Recent city census taken by Mackay and Emanuels shows population to be 18,260. Finance committee enquired into the City’s advertising in the News-Advertiser, and concluded that there was no over-charging by the newspaper.
This transcript was made in 2016 by Transcribimus volunteer Donna Kynaston
and sponsored by Shirley Barnett
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 4 pages 535-542
[Vol 4 page 535]
Vancouver October 26th 1891
The Council met on Monday October 26th 1891.
Present: Aldermen Brighouse, Carroll, Godfrey, Scoullar, Hobson, Templeton, Wm Brown, McDowell and C.L. Brown.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by Alderman C.L. Brown
That Alderman Hobson be appointed Chairman. Carried.
The minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
The following communications were received and read:
From George Campbell et al asking for an electric light on the corner of Prior Street and Dunlevy Av. Referred to F. W. & L. Committee.
From W.J. Gallagher again asking for an investigation. Filed.
From R.G. Mackay and S.J. Emanuels reporting that they had taken the City census and found the population to be 18,260 and asking for $200.00 to cover a portion of the expenses. Referred to Finance Committee.
From C.J. Mayne asking for a deeper drain on Princess Street. Referred to Board of Works.
From Mrs Annie E. Webster asking for the free use of the Market Hall for a Charity Ball in aid of the Alexandra Hospital.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by Alderman McDowell
That the petition be granted. Carried.
[Vol 4 page 536]
From G.W. Thomas Market Clerk furnishing weekly report.
From H.M. Williams et al asking for the grading etc of the lane in Block 7, 185. Referred to the Board of Works.
From the City Engineer stating that he could not approve of the removal of the railing of the portions of Granville Street Bridge adjoining the draw without providing for some protection to the public in lieu of it. Referred to Board of Works.
From Thos Byly et al asking for the opening up of 15th Av from Quebec St to Sophia St. Referred to Board of Works.
From the Police reporting on the Electric Lights. Referred to F. W. & L. Committee.
From J.J. Crane et al asking for the Sewering etc of the lane in Block 15, 196. Referred to Board of Works.
From His Worship the Mayor asking the Council to donate a sum towards the Sir John A. Macdonald Memorial Fund.
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by Alderman C.L. Brown
That the sum of $500.00 be donated by this Council in aid of the above fund.
Moved in amendment by Alderman Scoullar
Seconded by Alderman Brighouse
That the question be referred to the Committee having the matter in hand. Carried.
From His Worship the Mayor advising
[Vol 4 page 537]
that the City Scavengering be done by the City instead of by contract. Referred to the Board of Health.
From D.M. Eberts stating that his company were quite willing to be bound by the agreement re the settlement of the Water Works award but as the views of our Solicitor and theirs differed as to the meaning of said agreement they were prepared to leave the question to the judge forthwith. Referred to Water Works Committee.
From the Secretary of the Board of Trade advising the City to secure the water front lots in Blocks one and six O.G.T. now being offered for sale by the Provincial Government.
Moved by Alderman Templeton
Seconded by Alderman Godfrey
That as it is reported that the north halves of Blocks one and six O.G.T. are about to be disposed of, this Council wishes to call the attention of the Government to the need of this City having control over said property and that the committee having in hand the Water Works matter be instructed to proceed to Victoria and lay before the executive the needs of the City in this matter; also that the Representatives of this City in the Local Legislature be asked to accompany the deputation and that the Board of Trade be asked to take action in concert with the Council and send a deputation along with the City’s. Carried.
The following Reports were received and read:
Water Works
The Water Works Committee met on Monday October 26th 1891.
Present: His Worship and Aldermen
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Scoullar, McDowell, Templeton, Doering and Hobson; also the City Solicitor and Mr J.W. McFarland, Secy to the Vancouver Water Works Co.
A communication was read from the Supreme Court of British Columbia, notifying the Council that an application had been made to quash By-Law No 126.
It was resolved that the whole matter of the dispute between the Water Works Co and the City be left to the decision of one of the Supreme Court judges if an arrangement could not be arrived at between the parties; and further that the Mayor and Aldermen Scoullar and McDowell with the City Solicitor go to Victoria on Thursday and that they be empowered to secure the services of Mr A.N Richards if they should deem it necessary.
Sgd A.W. Scoullar
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brighouse
Seconded by Alderman McDowell
That the report [be] adopted. Carried.
Finance
The Finance Committee met on Tuesday October 20th 1891.
Present: Aldermen Brown, Scoullar and Hobson.
We beg to report:
1. That we have appointed A.J. Mould Assistant to the Assessment Commissioner to the end of the present year at a salary of $50.00 per month.
2. That we have ordered paid the accounts of the News-Advertiser.
The Committee met again on Friday October 23rd.
[Vol 4 page 539]
It was recommended:
1. That the following accounts be paid:
B. Springer, Revision of Voters List $40.00
World P&P Co, Subscription 12.00
Palmer Bros, Coal 21.00
2. That the communication from J.C. McLagan and W.J. Gallagher re the News-Advertiser be filed for the present.
Sgd Wm Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brighouse
Seconded by Alderman Godfrey
That the Report of the Finance Committee be adopted. Carried.
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on Thursday October 22nd 1891.
Present: Aldermen Brighouse, Wm Brown, C.L. Brown and Templeton.
It was recommended:
1. That C.A. Stoess C.E. be paid the sum of $225.00 in full settlement of his account for preparing plans etc. in connection with the Swing of the Cambie St Bridge.
2. That the alley in Block 3 O.G.T. be repaired with old plank.
3. That a 3 plank sidewalk be put down on 10th Avenue from Westminster Road to Prince Edward Street.
4. That the members of the Engineering Staff, who were docked one day when attending the Westminster Exhibition be paid for that day.
5. That the City Engineer be instructed to have a speaking tube put in to connect his office with that of the City Clerk & Treasurer.
[Vol 4 page 540]
6. That provided the Dominion Government grants the rights of the ends of the streets as requested by a resolution of Council passed on the 17th of August, the City will bear its proportion of the cost incurred in removing shacks from the ends of the streets.
7. That the tender of D.J. McPhalen be accepted for the construction of the fence around the East End School grounds.
8. That the shade trees on Hastings Street west of Westminster Avenue be removed to residential streets under the direction of the City Engineer.
9. That tenders be called for the sidewalking of Pender St (8 ft) from Jervis to Georgia.
10. That the following accounts be paid:
Fraser & Co, Steam road roller $2.65
W.H. Baxter, Jaws for crusher £ 32. 1. 2
Thos Dunn & Co, Supplies $46.05
Vancouver City Foundry, Supplies 22.80
H. Lomas et al, Labor 585.35
J. Telford, Box drain 245.70
W.D. & E.P Franck, 9th Av. 57.25
W.D. Hobson, Lanes 558.37
W. Tierney, Nelson St. 969.05
W. Archibald, Harris St. 719.55
Thos Veitch, Delivery of rock 433.03
E. Meyer, Lanes 158.76
W. Jones, Harris St. 181.94
E.C. Britton, Robson St. 211.61
Sgd S Brighouse
Moved by Alderman Godfrey
Seconded by Alderman McDowell
That the Report be adopted. Carried.
[Vol 4 page 541]
Motions
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by Alderman Scoullar
That His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer be paid a salary of $2000.00 for the year 1891 as provided for in the Estimates, said amount to be paid out from time to time and for accounts rendered in connection with the conduct of the business of his office. Withdrawn.
Moved by Alderman Wm Brown
Seconded by Alderman Scoullar
That in accordance with a resolution of the Council instructing the Finance Committee to enquire into the charges made against the News-Advertiser in respect to the way in which the advertising for the City was being performed, find that there were no over charges in respect to space occupied, that the advertisements were not leaded, that their arrangement in the paper was the best that could be made and that the Council has the right to display advertisements when this is deemed in the City’s interests, therefore the charges have no foundation in fact. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Carroll
Seconded by Alderman Scoullar
That the City Clerk be instructed to call for tenders for the complete scavengering of this City.
The parties tendering to furnish names of at least two resident ratepayers as sureties for the due performance of contract. Separate tenders to be handed in for each scavenger district. Tenders to state what sum monthly will be required for each district. Tenders to be in hands of City Clerk not
[Vol 4 page 542]
later than noon of Monday November 2nd 1891. Referred to the Health Committee.
The Council then adjourned.
D. Oppenheimer
Mayor
Thos. G. McGuigan
City Clerk
