Our Civic Rulers in Council

Year
1882
Month
9
Day
28
Article Title
Our Civic Rulers in Council
Author
------
Page Number
1, 2
Article Type
Language
Article Contents
OUR CIVIC RULERS IN COUNCIL. $2,500 VOTED FOR THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ON THE 18th OF MAY. Bad State of the Streets, and the Need of a Large Outlay for Repairs. Reports of Committees and General Business, Etc., Etc. The Common Council met yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock. All the members were present except Couns. Ring and Buist. The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. The finance committee recommend the payment of the following accounts: -- T.McAvity & Sons, hardware…………………………………$ 1 70 James H. Pullen, cleaning police magistrate’s room………….. 12 10 Bell Telephone Co., rent of telephone to 19th of August…….... 25 00 C. Y. F. Wilson, wharfage to the 1st of June…………………….. 50 00 John M. Taylor, cement………………………………………… 4 20 Watters & Busby, coal………………………………………… 64 17 Ladies’ Light Union to 14th July………………………………. 2 90 James H Pullen, painting Western Extension………………… 130 00 Joggins Coal Mining Association, coal…………………… 462 00 Jos. Bullock, oil……………………………………………… 23 01 St. John Bolt & Nut Co., bolts, etc………………………..... 39 85 McLachlan & Wilson, (from ferry fund)………………….. 204 22 George A. Knodell, printing tickets for ferry………………. 2 00 Do., printing schedules (from east side expense fund)………. 25 00 Intercolonial Railway, use of car……………………………. 2 00 Ellis, Robertson & Co., printing placards……………………. 1 25 G. S. Fisher & Co., repairing sidewalks………………………. 1, 393 84 R. A. & J. Stewart, hemlock deals……………………………. 110 79 Wm. Lewis & Son, bands for flag staff……………………. 7 00 F. Beverley, nails……………………………………………… 1 98 Stephen G. Blizzard, hardwood……………………………… 1 70 Tax Bill No. 3, Lancaster…………………………………….. 46 96 G. A. Knodell, printing receipt books…………………………. 3 00 W. H. Thorne, shovels…………………………………………. 2 25 James Brown, work on piers………………………………… 23 40 James Brown, work on piers…………………………………. 24 30 George Young and George Stockford, fishery directors, East Side...40 00 James Straton, attorney, on account of judgment and costs in suit of Patchell vs. the Mayor, etc., of St. John……………………….. 185 04 The committee recommended that $25, three months rent for Harbour Master’s office, be debited to East Side fund and credited to ferry fund. Since the last report of the committee the following accounts have been placed on the Chamberlain’s order book for payment: Canadian Rubber Co., for Eureka hose………………………….$1,327 15 Daniel McAllum, work on Western Extension………………….. 36 00 David Lawrence, work on ferry approaches……………………. 13 50 Young Swanton, storing coal……………………………………. 36 25 Tax Bill Town of Portland………………………………………. 14 25 St. John Gas Light Co., less 25 p.c.-- Hook & Ladder House……………………$10 50 No. 1 Engine House……………………… 25 15 No. 2 Engine House……………………… 19 20 No. 3 Engine House……………………… 16 73 From Fire Department fund………………. $71 58 Police Building, in full…………………… 25 80 Market Building, in full………………….. 82 83 Ferry Building, in full…………………….. 17 27 City Building, in full…………………….. 25 52 Dominion Lighting Co., 1 month to 20th of September……………………… 62 50 The committee also recommend the payment of the following accounts: -- Leonard P. Crear, services in Assessor’s office……$60 00 J. & A. McMillan, stationery……………… 15 55 GENERAL COMMITTEE. The general committee considered the bill of Robert Stackhouse for repairs on the Carleton clock, and without creating a precedent they recommended that the bill, $49 92, be paid out of the general revenue account. The committee reported that they had appointed a sub-committee on the celebration of the landing of the Loyalists next year. The committee have considered the report of the appeals committee relating to Dr. Bayard, and after enquiry and duly considering the petition of Dr. Bayard, the committee are of opinion -- (1.) That the assessors in their valuation of the real estate of the petitioner acted in the due exercise of their powers under the Assessment law, and are not bound by the statement of valuation furnished by Dr. Bayard. (2.) That as to the personal estate the assessors did not act in accordance with the law in reducing the valuation of personal property to an amount below the statement made by Dr. Bayard. The committee find that under the Assessment Act of last session the power of the Common Council on appeal is only in abatement of the amount assessed, and that the Council are not authorized to change the valuation made by the Board of Assessors. They cannot, therefore, recommend any action on Dr. Bayard’s protest. The committee have had under their consideration the application of Messrs. Troop & Son, asking that arrangements be made by which warehouse accommodation for the present will be afforded at the Lantalum warehouse for the sum of $50. The committee have requested the harbor committee to obtain plans and specifications and estimations of cost for the erection of a warehouse upon the Hatheway lot and to submit the same to the Council. The report was taken up section by section. The passage of the first section, relative to payment for the repairs of the Carleton clock out of the general revenue, was opposed by Councillors Coxetter and McFarlane and also by Ald. Smith, on the ground that it would establish a precedent. Ald. Glasgow spoke in favour of the payment, but the section was lost. The second section relative to the centennial celebration, was agreed to without debate. The third section, relative to the appeal of Dr. Bayard against his assessment, produced some debate. Ald. Smith thought the assessors, in this case, had exceeded their duty. He thought that the assessors had no right, under the act, to decrease the valuation of Dr. Bayard’s personal property. He thought it would be only right that the statement of Dr. Bayard, as to his property, be received and he moved an amendment to that effect. This was seconded by Coun. McFarlane. Ald. Glasgow said he would vote for that if it was not establishing a dangerous principle to change the assessment. The Mayor said he was advised that the Council had no power to change the assessment. Coun. Skinner said that substantially Dr. Bayard’s wishes in the matter had been agreed to, for his valuation of his property had been vindicated and he had been placed right before the public. He did not ask a reduction of the amount of his assessment. Councillor Peters had hoped the matter would now be set at rest. The assessors had added to the value of Dr. Bayard’s real estate, which they had a right to do, but they had reduced the value of his personal property from his sworn statement, which they had no right to do. The committee had censured the assessors for this, and as he asked for no reduction of his taxes, he thought no further action could now be taken. The discussion was continued by Ald. Smith, Robertson, Allan and Reynolds. The amendment was lost and the section adopted. The fourth section, relative to warehouse accommodation for the new ocean steamer, was adopted without debate. LOYALIST CELEBRATION. The report of the sub-committee on the proposed celebration of the Centennial Exhibition was read. It recommended that a sum, not to exceed $2,500, be appropriated by the city towards that purpose, and recommended that subscriptions be also asked from the citizens. Coun. Peters, in an eloquent speech, spoke in favor of the adoption of the report. He pointed out that the Exhibition which was to be held next year would not be a proper celebration of the Centennial. More than that was required. There should be a celebration on the 18th May, the day the Loyalists landed, and it should be taken part in by all citizens, whether descendants of the Loyalists or not. He showed that the advantages of such a celebration would be practical as well as for the pleasure of all citizens. He hoped to see the City Corporation take the lead in this matter. As to the mode of celebration that was a matter of detail. He appealed to them on the ground of pride and patriotism to make the grant. He was satisfied that the citizens would subscribe liberally. Coun. Robertson seconded the adoption of the report. Ald. Smith also spoke in favor of the grant and supplemented the arguments in its favor used by Coun. Peters. Ald. Grant thought that such a large amount as $2,500 would not be needed. Next year they would require $10,000 extra for the streets and $5,000 for the exhibition, and also something extra for the fire department, so that taxation would be increased. He thought they should act in this matter cautiously, and that a three days’ celebration was too much; one day would be sufficient. The whole affair would not cost more than $2,000, of which the city should not be asked to contribute more than one-half. Ald. Allan said that before the amount was voted the committee should be asked to bring in some scheme of how they were going to celebrate. When they could not even get the sidewalk in front of the city building repaired they could hardly afford $2,500 for a celebration. Coun. Peters said that the details of the proposed celebration had been settled by a former committee. Coun. Skinner said that, probably with the exception of one member, [here everyone looked at Coun. Coxetter], there would probably be none of them here one hundred years hence. As the Centennial could only come once in one hundred years he would vote for the grant. Ald. Reynolds favored the grant and thought that a creditable celebration would not be had for less money. Coun. McFarlane and Coun. Coxetter opposed the grant. The report was adopted. Ald. Grant moved that the sum granted be $1,000. Ald. Smith moved in amendment that the grant be $2,500. The amendment was carried by the following vote: -- Yeas. Ald. Smith, “ Colwell “ Robertson “ Glasgow, “ Reynolds, Coun. Robertson, “ Peters, “ Skinner, “ Emerson -- 9. Nays. Ald. Allan, “ Grant, “ Jordan, “ Wilson, Coun. Lantalum, “ McFarlane, “ Coxetter – 7. LANCASTER LANDS COMMITTEE. The report of the Lancaster lands committee was read and adopted. It recommended that a lease issue to James Read for a lot of land in Lancaster for 8 ½ years at an annual rental of $10, also that the order for a lease to Terrence B. McManus be cancelled. The report was adopted. STREET COMMITTEE. The report of the street committee was read. It recommended that the petition of John Foster and others for a sidewalk on Prince William street be not complied with, there being no funds; also that the hay and oats for the department be purchased by tender; further, that a curb stone be laid on Germain street, in front of the residences of James Lawton, Wm. Davidson, and Joseph Bullock, they to lay the asphalt sidewalk at their own expense. The report was adopted. POLICE COMMITTEE. The police committee reported recommending that a special policeman be appointed to do duty on Sheffield street during the months from May to November; that a Brussels carpet be laid in the chief’s office. The committee also recommended that the claims of David Currie, John McFadden and William Melick be settled for $27 each, as they are recoverable. The committee ask power to call for tenders for coal for the police building. FIRE COMMITTEE. This committee recommended that the tender of Magee Bros., for hard coal, and that of Watters & Busby, for soft coal, be accepted; also, that a new roof be put on No. 1 engine house; that the chairman be authorized to buy the hay and oats needed by the department during the year. The committee have leased the room in the building on the corner of Germain and Princess streets formerly occupied by the Reform Club for the use of the salvage corps. They recommend the following appointments to the salvage corps: R. Keltie Jones, George A. Hetherington, A. W. McMackin, W. T. Paisley. The report was adopted after a brief discussion. THE APPEALS COMMITTEE. The report of the committee on appeals was and read made the following recommendations: That the petition of John Fallis and H. C. Collins be not complied with; that the petition of Lawrence McGrath be complied with; that $2.25 and costs be received from Charles Parsons for assessments against him, except 1882; that $10 be received from James Thompson for assessments previous to 1882; he to pay $2.50 on the 1st of each month; that $15 be received from Thomas Riley; he to pay $5 on 1st October, November and December; that Francis McLauchlan to pay his assessments in monthly installments of $4 each, beginning on October 1st; that $40 be received from William Hillman; he to pay $20 at once and $10 each on 1st Nov. and Dec.; that $15 be received from T. W. Golding, to be paid in instalments of $5 each on the 1st of October, November and December; that $15 be received from John McFate in monthly instalments of $3 each, first payment to be made on October 1st; that $2.25 be received from Thomas Davidson and $4 from Richard Thomas, both to be paid by 15th October; that $11.25 be received from Francis McGuire, to be paid before 1st of November; that $16 be received from Neil McEgan, to be paid in four instalments of $4 each, first to be made October 1st; that $10 be received from Wm. Jones, to be paid in two installments of $3 each, on 1st October and 1st November, and balance on 1st December; that James Murphy be relieved of income tax for 1879. They report that John Kearns has been released from jail on payment of $2.75 by promissory note; also that Robert McClintock has been released from jail on giving an endorsed note for $8.60. The report was adopted. WEST SIDE LAND COMMITTEE. The report of the West Side Land Committee was read and made the following recommendations: -- That John Fawcett be relieved from taxes for 1875; that $15 be accepted from Dennis Mahoney, in full for all taxes due; that Thomas Boyle, now in custody, be discharged; that the petition of John C. McCarthy, for reduction of rent, be complied with; that Jeremiah Collins be granted leases of lots 290, 291 and 292 on Rodney street for five years from May, 1883, at $5 per year, under the usual conditions for pasturage and tillage; that the Recorder be instructed to take proceedings to take possession of lot under lease to John C. Littlehale and the late Joseph Coram; also lot No. 802, under lease to Freeman Campbell; also lots 514 and 515, under lease to James McIntyre; also lot 655, held by Terence Fegan, and in possession of Angus McIsaac: also lot No. 1044, held by the estate of George B. Beattey, and in possession of Walter Sewall; also the lot called “Reserve Ground,” held under lease by the late John Connor. The report was adopted. WEST SIDE STREET COMMITTEE. The west side street committee’s report was read and recommended payment of a number of bills, in all amounting to $343.07. The report was adopted. CARLETON LIGHTS. The report of the Common Clerk on the election on the Carleton lights was read. On motion of Ald. Glasgow the returns were read as follows: -- For. Against. Rej. Guys………………………………………….104………………123…………………2 Albert………………………………………….38………………119…………………0 Brooks…………………………………………32………………122…………………1 Totals…………………………………………174 364 3 The returns were placed on file. The bills for the expenses of holding the election were ordered to be paid, the finance committee and common clerk to determine what fund it shall be taken out of. E. McLeod asked for a lease of land on St. John street, Carleton, near the Dominion steps, for 21 years at $8 a year. Lease granted. APPEALS FOR TAXES. Petitions in reference to taxes were from Cornelius Moriarty, Robert Smith, Peter Morier (now in gaol), John Higgins, Samuel Wilson (policeman), Thomas Appleby, J. D. Webb, Adam Clark, Peter Gorman (in gaol), Hugh Tufts, Joseph Bowes (in gaol), W. H. Donahue, Hugh Montague (in gaol), James Davis, F. Anderson, O. B. Barberie, John Sands, David J. Hatfield, Samuel Moore, Morris Walsh, Samuel Henderson, Michael Harrington (sick, and in gaol, with nine children depending on him), Thos. A. Peters, John Duffy, all of which were referred to appeals committee. Dennis Melloy, of Brussels street, complained that the street wall was falling in and destroying his house. Referred. Elias A. Belyea, Wm. Mullin, and the other teamsters and drivers of engines, asked that their wages be raised to the old standard. Referred . MORE WATER WANTED. A report from the Water Commissioners relative to laying a new sewer in Wellington Row and recommending the same was read. They also recommended a sewer and water main in Brussels street and ask concurrence of the Council in the issuing of $3,000 sewerage and $3,000 water debentures to pay for these works. Referred to the special committee with the finance committee. A large number of accounts were read and referred. The Mayor said he had been served with a writ by Mr. Ritchie, at the suit of Elizabeth Shaw, who had been injured on the street. The matter was referred to Ald. Reynolds and Coun. Robertson. Ald. Robertson moved that a bill of $48 for duties on hose be paid. This was some hose that had come on trial from a firm in Massachusetts. Coun. Lantalum said that the same hose had been admitted into Halifax duty free. After some discussion, on motion of Councillor Skinner, a resolution was carried empowering the chairman of the fire department to see if the same remission could not be obtained for St. John. THE FERRY SERVICE. Ald. Allan said he had received a copy of the correspondence since he entered the room and found in it a paragraph relating to the ferry, which he read. It is as follows: -- The passengers who arrived by the morning train yesterday from the west were very indignant at the treatment they received by the ferry. They alleged that they were just at the head of the floats when the boat went out, leaving them for twenty minutes in a drenching rain, many being without protection from the weather. Those in advance say they could have caught the boat if they had known she was going so soon. The number thus threated was thirty-eight. The alderman said he had instructed the captain of the ferry boat that he was not to lie on either side of the harbor more than three minutes on each trip, and the boat being in good condition she should cross the harbor in three and a half minutes. He thought no 38 men would make a charge that was not true; and if it was true it was a great shame, and he believed it to be true. He would move that he, as chairman of the ferry committee, inform Captain Pidgeon that his services would not be required after November 1st. Ald. Robertson seconded this motion to bring the matter up. Ald. Glasgow thought there should be an investigation. Ald. Allan said that there was another charge against the same captain for delaying the boat. Ald. Glasgow favored the appointment of a special committee to inquire into these matters. Coun. Skinner said the ferry service should be properly maintained, and if a charge of this kind were proved against a public officer, he should be dismissed. He thought the charge should be investigated by the ferry committee. Ald. Wilson explained his absence from the last meeting of the ferry committee. He hoped the matter would lie over to be dealt with by the committee. Ald. Allan said there had been a number of similar charges against Captain Pidgeon, which had been investigated, and all ended in nothing. As chairman of the ferry committee, he had given his personal supervision to the ferry, and the boats were in first-rate running order; and he had issued orders that the boat should not wait more than three minutes at each side of the harbor; he wished those orders carried out. He still favored his motion. The Mayor asked if Capt. Pidgeon had been before the committee and examined as to former charges. Ald. Allan said he had. Coun. Peters said he was as anxious as any member of the Common Council to see the machinery of the public service as perfect as possible, but he did not approve of star chamber practices. He thought that Capt. Pidgeon should be brought before a special committee and the charges fully and impartially enquired into. He therefore moved that a special committee be appointed, of which the chairman of the ferry committee should be chairman. This was carried and the mayor appointed. Alds. Allan, Colwell, Smith and Couns. Peters and Emerson such committee. The Board then adjourned.