“That Mr. A. M. Beattie not having paid the rent agreed…” the City terminated his lease of the Market, and authorized the City Solicitor to take steps to recover the missing rent. By-Laws were introduced to sell certain lands to the Vancouver Improvement Company, to convey a parcel of land to the C. P. R and to arrange voting on these above two matters. An agreement with the Western Electright Light Heat and Power Company to light the city for ten years also reached third reading.
This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Gerald Soon
Illustration City of Vancouver Archives
Bu P713 – Vancouver Market, R.V. Winch, Prop[rietor] 1888 [20 Cordova Street]
Original handwritten minutes: City of Vancouver Archives
S 31 Volume 6 pages 849 – 864
To see or download photos of handwritten minutes, click on the buttons below (4 parts):
[Volume 6 page] 849
Vancouver November 25th 1895
The Council met on Monday November 25th 1895.
Present – His Worship, the Mayor and Aldermen Shaw, Coupland, Gallagher, Queen, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, Sanders, Bethune and McDonald.
The Minutes of last regular and special meetings were read and adopted.
Communications
From the Chief of Police reporting on the electric lights.
Filed
From W. Walker, Victoria stating that he would be in a position to quote prices for coal in about a week.
Filed.
From Geo Campbell asking for the use of the Market Hall for a poultry show.
Referred to the F. M & P. Committee
From Wm Smith, Deputy Minister of Marine stating that no foreshore rights could be granted over English Bay to the City except with the consent of owners of the property adjoining same.
Filed
From J.A. Anderson complaining about the Coroner in regard to dead bodies.
Filed
From the Gas Company and Geo DeWolf asking for an opportunity to tender for the lighting of the City.
Referred to the Water & Light Committee
From R.D. Kinnond & Co asking the City to purchase part of Lot 2. Block 120. D.K. 301 in rear of the old school Mt. Pleasant.
Referred to the School Trustees
[Volume 6 page] 850
From the Chief of Police pointing out defects in the opium By-Law and Market By-Law.
Referred to the F.M. & P. Committee
From the City Solicitor stating that he had written to the Market Sureties and that they decided to wait until the return of Mr. Beattie.
He referred the Council to the advice given in his last letter to them. Laid over
From Geo DeWolf etal asking that tenders be called for lighting the City before any contract is awarded.
Referred to the Water & Light Committee
From the License Inspector stating that the Insurance Agents had refused to pay their License until a test was made of the reservoir.
Filed
From D.M. Linnard etal asking for a sidewalk on Broughton Street.
Referred to the Board of Works.
The following Reports were received and read:-
Special Committee
The Special Committee appointed by the Council to whom was referred the communication received from the Hon, the Provincial Secretary regarding the Salary of the Police Magistrate beg leave to submit the following Report:-
Vancouver B.C. Nov 25th 1895
The Hon James Baker
Provincial Secretary
Victoria, BC
Sir, Referring to your communication of October 28th back with re Stipend of Police Magistrate, the Council
[Volume 5 page] 851
is of the opinion that neither the duties of the office nor the financial condition of the City warrant the payment of the sum named by the Government.
As regards the salary and the work performed the following figures would seem to confirm the contribution of the Council!
Year Fines collected Magistrate Salary
1889 $4,445. $1000
1890 5375.55 1500
1891 5465.10 1500
1892 3,755.10 1625 7 mos st $125
5 “ “ 150
1893 3,206.50 1800
1894 2,854.70 1800
Now by comparing the years 1890 and 1894 it will be found that for every dollar paid salary in the former year $4.25 was received by the City in fines while in the latter year only $1.55 was paid in and with the same salary as 1890 the fines would only have amounted to about $1.90.
This comparison may not exactly represent the amount of work performed in those years by the Police Magistrate still it may fairly be taken as a close approximation and shows that with an increase of salary there has been a decrease in the work done. Had the Magistrate’s salary been within the control of the Council it certainly would have been reduced before this.
Again the whole time of the Police Magistrate is not taken up with the duties of the office. Two hours daily is a full average of the time which he gives to the services of the City and computed at his present salary is about equal to $8 per day $3 per hour of $6.00 per day of two hours and equal to the wages of three men at $2.00 per day of nine hours.
[Volume 6 page] 852
This is either hard times for the working man or a soft thing for the Police Magistrate
Nor is this all, besides this more than liberal salary from the City the Police Magistrate is given the privilege by the Government of presiding at the Small Debts Court. By way of supplementing his income.
Add to that the enrolments derived from a law practise and he will not have to worry much about where his bread and butter will come from.
The business done in the police court does not require any very high order of intelligence Vags and Drunks are the Chief material which have to be dealt with and good sound sense is a better equipment for a Police Magistrate than legal lore.
The same may be said in respect to the City By-Laws, which ought to be and are made so plain that those who read can understand. What need then is there for a high priced official to do very ordinary work which many competent men would willingly do for less money. Unfortunately the City has been despoiled of the right of naming the salary of the Police Magistrate of even saying who he shall be although taxed for his services, a method of managing civic affairs neither in harmony with the age not the principal of popular government.
All that is left for the Council is to protect in the name of the Citizens against what its regards as an unnecessary waste of civic funds and hopes that the time is not far distant when the citizens shall be permitted to manage their own affairs in their own way.
[Volume 6 page] 853
Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by “ Sanders
That a clause be added to the Report asking that the Salary be fixed at $1200 per annum.
Carried
Moved by Alderman Shaw
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That the Report as amended be adopted.
Carried
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on November 15th and 22nd
Present the full Board.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
News.Advertiser Supplies $14.85
Carswell & Co. “ 2.
Cassady & Co. “ 3.35
Scoullar & Co “ 45.85
S.A. Wye Repairs 5.70
John Currell “ 50
News.Advertiser Supplies 14.15
Harris & McNeill Law Costs 73.19
Resolved that the contract of Messrs McCurdie & Dickie for the construction of a sidewalk on Denman Street be approved.
Resolved that the Park Commissioners be informed that the Finance Committee has no money to grant to them this year beyond what has already been given
Communicatons
From E.J. Roome asking the City to purchase two maps.
Referred to next years Council
From W.E. Graveley asking for the
[Volume 6 page] 854
renewal of the insurance on Fire hall No.1
Laid over
Resolved that the License Inspector be instructed to collect the insurance licenses
Sgd Alex Bethune
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ Brown
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
Water & Light Committee
The Water & Light Committee met on Wednesday November 15th 1895
Present – Aldermen Brown, Bethune, Clandenning & Coupland
Capt Logan waited upon the Board asking to have a monthly rate fixed for the meter readings for the past three months
Referred to the City Engineer
Mr Morrison waited upon the Board asking for reduction in rate for water used on Street paving.
It was resolved that Mr Morrison be charged $70.00 for water used in this contract.
Resolved that D.K. Campbell be paid the balance due him on his contract for laying the submerged main across the narrows.
Communications
From the Western Electric Heat & Power Co accepting the offer of the City Council of Sept 9th for lighting the City.
Filed for reference
From the Park Commissioners asking for $100 to put the Park Road in repair at the water pipe line
This work has been attended since letter was written
[Volume 6 page] 855
From G.W. Hobson, Secretary of the Board of Underwriters notifying the Council that license will be paid from July 1st and asking to have a test made of the pressure from the Reservoir.
Date of test will be given at a future line of which Mr Hobson will be notified
From the Harbour Master asking if the Council have obtained permission to erect bridge for water pipe across Coal Harbour.
The Committee did not consider this navigable water and considered that the permission granted for traffic bridge was sufficient.
From F.S. Barnard asking the Council to call for tenders for Street Lights and protesting against a contract being let without calling for tenders.
Filed
From F.S. Bernard refusing to make any reductions in the price of Street Lights unless a contract is entered into with him.
Filed
From Wm Hamilton asking for a monthly water rate on Leland Hotel.
Laid Over
From Alfred Whitaker asking for light on the corner of 13th Av & Ontario Street.
Laid over till arrangements are made for Street Lighting
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
Boyd & Co. supplies $3.88
Crowder & Penzer “ 11.66
Con Ry & L. Co Lights 1686.08
Hooper et al Labor 727.20
Clarke & Stuart Supplies 1.60
Evans – Coleman & Evans “ 9.00
[Volume 6 page] 856
David Wilson Supplies $11.40
C. Nelson “ 2.
McLennan & McFeely “ 3.40
C. Nelson “ 1.50
C.F. Foreman “ 10.47
Crowder & Penzer 18.28
Gilley Bros “ 10.
Clarke & Stuart “ 4.38
Thos Dunn & Co “ 3.
Wm Vernen Diving Gear 60
Can Gen’l Elec Co 1.25
Tug Swan & Crowners 12.00
J. Ellison 1.00
sgd Wm Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Report be adopted
Carried
Health Committee
The Health Committee met on Wednesday November 20th 1895
Present – Aldermen McPhaiden, Shaw, Brown and McDonald
Communications
From Robert Marrion calling attention to the ruling of the Magistrate in the Case of the City vs Gallagher. In the first place he gave him notice to connect with the Sewers on the 18th of October such connection to be made by the 30th.
When this was not done he sent him another notice. The Magistrate ruled that by sending the second notice Mr Gallagher was exonerated Mr Marrion wanted an expression of opinion
[Volume 6 page] 857
for his guidance in the future.
Resolved that the Health Inspector be guided by the finding of the Magistrate in the matter and that in future when he lays an information that he consult the City Solicitor before giving an extension of time
From W.F. Peterson, U.S. Consul acknowledging the receipt of a communication from the City Clerk regarding the collection of the amount due the City from Joseph Blum and stating that an effort would be made to collect same. Filed
From Mason & Co asking for time to connect the premised of F.D. Boucher on Nelson Street with the sewers
Resolved that the City Solicitor be handed the note of John Montgomery for collection paid note being due on Dec 1st 1895.
The following tenders were received for constructing a verandah on the east side of the old hospital
D.J. McPhalen $49
R.H. Cooke 45
H.A. Bill 43
Baynes & Horie 32
Resolved that the tender of Baynes & Horie be recommended by acceptance
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
D. Bell-Irving Post Mortem $28.00
International Ice & Storage Co Supplies 7.15
Geo Bricker Labor 2.15
Mr Nottle “ 2.00
J. Stevens & Son Supplies .60
News.Advertiser “ 5.85
W.J. McGuigan Inquests 15.00
[Volume 6 page] 858
Crowder & Penzer Supplies $53.92
C.S. Philp “ 10.30
Champion & White Scavengering 3.
Central Fish Market Supplies 8.97
Hastings Saw Mill Co. “ 2.00
J. Dodson “ 10.37
Central Fish Market “ 3.85
C.F. Foreman “ 58.01
Thos Dunn & Co. “ 5.40
Sgd D. McPhaiden
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on the 22nd of November 1895
Present – Alderman Shaw, McPhaiden, Sanders & McDonald
Communications
From McLennan & McFeely submitting an order from Messrs McCurdie & Dickie contractors for the Denman Street trail for $13.90 asking that some be held back from contract price
Filed for reference
From T.O Townley asking for a crossing at Seaton Street
Referred to the Ward foreman to do what he can
From A.S. Ross complaining of the earth in the lane back of the Lefevre Block.
Resolved that he be informed that the Contractor has been notified to remove the earth.
Resolved that this Board recommends that 2 pair of rubber boots be provided for the use of the men flushing the sewers at the same contract price that the rubber boots
[Volume 6 page] 859
are being got from Mr McConnell for the firemen, said boots to be kept at the City Hall when not in use.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
J Watt & Co Haro Street $89.19
Dunn & Co 6.00
E. Shurgold 1.50
Cassady & Co 78.57
Wm Ralph 2.95
Evans. Coleman & Evans 3.00
Thomas etal 339.05
sgd H. P. Shaw
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Shaw
Seconded by “ Bethune
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
Fire Market & Police Committee
The Fire, Market & Police Committee met on Thursday, November 14th 1895
Present – the full Board
The following tenders were received and opened:-
Pants
Wm Murphy $6.00 & $6.50 per pair
Mortimore Bros 5.00 “ “
Rubber Coats
R. A. Muskit Rubber Coats $1.90 each
“ “ “ Sewn Seam, 2.75 “
A.E. Lees Gum Seam Coat $20.70 per doz
“ “ Sewed “ “ 30. “ “
“ “ Laid in drill 33.75 “ “
G. R. Gordon Black Rubber Coats 5.90 each
[Volume 6 page] 860
Rubber Boots $4.25
R.A. Muskit Long boots 5.
“ “ Snaq 4.
“ “ “ hip $3.75
“ Short snaq 290
G.L.Allan. Knee Boots 4.00
“ “ Wool lined 3.25
Mackintoshes
R.A. Muskell Blue Melton $13.51
“ “ Blue Melton $10.50
G. R. Gordon Blue Mackintosh 12.50
All Laid Over.
Communications
From A. Blayney quoting prices for Coal by the car load lots as follows:-
Stove Coal $8.85 per ton
Nut “ $7.10 “ “ Laid over
From Gray & Robertson asking for a least of the Market Hall.
Laid over
The following accounts were recommended for payment:-
E.A. Harris Horse hire $4.00
C. Nelson Supplies 16.28
Dunn & Co “ 3.81
C.F. Foreman “ 72
S. James Interpreting 5.00
Wm Davis Labor 1.00
Thurston & Son Supplies 1.00
C.S. Phipp “ 3.75
J.C.Woodrow “ 12.82
J.Dodson “ 9.10
[Volume 6 page] 861
Crowder & Penzer Supplies 127.50
A. Blayney “ 10.
C.F. Foreman “ 6.98
McLennan & McFeely “ 3.15
J. Carnahan “ 1.00
C. Nelson “ .40
J. Carnahan “ 1.00
C. Hack “ 10.40
Oppenheimer Bros “ 25.00
Cassady & Co “ 4.30
B.C. Iron Works Co “ 2.28
News.Advertiser “ 2.40
C.F. Foreman “ 17.75
Cope & Young “ 4.80
News.Advertiser “ 1.50
J.H. Hatch “ 1.60
The Committee met again on Friday November 15th 1895
Present – the Full Board
The tenders laid over at last meeting were again considered.
The Committee recommends that the following tenders be accepted:-
Rubber Coats A.E. Lee @ $2.81 1/4 each. Purchase 8
Macintoshes G.R Gordon @12.00 “ “ 4
Rubber Boots G.S. McConnell. 2.75 per pair “ 8 pr
“ “ G.L. Allan 3.25 “ “ 14”
Pants tender laid over for one week
Communications
From the Coroner complaining that the police were not shewing diligence in getting evidence for inquests
Referred to the Chief of Police for report
From Harvie Roberts applying for Market Clerk. Laid over
[Volume 6 page] 862
From the City Auditor certifying to the correctness of the Pound Keepers Report.
Filed
Resolved that as the Market By-Law has been declared invalid by the Courts that this Committee recommends that the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare a new By-Law
sgd W.H. Gallagher
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Coupland
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Report be adopted.
Carried
Introduction of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Rules be suspended to allow of the introduction of a By-Law to License and regulate plumbers, etc. Carried
The By-Law was introduced and read a first time in motion of Alderman McPhaiden, Seconded by Alderman Queen
Moved by Alderman Brown.
Seconded by “ Bethune
That the following By-Laws be introduced and read a first time and that the Rules be suspended to allow the reading of same:-
(1) A By-Law to authorize the sale and conveyance of certain lands hereinafter described to the Vancouver Improvement Company
(2) A By-Law to authorize the conveyance to the Canadian Pacific Railway Company of a certain parcel of land hereinafter described.
(3) A By-Law to fix the polling places, the time etc
[Volume 6 page] 863
For taking the votes of the electors in the By-Laws above mentioned.
These By-Laws were accordingly read a first time.
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Rules be suspended to allow of the introduction of a By-Law to authorize a certain agreement between the Corporation of the City of Vancouver and the Western Electric Light Heat & Power Company Limited Liability
Carried
The By-Law was introduced and read a first time on motion of Alderman Brown, Seconded by Alderman Queen.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Coupland
Seconded by “ Gallagher
That Mr. Davis be instructed to collect the insurance tax for the six months ending December 1895 Carried.
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Brown
That Mr. A.M. Beattie not having paid the rent agreed by him to be paid under the terms of the lease of the Market Hall that the term of the lease is hereby terminated and notice be given to Mr Beattie to that effect.
Carried.
[Volume 6 page] 864
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Brown
That the City Solicitor be instructed to take such further steps as he may deem necessary to recover rent due on Market Lease.
Carried.
Consideration of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman Brown.
Seconded by “ Queen.
That the Rules be again suspended and the By-Law to authorize a certain agreement between the Corporation of the City of Vancouver and the Western Electric Heat and Power Company Ltd Liability read a second time.
Carried
The By-Law was accordingly read a Second time.
Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That the Council go into Committee of the Whole for the Consideration of the By-Law and Agreement with Alderman Brown in the Chair.
Carried.
In Committee the By-Law and Agreement was read over Clause by Clause and reported to Council as complete with amendments.
The Mayor having resumed the Chair the Council adjourned until Tuesday Wednesday Nov 27th at 9.30 A.M.
Thos F. McGuigan
City Clerk
Henry Collins
Mayor
