Council overturned the Board of Works’ recommendation to cancel the City’s contract for crushed rock with A. E. E. Clark. The Hon. Secretary of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wrote to ask Council for a grant of money. The Rev. E. D. McLaren asked that Mrs. Finnie, an aged lady who is in poor health, be admitted to the Woman’s Ward [of the City Hospital] where better care can be given her than she is now receiving. Council informed Mr. McLaren that “it is not the intention that the Woman’s Ward be used as an Old Woman’s Home”.
This transcript was made in 2023 by Transcribimus volunteer Lynn Shane.
Source: City of Vancouver Archives Series 31
pages 318 – 328
[Volume 8 page] 318
Vancouver May 23rd, 1898.
The Council met on Monday May 23rd 1898.
Present: Aldermen Townley, Painter, McQueen, Neelands, McPhaiden, McGuigan, Brown, Foreman, McMorran and Bruce.
Moved by Alderman Painter.
Seconded by “ McQueen.
That Alderman Brown be appointed Chairman.
Carried.
Communications
From Mayor Redfern, Chairman of the Reception Committee, Victoria inviting the Mayor and Aldermen for the 24th of May Celebrations.
Filed.
From Miss Macfie asking for full pay during her 4 months leave of absence.
Referred to the Health Committee.
From Miss Macfie asking for certain requirements at the City Hospital.
Referred to the Chairman and City Engineer to attend to.
From C.J. South, Hon. Secretary of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals asking for a grant to defray the expenses of organization.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From the Chief of Police reporting on the electric lights.
Filed.
From the Deputy Attorney General sending copy of presentment of Grand Jury re Jail requirements.
Referred to the Police Committee.
From R.H. Cooke asking for the removal of a fence built on a street fronting
[Volume 8 page] 319
on False Creek to allow access for bathing.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From A.E.E. Clark stating that he was getting ready to crush rock and asking for an extension of time to the first of June.
Filed.
From Thos. Beckett and Frank Humphrey asking for the same holidays as the nurses at the Hospital.
Laid over for motions.
From Geo Martin C.M.C. South Vancouver asking for the improvement of Centre Street South of the Bridge.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From Archie. R. Ross asking that the lane in rear of Cordova Street between Seymour and Granville Streets be cleaned up.
Referred to the Health Committee.
From C.S. South asking to be allowed to show a sample of his Asphalt Sidewalk.
Referred to the Board of Works.
The following Reports were received and read:
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on Friday May 20th 1898.
Present: the full Board.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
J.K. Sutherland Supplies .50 cts
The Mining Critic “ 12.25
Communications
From A. E. Woods stating that he had engaged the Market Hall for Friday and Saturday evenings and demanding immediate and quick possession of the said Hall failing
[Volume 8 page] 320
which he would hold the City responsible in damages that he may suffer.
Referred to the City Solicitor.
From Mayor Redfern, Victoria inviting the Mayor and Aldermen of Vancouver to be present at the Celebration of the Queen’s Birth Day on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday next.
Resolved that the invitation be acknowledged and accepted with thanks.
From the Rev. E. D. McLaren asking that Mrs. Finnie an aged lady who is in poor health, be admitted to the Woman’s Ward where better care can be given her than she is now receiving.
Resolved that Mr. McLaren be informed that the Committee regrets that they cannot recommend to Council that his suggestion be carried out as it is not the intention that the Woman’s Ward be used as an Old Woman’s Home.
A number of offers were received for blocks in different parts of the City to be used as Recreation Grounds.
Laid over, the City Clerk in the meantime to make out tabulated statements of the different offers for the information of the Aldermen.
sgd.
Jas McQueen
Chairman.
Moved by Alderman McQueen.
Seconded by “ Bruce.
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
[Volume 8 page] 321
Health Committee
The Health Committee met on Wednesday May 15th 1898.
Present: the full Board.
The following tenders were received for fencing at the Cemetery Grounds:
| Ed Hudson & Geo Brister | 20 cts per ft. |
| T.A. Brynell & S. Trenholm | 30 “ “ “ |
| John W. Oldfield | 22 “ “ “ |
Resolved that the tender of Ed Hudson and Geo Brister be recommended for acceptance.
The following accounts were recommended for acceptance:
| Chas Hach | Supplies | $370.75 |
| Dominion Fish Co. | “ | 19.90 |
| Jas Dorland | Plastering | 3.50 |
| B.C. Mills | Supplies | 2.50 |
| Thos Clough | Express | 3.00 |
| John Randis | Guard | 3.75 |
| Shelton & Co. | Supplies | 11.50 |
| Wm Wright | Nursing | 36.00 |
| J. Stevens & Son | Supplies | 2.45 |
| J. W. Oldfield | Woman’s Ward | 800.00 |
| Mrs. Hale | Supplies | 3.10 |
| J.C. Woodrow | “ | 1.28 |
| J. Dodson | “ | 25.25 |
| City Grocery Co. | “ | 88.23 |
| Pioneer Steam Laundry. | Washing | 76.17 |
| Can Gen’l Elec Co. | Supplies | 38.30 |
| Champion & White | Scavengering | 1.00 |
| D. Reith | Hauling Wood | 5.00 |
| Mining Critic | Supplies | 11.20 |
| McDowell & Co. | “ | 126.53 |
| F.A. Lee | Hack hire | 15.00 |
| J. Currell | Labor | 2. |
| M. S. Rose | Supplies | 10.25 |
| O. McDonald | “ | 55.70 |
Communications
From Miss Macfie furnishing monthly report.
Filed.
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From the City Engineer reporting that the cost of erecting a windmill etc for supplying the Cemetery with water would be $700.00
Filed for reference.
From Miss Macfie asking for certain surgical supplies for the new ward of the City Hospital.
Resolved that the Chairman be authorized to purchase the instruments required.
From the Health Inspector furnishing Report.
Filed.
From J. B. Wilkinson stating that a cannery was being erected on the shores of English Bay and asking that arrangements be made to prevent it being a nuisance.
Resolved that the City Clerk be instructed to write to Frank Barnet asking what he proposes to do.
From Stephen Strickland applying for the position of Assistant Cook at the City Hospital.
Resolved that Stephen Strickland be appointed temporary Assistant Cook at the City Hospital at a salary of $25.00 per month subject to his giving satisfaction.
From Miss Macfie, asking if all members of the staff will be entitled to a holiday of 4 weeks.
Resolved that she be informed that the resolution applies to nurses only.
Resolved that Miss Pirt be appointed to act as matron of the City Hospital during the absence of Miss Macfie and that the Chairman be authorized to engage any temporary nurses required.
Resolved that Mrs. Reith be paid $1.00 per day while she continues to cook for the patients at the Isolation Hospital.
From D. Smith complaining of stench at
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the Crematory and from the Crematory Caretaker asking for assistance.
Referred to the Chairman and Alderman Bruce and the Health Inspector.
From Dr. Robertson, Secretary of the Hospital Medical staff asking for certain requirements for the new Woman’s Ward.
Filed for reference.
From the Medical Health Officer recommending certain requirements for the Isolation Hospital.
Referred to the Chairman and the Health Inspector to report on what is required.
Sgd W.J. McGuigan
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McGuigan.
Seconded by “ Foreman.
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on the 19th of May 1898.
Present: the full Board.
Communications
From Parr & Fee, Architects, submitting plans for Jonathan Rogers Block to be erected on Lot 23. Block 11. 541.
Mr. Parr was informed that the plans would be approved subject to his increasing the size of the brick walls to the approval of the City Engineer to the dimensions called for by the Fire Limit By-Law.
From Parr & Fee submitting plan for proposed area for Thomson Bros Block under sidewalk, Hastings St.
Plan approved subject to the owner giving
[Volume 8 page] 324
a bond in $1000 indemnifying the City against accidents etc and the work and construction being carried out to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
From C.R. Oldershaw, Architect for B.T. Rogers Block, Alexander St., submitting plans for a three story brick warehouse.
The plans were approved being in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Limit By-Law.
From the Hudsons Bay Co etal asking for a full width new walk on Water Street in front of their respective blocks.
Laid over until the wood block pavement is laid.
From W.H. Malkin asking that Davie Street be graded from Nicola to Broughton and Broughton from Davie to the lane.
Laid over.
From J.B. Lovell asking for information as to Commutation Clause in relation to the paving of Water St.
Resolved that the City Clerk be requested to give him the information.
From A. McKelvie and others asking that the sidewalk on 11th Av. be continued 2 blocks west.
Laid over.
From J. Mason etal asking for improvements on 11th Ave.
Laid over.
From J. Norborn asking for improvements on Broughton St.
Laid over.
From J.H. Woodworth in reference to certain boats refusing to remove from the City Slip foot of Gore Av.
Resolved that the Chief of Police be notified to have the City Slip kept clear and that the City Engineer be authorized to have
[Volume 8 page] 325
notices put up stating that the City requires the Slip for its own uses and take steps to have the gate fixed and prevent parties owning boats from tying up there.
From A.C. Bassett, San Luis Obispo, Cal. sending sample of bituminous rock referred to in his letter of April 29th 1898.
Resolved that he be informed that the matter is under consideration.
Resolved that the City Engineer be instructed to have the old wooden sewer on Alexander Street replaced with tile pile prior to the wood block paving and also the sewer fixed in lane in rear of Thomson Bros. premises Pender St., the cost for the former to come out of the contingencies for the present, and the latter out of the appropriation for Sewers in which it was provided for.
Resolved that the City purchase from Messers Armstrong & Morrison such of the Bituminous Rock at the City Yard as the City Engineer recommends the City to purchase at the rate of $8.00 per ton of 2000 lbs.
Resolved that the City Council be recommended to put a By-Law before the people in the sum of $12,000 for a City Wharf and warehouse at the foot of Heatley Av.
Resolved that the following streets be watered under the Street Watering By-Law:
Hastings St. from Westminster Av. to Granville St.
Cordova “ “ “ “ “
Carrall St. “ Water St. to Dupont St.
Resolved that the Ward appropriations for Street improvements and repairs be as follows:
[Volume 8 page] 326
Ward 1 $11000
“ 2 7000
“ 3 5500
“ 4 8900
“ 5 11000
Resolved that as the Contractor for crushed rock A.E.E. Clark has failed to deliver the first quantity of crushed rock required by the City within one month of the execution of the Contract – namely by the 19th day of May 1898 as agreed to by [her] so to do, notice be given to the Contractor that the Contract is terminated and that tenders be called for the supply of crushed rock in accordance with the specifications already adopted by the Board of Works such tenders to be sent in by the 2nd of June 1898.
Mrs. Mackenzie interviewed the Board in reference to permission to build a shed in rear of her premises on Dupont Street.
Laid over.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
| C.P.R. Co. | Supplies | $19.75 |
| B.C. Mills | “ | 469.84 |
| Robertson & Hackett | “ | 234.43 |
Sgd A.J. Painter
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Painter.
Seconded by “ McMorran
That the Report be adopted with the exception of the clause in relation to the cancelling of the Rock Crushing Contract.
Moved in amendment by Alderman McQueen.
Seconded by Alderman Neelands.
That the Clause in reference to an appropriation of $12000 for Heatley Av. Wharf be struck out.
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Amendment ‘lost’ motion carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman MacGuigan.
Seconded by “ Foreman.
That the following accounts be paid [for] to quarantine guards:
| Fred Hanna | 22.00 |
| L. White | 21.00 |
| A. McPaul | 22.00 |
| Nicol [McPaul] Allan | 22. |
| B. Haywood | 18. |
| J.J. Owens | 21. |
Carried.
Moved by Alderman McGuigan.
Seconded by. “ McMorran
That Thos Beckett and Frank Humphrey be allowed annually a holiday of 30 days each.
Carried.
Reconsideration of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman McQueen.
Seconded by. “ Painter.
That the By-Law to fix the polling places, the time etc for taking the votes of the electors on the Smelter By-Law be reconsidered and finally passed and be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and the Corporate Seal affixed thereto.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Painter.
Seconded by “ Bruce.
That the By-Law to amend the Street Numbering By-Law be reconsidered and finally passed and be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and the Corporate Seal affixed thereto.
Carried.
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The Council then adjourned.
James F. Garden
Mayor
May 30/98
Thos. F. McGuigan
City Clerk
