Chris Stephenson – Page 3

Contractor William Harkins’ employees cry foul at Council meeting – December 19, 1887

By 1887

A number of complaints received about (street contractor) William Harkins’ granting of Power of Attorney to Dunn & Co. J. H Wert appreared before council on behalf of Harkins’ employees to report on the situation. Legal opinion requested from City Solicitor. A coal oil lamp to be placed at the corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir streets, with the City supplying the oil and the residents in the vicinity to light the lamp. James Alexander appointed for 1888 to assist the Assistant Commissioner in the Assessment of the City.

Many City hospital contracts awarded, but plumbing & gas fitting must wait – December 12, 1887

By 1887

City Clerk to find out from P. Fewster’s about the proposed capacity of the mill he intends to build. The Board of Works instructed the Chief of Police to have the Chain Gang improve a lane. E. Cook awarded contract for plastering and masonry of City Hospital, and the carpentry to James Stanford. Gas fitting and plumbing contracts not awarded as all tenders exceed available budget.

Trounce Alley improvements must wait as Works budget for 1887 exhausted – December 5, 1887

By 1887

Council unable to grant the petition of A.W. Sullivan and others for the improvement of Trounce Alley, as the Works budget was exhausted. Among other accounts to be paid are subscriptions to the Leadville (Colorado) Herald, the Denver Republican, and the Alta California (California’s first daily newspaper, published in San Francisco until 1891.)

Vancouver must stop boarding chain gang prisoners in private homes, say Police Commissioners – November 28, 1887

By 1887

The Police Committee recommended the City immediately end the present system of boarding chain gang prisoners in private homes. Eleven pairs of blankets were purchased for the cells, and a stove for the jail corridor. Tenders were received for painting street signs; M. J. Milross was awarded the contract, at a price of 53 cents per sign on wood, but only 45 cents on tin.

Canada’s Minister of Defense Sir A. Caron to visit Vancouver – November 24, 1887

By 1887

A Special Meeting to organize the reception for Sir A. R. Caron, Minister of Militia & Defense (Government of Canada), and to hire enough taxicabs for the occasion.

Vancouver street names to be posted at each corner – November 21, 1887

By 1887

Board of Works recommends street signs with 4 inch letters painted on wood or tin with white letters on black background. W. L. MacDonald appointed as cemetery keeper; a three room house to be built for him and his family at the cemetery gates. Lamplighter J. Mahoney presents a bill for $9.00.

Pawn brokers and second hand stores to be licensed at once – November 14, 1887

By 1887

Pawn brokers and second hand stores to be licensed pro-rata until the end of the year. Lamp lighter hired at $1.50 per day until electric lights are installed. Requests for a bonus for a shoe factory, and a rebate for theatrical license fee were overturned. Insurance to be purchased on City Hall and the Fire Hall.

Cemetery caretaker to live on grounds – November 7, 1887

By 1887

A house to be built for the use of the caretaker and sexton of the public cemetery, and a salary of $40 per month be offered.City Council supports the establishment of a Government of Canada experimental farm in Coquitlam. The City to purchase Lots one to ten, Block 38 District Lot 541 from the CPR at $250.00 each in order to build a hospital. Hospital to be built on the plans drafted by A. E. McCartney.

Vancouver to buy lots for hospital, school recreation grounds – October 24, 1887

By 1887

The special committee has selected a suitable site for the City Hospital. Council agrees to look into buying the lot from the CPR, as well as a lot beside the public school for recreation grounds. The City to indemnify Police Magistrate Black against fines and charges in the course of his duties as police magistrate.

Vancouver Fire Brigade to get $500 grant – October 17, 1887

By 1887

$500 to be given to the fire brigade for its work. Proposed agreement between the Vancouver City Iron Works Co. and the City was approved. City Solicitor gives his opinion that accounts in which “members of the corporation” [mayor or city councillors] are personally interested should not be paid.