carry on the .
(5) That Mr. A. M Beattie be refused permission to raise his building on Cordova Street, same being an infringement of the fire limit by laws.
[vol2 page 314]
(6) That the City Engineer be instructed to raise his building to get plans from the Water Works Co. and Gas Co showing the location of the pipes they propose laying in the different sheets to prevent conflicting.
Sgd., H. Bell-Irving, Chairman
Works No.
The Board of Works met on Saturday May 5th 1888 and beg to recommend that tenders be called for the following street improvements:-
(1) Seymour Street from Georgia Street to Robson Street.
(2) Sidewalking and planking Abbott Street from Water Street to the Railway Tract.
(3) Beach Avenue from Granville Street to join Section 5, Park Road, 20 ft. wide.
We recommend that the time be extended for receiving tenders for the construction of the new fire hall until May 11th 1888, and that new specifications be prepared and tenders again called for the painting of the City Hospital.
We have instructed the City Engineer to examine and report upon the following:-
(1) On the petition of Chas. Chamberlin for the improvement of Nelson Street from Granville Street to Hornby Street and Howe Street from Nelson Street to Helmcken Street.
[vol2 page 315]
(2) On the most necessary location for surface drains.
(3) On the position of the pipes of the Vancouver Water Works Co.
(4) On the improvement of Prior Street from Westminster Avenue to the tank on said street.
F. C. Innes has petitioned this Board to lower the grade of the sidewalk on Hastings Street opposite Block 1, District Lot 541.
We recommend that no alterations be made as all the sidewalks are now laid to their proper grade.
The Street railway question has again been considered by this Board.
We have decided to refer the matter back to Council to be taken up and discussed in Committee of the Whole.
Sgd., H. Bell-Irving, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Lefevre seconded by Alderman Mannion. That the report of the Board of Works be adopted. Carried.
By-Laws.
Moved by Alderman Bell-Irving seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That the rules be suspended and leave granted to introduce a By-Law to authorize the construction of Street Railway in the City. Carried.
[vol2 page 316]
The By-Law was then read a first time.
A By-Law to make certain amendments to By-Laws Nos. 7 & 50 was introduced and read a first time on motion of Alderman Bell-Irving.
Alderman Humphries moved that the Dog Tax By-Law be read a second time. Carried.
Motions.
Moved by Alderman Alexander seconded by Alderman Bell-Irving. That Mr. E. Mohun’s accounts amounting to $48.36 and $66.24 be paid. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Alexander seconded by Alderman Lefevre. That $250.00 be donated by Council towards constructing Immigrant sheds in this City. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Brighouse seconded by Alderman Lefevre. That the City Treasurer be instructed to pay to F. C. Birks $25.00 for Services connected with the City Hospital in April. Carried.
[vol2 page 317]
Moved by Alderman Humphries seconded by Alderman Couth. That Mayor Bates invitation be accepted and that a Committee to consist of the Mover and Seconder be appointed to make arrangements for an excursion to Nanaimo on the Queen’s Birthday. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Humphries seconded by Alderman Couth. That the Board of Works be empowered to build a tank on the corner of Powell Street and Heatley Avenue and that tenders be called for forthwith. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Oppenheimer seconded by Alderman Humphries. That the Board of Works be empowered to build Seaton Street full length. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Alexander seconded by Alderman Bell-Irving. That the City Solicitor be instructed to apply to the Supreme Court of this Province for an order appointing Thomas Dunn, James Leaney and E. White, Commissioners to value that portion of the Lot of John Nicholson at the intersection of Alexander & Powell Streets in this City about
[vol2 page 318]
to be expropriated by this City. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Humphries seconded by Alderman Brighouse. That the City Treasurer be instructed to pay F. X. Martin’s account of $306.82 for groceries supplied City Hospital. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Humphries seconded by Alderman Mannion. That the City Treasurer be authorized to pay freight charges on engine amounting to $315.40. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Alexander seconded by Alderman Lefevre. That a Committee be appointed to meet the Committees of the different Athletic Clubs on Wednesday night to confer with them as to a proper field for sports such Committee to consist of His Worship, the Mayor, Aldermen Alexander, Lefevre and Humphries. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Bell-Irving seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That Messrs Stephenson & McCraney be awarded the contract for the improvement of Seaton Street. Carried.
[vol2 page 319]
Moved by Alderman Bell-Irving seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That tenders be called for the planking of Heatley Avenue from Powell Street to the track, Sixteen feet wide. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Bell-Irving seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That His Worship, the Mayor appoint a Committee to consider the By-Law relating to street railway in order to report at our next meeting of Council. Carried.
The Committee appointed were His Worship, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving and Mannion.
Moved by Alderman Brighouse seconded by Alderman Dougall. That the City Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Abbott, General Superintendent C. P. R Co and urge the wish of this Council that the Sunday passenger train between this City and New Westminster should be recommended as a great public convenience would be served thereby. Carried.
The Council then adjourned.
D. Oppenheimer, Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan, City Clerk
