Our Civic Rulers in Session

OUR CIVIC RULERS IN SESSION. The Loyalist Celebration Before the Board. A Full Meeting and a Large Amount of Business Transacted – Reports of Committees – Petitions, etc. Civic Official Pay. The first meeting of the Common Council called in five weeks was held yesterday. All the members of the Board with the exception of Coun. Buist were present. His Worship Mayor Jones occupied the chair and called the meeting to order. The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE reported recommending the payment of a large number of accounts, among which were the amount of judgment on verdict and taxed costs on appeals to Supreme Court, in the case of John McSorley vs. Corporation, amounting to $1,324.79; freight on cargo of coal, $583 07; Dominion Lighting Co., $58.63; rubber coats (for salvage corps), $194.65; painting ferry steamer, $68; coal, $434.28; driving piles, $81; stone, $744.94. Ald. Smith explained the reason why the finance committee had not reported on the application for increase of pay made by several members of the civic service. He said that in the absence of two or three members of the finance committee it was considered advisable not to report until a full meeting of the committee could be got. He was authorized to state that a special meeting of the committee would be called and a report would be submitted at the next meeting of the council. THE FERRY SERVICE. The ferry committee recommended the acceptance of the Joggins Coal Mining Association’s tender for all round coal at $3.45 per ton; that Jas. H. Pullen’s tender be accepted for painting the ferry steamer Western Extension. The petition of David M. Pidgeon and other ferry employees asking that their pay be restored to the rate before the reduction of 25 per cent., had been considered and it was recommended as follows: Per month, Wm. B. Parks, engineer………………………………………… $60 Jas. Clawson………………………………………………………..50 J.D. Reardon………………………………………………………..45 David M. Pidgeon, captain…………………………………………52 Frederick Nice, do…………………………………………….. 55 John Walsh, wheelsman……………………………………………35 Michael Calnan, do……………………………………………… 35 Byron B. Purdy, deck hand……………………………………… 32 Michael Matthews, do…………………………………………… 32 Thos. W. Sloven, night watchman…………………………………35 The report was taken up section by section. The first section was adopted and the second section referred to the finance committee. Ald. Allan explained that as the matter of salaries would be dealt with by the finance committee he was agreed that that portion of the report should be referred to them. THE HARBOR. A report from the harbor committee on the communication of Messrs. H. Maxwell & Son, asking permission to extend the southern face of their wharf in Sydney Ward 10 feet, was reported against. The report passed. AGAINST THE PETITIONS. The street committee reported adversely on the petitions of Thomas Youngclaus and Robert Leonard, the first of whom asked for an asphalt side walk and the latter a retaining wall. The report was adopted. CITY HALL. It was recommended by the City Hall committee that they be authorized to call for tenders for the supply of coal for the City Hall for the coming winter; that the chairman of the committee be authorized to get the floors of the vaults in the different offices covered with linoleum; that they be authorized to have the sidewalk in front of the City Hall relaid, to be paid out of the general revenue. This report was taken up section by section. The first and second sections were read and adopted. Ald. Glasgow said that the money to pay for the sidewalk in front of the City Hall should come out of the street fund, and he made a motion to that effect. Ald. Smith was of opinion that the sidewalk was for the benefit of the citizens doing business at the City Hall. The Mayor said that a petition would be presented asking that an asphalt sidewalk be laid on that section of Prince Wm. street. It was decided that the sidewalk be referred back to the committee. THE POLICE COMMITTEE reported in favor of an increase in the pay of the police to the old basis – sergeants, $1.75, and privates (who have served two years) $1.50, the others at the present figure. Ald. Grant moved that the report of the Police Committee be referred to the Finance Committee on the same conditions as the Ferry Committee report. LOYALIST DAY. A report was read from the special committee appointed on June 7th, to consider the subject of duly celebrating the Loyalist Centennial, in which they stated that they had conferred with the president and directors of the Mechanics’ Institute, the council of the Historical Society, and other prominent citizens, and the subject has been fully discussed. The committee admit (as suggested in the resolution of Coun. Robertson) that the Provincial Legislature not having made any provision at the last session of the General Assembly for a grant (as applied for to the Provincial Government) of $50,000 in aid of the proposed Memorial Hall, the erection of such a building at the estimated cost of $100,000 is not now practicable. They therefore recommend, in order to deal practically with the important matter of celebrating the centennial, that this Board rescind the several resolutions adopted on the recommendation of a special committee of the board, in their report of the 11th June last, and annul the action of the Council thereon of that date, and now enter anew upon the consideration of the whole question. The committee urge upon the Council the desirability of taking prompt and energetic measures to secure united action between the city corporation and the several public bodies, trade associations, local societies and the citizens at large, to prepare for the centennial celebration. To this end the committee submit the following recommendations for the consideration of the Council: -- That the celebration of the city centennial begin on the 18th May, 1883, being the 100th anniversary of the landing of the Loyalists. That all civic organizations, public bodies, societies, professions, trades and citizens assemble and form in public procession on that day, the procession to illustrate, as far as possible, the chief historical events in connexion with the progress of the city and Province, and the advance made within the century in the various industries and sources of material prosperity. That arrangements be made for the delivery of suitable orations and for such musical and other entertainments as may be found practicable in connexion with the general festivities. That effort be made to arrange for military and naval display. That the celebration be not confined to the 18th day of May, but continue on successive days, a may be found desirable. That special effort be now made having in view the erection of a suitable Loyalist memorial. The committee make these suggestions with the earnest desire that the Council should now enter with energy upon the necessary preparations, and ask for the zealous and active co-operation of all public bodies and loyal subjects in the city and province to aid in organizing so as to ensure that the celebration shall be a worthy tribute to the memory of those patriotic men whose loyalty and devotion erected our city and laid broad and deep the foundation of that freedom and happiness which we enjoy under British rule. It was suggested that the matter be referred to the committee of the whole Board to arrange sub-committees and act in their discretion. Coun. Robertson in moving the adoption of the report said the committee have had several meetings with the gentleman with whom the committee were authorised to confer and the report was the outcome of these conferences. He moved the report be adopted. Ald. Reynolds seconded the motion and said he did so with a certain amount of regret that the original idea of a memorial hall could not be carried out. The report of the committee was adopted. A SPECIAL COMMITTEE reported in the matter of a petition from the executors of the estate of Mr. Chas. Merritt, (asking for privilege to erect coal sheds on the property). It was recommended that the petition be not complied with. Ald. Reynolds moved the adoption of the report. Ald. Allan asked if the coal shed Mr. Holden had asked for was illegal why was that on the Vaughan estate not illegal? He could not understand why the Inspector of Buildings had allowed a breach of the law. Ald. Reynolds said that this building had not been before the committee. The only building Mr. Holden referred to was the shed on the Pettingill property. The Inspector of Buildings had told them that as it was on a wharf it was under a different law. Ald. Glasgow said that the shed on the Pettingill property was built before the law went into force. The report was adopted. APPEALS. Several appeals were reported upon. It was recommended that the chamberlain be authorized to take $5 and costs from Hezekiah McKenzie in full for all assessments against him, except for 1882, to be paid before Sept.1st; that if John McDermott and Andrew Kirkpatrick pay their taxes for 1881 before Sept. 1st, they be relieved of all back assessments; that the petitions of John C. Mullin and S. R. Catharin be not complied with; that the chamberlain be authorized to receive $10 and costs from Joseph Mason in full for all assessments against him, except the present year, on condition that the same be paid on or before August 15; that Patrick Pierce’s petition be granted; that the chamberlain be authorized to take $25 and costs from John Lupee in full for all his taxes to date, except for 1882, on condition that he give his employers as security that the same will be paid by 1st Sept. next; that Patrick Kearney be allowed to pay his taxes in monthly installments of $8 each, payable on the first day of each and every month until the whole amount be paid, instead of payments of $10 each, as ordered on the 17th of May last, the first payment to be made on Sept.1st; the committee have ordered the discharge from jail of Patrick Halpin on his paying $25, which they accepted in full for assessments against him, except for the present year; it was recommended that they deal with the case of Thomas Conboy (now in jail for taxes) as they may see fit. Coun. Skinner moved the adoption of the report with the exception of that portion having reference to Mr. Russel, (who asked for a reduction of taxes.) Carried. Ald. Smith asked if the appeals and bye-laws committee had taken any action regarding the bye law on coal and salt inspection. Coun. Skinner said several merchants had been invited to go before the committee. Two only had complied and the committee had decided to wait for further information before reporting. Ald. Glasgow said it was the intention to get the views of the men who have been acting as inspectors. The Mayor said that some of the men who have been discharging coal are very much dissatisfied. THE WESTERN LANDS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE had authorized the issuing of a lease to Jas. Bettinson of lot 456, Brooks ward, for 21 years from the 1st November at $18 a year with the usual covenant. It was recommended that an account of $49.92, from Robt. Stackhouse for repairs to St. George’s church clock be paid from the general revenue. The committee have ordered the release of Chris. Connolly from jail on payment of $14 taxes. It was advised that Ephraim Wheten be relieved of assessments for 1875, ’76 and ’77, upon his paying $6.50 before September 1st. In regard to the petition of Martha Thompson, with reference to arrears of taxes against Robt. Thompson, who is now in California, it was recommended that he be relieved of taxes for 1870, ’71, ’72 and ’73, upon condition that the taxes for 1874, ’75,’76,’77, ’80,’81 and ’82, amounting to $34.48, be paid before the 20th August. It was advised that David Adams be relieved of $28.35 taxes, should he pay the balance $29.92 as provided. The west side land agent, Geo. F. Harding, has taken possession and fenced in lots 497 and 498 Brooks wards, the lease having expired and no improvements being thereon. The committee recommended that Mr. Harding be instructed to take possession of lot 1078, Brooks ward, the lease of which has expired. The report was taken up section by section. The first section passed. When the second section was read, Ald. Glasgow said that there had been general complaint from the school teachers about the clock, some of the children often being late because of it. Ald. Britain had ordered the repairs thinking they would not cost over $2 or $3, and when the bills came in he was astonished to find the work had cost so much. The clock is now in good working order. The bill for winding up the clock has been paid out of the general revenue. Ex-Ald. Brittain had said that if the bill was not paid by the Council he would have to pay it himself. Ald. Wilson also thought that the bill should be paid by the Council. Ald. Smith thought that the bill should not be paid out of the general revenue, but he thought that Ald. Brittain should not be called upon to pay the bill. It was decided to refer to the matter to the committee of the whole board when it is called together. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. The report of the Fire Department Committee was read. With reference to John Nugent’s claim for compensation for damage by fire to his premises, Rebecca street, it was stated that the committee find that every possible exertion was made by the department to extinguish it without any unnecessary delay, and they advised that the letter be filed. Tenders had been asked for the supply of horses for the department; the committee think two horses would be serviceable, but the price is too much, and recommend that the chairman go to Pictou, and be authorized to purchase five horses. The American Fire Hose Manufacturing Company, of Chelsea, Mass., is to furnish 200 feet of sample hose which, if satisfactory, to be accepted, to be paid two years from date of invoice, price $1.17 ½ per foot. It was asked that tenders be advertised to supply coal. Ald. Grant moved that the fire department report be taken up section by section. The first section in reference to Mr. Nugent’s claim was adopted with the addition that notice be given Mr. Nugent by the Common Clerk. The second section regarding the purchase of horses was read. Ald. Grant moved the adoption of the section, which was carried. The third section, bearing on the offer of the American Fire Hose Company was read. This company offer to deliver the hose in St. John at $1.17 ½ per foot, and give the use of 200 feet of hose for two years to be returned if it does not prove satisfactory. It was decided to accept the offer. The fourth section was adopted. ANOTHER DRINKING FOUNTAIN. A memorial from the S. P. C. A was read asking for permission to place another drinking fountain at Eeed’s Point. The mayor said the agent of the society had called on him and asked that the street committee be given power to act in the matter. On motion of Ald. Allan it was agreed to refer the matter to the street committee and the city engineer, granting them the necessary power to act. MORE WATER WANTED. A communication from the chairman of the sewerage and water supply was read, asking the concurrence of the board in the issue of $3,000 in debentures for the purpose of extending water supply to Fort Howe. Referred to the special committee on sewers and water supply. ANOTHER DRY DOCK. A communication from W. Morris was read. It contains a general offer to build a dry dock, and asks that he be heard before the Council. Referred to the harbor committee. PETITIONS. Alexander Syme asked that his assessment for extension of Canterbury street be reduced. He has paid $839 above the allowance given him, besides $28.25 for interest and 50c. for costs. Referred to appeals committee. Thomas Coll, in jail for taxes, asked to be released. His communication was filed, as he is able to work and owns a horse and sloven. Gilbert & Stratton sent in a communication stating that as City Marshal E. K. Herrington had not done his duty, and by which omission of duty their client, Mr. L. N. Valpey, had sustained damages, they are desirous of prosecuting Mr. Herrington’s bondsmen. Referred to appeals committee, with the recorder and common clerk. George Rinehart asked for a reduction of rent for a lot of land on Mecklenburg street. Referred to eastern lands committee. A petition from a number of residents of Erin street was read, asking that country people and others be prevented from placing logs, etc., on the street. Referred to the police committee. A petition from W. M. Jarvis and a number of others was read asking that a sidewalk be laid on Prince William street from the City Hall to Bayard’s building. Referred to the street committee to report. Mrs. Amelia Gabbey notified the Council that the main sewer on Erin street is defective and floods the basement of her house and injures her property. Referred to the street committee. David Courtenay asked for a reduction of taxes. Referred to appeals committee. Thos. Conboy also asked to be relieved of taxes. He has eight small children. Referred to appeals committee with power to act. Another communication from the Ferry employees asking that their pay be increased was read and referred to the finance committee. THE ASSESSMENT LAW. Dr. Wm. Bayard wrote that he had complied with the provisions of the assessment law, and filed a statement of his real personal property and income, fixing the value of his real property at $16,000, personal at $9,000, and income at $4,500 a year. This statement he had sworn to, but the assessors had chosen to disregard his oath, and fixed the value of his real estate at $18,500. He also stated that his house appeared to have a sliding value with the assessors. One year it was valued at $16,000, another year at $16,500, and now at $18,500. The cost of the house was $16,000, and he had asked competent people to value it before taking his affidavit, and they had informed him that a fair value was $16,000. While he did not care about the few dollars extra taxes he would be obliged to pay, still he thought it a very questionable proceeding to disregard the oath of a respectable citizen. Ald. Glasgow said that on looking over the assessment he found that Dr. Bayard had been assessed last year on $16,000 real property, while this year he had been assessed on $18,500 real, besides personal, property. His income was taxed at $1,500 in1881; this year Dr. Bayard has made a statement fixing his income at $4,500. It also appears that while the assessors have increased the valuation of Dr. Bayard’s real estate, they have not assessed him at the full value placed on his personal property. The law also states that widows owning $500 in real or personal property shall be relieved, but he finds by reference to the books that the assessors have relieved estates in some cases and have acted as they saw fit. He moved for an investigation before the appeals committee. Ald. Smith also thought that the law should be carefully carried out and not made distasteful to a class of large tax-payers. He favored the matter being fully inquired into. He felt sorry that a majority of the assessors had not carried out the law in its proper spirit, but he believed that if the act were carried out in its entirety it would be generally acceptable to the whole public. Ald. Grant thought that the assessors had acted up to their full ability, but it could not be expected to get first class men on the small pay they get. MORE PETITIONS. John Riley asked relief from taxes. Referred to appeals committee with power to act. William Rutledge asked for reduction of his rent for a lot on Mecklenburg street. Henry F. Collins’ petition was referred to the assessors. W. Tierney asked that something be done about his taxes. He did not wish it left in the hands of the marshal, as that official advises him to go to jail. Referred to appeals committee. Robert Reed, C. White, John Halpin, William Stafford, Chas. E. Isler, John Spears, John Christie, Thomas Killen, H. A. Roberts, Francis Palmer and Thomas Hunter all petitioned for relief from taxes, all of which were referred to the Appeals Committee. D. White asked for the lease of a lot in Lancaster. Referred to Lancaster Lands Committee. John McCarthy asked for a reduction of rent for a lot in Carleton. Referred to West Side Lands Committee. Francis McCafferty, on behalf of the estate of Hugh McCafferty, asked for a release of a lot in Carleton. Referred to the West Side Lands Committee with the Common Clerk. Wm. Vail asked for relief of taxes in Carleton. Referred to west side committee. Gilbert & Stratton stated that they had been instructed by David Currie, John McFadden and Wm. H. Barton to bring action to recover $27 each for amount of back salary. If not paid an action will be brought. Referred to police committee with the Recorder. R. J. Ritchie wrote respecting the claim of Mrs. Carmichael for damages by the overflow of a sewer. Referred to the water commissioner. A number of bills were read and referred to different departments. FIVE PER CENT. DISCOUNT. Ald. Smith complimented the assessors on the prompt manner in which they had completed their work. Notwithstanding the new law, it had taken only two weeks longer to get the bills out. He moved that the usual discount of 5 per cent. be allowed on all taxes paid before the 1st of October. Ald. Glasgow seconded this motion. He thought the new assessment law was working very well. Coun. Coxetter could not support the motion, because it operated against the poor man. Ald. Glasgow took issue with the councillor and the resolution passed. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Ald. Robertson moved that the chairman of the fire department, with the chairman of the finance committee, be authorised to pay for the relief valve and the 1,000 feet of new hose for the fire department. Carried. Ald. Robertson thought that the room in the market building now occupied by the public library might be given up to the salvage corps until May 1st next. It was decided to let the matter stand for a while. It was agreed to give power to the chief to grant the usual leave of absence to the men. Ald. Grant moved that the chief of police be empowered to grant the usual leave of absence to the men. Carried. THE LOYALIST MEMORIAL. Ald. Grant stated that he had been requested by Mr. D. S. Kerr to lay before the Board the following memorial, which he read: -- That, by a generally expressed opinion and wish of the descendants of the United Empire Loyalists, and numerous others throughout the city, it is proposed to erect a monument of granite (from Spoon Island, Queens), not only to record important events connected with the early history of our Province, and as due to our ancestry, ourselves and to posterity, but also to present a just and lasting tribute to the memory and worth of the Loyalists and their sons in the wars between Great Britain and the United States – 1775 and 1812; such monument to be 100 feet high and according to the figure herewith presented, and erected on the site where the Bell Tower stood. The cost, if built without inside stairs, to be probably about $5,716; if, with inside stairs and proper roof, $6,720. The money for erecting the same to be collected by subscriptions and donations, not only from the City and County of St. John, but from Fredericton and the County of York and from the different towns and counties throughout the Province, as also by a small grant from the Legislature, if the same should be necessary. The monument to be completed in good time for the Dominion Exhibition here in the fall of 1883. A free meeting of the citizens and others to be called to consider the matter. The work of erecting proposed to be done by Mr. Henry C. Philip, stone cutter, very highly recommended for character and good workmanship, who is prepared to give good security for the proper discharge of his duties and who suggests the probable cost above given. In the absence of your Worship and Honors entertaining the erection of any other structure in memory of the United Empire Loyalists and their sons, your memorials most respectfully pray, that Your Worship and Honors will grant permission for the erection of the monument (if approved, at a general meeting) on the site above named – being at the head of King and adjoining Charlotte streets, such streets having been named after the Sovereigns, for whom the Loyalists and their sons fought and suffered; and your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. (Signed) George Stewart, P. Besnard, W. D. W. Hubbard, T. M. DeBlois, Samuel Tufts, John Wishart, Geo. E. Smith, John Kerr, Mark N. Powers, A. Chipman Smith, Charles W. Weldon, Charles Watters, Joshua Clawson, G. J. Chubb, C. A. Stevenson, Geo. E. Fairweather, R. Cruikshank, R. S. DeVeber, George Hutchinson, Edward Willis, John R. Marshall, G. Sidney Smith, T. W. Daniel, Hugh H. McLean, Robert R. Ritchie, J. T. Twining Hartt, A.C. Fairweather, W. Watson Allen, Mont. McDonald, Stephen K. Foster, R. W. Thorne, Jeremiah Travis, W. J. Ritchie, E. B. Chandler, John Livingston, R. C. Skinner, Alex. Barnhill, Geo. A. Harrison, S. J. King, J. S. Kaye, Geo. Whitney, John V. Ellis, L. R. Harrison, J. D. Underhill, D. Carleton Clinch, G. Thomas, John Boyd, W. Whiting, Charles Doherty, J. R. MacAlpine, A. I. Trueman, A. Rowan, H. G. Betts, David S. Kerr, Silas Alward, C. N. Skinner, Geo. O. D. Otty, E. G. Kaye, J. R. Armstrong, Frank H. Risteen, John Wilson, T. A. Rankine, Alex. Rankine, James Bennet, E. G. Nelson, James Smith, A. Gilmour, S. F. Matthews, J. W. Nicholson, R. W. Crookshank. After reading the memorial, Ald. Grant said that he saw no objection in granting the request of Mr. Kerr, and, therefore, moved that permission be granted the memorialists to erect the monument, provided it be shown that enough subscriptions have been raised to defray the cost, the plans to be laid before the Council and approved by them. The resolution was carried without debate, after which the Council adjourned.