Mr. Angus MacDonald was appointed an electrical inspector (see illustration ). G. W. Thomas was appointed Cemetery Caretaker at the same salary as the previous caretaker. Delegation to attend the Private Bills Committee in Victoria with representatives from Richmond, Burnaby and South Vancouver to oppose the passage of the proposed Bill of the Consolidated Railway and Light Co in its present form, and to propose their own amendments. City Council also resolved to ask the Lieutenant Governor to “pay to the City of Vancouver out of the public moneys of the Province a certain amount towards the maintenance of .. poor and destitute persons“.
This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Krystyna Richards
Illustration: City of Vancouver Archives SGN 1716
Power poles and electrical tower
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[Volume 7 page] 53
The Council met on Monday February 17th 1896.
Present. His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Shaw, Painter, Schon, Banfield, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, MacDonald and Bethune.
The Minutes of last meeting were read, and adopted.
Communications
From A. MacDonald etal asking for the grading and sidewalking of Grove Street.
Referred to the Board of Works
From the City Clerk of New Westminster stating that the Council could amend the petition to the Government re Fraser River Bridge to suit themselves.
Laid over.
From the Hon. G. D. Martin acknowledging receipt of resolution re grant to a Woman’s Ward in the City Hospital.
Filed
From F. W. Heubach, Secretary of the Canadian North West Immigration Convention, asking for the names of the delegates to be sent to Winnipeg.
The City Clerk was instructed to inform him that it was not the intention of the City to send delegates.
From the Coroner, asking the City to provide an ambulance to convey dead or injured persons to the Hospital.
Referred to the Health Committee.
From D. Oppenheimer, asking the Council to state when a deputation could wait on the Health Committee re Lots 19 to 27. Block 14 D. L. 196.
The Clerk was instructed to notify them when the Committee would meet.
From the City Solicitor stating that he would arrange to have a judicial decision as to the
[Vol. 7 Page] 54
powers of the Council to impose a high license on shops.
Referred to the Finance Committee
From Wm. Skene, Secretary of the Board of Trade, acknowledging receipt of Special Report re smelter.
Filed
From Sam Brighouse signifying his intention to enter suit to set aside the By-Law and Agreement relating to the Electric Light Contract.
Referred to the City Solicitor.
From the Chief of Police, reporting on the electric lights.
Filed.
From George Martin, Clerk of South Vancouver, asking the City to open up Ontario and Bridge Streets to the City Boundary.
Referred to the Board of Works
From the Rev J. M. MacLeod, on behalf of Zion Church Congregation and Miss Anna E. Fraser on behalf of the Christian Endeavor protesting against amendments to the Sunday Closing By-Law.
Laid over to be considered with By-Law.
From J. E. Miller, Inland Revenue Department, asking the Council to refund $99.25 paid into the City Treasury for the proceeds of the sale of cigars seized and sold and which was to be paid Officers Butler and Purdy.
Referred to the City Solicitor.
From C. W. Murray, Secretary of the School Board asking for an audited statement of the School Board’s Accounts for the year 1895.
Referred to the Chairman of Finance Committee.
From G. R. Major etal asking for the grading and sidewalking of Broughton Streets.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From James Brown etal asking for the grading of Cypress Street.
Referred to the Board of Works.
[Vol. 7 page] 55
From W. F. Salsbury asking the Council to contribute $250 for prosecuting smelter enquiries.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From J. G. Copley, asking what prospects there would be for a smelter in Vancouver.
Referred to the Smelter Committee.
The following Reports were received and read:
Light Railway & Tramway Committee
The Light Railway and Tramway Committee met on Monday February 17th 1896.
Present. Aldermen Clandenning, Shaw, Schou and Brown.
The following account was recommended for payment:-
The Con Ry & L Co. Lights. $1621.01
Communications
From Angus MacDonald, asking to be re appointed Electrical Inspector.
Moved by Alderman Shaw.
Seconded by ” Schou
That his request be granted.
Carried.
From A. G. Thynne etal, asking for an electric light on the corner of Pender and Broughton Strs.
Laid over.
From the City Solicitor, asking that the expression “one half cent per ampere hour” in the contract with the Western Electric Light Heat & Power Co. be made more explicit.
Filed for reference.
sgd James Clandenning
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by. ” Bethune.
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
[Vol. 7 page] 56
Water and Market Committee
The Water and Market Committee met on Wednesday February 12th 1896.
Present the full Board
Communications
From G. Campbell, Secretary of the Poultry and Pet Stock Association, asking permission to store coops in the cellar of the Market.
Permission granted to store coops in loft over shed.
From the Alexandra Orphanage, asking for a rebate of past water rates, and free water in the future.
Granted as requested.
It was resolved that the City Clerk be instructed to write to the City Clerk of New Westminster for their Market regulations fees etc.
It was resolved that the Market Clerk be instructed to furnish bonds to the amount of five hundred dollars.
It was resolved to call for tenders for brass supplies lead etc required for the year.
It was resolved to amend the water works by-law to provide for inspection before turning on the water and to prevent placing taps outside that are not frost proof, and for the placing of a stop and waste cock on the premises.
It was resolved to get the lumber and proceed with the building of a house for the caretaker at the Narrows.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
News Advertiser. Supplies. $3.00
D. Beckett. Salvage on Boat. 8.
McLennan & McFeely. Supplies. 66.47
C. F. Foreman. “”. 36.23
Thos Dunn & Co. “”. 81.37
Crowder & Penzer. “”. 45.47
W. H. Armstrong. “”. 1.50
Champion & White. Scavengering. 2.25
John Boyd & Co. Supplies. 10.84
Tug Swan & Owners Towing. 12.
Robertson & Hackett. Supplies. 1.70
Johnston Kerfoot & Co. ” “. 2.00
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J. C. Woodrow. Supplies. 14.35
D. McGillivray. ” ” 210.
Con Ry & L. Co. ” ” .72
W. Hooper etal. Labor. 736.60
sgd Wm. Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by ” ” Bethune
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on February 15th 1896.
Present. The full Board.
Mr. C. Musson who applied personally for a culvert in front of his premises on Princess Street was promised that one would be put in.
Chief Carlisle applied to the Board for permission to fix Street in front of Fire Hall no 2.
It was resolved that rock to the value of $100 be allowed to be broken by hand in each ward for temporary repair purposes until the crusher is started up.
Communications
From J. W. Thorne, asking permission to put building material on Cordova Street east opposite lots 17 & 18. Block 7. D. L. 196, as he intends to build a warehouse there.
Permission granted subject to usual bond or deposit.
From H. Orr etal, asking for sewerage in Block 104,196.
Resolved that a plan of the block be prepared showing lane with a view to having same registered.
From Rand Bros. objecting to a guy pole about to be put up at the corner of Westminster Av & Hastings by the telephone Co.
The Engineer reported that the matter was settled.
[Vol 7. Page] 58
Mrs. Emma Gold’s application to put down a crossing at her own expense opposite the Albion Hotel Water Street was refused.
Petitions for the opening up of Raymur Avenue and also Boundary Avenue and sidewalks on Kiefer and Harris Streets to connect same was added to the estimates.
Petition for a six ft sidewalk on Seaton Street, South Side was also added to the estimates.
From G. Freeman complaining of logs etc piled up on his lot 32. B.96. D.L 181 Raymur Av by Tramway Co.
Resolved that the Tramway Co. be notified to have the logs etc complained of removed or burnt off.
Resolved that the Chain gang be sent to grade lane on Block 10. Sub 182 between Hastings and Princess Streets.
Resolved that the Foreman for Ward 5 be instructed to lay down a 6 foot walk on 8th Av. on the North Side from Westminster Av. to 2 Quebec Street and crossing. Also to lay W. B plank walk on Brunswick Street from 6th to 9th Av.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
J. Hughes. Express hire. $.504
Dom Express Co. 4.05
News Advertiser. Ads. 3.60
Thos. Dunn & Co. Labor. 487.
Resolved that the following Estimates for 1896 be submitted:-
Salaries. $4000
Stationery. 250
Street cleaning. 2000
Street repairs. 9000
Street Sprinkling. 300
Street Improvements. 27500
Bridge repairs. 1200
Sewer maintenance. 1000
[Vol. 7. Page] 59
Surface drains. $250
Contingencies 3000
Sewer extensions 1500
Total. $50000
sgd. H.P. Shaw
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Shaw
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Fire & Police Committee
The Fire & Police Committee met on Tuesday February 11th 1896.
Present. Alderman Coldwell, McDonald, and Shaw.
Resolved that J.H. Grady be paid $60 per month while he acts as Acting night jailer and that he be paid $70 per month when he takes charge of the Chain gang.
Communications
From Rev W. W. Baer etal protesting against the proposed amendments to the Sunday closing By-Law.
Laid over to be considered with the By-Law.
From Duncan Buie applying for a position on the Police Force.
Filed.
From the Chief of Police reporting Officer Butler having received $99.25 for making a seizure for the Customs and asking what he would do with the money.
He was instructed to pay it into the Treasury.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
James McDonald. Interpreting $150
G.T. Nelson. Supplies .30
C.F. Foreman. “ “ .50
Thos. Dunn & Co. “ “ 3.45
J.C. Woodrow. “ “ 14.01
Thos. Dunn & Co. “ “ 8.10
Cassidy & Co. “ “ 4.16
Vol. 7. Page 60
C.S. Philp. Supplies 5.58
J. Dodson. “ “ 12.20
C.F. Foreman. “ “ 35.40
Thos. Dunn & Co. “ “ 29.71
Crowder & Penzer. “ “ 137.44
Wm. Ward. Fares 15.50
A.E. Lees. Supplies 1.25
Chrs. Nelson. “ “ 14.30
A. Blayney. “ “ 14.81
sgd. C.A. Coldwell
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ “ Brown.
That the Clause fixing the salary of J.H. Grady be struck out and referred back to the Committee.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ “ McPhaiden
That the Report as amended be adopted.
Carried
Finance Commmittee
The Finance Committee met on Friday February 14th 1896.
Present. Alderman Banfield, Brown, Clandenning and Painter.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
Clarke & Stuart. Supplies. $22.81
News Advertiser. “ 5.04
Wm. Price etal. Collecting names. 25.00
The following contracts were approved and authorised to be signed and sealed by the Mayor and City Clerk:-
Bridge Street. J.D. Fraser
Printing. News Advertiser
Communications
From A. T. St. George asking the City Council to appoint an Auditor to audit the School accounts.
Filed
[Vol. 7 Page] 61
From Messrs McPhillips & Williams advising the Council to settle with V.W. Haywood for $480 less $133 paid him by Messrs Hamersley and Hamilton.
Resolved that the City Clerk be instructed to write to the Chief of Police Winnipeg and ascertain what money was paid to Haywood in connection with the Farr case.
From Thos. H. Condell, and John B. Lovell giving notice of appeal from the Court of Revision.
Referred to the Court of Revision.
From the Department of Marine and Fisheries submitting copies of applications made by Mr. S. K. Twiggs for foreshore rights on Burrard Inlet, English Bay and False Creek.
The City Clerk was instructed to write the Department a similar letter to that which was sent on the Oppenheimer application.
Resolved that the City of New Westminster and the Municipalities of Richmond, Burnaby and South Vancouver be asked to send delegates to Victoria on Tuesday’s boat to meet the Private Bills Committee on Wednesday at 11am to oppose the passage of the proposed Bill of the Consolidated Railway and Light Co in its present form.
Resolved that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the petition asking leave to present a petition approving the passage of the Bill of the Consolidated Railway and Light Co. in its present form and attach the Corporate Seal thereto.
Resolved that four Aldermen be appointed to accompany the Mayor and City Solicitor to Victoria and that Aldermen Banfield, Shaw, Clandenning and Coldwell be named to compose the delegation.
sgd. J.J. Banfield.
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Painter
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
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Under the head of unfinished business it was moved by Alderman McPhaiden.
Seconded by Alderman Banfield.
That the Council go into Committee of the Whole to ballot for the appointment of a Cemetery Caretaker.
Carried.
The Mayor was appointed Chairman.
The following applications were received for the position:-
Francis Webb, James Hughes, G. W. Thomas, James Armstrong, Peter Gray, Charles Francis Heney, W. Warburton, Geo. Buster, R. W. Hatch, Levi Moseley, A. E. Somerton, L. R. Rayne, S. Thorne, J. W. Ellis, T. Smith, C. P. Webb, J. Ravey, R. H. Macaulay, J. Hewitt, Wm. Winskell, Sr., J. T. Lawson, H. Mattock, R. Harrison, W. H. Creamer , T. C. James, J. P. McNaughton, James Edgerton, T. B. Laidley and Thos. New.
After a number of ballots was taken it was found that G. W. Thomas received a majority of the votes cast.
The Committee then rose and reported his selection.
Moved by Alderman Shaw.
Seconded by “ McPhaiden.
That G.W. Thomas be appointed Cemetery Caretaker at the same salary as the present Caretaker receives.
Carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Painter
Whereas it is doubtful whether under the provisions of Section 141A Vancouver Incorporation Amendment Act 1893 there is power to invest the Sinking Fund of the City in the purchase of City Debentures.
And whereas the Trustees of the Public Schools of Vancouver have requested a sum of money for the purpose of building additions to schools and the Council of the City are about
Vol. 7 Page 63
to consider submitting a By-Law to the ratepayers to authorize the raising of money for that purpose.
And whereas the investment of the City Sinking Fund on mortgages of farm lands is not considered satisfactory owing to the depreciation in value of the said lands.
Be it therefore resolved that the Lieutenant Governor in Council be respectfully requested to authorize the Council of the City of Vancouver to invest the Sinking Fund of the said City in the purchase of debentures issued for school purposes.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Brown.
Be it resolved that whereas application has been and is about to be again made to the Government to grant financial aid to the British Pacific Railway, the Mayor and Council of this City desire to express to the Government in the strongest possible terms that in view of the pledge given by the Premier at the time of the last loan and also in view of the present financial condition of the Promise any such grant or promise of financial aid in the future would be disastrous to the credit of the Promise as well as to the material interests of the people.
The Mayor and Council also beg to acknowledge the services rendered by the press in England and especially by the Saturday Review in exposing the impracticability of the British Pacific Railway Scheme.
Moved by Alderman Schou
Seconded by “ Brown
That that portion of the motion relating to the Saturday Review be struck out.
Carried
The motion was then carried as amended.
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Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Banfield
That whereas certain poor and destitute persons of the Province have been and will in the future have to be maintained at the cost of the City.
Be it resolved that the Lieut. Governor in Council be respectfully requested to pay to the City of Vancouver out of the public moneys of the Province a certain amount towards the maintenance of such poor and destitute persons.
Carried
Reconsideration of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman Banfield
Seconded by “ Painter
That the amendments to the Procedure By-Laws be reconsidered and finally passed.
Carried
The By-Law was accordingly reconsidered and passed.
The Council then adjourned.
