In spite of Mr. Wiffin’s protest that his cabins were “in no way unsanitary,” A number of buildings on Dupont Street were ordered torn down. Thursday October 8 was proclaimed a public holiday so Vancouverites could visit the Exhibition in New Westminster.
This transcript was made in 2020 by Transcribimus volunteer Joanne McCormick
illustration:
City of Vancouver Archives SGN 942.2
City of Vancouver Archives
COV S 31 Volume 7 pages 326-329
to see original handwritten minutes, click here
[Volume 7 Page 327]
The Council met on Monday October 5th 1896
Present: His Worship, the Mayor and Aldermen Painter, Banfield, Schou, McPhaiden, Clandening, Brown, MacDonald, Bethune and Coldwell.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From W.S. Wiffin stating that his cabins on Dupont Street {lot 2, Block 14, DL 196} were no way unsanitary and holding the City responsible for damages in case they were pulled down. Referred to the Board of Health.
From the Chief of Police reporting on the electric lights. Filed.
From the Licensed Victuallers stating that they were in favor of a Music Hall License being granted. Filed.
From E.J. Clark drawing attention to the fact that in case Dr. Kendall does not carry out his contract for crushing rock that the rock crushing contract becomes forfeited to the City. Referred to the City Solicitor.
From the City Clerk, New Westminster requesting the Mayor to proclaim a public holiday to give the people an opportunity to attend the fair. The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to inform him that Thursday would be proclaimed a Public Holiday.
From M. Cowan, Ensign of the Salvation Army asking for the Market Hall for Monday the 19th instant for $10. Not entertained.
[Volume 7, Page 327]
From James Armstrong complaining that the lane in Block 37, DL 2000 {Mt Pleasant} was flooded from leaks from the Archer Block. Referred to the Water Committee.
From J.G.V. Field-Johnson complaining that his hounds were impounded and asking that the Pound Keeper be instructed to release them. Referred to the Police Committee.
The following reports were received and read:
Fire & Police Committee
The Fire and Police Committee met on Tuesday September 29th 1896
Present: the full Board
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
Stanley James Interpreting $19.00
John Scott Express hire $2.25
F. Ellison Supplies $39.15
Lee & Stewart Hack hire $3.00
G.L. Allan Supplies $12.00
Resolved that 15 badges be ordered for runners as required by By-Law.
Resolved that applications be called for filling the position of Chief of Police rendered vacant by the resignation of the present incumbent such applications to be received up to the 27th October 1896; that the present Chief be allowed to retire on the 15th of October and be paid in full to the end of October; that Sergeant Johnston be appointed Acting Chief after the retirement of the present Chief until a permanent appointment is made. That the Council be asked to appoint a special policeman.
Signed Charles A. Coldwell, Chairman
[Volume 7, Page 328]
Moved by Alderman Coldwell; Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That the Report be adopted. Carried.
{Alderman Bethune called attention to the fact that there has been no Constable on Mount Pleasant for several evenings; it was explained that that section was without an officer only during Constable Butler’s illness}.
Health Committee
The Health Committee met on Wednesday September 30th 1896.
Present: His Worship the Mayor Collins, Aldermen McPhaiden, Banfield, Painter, MacDonald, & Bethune, the City Solicitor, Health Officer and Health Inspector.
The object of the meeting was to consider the question of tearing down certain shacks on the south side of Dupont Street which were condemned as being unsanitary by the authorities.
It was resolved that the condemned buildings on the south side of Dupont Street be pulled down that the sewer on said street be extended westward so that all buildings can be connected therewith, that the fire limit by-law be amended to exclude that portion of Dupont Street on which the condemned buildings now stand so that the owners may erect frame buildings on the site of the destroyed buildings and no further. All buildings to be to the north of the proposed lane that is within 122 feet south of Dupont Street such building to be to the satisfaction of the Health Committee and in accordance with the By-Laws of the City.
Signed D. McPhaiden, Chairman
Moved by Alderman McDonald; Seconded by McPhaiden.
That the Report be adopted. Carried.
[Volume 7, Page 329]
Considerations of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman Coldwell; Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That the By-Law to amend By-Law No 259 be reconsidered and finally passed, and be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and the Corporate Seal affixed thereto. Carried.
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden; Seconded by Alderman Coldwell
That the By-Law to regulate the erection and continuance of cow byres and stables be read a second time. Carried.
The By-Law was accordingly read a 2nd time.
The Council went into Committee of the whole for the consideration of the By-Law with Alderman Brown in the Chair.
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden; Seconded by Alderman Coldwell
That the Committee rise and report and ask leave to sit again. In the meantime the By-Law is to be considered by the Health Committee. Carried.
[Volume 6, page 241]
The following account was recommended for payment:
M.A. MacLean Revision of Voters List $140.00
Signed W.F. Salsbury, Chairman
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden; Seconded by Queen
That the Report be adopted. Carried.
Notice of Motion
Alderman Painter gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would introduce a By-Law to amend By-Law No 181.
Alderman Brown gave notice that at next meeting of Council he would introduce a By-Law to amend the By-Law regulating the erection of buildings.
The Council then adjourned.
Thomas Francis McGuigan Henry Collins
City Clerk Mayor
Note
Comments in parenthesis { } denote further illumination provided by the writer and from The Vancouver Daily World Newspaper; The City Council, October 6 1896, pg 2
