Council Accepts Consolidated Railway & Light’s $250 Offer For Robson Street – September 16, 1895

Foreman Grocers, Vancouver 1895
Foreman Grocers 1895

Consolidated Railway & Light offered $250 to address the damage done to Robson Street, provided the city released the company from any further liability. A motion to defer the decision one week resulted in five Aldermen voting in favour, five against. The final tie-breaking vote was cast by Mayor Henry Collins.

This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer
Darrin Pezer / Proactive Building Maintenance.

Illustration: COVA Reference Code: AM54-S4-: Str P265
[Exterior of C.F. Foreman Wholesale and Retail Grocer on the northeast corner of Westminster Avenue (Main Street) and Princess Street (Pender Street)] [ca. 1895]

Original handwritten minutes:
COV S31 Volume 6 pages 752 – 764

To see or download pictures of the original minutes click on the buttons below (three parts):

[Volume 6 page] 752

Vancouver September 16th 1895

The Council met on Monday September 16th 1895.

Present: His Worship, the Mayor and Aldermen Shaw, Coupland, Gallagher, Queen, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, Bethune and McDonald.

The minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.

Communications

From the Chief of Police reporting on the electric lights.
Filed

From M.A. Morrison, drawing attention to irregularities in connection with shipping.

Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Brown
That the communication be filed.
Carried

From J. Buntzen, Business Manager of the Con Ry & Light Co stating that they would disconnect the electric wires attached to the water pipes.
Filed

From the City Solicitor stating that D.R. Young would have to take out a Transient Traders License.
Filed

From the City Solicitor advising the City to pay what was due Dr Kendall the City into Court.
Referred to the Finance Committee

From the City Solicitor stating that he did not know whether Capt. Mellon was the Principal Justice in the Police Court or not.
Referred to the F. M & P committee.

From Mrs Gregson thanking the Council for the assistance given her.

Filed

[Volume 6 page] 753

From the City Treasurer stating that he had refused to sign the school cheques the vouchers not being signed by the Mayor and City Clerk.
Referred to the City Solicitor

From D.W. Kells, applying for a position on the Police Force.
Filed

From J Purdy, Night Watchman, asking for an increased grant.
Referred to the F. M & P Committee

From D.M. Bruce etal, asking for a sidewalk on Harris Street.
Referred to the Board of Works

From John Gilchrist stating that Dr. Thomas had rendered an account to him for examining the corpse of his wife on board the Premier.
Referred to the Health Committee.

From C.H. Barnwell, asking the Council to take means to compel R.A. Anderson to appear and make oath as to his statements regarding him Barnwell.
Filed

From C.F. Bosomworth submitting a declaration regarding the business of R.A. Anderson & Co in 1894 in connection with the sale of liquor.
Moved by Alderman Gallagher
Seconded by “ McDonald
That the communication be turned over to the Licensing Board.
Carried

From C.F. Mills etal, petitioning for the opening up of 4th Av one block west of Centre Street.
Referred to the Board of Works

From L. Canonica asking that a deputation be appointed to inspect his premises.
Referred to the City Engineer

[Volume 6 page] 754

The following reports were received and read:

Water & Light Committee

The Water & Light Committee met on Wednesday September 11th 1895
Present: the full Board

Communications

From the Park Commissioners asking the Committee to stop $200 off D.K. Campbells contract for laying submerged main to put the Park Road in repair.
Laid over

It was resolved to call for tenders for new pile dolphins for Narrows, also for pile bents for pipe across Coal Harbour, tenders to be in by Tuesday Sept 24th at 4 P.M.

The following accounts were recommended for payment:
Evans, Coleman & Evans Supplies $5.70
Vancouver Hardware Co “ 5.50
Vancouver City Iron Works “ 38.70
Vancouver Gas Co “ 1.00
Thos Dunn & Co “ 8.13
Cassady & Co “ 124.05
Con Ry & L Co “ 5.00
Clarke & Stuart “ 4.58
Water Works Payroll Labor 886.45

Sgd Wm Brown
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That the report be adopted
Carried

[Volume 6 page] 755

Board of Works

The Board of Works met on September 12th 1895

Present: Aldermen Shaw, Sanders, McDonald, and McPhaiden

Mr Fee made a verbal offer to the Board in regard to Broughton Street namely to grade the west side of Broughton Street between Haro & Robson Streets to the permanent grade to the satisfaction of the Engineer, and put down a sidewalk for $300 payment to be deferred until next year.

Resolved that the Board recommends this offer to the Council for their consideration.

Communications

From residents on 10th Ave west of Prince Edward Street asking for a sidewalk.
Referred to the Ward Foreman to lay down a temporary walk.

From H. Woodhouse, asking for permission run to a portable steam wood saw on the streets.
Referred to the City Solicitor to see if there is any By Law to prevent this.

From Messrs P.N & W.E. Thompson in reference to the sheet drain leading from the Thompson Block Corner Howe & Pender Streets asking that same be lowered six inches.
Referred to the Ward Foreman for attention.

From H. Abbott complaining of dirt washing down from the lower end of Hastings Street on to the C.P.R. track and asking that the City Engineer meet the C.P.R. Co’s engineer in reference to same.
Referred to the City Engineer for attention.

From Linnard & Corbin asking that Nelson Street between Bute & Nicola Streets be cleared.
Resolved that they be informed that the Board

[Volume 6 page] 756

has no funds but that the Ward Foreman will be sent there in due course to do what he can.

From the Consolidated Railway & Light Company in reference to Robson Street stating their willingness to pay to the City the sum of $250. provided the work done under their contract with the City be accepted finally and the Company released from all further alleged liabilities as to the condition of Robson Street.
Resolved that this offer be recommended to the Council for acceptance.

Resolved that the plans of the Hack Block on Cordova Street be recommended for approval subject to being found by the Engineer to conform to the requirements of the Fire Limit By Law. The contractors bond for use of sidewalk for building purposes was approved.

Resolved that the Ward 5 Foreman be instructed to put down a temporary 3 plank walk on Alder Street from 8th Av to lane at C.G. Johnson’s house about 120 feet.

Resolved that the proprietors of the Soda Water Works on Gore Avenue be informed that the Board will examine the approach to their premises on the first opportunity to see what can be done in the way of filling in to make same more accessible.

The following accounts were recommended for payment subject to being found correct by the City Engineer:
Thomson Bros Maps $1.00
D. McGillivray Repairs to pavement 1351.00
B.C. Iron Works Supplies 32.80
Vancouver Hardware Co “ 40.45
Cassady & Co “ 248.95
D. Gibbons Barclay St 250.
Evans, Coleman & Evans Supplies 3.40

[Volume 6 page] 757

C. Nelson Supplies $1.20
Crowder & Penzer “ 8.
Thos Dunn & Co “ 37.73
Thomas etal Labor 357.55

Resolved that the account of D. McGillivray for $95.41 for laying bitumous rock sidewalk at “Lonsdale Block” being the rebate of 7¢ per foot be passed subject to the usual guarantee bond being furnished.

Resolved that the final estimate of D. McGillivray for paving on Granville Street and Hastings Street amounting to $5693.92 be passed subject to being found correct and the terms of the contract as to guaranteeing the necessary repairs for two years complied with.

Sgd H.P. Shaw
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Bethune
That the clause in reference to Thos A Fee be struck out.
Carried
Yeas Aldermen Coupland, Clandenning, Brown, Sanders, Bethune & McDonald
Nays Aldermen Shaw, Gallagher, Queen & McPhaiden

Moved by Alderman Gallagher
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That the clause in reference to a sidewalk for C. G. Johnson be struck out.
Carried

Moved by Alderman Coupland
Seconded by “ Brown
That the clause recommending the acceptance of $250 from the Street Railway Co be struck out.
Lost

[Volume 6 page] 758

Yeas Aldermen Coupland, Gallagher, Queen & Brown
Nays “ Shaw, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Bethune, Sanders and McDonald.

Moved by Alderman Gallagher
Seconded by “ Coupland
That the Clause be laid over for one week to get an opinion from the City Solicitor thereon.
Lost
Yeas Aldermen Coupland, Gallagher, Queen, Brown and McDonald
Nays Aldermen Shaw, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Sanders and Bethune.
The Mayor voted Nay

Moved by Alderman Shaw
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the report as amended be adopted.
Carried

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on Friday September 13th 1895.
Present: the full Board

The following accounts were recommended for payment:

Edwards Bros Photo $2.50
News Advertiser Ads 4.05

Communications

From Mellon, Smith & Co asking for renewal of the insurance on the hospital furniture.
Resolved that the City Clerk get a list of the furniture in the old wing to the City Hospital and have it insured in one of the Companies represented by A.H.B. MacGowan if he has not any insurance on the schools, and if he has

[Volume 6 page] 759

that the risk be given to A.A. Book & Co.

From A.H.P. MacGowan asking for a share of the civic insurance.
Resolved that the City Clerk be instructed to get a list of the agents having insurance on the schools, the companies they represent and the amount held by each.

From Messrs Coates & Sons, London Eng in reference to the re purchases of city bonds.
Laid over.

From F. Hodgson asking the City to subscribe for 250 copies of a directory to be compiled by him
Referred to the next year’s Council.

From G.F. Monckton and W. Pellen Harvey regarding a bonus for a smelter.
Referred to the Council for favorable consideration.

Resolved that the City Clerk be instructed to notify the insurance companies to pay their half year’s license.

Sgd A. Bethune
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That the clause in reference to the insuring of the hospital furniture be struck out and that the insurance be renewed in a company represented by Messrs Mellon, Smith & Co.

Moved by Alderman Bethune
Seconded by “ Coupland
That the report as amended be adopted.
Carried

[Volume 6 page] 760

Fire, Market & Police Committee

The Fire, Market & Police Committee met on Friday September 13th 1895.
Present: the full Board

Communications

From H.E. Campbell & Wm Jordan asking for the appointment of Foreman for Fire Hall No 2.
Filed

From J.H. Carlisle reporting feed supply for August.
Filed

From J.A. Reid, Pound Keeper furnishing report.
Filed

From W.G. McDonald etal recommending W.H. McPhie as foreman for Fire Hall No 2.
Resolved that W.H. McPhie be appointed Foreman of Fire Hall No 2, at a salary of $60 per month.

Resolved that the account of Hickingbotham Bros. amounting to $30.00 be paid, and that in future they not be employed by the Department.

Resolved that the Pound Keeper be required to live in the Pound House and that he be instructed to carry out strictly his duties as provided by the By Laws.

Resolved that Officer Johnston be appointed Sergeant of Police at a salary of $75.00 per month.

Resolved that three officers be appointed to fill the vacancies on the Police Force, the salary to be fixed at $60.00 per month each and uniforms and further that the names of all the applicants be sent up to Council.

Resolved that Charlie Roberts be paid $37.50 moieties in the cases of Tom Cyrs & Indian Joe.

The following accounts were recommended for payment:

[Volume 6 page] 761

C.P. Telegraph Co Telephones $5.25
Wm George Labor 11.55
Gurney Cab Co Rig 4.50
Clarke & Stuart Supplies .68
Cassady & Co “ 6.28
News Advertisers Ads 4.
C.F. Foreman Supplies 8.85
J. Dodson “ 7.25
B.C. Iron Works “ 21.22
Crowder & Penzer “ 127.74
Duke & Wallace “ 1.25
J.C. Woodrow “ 10.92
J. Martin “ 2.00
Thos Dunn & Co “ 12.14
John Barnes “ 8.90

Sgd W.H. Gallagher
Chairman

Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Shaw
That the clause in the report in relation to the salary of the Sergeant of Police be amended to read “eighty dollars” instead of “seventy five dollars”
Carried

Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Shaw
That the report as amended be adopted
Carried

Introduction of By Laws

Moved by Alderman Gallagher
Seconded by “ Coupland
That the rules be suspended to allow of the introduction of a By Law to amend

[Volume 6 page] 762

the Trades License By Law and amending By Law.
Carried

The By Law was then read a first time

The following applications were received for the vacant positions of the police force:-

F. W. Black, David Cook, Thos Andrews, Jas McDonald, Henry Hyde, Kenneth Smith, J.W. McIntosh, Jas Edgerton, Thos McNeill, Dan Leatherdale, Robert Borland, Geo Snell, R.L. Barker, John Pace, Alex L. Mackie, Angus Smith, J.H. Grady, W.H. Tyrell, A. Fetterman, Wm Salter, T. W. Kerfoot, R. A. McCullough, Thos Matthews, F.W. Swinburn, St. Chaplin, Herman Robinson, G.A. Docksteader, C.C. Park, L.R. Bayne, F.G. Wilson, Abel Ross, Wm Cameron, Geo E, Davis, Geo Duthie, W.P. Seabright, George W. Nuline, E.J. Curran, M.A. Morrison, Donald McIsaac, G.A. Sqryder, Geo Brown, R.J. Johnstone, R.H. Macaulay, Geo Thorpe, A.C. Henry, W.H. Crimmen, John L. Carter, Samuel Webb, T.G. Fletcher, John Beattie, G.A. Cameron, G.H. Parslow, W.H. Underwood, J.B. Johnstone, Edward Short, Alfred McKinnill, Fred Bridge, Robt Harrison, Geo Cattanach, & D.C. Craig.

The Council proceeded to ballot for the selection of three persons.

After a number were taken it was found that J.W. McIntosh, C.C. Park, and Robert Borland received a majority of the votes.

It was then moved by Alderman Bethune.
Seconded by Alderman Coupland.
That J.W. McIntosh, C.C. Park, and Robert Borland be appointed Police Officers at a salary of $60.00 per month respectively.
Carried

[Volume 6 page] 763

Motions

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Bethune

That the deposit of D.K. Campbell accompanying the sender for laying pipe across the Narrows be returned as the work has been completed.
Carried

Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Bethune
That D.K. Campbell be paid $2700 being part of his contract for laying pipe across the Narrow subject to the payroll be furnished.
Carried

The Mayor announced that he was compelled to go east in a business trip and asked that the Council appoint Wm Brown Acting Mayor.

Moved by Alderman Queen
Seconded by “ McPhaiden
That Alderman Wm Brown be appointed Acting Mayor during the absence of the Mayor.
Carried

Consideration of By Laws

Moved by Alderman Gallagher
Seconded by “ Coupland
That the rules be suspended and the By Law to amend the Trades License By Law read a second time.
Carried

Moved by Alderman Gallagher
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That the Council go into Committee for its consideration.
Carried

Alderman Wm Brown was appointed Chairman.

[Volume 6 page] 764

The By Law was read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete.

The rules were again suspended and the By Law read a 3rd time on motion of Alderman Gallagher.
Seconded by Alderman Coupland

The Council then adjourned.

Wm Brown
Acting Mayor

Thos F. McGuigan
City Clerk