firemen

Establishment of professional fire department. Chief engineer J. H. Carlyle’s salary was set at $75 per month; firemen, stokers and drivers were paid $40; and additional on-call men were paid $15. At the same time, Miss Swan as matron of the city hospital to be paid $40 per month, two female nurses were paid $20 and $25, and the male night nurse and porter were each paid $30.

This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland
and Joy Marie Vasquez

original handwritten minutes here

City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 3 pages 115-127

[volume 3 page 115]

Vancouver September 2nd 1889

The Council met on Monday September 2nd 1889 at 8 P. M.

Present His Worship, Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Brewer, Clark, Costello, Horne, Mason, McConnell, Oppenheimer, Salsbury and Whetham.

The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.

Communications

From John Ellis, applying for the position of Sewerage Clerk. Referred to the Board of Works.

From Herbert G. Lewis asking permission to use a portion of Broughton Point as a site for a Fog Bell. Referred to the Board of Works.

From W. H. Steeves of the North Arm of the Fraser River inviting the Mayor and Aldermen to be present at the opening of the bridges across said river. Referred to Finance Committee.

From C. Foley et al praying that a sidewalk be constructed on Powell Street east. Referred to Board of Works.

From J. F. McFarlane et al praying the lane in Block 22, 541 be planked. Referred to the Board of Works.

From E. Cook asking permission to use a hoisting engine on the Lefevre Block. Filed.

From Innes & Richards acknowledging receipt of communication re: Insurance. Filed.

[volume 3 page 116]

From Jonas Watt, Secretary of Dominion Sanitary and Cremating Co giving estimates of the cost of erecting a crematory in Vancouver. Referred to Board of Works.

From James B. Kennedy asking that the sidewalk on Dunsmuir St between Hamilton & Cambie be made six feet wide instead of three feet. Referred to Board of Works.

Reports
Works No 24

The Board of Works met on Saturday August 31st 1889.

Present Aldermen Horne, Oppenheimer and McConnell.

Alderman Horne being appointed Chairman. We beg to recommend:

1. That the following tenders be accepted:

Homer St. Grading from Georgia to Robson Martin & Co.
Homer St. Grading Drake to Helmcken do
Homer St 3 ft sidewalk D. McAlister
Homer St 6 ft sidewalk do
Richards St sidewalk McDonald & Barton
Seventh Av grading do
Seventh Av 3 ft sidewalk H. Connacher
Hamilton St grading Martin & Balkwell
Hamilton St sidewalk A. D. McDonald
Twelfth Avenue grading Martin & Balkwell
Twelfth Avenue sidewalk H. Connacher
Alberni St sidewalk D. McAlister
Robson St sidewalk A. D. McDonald
Eveleigh St sidewalk D. McAlister
Gore Avenue sidewalk A. D. McDonald
Lansdowne sidewalk D. McAlister
Quebec St sidewalk McDonald & Barton
Westminster Av Crossings

[volume 3 page 117]
do
Basement drain, H. Connacher

2. That Prior St be gravelled 16 feet wide from Westminster Avenue West about 100 feet and a drain dug along the North Side, also that Harris St be gravelled for 150 feet.

3. That tenders be called for the following works:

Six foot sidewalk on Princess St from Dunlevy to Jackson.
Sidewalks on 5th 6th & 7th Aves in Ward 4
Grading & Sidewalking Ontario St from 11th to 13th and surface grading from 10th 11th 3 ft sidewalk on 5th Av from Westminster Avenue to Prince Edward St.
3 ft sidewalk on Westminster Avenue from 10th to 13th Avs.
Crossings on Georgia Street opposite Richards and Seymour Streets
2 Plank sidewalk on Drake Street from Granville to Howe Streets.

4. That the City Engineer be instructed to prepare the ground for the fountain on the corner of Hastings and Carrall Streets.

5. Complaints having repeatedly being made in cases where buildings are erected or repaired that the provisions of By-Law No 40 clause 2 have not been enforced resulting in great inconvenience and danger to passers by; we therefore recommend that the Street Inspector be peremptorily directed to perform his duly in all cases and see that the By-Law is strictly enforced where buildings are now or may be hereafter under construction or repair.

6. That Mr. E. Mohun be paid $200.00 for preliminary Surveys in connection with Sewers.

[volume 3 page 118]

7. That the following accounts be paid:

McDonald & Barton, 6, 7, 8, 9 &10th Aves $257.98
D. B. Murray, Comox St 132.48
Boyd & C. Gravelling Westminster Road 362.85
Brunette Saw Mill Co. Lumber 10.20
Leask & Johnson, Duty 1.55
R. Rutherford Street Sprinkling 110.50
Ben Romang et al Street Work 24.00
Tattersall’s Stables 14.00

Sgd. J. W. Horne, Chairman pro tem

Moved by Alderman Salsbury, seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That the Report of the Board of Works be adopted. Carried.

Finance No 25

The Finance Committee met on Friday August 30, 1889 a full board being present:

The following accounts were recommended for payment:

S. T. Tilley, Stationery $21.25
J. Miller, Stamps 54.50
C. P. Telegraph Co. 20.00 Jacob Sehl, Supplies 1.75
T. I. Hibben & Co. Drop Desk 35.00
A. N. Richards, Legal Opinion 25.00

The reports of the Fire, Water & Light and Health Committees were read and approved.

Sgd. W. F. Salsbury, Chairman

Moved by Alderman McConnell, seconded by Alderman Brewer. That the report of the Finance Committee be adopted. Carried.

[volume 3 page 119]

F. W. & L. No 16

The Fire, Water & Light Committee met on Wednesday August 28th 1889 a full board being present:

We beg to recommend:

1. That the following accounts be paid:

J. McAllister, Blacksmithing $39.30
C. Shergold, Drayage 4.50
A. G. Evans, Carpenter Work 1.50

2. That $349.36 be paid over to the Volunteer Fire Department to discharge their liabilities and that they be requested to furnish receipts to Council for amounts paid.

3. That the following appointments be made on the paid Fire Department:

Chief Engineer

J. H. Carlisle, Salary per month

$75.00
Engineers
A. W. Cameron, Salary per month 70.00
F. G. Twigg, Salary per month

55.00 Permanent Men
A. G. Evans Salary per month $40.00
Lowes Eggert Salary per month $40.00
W. A. Williamson Salary per month $40.00
Wm. L. Hayward Salary per month $40.00
Thos. Whiston Salary per month $40.00
Hugh E. Campbell Salary per month

$40.00
Call Men
James Blair Salary per month $15.00
Geo M. Taylor Salary per month $15.00
E. C. Britton Salary per month $15.00
John Sea John Salary per month $15.00
John Glenn Salary per month $15.00
Geo G. Henderson Salary per month $15.00
Chas. E. Millington Salary per month $15.00
Albert Cales Salary per month $15.00
H. A. Stewart Salary per month

[volume 3 page 120]
$15.00
J. Harvey, Salary per month

$15.00
Drivers
Thomas Simpson, Salary per month $60.00
Arthur Clegg Salary per month

$40.00
Stokers
J. W. Campbell Salary per month $40.00
Thos. Moore Salary per month $40.00

Your Committee met the Directors of the Vancouver Water Works Co. on Thursday August 29th 1889 for the purpose of making arrangements regarding the rates to be charged for water other than for fire purposes and other matters connected with the City’s Water Supply.

The Directors stated they could not see their way clear to make the price of Water less than 60 cents per thousand gallons as the revenue from all sources barely part 4 per cent on their outlay.

The Company contemplate additional expenditure in connection with their system and before doing so wish to know the intentions of the City regarding its purchase.

They also wish the City to enter into an Agreement at once for the use of the hydrants as they are now prepared to give all the pressure required for fire purposes. All of which is respectfully submitted.

We beg to submit Agreement between the Vancouver Electric Illuminating Co. and the City for Street Lighting for adoption by Council.

Sgd. I. Oppenheimer, Chairman

Moved by Alderman Costello, seconded by Alderman Brewer. That the Report of the F. W. & L. Committee be adopted. Carried.

[volume 3 page 121]

Health No 10
The Health Committee met on Tuesday August 27th 1889.

Present Aldermen Whetham, Mason, Brewer and Costello.

We beg to recommend:

1. That the following accounts be paid:

Palmer Bros. Coal 2.55
Colby Lewis, Drayage 2.00
Scuitto & Simon, Supplies 280.29
Jacob Sehl, Supplies 3.35
VanVolkenburgh & Bro. Supplies 53.84
F. W. Hart, Supplies 20.30
W. J. Taylor, Burials 30.00
Abrams & McLean, Supplies 18.75
H. McDowell & Co. Medicines 8.20
Brown & White, Supplies 1.10
Harvey & Co. Buggy 2.50
J. S. Clute & Co. Supplies 3.30
I. R. Morrow & Co. Supplies 79.55
Wm. Urquhart, Supplies 5.85
Joseph Brown, Supplies 24.20
Portuguese John, Boat hire 64.50
GL. Allan, Shoes 2.75
Charles Nelson, Drugs 9.75
Wm. Williams, Nursing etc. 245.00

2. That Miss S. Swan be employed as Matron of the City Hospital at a Salary of $40.00 per month.
Miss M. A. Alcock as Nurse at 25.00 per month, Miss Woodward as nurse at 20.00 per month and Mr. Gibson as Night Nurse at $30.00 per month and E. McGregor as Porter at $30.00 per month such appointments to date from the 15th day of September.

3. That Miss Woodward and Miss Cummins be paid at the rate of $12.50 per month each from date of appointment to date

[volume 3 page 122]

of change. Such payments to be made in lieu of Mrs. Birks’ Salary.

4. That a railing be placed around the lower story of the City Hospital.

Sgd. James Whetham, Chairman

Moved by Alderman Brewer, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the Report of the Board of Health be adopted. Carried.
Police No 2

The Police Committee met on Monday September 2nd 1889 at 5 P. M.

Present Aldermen McConnell, Brewer and Mason.

Your Committee begs to recommend as follows:

1. That the office hours of the Police Magistrate be fixed at from 10 to 12 in the forenoon and from to 2 to 5 in the afternoon daily.

2. That Cab and dray stands be set apart on the following Streets:

On Hastings St east between Carrall St and Columbia Avenue.
On Hastings St west between Howe and Granville St
On Hastings St between Cambie and Abbott Street and on
On Abbott Street between Water & Cordova

3. That the following accounts be paid:

I. W. Haywood, fares $4.50 Scuitto & Co. Provisions 171.29

Your Committee received communications from J. Abrams, Cum Yow, J. M. Stewart

[volume 3 page 123]

J. McLaren and J. Abray, action on which was deferred until Wednesday next September 4th at 2 P.
M. at which time Your Committee will again meet.

Communications from the Board of Trade re Trades License By-Law were received and read.

Sgd. G. S. McConnell, Chairman

Report laid over.

The following report was read from E. Mohun, C.E. on Sewer Pipes.

Vancouver Sept 2nd 1889

The Chairman and Tenders of the Board of Works.

Gentlemen.

I have the honor to report as follows on the tests to which the Samples of Sewer pipe furnished by Messrs Gladding and Mr. Bean of San Francisco have been submitted.
Inpermeability

This list was made by Mr. Walkem who found a pipe weighing 6 ½ lb after complete saturation had absorbed ¾ lb of water.

Acid Tests

These tests were made with hydrochloric Nitric, Nitro Muriatic and Sulphuric Acids by Mr. Sorenson, who reports as follows:

The samples withstood the action of Nitric Acid, Sulphuric & the Nitro Muriatic Acids and was only slightly affected by hydrochloric Acid, the glaze of the pipe was in no particular affected.

Crushing Strain

This list was made at the C. P. R. Carshops by Mr. Cash and myself. The sample was a 16” diameter pipe.

[volume 3 page 124]

We applied a crushing strain of 1370 lbs. per lineal foot without injuring the pipes. I did not, as it was the only complete specimen we had, consider it advisable to increase the weight until it was broken dangerous to retain it as the Standard Sample. The pipes are fairly concentric when formed and I have no hesitations in laying are a good class of Sewer Pipe judging from the results of the tests to which they have been submitted.

I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant, E. Mohun, C.E.

The Agreement between the Vancouver Electric Illuminating Co and the City for Street Lighting was read and referred back to the City Solicitor for further amendments.

Motions

Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Salsbury. That E. Cook, Contractor be allowed to use a Steam hoist for lifting material upon the Lefevre Block, provided said hoist is properly protected from interfering with traffic on the street. Carried.

Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. That the Board of Works be authorized to order the necessary Sewer Pipes as previously approved of by this Council. Carried.

[volume 3 page 125]

Moved by Alderman Brewer, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the Sheriff of New Westminster District be notified that the City has a claim upon the Wharfage Company having given the said Wharfage Company the privilege of using the Northern extremity of Carrall Street as a public Wharf and as an approach to a public Wharf according to a certain agreement dated the 14th day of October 1886 and any such sale of such wharf can only be made subject to such agreement. Carried.

Moved by Alderman Brewer, seconded by Alderman Whetham. That the following account be paid:

W. Williams et al, Park Road $483.90 Carried.

Moved by Alderman McConnell, seconded by Alderman Brewer. That the following accounts be paid:

W. Haywood, Fares $4.50
Scuitto & Simon, Supplies 171.29

Consideration of By Laws

The Council went into Committee of the Whole of Wharf By-Law with Alderman Brewer in the Chair. The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported back to Council.

Moved by Alderman Clark, Seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer that the By-Law be introduced to fix the polling places etc.

[volume 3 page 126]

For holding the election on the Wharf By-Law. Carried.

The By-Law was then read a first time.

Moved by Alderman Clark, seconded by Alderman Brewer. That the By-Law be read a second time. Carried.

The Council went into Committee of the Whole on By-Law with Alderman Brewer in the Chair.

The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported back to Council as complete with amendments.

Moved by Alderman Clark, seconded by Alderman Brewer. That the By-Law be read a third time. Carried.

The By-Law was then ordered, signed, sealed, and gazetted.

Notice of Motion

Alderman Salsbury gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council he would introduce a ByLaw for the clearing and preparing of Brockton Point for Athletic purposes and for the clearing and preparing of a portion of the Eastern Park for the use of the British Columbia Jockey Club, in each case said portions of the Eastern and Western Parks to be under the control of the City Council and to be let to the Brockton Point Athletic Club and to the British Columbia Jockey Club respectively until the City shall be repaid for the amount of the expenditures on said portions of said parks respectively

[volume 3 page 127]

The Council then adjourned.

I. N. Horne, Chairman

Thos. F. McGuigan, City Clerk