IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 ~ iM |||||2J_ 
 2.0 
 
 1.8 
 
 1.4 
 
 1.6 
 
 V} 
 
 <^ 
 
 /2 
 
 'e^. 
 
 <rj 
 
 %" e, 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 A 
 
 / 
 
 >^ 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 '% 
 
 V 
 
 ;^^ 
 
 ■•^'^ « 
 
 :\ 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 O^ 
 
 V 
 
 ^1> 
 
 .«" 
 
 p\>* 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
A. 
 
 w. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductiuns Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 
 
 1980 
 
 ,, 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Features of this 
 copy which may be bibliographically unique, 
 which may alter any of the images in the 
 reproduction, or which may significantly change 
 the usual method of filming, are checked below. 
 
 □ 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 I I Covers damaged/ 
 
 D 
 
 □ 
 
 D 
 
 Couverture endommagde 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restaurde et/ou pelliculde 
 
 Cover title missing/ 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes g^ographiques en couleur 
 
 Colourec ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 
 
 I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 
 n 
 
 Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur 
 
 Bound with other matsrial/ 
 Re\\6 avec d'autres documents 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 along interior margin/ 
 
 La reliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion le long de la marge intdrieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may 
 appear within the text. Whenever possible, these 
 have been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que certaines pages blenches ajoutdes 
 lors d'une restauration apparaisst nt dans le texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela 6tait possibis, ces pages n'ont 
 pas 6td filmdes. 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires suppl^mentaires; 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procjrer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage 
 sont indiquds ci-dessous. 
 
 I I Coloured pages/ 
 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommagdes 
 
 □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaur^es et/ou pellicul^es 
 
 I V Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 I — I Pages d^color^es, tachet^es ou piqudes 
 
 □ Pages detached/ 
 Pages d^tach^es 
 
 I I Showthrough/ 
 
 D 
 D 
 
 Transparence 
 
 Quality of prir 
 
 Quality inSgale de I'impression 
 
 Includes supplementary materic 
 Comprend du materiel supplementaire 
 
 I I Quality of print varies/ 
 
 I I Includes supplementary material/ 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Edition disponible 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont 6t6 filmdes d nouveau de facon d 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-dessous. 
 
 10X 14X 18X 22X 
 
 J 
 
 26X 
 
 30X 
 
 12X 
 
 16X 
 
 20X 
 
 24X 
 
 28X 
 
 32X 
 
e 
 
 6tails 
 s du 
 lodifier 
 r une 
 Image 
 
 The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity or: 
 
 Nova Scotia Public Archives 
 
 The images appearing here are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition and legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed 
 beginning with the front cover and ending on 
 the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All 
 other original copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with a printed or illustrated imp"~i, 
 sion, and ending on the last page with a pr:..ted 
 or illustrated impression. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the symbol — ♦- (meaning "CON- 
 TINUED"!, or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at 
 different reduction ratios. Those too large to be 
 entirely included in one exposure are filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to 
 right and top to bottom, as many frames as 
 required. The following diagrams illustrate the 
 method: 
 
 L'exemplaire U\m6 fut reproduit grace d la 
 g6n6rosit6 de: 
 
 Nova Scotia Public Archives 
 
 Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et 
 de la nettete de l'exemplaire film6, et en 
 conformit6 avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 Les ex^mplaires originaux dont la couverture en 
 papier est imprim6e sont film6s en commenpant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 ddrnidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires 
 originaux sont film^s en commenpant par la 
 premiere page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 la derni^re page qui comporte une telle 
 empreinte. 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la 
 dernidre image de chaque microfiche, selon le 
 cas: le symbole — ♦- signifie "A SUIVRE ", le 
 symbole V signifie "FIN ". 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre 
 film6s d des taux de reduction diff^rents. 
 Lorsque le document est trop grand pour etre 
 reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir 
 de Tangle sup^rieur g. uche, de gauche i droite, 
 et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 illustrent la m^thode. 
 
 irrata 
 to 
 
 pelure, 
 n d 
 
 D 
 
 32X 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 . 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
CITY OF HALIFAX. I ^ 
 
 THE 
 
 AY0R'S QdDRESS, 
 
 11 
 
 il 
 
 111 
 
 AND 
 
 (General Review ep 0fpairs 
 
 eP THE 6iTY ^eVERNMENT. 
 
 1886, 
 
 I 
 I 
 I 
 J 
 
 I 
 « 
 I 
 I 
 
 is' 
 
 m\ 
 mi 
 Ml 
 
 si 
 
 II 
 II 
 11 
 II 
 II 
 11 
 m\ 
 II 
 il 
 
 J! 
 
 I 
 I 
 I 
 I 
 
 sl 
 
 II 
 
 HALIFAX, N. S. 
 PRINTED BY JAMES BOWES & SONS, 125 HOLLIS STREET. 
 
 1886. 
 
' ";'-'»,f 
 
 Mil iHHjiKf g JiKi ^ 
 
 / If 
 
 1 ;i 
 
 
'WIBPHISIIPPPPSWIPIP 
 
 CITY OF HALIFAX. 
 
 ii ' 
 
 THE 
 
 FRaY0R'S 0DDRESS 
 
 AND 
 
 CtEneral Review qf 9ppairs 
 
 eP THE 6ITY Q-eVERNMENT, 
 
 t 
 
 1886, 
 
 HALIFAX, N. S. 
 PRINTED BY JAMES BOWES & SONS, 125 HOLLIS STREET. 
 
 1886. 
 
■■iW 
 
 2,72.^?^- ^9?Uz^yAj 
 
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 
 
 To the members of the City Council : 
 
 Gentlemkn, — 
 
 Last year it was my privilege to enter pretty freely into the 
 affairs of this corporation, reviewing the occurrences of 
 the previous decade, elaborating the then position of civic 
 affairs, pointing out omissions and defects, and offering such 
 suggestions for the future as the experiences of the past 
 showed to be desirable. 
 
 I might almost be excused from again addressing you, and 
 the citizens of Halifax, through you, were it not that events 
 seem to multiply so rapidly that an annual review seems a 
 necessity, in order to note progress, and to provide a per- 
 manent record of a year's work. 
 
 The departmental reports are based upon the general civic 
 year, which runs from May to May, and all the statements and 
 returns made, conform to tiiese dates, but as the period of issue 
 of these reports is six months later than the close of the 
 Corporation year, my remarks will be made to embrace more 
 recent occurrences, thus making a connecting link with the 
 succeeding year. 
 
 It cannot be amiss, in so far as it comes within the scope of 
 a mayor's duties and observations, to have an annual stock 
 taking, shewing the advancement of our city in its financial,, 
 industrial and legislative interests. That there has been a 
 substantial and permanent gain since my last review is very 
 evident. The hope expressed by me in concluding the address 
 of 1885, " that the current year will enable us to bring to a 
 successful ending some of the important subjects which have 
 for years been before this and previous councils " has been to- 
 
 >•%> '«v 
 
vm. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 a considerable extent justitiod. Some of the matters discussed 
 last year have been carried to a successful termination, others 
 are in process of development, others again have yet to be 
 advanced from the positions of agitation and speculation to a 
 more permanent place in the public mind. 
 
 Of the subjects referred to last year which have since been 
 carried out, I may enumerate . electric lighting of streets, etc.; 
 pounds for stray cattle ; additional police protection in suburbs ; 
 Catholic Reformatory for boys to be sent from the Police 
 Court ; increased number of tiro escapes on hotels and public 
 buildings; a general vaccination of school children and the 
 public; repairs and renewals at llockhead Prison; enclosing 
 and beautifying square fronting the Exhibition building; new 
 road and handsome gates at Point Pleasant Park ; improve- 
 ments and extensions of water works and sewerage ; partial 
 renewals of sidewalks, etc. 
 
 The Board of Works have also given special attention to the 
 Grand Parade, and though hampered for want of funds have 
 effected considerable permanent repairs on the streets, and are 
 now widening that important thoroughfare, Bell's Lane, so 
 much used by vehicles passing to and from the Depot. The 
 Commissioners of the Public Gardens and Commons have in- 
 creased the attractions of the former, and greatly improved the 
 latter. 
 
 Of the subjects in process of development, the principal are 
 the Graving Dock, now well under way ; the new City Hall ; 
 the Street Railway, which is in partial operation, and which is 
 to be further extended north, west and south ; and the con- 
 struction of three new school houses in the northern and 
 western suburbs. 
 
 The important question of providing a market place is in the 
 hands of a committee of the City (,^ouncil, and with good 
 prospects of success ; the safe storage of inflammable oils is 
 
 ■ "^"'^rir^gum^tf:^ 
 
mayor's address. 
 
 IX. 
 
 being attended to b}' another committee, and a building 
 selected as a permanent depot ; other minor matters are re- 
 ceiving attention from the regular and special cotnniittees of 
 the Council. 
 
 I will as far as pos.sible within reasonable limits, discu.ss 
 these and kindred subjects further on, but before doing so will 
 refer shortly to the legislation of the last session of our Local 
 Parliament, in so far as it relates to the interests of the City 
 of Halifax. In addition to the several act-s si)ecially mentioned 
 herein, there are others which indirectly affect intere.'-^ts within 
 the city, but not to any great extent. 
 
 The City Council and citizens in general, should keep track 
 
 •of legislation on civic affiiirs. and afiectintr civic rijrhts and 
 
 privileges, the more especially as it is only by legislative 
 
 enactments that additional taxation can be imposed on the 
 
 rate payers. 
 
 It not infrequently happens that important city interests are 
 largely interfered with by Acts of Parliament, passed in 
 apparent disregard of the vvishes of the citizens, or their 
 legally constituted representatives. Many instances of this 
 ■could be cited, but it would serve no good purpose, especially 
 as public opinion is divided upon some of the laws in question. 
 
 LEGISLATION OF 188C. 
 
 The last session of the Provincial Legislature was a very 
 prolific one in enactments, and the City of Halifax came in for 
 its full share. Among the 108 chapters which were the result 
 •of the session's work, .some ten or twelve directly affected the 
 interests of the Corporation of Halifax. These I will specially 
 «ote, indicating some of the most prominent features. 
 
 Chapter 1, — "An Act to authorize certain grants in aid of 
 
 Railways, and to provide for the completion and consolidation 
 
 of the Railway between Halifax and Yarmouth," if carried into 
 
 ^operation w411 be of immense benefit to the trade of Halifax. 
 
X. 
 
 *»AYOU's ADDIIESS. 
 
 I 
 
 
 Chapter 2,—" ^^ a — — — 
 
 «^»t Wctern Railwal c",,!"!:?"™"' '''" "olifax «„.i; 
 «''M.ter, an,l fonn.s a e„,,™ v 7' *"'■" "'" "' "'« «■»' 
 op«mt,o„.s conto,„p|„a„, thZ"^ ""■'■^ "'" "- I»-"P"-.J 
 Chapter .S.— " a„ * , 
 
 '■eensevs will (,„ aholi,,.,,.,!, a„^ 1, LeT ' , *''""" "'"' '""™- 
 
 ";" '".vpector on „,. 1,,,, J:" "" ^'- ■'•""^- -'.St h„ H,o,, >,i„^ 
 Cty of Halifa. pet;.-„„rf r\ • ' ''7 "^ f -«"!>-. In the 
 »ccon,panie,l withacrtifiel / '"""' ''«-""^<'-< "»«t l,o 
 
 of 'l.e .listriet, an,| f„/„ '^ "V'^ ■«">' of the .-ato paye 
 
 ''<^e"».-".,tl,elaw,loesnotm?„ •'^■^ • "^^ "■"'P-'Cts v holesale 
 if « ; a" licenses oT nirr^.^""™ """' '^' ^-ua 
 The «,«ulati„ns an,i p..ohi „W f r'" T ''"' """-I'. '-W 
 'he penalties f„r infrin,e,nem"al f ' "^ ''""^''"'- ""'1 
 ■saloon an,l tavern keepers wh': .!'•*' ''"'~'''- ^ number of 
 o" 'I'e .lay this law wen i„^ " '""!'•'""' -«^« ""t perfects" 
 hcen.e.s fr„„, th„ City an I '"™"""- ""^^^ ""able to oh a 
 J»e In.,peetor has b^n w. , Cti:"^"/"™"^' ''«™ ^''-'' 
 """■her of convictions have re nb .■"","' "'" '''"•""■'a 
 imposed. """' ■•e-^"'tocl ,n heavy foes bein.. 
 
 Chapter 5. — "An A of 
 «' ".0 B„ar,l of Publt ChS,"':; ''""if f "arities- abolish- 
 "'"'"fer, representing the Corn V "'" *'^»'o'- ^t as a 
 
 "Shts powers and cl.^i of hTs" B :"", "' "''''''^- ^H tb! 
 
 eern the Hospital for the Jnsa„e "■''• "" ^" *^ "'«v con- 
 
 ^.oners of Works an., Mi "e Wil^ '"""' '" '^" «o„„.,is. 
 
 Asylun, and Provincial and C tv h' -.''T'' '" '^e Poor," 
 
 '" ''" '-'^y "' Haiifa.; thrcrr'tttr-'-'r 
 
 «Ji tfte Jatter was left. 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 xi.- 
 
 optional with the City. Under a clause in the Act the City 
 made aa aijfreernent with the Provincial Government, by which, 
 the latter resumed the management of the Provincial and City 
 Hospital, the ('ity reserving all its rights as to compensation 
 for the cost of the l)uilding, which was erected and paid for by 
 the City ; also for the value of the gr.)unds and the disposition 
 of the Murdoch bequest. The City is held by t^Act to be 
 indebted to the Province in the sum of $33,.S:j;j ofl^ccount of 
 the Poor Asylum, in addition to any other sum that nuiy l)e 
 found to be due ; but this is to be ott'-setted by any amount 
 found to be "due to the City by the Province. The liability of 
 the Province is limited, but the liability of the City to the 
 Province is unlimited. Arbitrators, one to be appointed by the 
 Province, a second by the City, and an umpire to be chosen by 
 the two Arbitrators, failing their agreement, by the Chief 
 Justice, are to settle the accounts between the Province and 
 City as to construction and maintenance. 
 
 Chapter 59 allows the leasing of the block of land on the 
 Common, bounded by Sackville street on south, Summer street 
 on the west, and Bell road on the north and east, also leiraliz- 
 ing the closing of the street leading from the Citadel to Jubilee 
 road. It authorises the borrowing of $1500 to improve aiid 
 fence the square fronting the Exhibition building. It also 
 authorises the borrowing of S10,000 for extension of water 
 service, 6,500 for repairs on the City Prison, $2,100 in payment 
 of flour weighers for lost fees, $2,732.21 for certain overdue 
 accounts, $2,500 to purchase broken stone from the Associa- 
 tion for Relief of the Poor. The .same Act authorises an 
 assessment, not to exceed $1,200 per annnum, for boys com- 
 mitted to the Roman Catholic Reformatory from the Police 
 Court. It amends the water assessment Act of 1885 by limit- 
 ing the water tax on buildings beyond one thousand feet from 
 any hydrant, it increases the time allowed for valoations for 
 assessment to 150 days, and authorises the commencement of 
 the valuations in September instead of October, and it provides- 
 
XII. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 that neither the Chief Assessor nor assistant assessors shall 
 enijage in any business on their private account. 
 
 Chapter GO amends the Halifax City Asse.'isment Act of 1883 
 by facilitating the measurements of properties to be sold under 
 the Lien, and it otherwise improves the provisions of the said 
 Act in enfojjcing the collection of the taxes levied. 
 
 Chapter Gl conveys a portion of the South Common to the 
 Ladies of the Sacred Heart, to be used solely for educational 
 purposes. 
 
 Chapter G2 enables the Governors of Dalhousie College to 
 sell the college building on the Grand Parade to the City of 
 Halifax, and the same to be vested in the corporation, the site 
 to be used for the erection of a City Hall. It conveys that 
 portion of the Common bounded by Morris, Robie, College and 
 Carleton streets to the Governors of Dalhousie College for a 
 site for university buildings, and to be used solely for univer- 
 sity purposes. 
 
 Chapter G3 vacates the office of Stipendiary Magistrate of 
 the City of Halifax, allows the retiring official (Henry Pryor) 
 an annual pension of .^1,200, and limits the salary of his suc- 
 cessor to $1000 per annum until the death of the former, when 
 the salary is to be increased to $2000 as heretofore. 
 
 Chapter 6G defines the liability of the City of Halifax, the 
 Town of Dartmouth, and the Countv of Halifax as to the 
 . support of pauper lunatics in the Hospital for the Insane, and 
 provides that each municipality shall pay directly to the Pro- 
 vincial Treasury the cost of its own patients. 
 
 Chapter 121 confers certain powers upon the Halifax Graving 
 
 Dock Company, enabling it to expropriate any lands required 
 
 for a site 'and surroundings, arbitrators to be appointed to 
 
 .Appraise the lands required, and on confirmation of the award 
 
 Jthe company to have possession of the lands so expropriated. 
 
mayor's address. 
 
 XIU. 
 
 Chapter 122 enables the Halifax Graving Dock (Jornpany to 
 treat with the City of Halifax for a portion of Young Street 
 and the Magazine lot ; and it legalizes the closing of Youn<r 
 Street below Victoria Street, also the diverting of the Sewer 
 around the head of the Dock. 
 
 Chaper 123 amends the Acts of 1884, incorporating the 
 Halifax Railway Company, Limited, and Chapter 124 Tncor- 
 porates the Halifax Street Railway Company, Limited, with a 
 capital of $100,000, and fixing the time for' constructincr and 
 operating the line. ' "^ 
 
 Chapter 125 amends the Act to Incorporate the Halifax and 
 Dartmouth Steam Ferry Company. 
 
 FINANCIAL. 
 
 The legal obligations of the year 1885-6, with the exception of 
 the disputed accounts of the Charity Board and County of 
 Halifax, were met with ease and promptness. The same can 
 be said of legal demands for the current year 1886-7 A few 
 overdue accounts in excess of last year's estimates were provided 
 for by Act of Parliament, and the amount $2732.21 will be 
 paid by five annual instalments. With respect to financial 
 affairs generally, I would refer to the lengthy explanations, 
 statements and comparisons in my address of 1885, which it is - 
 unneccessary here to recapitulate. 
 
 Some uncertainty exists as to the cause of unpaid balances 
 claimed from the City by the Province, the County and the 
 School Board for the years 1882-3-4. Leaving cut o^ the 
 question the fact that the City did nof estimate nor assess for 
 the full amount claimed by either the Charity Borrd or the 
 County of Halifax, (and these short estimates are to .some 
 extent responsible for the balances alleged to be due) the main 
 cause can be seen elsewhere in the losses in collection of the 
 taxes before the Lien law came into operation. For instance 
 in 1882 $14,000 was not recovered in addition to the allow mce' 
 
XIV. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 of $18,156; in 1883 $22,200 in addition to the allowance of 
 
 -$21,849, and in 1884 $4,873 in addition to the allowance of 
 $11,507. In these three years, in addition to the allowances 
 
 •of $51,512 there still remains uncollected $41,073, and this 
 latter amount represents balances due the Board of Charities, 
 the County of Halifax and the School Commissioners. The 
 first year of the Lien law shows the City in funds to discharge 
 
 ■ every obligation of the estimates, and in addition there remains 
 
 .a handsome surplus. 
 
 For the first time in the history of the Corporation of 
 Halifax siirplus revenues will require to be dealt with. As 
 elsewhere stated, the operation of the new assessment Act is, 
 under the energetic management of the City Collector, result- 
 ing so favorably that from year to year the Treasury will 
 shew surpluses of from $5000 to $10,000, and legislative au- 
 thority should be asked the coming session as to the disposition 
 
 •of these monies. I would suggest two courses, one or other of 
 ■which might be adopted: 1st, such surpluses to be used in 
 reduction of the tax levy, or 2nd, to be applied as a Sinking 
 Fund for the extinction of the funded debt of the City. It 
 might be said that the five per cent, allowance for estimated 
 losses in collection should be reduced, but it is essential that 
 the present rate should stand as a margin for delays in collec- 
 tion. Some .Sl7,000 of last year's taxes, beyond the estimated 
 loss, is as yet uncollected, but this will eventually all come in, 
 
 • A large portion with the two previous years' arrears, when the 
 Lien for 1884-5 is realised But were it not that pending 
 settleuients with the Local Government full payment has not 
 been made, the non-payment of these arrears would cause 
 trouble. 
 
 With respect to the enforcement of the Lien on real estate 
 in default for City taxes, and which will be brought to an 
 issue in a few weeks, I would state that some of the properties 
 to be sold have never contributed one cent to the City Treas- 
 ury within the memory of man. Others of those properties 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 XV. 
 
 remains 
 
 have been abandoned years ago to the mortgagees, and they 
 are to be allowed to go under the hammer to save usual costs 
 of foreclosure. And others belong to estates of deceased per- 
 sons with no living representatives, or the estates are in litiga- 
 tion. After I made the statement in May last that from 300 
 to 400 properties were under the operation of the Lien, and 
 would be sold if the taxes were not paid, theie was quite a rush 
 to pay up, so much so, that it was thought by the Collector 
 that very few houses or lots would eventually be sold for taxes. 
 When it is considered that the first sales comprise the accumu- 
 lations of 40 years of defective assessment laws, the number to 
 be sold will not be excessive. After the first year the number 
 of properties to be realised on for taxes will be limited. 
 
 The additions to the funded debt in 188G are $25,000 for 
 completion of the new Poor Asylum, ^25,000 for purchase of 
 site for new City Hall, $6,500 for repairs on Rockhead Prison, 
 and $1,500 for fencing and improving the South Common, 
 $10,000 has also been borrowed for water extensions, and 
 $5,000 for sewerage purposes. The Auditor's and Treasurer's 
 statements as appended will show the receipts and disburse- 
 ments for the year ending 30th April last. 
 
 A general balance sheet of the financial affairs of the 
 corporation should be made, and an extended statement of the 
 liabilities and assets prepared and peruianently recorded. 
 This becomes all the more necessary as the funded debt 
 increases, for capitalists will consider it only a business precau- 
 tion to look more closely into the capacity of the City for 
 •carrying its debt and interest charges. Enquiries have already 
 been made by intending investors in City securities living out- 
 side the Province as to the extent of the Municipal debt, value 
 of corporation property, capacity of the community for bearing 
 its burden of debt and taxes, and kindred subjects. To 
 answer those questions intelligently and successfully authenti- 
 ■cated data should be available. But apart from this, it is only 
 
XVI. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 businesslike and eminently proper that the whole financial 
 affairs of the City of Halifax should be collocated and present- 
 ed in a succinct shape, and I would advise that this important 
 matter should be undertaken by the Committee of Publie 
 Accounts or by a special Committee of Council. 
 
 As a pruparator}' step all the real estate owned by the City 
 might be tabulated and valued, care being taken to see that- 
 plans are on fyle in the Crown Land office and proper deeds 
 recorded at the Registry officj. Very much land and water 
 property of considerable pecuniary and economic value has 
 been lost in the past, so that there is all the more reason to 
 make sure of what remains, some of which is even now in 
 jeopardy. 
 
 The most important financial topic arising out of the recently 
 dissolved partnership between the City of Halifax and the 
 Province of Nova Scotia, is the one now about to be arbitrated 
 on under Chapter 5, Acts of 188G, entitled an Act respecting 
 Public Charities. By this Act the City is held to be indebted 
 to the Province $33,333, and other sums for the cost of the new 
 Poor Asylum, also $23,491.95 and other sums, for maintenance 
 of City paupers. On the other hand the City intends to claim 
 the Qost and value of the City Hospital and grounds, and the 
 Poor Asylum site, as against the $33,333 share of cost of the 
 new building, paid for by the Province ; and for interest 
 on the Hospital debentures, and on the Murdoch bequest, as 
 against the $23,491.95 alleged claim for maintenance. The 
 result of the arbitration will be looked for with much interest^ 
 as the justice of the City's claim for the cost of the Hospital^ 
 (and which now to the amount of $38,500 forms part of the 
 funded debt,) cannot be disputed, nor can there be any doubt 
 as to the clauii for interest on Hospital debentures, since the 
 building was conducted on joint account; nor for interest on 
 the bequest of the late William Murdoch, during the same 
 period. 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 xvii. 
 
 
 le financial 
 nd present- 
 5 important 
 i of Public 
 
 by tlie City 
 to see that 
 oper deeds 
 and water 
 value has 
 3 reason to 
 in now in 
 
 be recently 
 <. and the 
 arbitrated 
 respecting 
 e indebted 
 jf the new 
 lintenance 
 to claim 
 s, and the 
 ost of the 
 interest 
 equest, as 
 nee. The 
 1 interest,. 
 
 Hospita]> 
 art of the 
 
 ny doubt 
 
 since the 
 iterest on 
 
 the same 
 
 Another proposed a;rV)itration is that between the County of 
 Halifax an<l the City, for amounts alleged to be due by latter 
 to the former. Up to the close of 1885 the County claims 
 V>alances of several years to a total of $20,764. Part o^f this is 
 disputed by the City as an arbitration held several years ago 
 threw out some items in the County estimates, which entered 
 into the balances claimed from the City. For some years the 
 City declined to estimate the sum asked for by the County, 
 but the latter carry the total amount estimated into their 
 accounts. An arbitration is proposed to enter into and adjust 
 the matters in dispute, and this will probably be eventually 
 agreed to. This arbitration should have power also to arrive- 
 at a proper basis of valuation of property in the County, as at 
 present these valuations are gro.ssly unfair to the City. One 
 great injustice between the CMty and County disappears in the 
 direct responsibility of the (>ity to the Hospital for the Insane- 
 for pauper patients. 
 
 Citizens complain that they do not know where the large- 
 amounts annually levied and collected go to, or how the 
 amounts are expended and the civic estimates appear rather 
 involved to those who do not understand the principles upon 
 which they are based. I give the current year estimates in & 
 somewhat clearer form than they appear in this annual report. 
 
 ESTIMATE FOR 188G-7. 
 
 Salaries and allowances $ 23974 00 
 
 Police Department '. 22880 00 
 
 'Fire Department 6075 00 
 
 do. Special and half cost horses. . . . 3370 00 
 
 Prison and Reformatory 6100 00 
 
 Streets and cleaning, and half cost horses 83050 00 
 
 Lighting streets and City Building 10921 00 
 
 Repairs to City property 4000 00 
 
 Interest on City debt 42521 33 
 
 Public ■schools and education 69400 OO 
 
XVlll. 
 
 MAYORS ADURESS 
 
 ^I 
 
 County of Halifax, including pauper lunatics. . . . 25392 G8 
 
 Poor Asylum and Hospital 22000 00 
 
 Sanitary and Board of Health 1G50 00 
 
 Printing and stationery 1500 00 
 
 Contingent account 2991 89 
 
 Gardens and park 3000 00 
 
 Public Library 1200 00 
 
 Fuel, insurance, telephones and clock 1300 00 
 
 Annuity Mrs. Tohin 101 28 
 
 Walker judgment 1383 00 
 
 Allowance of 5 per cent, for lost taxes 13024 00 
 
 Total expenditure $ 29G734 18 
 
 ESTIMATED REVENUE. 
 
 From Liquor licenses $ 11000 00 
 
 " Fees, Hnes, &c 7630 00 
 
 " Rents of City property 2750 00 
 
 " Cabs, trucks, expresses 1250 00 
 
 $ 22G30 00 
 
 The nett amount deducting estimated revenue being 
 ^274,104.18 But of this amount, $13,024 is the allowance for 
 lost taxes ; deductinL' this sum from the gross estimate leaves 
 the nett expenditure S283,710.18, of which $22C30 comes from 
 revenue and S2G 1,080. 18 from taxes. The auditor explains 
 why the taxes of 188G are higher than those of 1885, and my 
 last address explains the'cause of the increase of taxation from 
 1881 when it stood at $244,532, to 1885, which latter year 
 showed the total to be $208,919. The City Council cannot be 
 held responsible for these increases which are almost entirely 
 beyond their control. 
 
 Additional safeguards to person and property; additional 
 improvements in public education ; the creation of gardens, 
 parks and squares cost money and must be paid for by an 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 25392 
 
 08 
 
 22000 
 
 00 
 
 1050 
 
 00 
 
 1500 
 
 00 
 
 2991 
 
 89 
 
 3000 
 
 00 
 
 1200 
 
 00 
 
 1300 
 
 00 
 
 101 
 
 28 
 
 1383 
 
 00 
 
 13024 
 
 00 
 
 29C734 
 
 18 
 
 11000 
 
 00 
 
 7030 
 
 00 
 
 2750 
 
 00 
 
 1250 
 
 00 
 
 22030 00 
 
 ue beinjTf 
 -vance for 
 ite leaves 
 mes from 
 
 explains 
 , and my 
 
 ion from 
 
 ter year 
 annot he 
 
 entirely 
 
 Iditional 
 gardens, 
 )r by an 
 
 increase in the annual tax levy. Fifteen years ago the total 
 tax was 8183,000 or nearly '5100,000 less than that of to-day. 
 Over one-fifth of this increase is for interest on the funded 
 deVtt, and more than two-fifths is the increase of schools, charity 
 and county demands, so that three-fifths of the mcrease of 
 the past fifteen years is caused by these four appropriations. 
 The balance is made up of increase yi Police, Fire Department, 
 Street lighting, internal health and allowances for short collec- 
 tions. There was a greater expenditure on streets fifteen years 
 ago than now, but there was no park, no gardens, no library, 
 no Board of fire escapes, no telephones nor other luxuries 
 which the citizen of to-day consider indispensable to life and 
 comfort and which he is willing to pa}- for. 
 
 A small balance, some $2,000, remains of the amount 
 borrowed from the Merchants' Bank of Halifax in 1882 to pay 
 off' floating debts. Among the securities set apart to be realised 
 on to repay the whole loan of S00,00(), were the lots of land at 
 Freshwater and which still remain unsoltl. I would recommend 
 that these lots be disposed of and the account with the Bank 
 closed. 
 
 Now that the City's finances are in a sound and healthy 
 condition I think we should be able to arrange that our busi- 
 ness be done on the very best terms. 
 
 It is certain that our estimated revenue from Liquor Licen- 
 ses will fall short this year owing to the operations of the Act 
 respecting the sale of intoxicating liquors which reduced the 
 number of saloon and tavern licenses con.siderably below 
 the average of former years. 
 
 VALUATIONS FOR ASSESSMENT. 
 
 It may not be uninteresting here to give the valuations of 
 two or three years, also the real and personal property by 
 wards, the progressive valuations from 1850 to 1880-87, which 
 will be found on page 170, showing the various fluctuations 
 between those years. 
 
XX. MAYORS ADDRKSS. 
 
 1 
 
 The total valuations of 1884-5 was : 
 
 Real Estate $14,970,540 
 
 Personals 4,99f),430 
 
 Banks and Gc.npanies 1,409,272 
 
 1885-0. 
 
 Real Estate ! $15,134,130 
 
 Personals 4,007,045 
 
 Banks and Companies 1,409,275 
 
 1880-7. 
 Real Estate $14,577,930 
 
 Personals 5,044,885 
 
 Banks and Companies 1,409,225 
 
 21,445,242 
 
 $21,211,050 
 
 
 
 $21,092,040 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 WARDS. 
 
 
 I 
 
 Real Estate. 
 
 Personals. 
 
 Total. 
 
 ■ 
 
 No. 1. $3,451,050 
 
 $1,149,350 
 
 $4,001,000 
 
 ■ 
 
 2. 1,931,750 
 
 590,905 
 
 2,522,715 
 
 1 
 
 3. 2,475,080 
 
 1,585,520 
 
 4,000,000 
 
 B 
 
 4. 1,548.000 
 
 999,750 
 
 2,547,750 
 
 ■ 
 
 5. 3,537,850 
 
 501,700 
 
 4,099,550 
 
 ■ 
 
 0. 1,033,000 
 
 157,000 
 
 1.791.200 
 
 1 
 
 Totals, $14,577,930 
 
 . $5,044,885 
 
 $19,022,815 
 
 ■ 
 
 Balance 
 
 
 1,409,225 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 $21,092,040 , 
 
 ■ ^ 
 
 RESULT OF THE ACT OF 1883. 
 
 The provisions of this Act with respect to real estate on 
 which there is a lien for City taxes, are so lenient that the 
 tax payer in default has nearly three years within which to 
 pay up before sale, and another year in addition, in which to 
 redeem, by paying ten per cent, additional, in all nearly four 
 years before the property is finally sold out. 
 
mayor's ADDUES8. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 So much has been said with respect to the success of this 
 Act, that it is only fair to give a statement of its final result, 
 which is a complete justification for its enactment. 
 
 First, to shew the necessity for the enactment, the following 
 table gives the losses for four years previous to inauguration 
 of the new law. 
 
 r«ar. 
 
 18;-9-80 
 1880-81 
 1881-82 
 1882-83 
 
 Totals, $924,359 
 
 Amnuiit 
 Levied. 
 
 Allowed 
 for Lonwt, 
 
 Addillonnl 
 Luaa. 
 
 Total t.oia. 
 
 Per Cent. 
 
 $236,526 
 
 $10,113 
 
 $21,200 
 
 $31,313 
 
 13i 
 
 210,340 
 
 12,000 
 
 21,000 
 
 33,000 
 
 16 
 
 232,961 
 
 18,156 
 
 14,000 
 
 32,156 
 
 14 
 
 244,532 
 
 21,849 
 
 22,200 
 
 44,049 
 
 18 
 
 $62,118 
 
 $78,400 $140,518 
 
 154 
 
 In 1883 a change in the mode of collection was adopted, but 
 without the operation of the Lien, and with the following 
 result : — 
 
 1883-84 
 
 Aaaeaaed. 
 
 $244,845 
 
 Allowt'd. 
 
 $11,507 
 
 Atlilitional 
 
 LUHB. 
 
 $4,873 
 
 Totil Lon. 
 $16,360 
 
 Per Cent. 
 
 In 1884 the full law, including the Lien clauses, began to 
 operate, and though no property has yet been sold, the account 
 for that year made up to 1st November, 1880, stands thus:— 
 
 1884-85 
 
 Assesiiod. 
 
 $247,847 
 
 Allowed. 
 
 $11,991 
 
 Unlii. 
 
 $6,170 
 
 IJiicolkctcd. 
 
 $5,421 
 
 Per com. 
 
 2i 
 
 When the Lien clauses are finally enforced by sales of 
 property, or payment before sale, the following will be the 
 probable result : — 
 
 Asaeflsed. 
 
 $247,847 
 
 1884-85 
 
 Allowed 
 fur Losses. 
 
 $11,991 
 
 Gain on 
 AlloWHnce. 
 
 8.170 
 
 I.oaa. 
 
 $3,821 
 
 Per cent, of 
 total asueaaed. 
 
 H 
 
 Average annual loss from 1870 to 1883 § 35,129 
 
 Estimated loss on 1884-85 3,821 
 
 Annual net gain in favor of new law $31,308 
 
xxu. 
 
 MAYORS ADDKKSS. 
 
 11 
 
 Or take the last year of the old law. 
 Total uncollected taxes of 1.S82-S8 $44,049 
 
 ",,,„:," 1884-85 3,821 
 
 In favor of new law S40,228 
 
 Average of four last years of old law, per cent lo\ 
 
 Percenta<,'e of loss, 1884-85 IJ 
 
 In favor of new law 13 J 
 
 Percentage of last year under old law 18 
 
 v^^* first year of now law 1 J 
 
 In favor of new law. ... .T. ...... 16i 
 
 The adage that " desperate diseases require desperate 
 remedies," has been verified in the case of the City taxes. Had 
 the old law continued in operation it would not have been 
 difficult to predict the ultimate result, in fact the outcome of 
 the collections of 1882-83, showed that the machinery had 
 completely broken down, and the only financial salvation of 
 the City Treasury was a righteous but stringent law which 
 would subordinate all private interests to the interest of the 
 general public. However the interests of individuals may be 
 affected, and the ancient privileges of mortgagees and real 
 estate owners interfered with, the beneficial result to the 
 citizens at large is undeniable. No sane man will propose a 
 return to the old system of valuation and assessment, which in 
 a term of years added a quarter of a million dollars to the 
 City debt. - . v •; - 
 
 BOARD OF CITY WORKS. ; ..,,«,? 
 
 ' Reference to the reports, statements, tables, »fec., of the Cit}' 
 Engineer and Clerk of works, show the amount and variety 
 of work done under the supervision of the Board of City 
 Works. Besides the regular operations of the Board on the 
 streets, sewers and water works, it has had responsibilities and 
 
 t 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 xxiii. 
 
 labor connuctcMl with tho conHtruction of tho Graving Dock, 
 and the maturing of phins, tfcc., for a new City Hall. 
 
 STRKKTS. 
 
 In the street departinent over Sll),00() was expended on 
 repairs and renewals, and li?ll,7:i4.0() on internal health opera- 
 tions. About 21000 feet of roadway received repairs, and 
 a<lditional 20G7.') feet were macadamised with upwards of ToOOO 
 bushels of V)roken stone. 4000 feet of ffutters have been laid 
 down or reset, 24000 feet of sidewalk graded, repaire<l and 
 j*ravelled, there being over 14000 bushels of gravel used. 
 
 During the past summer other operations were carried out 
 and it is a safe statement to mak(; that the road beds of our 
 principal streets were never in better condition than at present, 
 neither were they better cleaned or more plentifuil}- sprinkled 
 with water. Some of the stone and brick sidewalks in the 
 business part of the city have been relaid. There are still some 
 defective brick and stone pavements requiring attention. 
 
 The only new street opened is the avenue leading into 
 Point Pleasant Park, now called " Young Avenue." Bell'.s 
 Lane, that great thoroughfare from Barrington street to 
 Granville, Hollis and Water streets is now being witlened and 
 thus made effective in facilitating and rendering safe the heavy 
 traffic passing over it. 
 
 A Street Railway authorized by the Acts of 1880, chapter 
 124, has recently been constructed and is in partial operation. 
 This Railway will entail additional laljor on the Board of 
 Works in connection with the state of the streets through 
 which the line passes. 
 
 ' SEWERS. 
 
 Nearly 2500 feet of new brick sewers were constructed in 
 188G-87 in Ward 1. Improvements effected in the sewers in 
 other parts of the City have resulted favourably to the health 
 
XXIV. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRKSS. 
 
 and comfort of tho localiticH served, Tluj projected Hewera;;o 
 construction in (lottinj'on and Water .streets to be carried out 
 at tlu! joint cost of tho Imperial, Dou.inion and (vivic author- 
 ities, must exercise a very beneficial cH'i'ct on the general 
 iiealth of the residents on these iin[)ortant streets, as well as 
 those persons who live an<l work in the l^ockyard. 
 
 WATKH WORKS. 
 
 The City Engineer's report for the year ending 30th April 
 last, speaks of needed undertakings, soi.ie of which have since 
 beerj carried out. A new conduit between Long Lake and the 
 Upper (Jhain Lake, is now in operation, increasing the store of 
 water in tliosc Lakes to upwards of eight hundred millions of 
 gallons. Other much needed works are in process or are 
 contemplated for next season, tending to an increased sjij)ply 
 for domestic and tire purposes. The low and high service 
 mains are free from incrustations, as the mechanical scrapers 
 were recently passed through them. Nearly 8000 feet of (J 
 inch pipe has had like attention. 1200 yards of new pipe 
 were laid. Increased supply of water has been aflforded to 
 streets and houses where the head was weak and intermittent. 
 77 additional houses were supplied with water. No effective 
 method of stopping the great waste of water, especially during 
 frosty weather, has as yet been adopted or proposed. This 
 subject is one of the highest importance. 
 
 The official report on the fs'atcr works and other branches 
 of the department will be found on page 55, and is as usual 
 instructive and interesting. All the operations of the Board 
 of City Works are carried out with intelligence and vigor. 
 In connection with the important interests vested in the Board 
 of City Works, there are suggestions in former reports of the 
 City Engineer which .should not be lost sight of. For instance, 
 changing the present system of expending money for repairs 
 of streets, abolition of the ward expenditures with its petty 
 patronage, and handing the care of the streets over to the City 
 
MAYOUS ADDRKSS. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 This 
 
 Kii;^'irio('r and Foromoii without iiiterforeiic*) fn)iu Aldonntn. 
 Aciiuisition of a proper phu't; for iandinj,' and storii <4 niaturiaU 
 for Howcjrs, street and water works. Oheckin;^ this ahnost 
 criminal waste of water fvoni hundreds of taps, hychants, &c., hy 
 strinjjent ordinaneev ri;,ddly enforced. Oiuieral rej^idations 
 rcspectin<^ pnjtoction of wati^r j)i{)es in houses and exposed 
 localities. A large steam roller f( r use on the streets after 
 luaeadamisin^. Supervision of street ohstructions such as 
 awnings, swinging signs, cellar hatches, telegraph aiid telephone 
 posts. Providing puhlic latrines and urinals about the; market 
 place, th(^ common, and other much frequented parts of the 
 City. These coveniences are a very pressing want, and their 
 absence from several localiti{!s is productive of much complaint 
 from property owners and residents. 
 
 THE GRAVING DO(!K. 
 
 Such an un-'ertaking as that of a first class, modern (fravin<; 
 Dock, involving the outlay of nearly a million of dollars, is 
 certainly worthy of special notice. Last year the result of the 
 correspondence of the City Council's committee with interested 
 parties enal)led i;ie to say, " it is too soon to talk of this great 
 •enterprise as assured, but Unless something unforseen inter- 
 poses, the long talked of establishment of a dry dock will soon 
 be added to the ecpiipment of the port of Halifax." By the 
 active assistance of Admiral Conunerell some obstacles to 
 progress were removed, and the agreement between the City 
 and the Halifax Graving Dock C/on>pany was signed. The first 
 deposit of $2000 was duly paid, and on 80th March the addi- 
 tional sum of .i>23000, making a total of $'2.')0()0 caution money 
 was deposited in the Merchants' Bank of Halifax. On .SOth 
 April the site was selected and on 1st May a ft)rmal commence- 
 ment made. Active operations have since gone on and will be 
 continued through the winter, giving employment to a large 
 number of men during a season when work is .scarce. Under 
 the agreement the dock must be completed in four years frouj 
 the date of beginning work. Other interesting particulars 
 Tvill be found in the (Jity Elngineer's report on page CO. 
 
 ,m 
 
it : 
 
 i 
 
 ■^1 
 
 XXVI, 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 il 
 
 STREET LIGHTING. 
 Within the past twelve months somewhat of a change has 
 taken place in lighting the City streets and squares. The 
 number of gas lamps in use which was 342 in 188.5, has been 
 reduced to 187, electric H^hu: to the number of 48 taking the 
 places of the abolished gas lamps. Though it might be ex- 
 pected some defects would be experienced in the inception of 
 the electric lighting, the change gives general satisfaction, 
 especially to the police, and more lights are asked for in 
 various parts of the City. The total cost of lighting the streets 
 and public squares is as follows : — 47 electric lights, $100 each, 
 and 1 at $20, $4,720. 187 gas lamps, $22,25 each, $4100.75; 
 and 125 oil lamps, $9 each, $1,125. The total coat including 
 rent of 323 lamps and posts being $10,010. 
 
 In addition to the lights furnished by the Corporation, there 
 are a number of private electric lights and gas lamps in the 
 business parts of the City. A reasonable increase in lighting 
 the City would meet with the approbation of the public, and 
 the small comparative cost not be objected tu The better the 
 City and suburbs are lighte.l the more security for the citizens 
 Every electric light is equal to an additional policeman. The 
 Common is now as safe for pedestrians as the streets of the 
 City. In this connection I would repeat, "for several nights 
 each month the moon is depended on to provide the necessary 
 light, but it frequently happens that in stormy weather, dense 
 darkness prevails. Arrangements should be made to the effect 
 that the street lamps should be lighted when the moon is 
 obscured. This could easily be done by notice from the Board 
 of Works office, an hour or two before niijhtfall." ., , . , 
 
 FIRE DEPARTMENT. ^ ^ 
 
 This branch of the Civic service keeps up to its accus- 
 tomed etficiency, and though fortunately the occasions 
 for its services have been limited, the citizens enjoy the assur- 
 ance of complete protection at the hands of a thoroughly 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
:^AYORS ADDRIT.SS. 
 
 XXVll. 
 
 disciplined fire department. Tlie chairman's report gives the 
 number of alarms for the last annual period, as 45, actual fires 
 42, none of them serious. Yet when it is realized that delays 
 or accidents niightdevelop an incipient fire into an uncontroll- 
 able conflagration the importance of having the " personnel " and 
 "materiel" in first-class order and condition, becomes very 
 apparent. The experiment of keeping the horses for drawing 
 the engines, in the en<dne houses works well V)ot.i {is regards 
 effectiveness and economv. Additional hose is needed and is to 
 be provided by the City Council. A first-class steam fiie 
 engine hf),s been asked for for several years and must be forth- 
 coming in due time. It is to be hoped it will be furnished 
 before its services will have been found by experience to be 
 indispen.sable. Defects reported by the Superintendent of the 
 Fire Alarm Telegraph is receiving the needed attention. Time 
 lost from imperfect strikings may have a disastrous result, and 
 it is no economy to allow either this branch of the depart nent, 
 or any other, to run down. 
 
 Too much praise cannot ha awarded to the Chairman and 
 Board of Firewards for their supervision and direction. But 
 more especially to the officers and members of the Union 
 Engine Company, Union Protection Company and Union Axe 
 and Ladder Company, the gratyful thanks of the citizens of 
 Halifax are due. Such labors as are performed by the uniteil 
 fire department of Halifax, deserve the unstinted prai.se ol 
 their fellow citizens. It is very satisfactory to know chat the 
 condition of the Fire Department, coupled with the abundant 
 supply of water has borne fruit in reduced insurance rates. 
 
 The Firemen's Tournament, alluded to as projected, in my 
 last report, which came off in August, was a complete success, 
 and reflected credit on tlie members of the Union Engine 
 Company, who with commendable enterprise inaugurated and 
 carried out the undertaking. Our citizens cordially embraced 
 the opportunity of testifying their appreciation of the services 
 of the Company' by liberal subscriptions and other material 
 
1 
 
 ill 
 
 XXVlll. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 support, all of which contributed to the gratifying result of 
 the Tournament. 
 
 By the operations of the Board of Fire Escapes, owners and 
 occupants of hotels, factories, public halls, tenement houses, 
 churches and schools, have been induced to provide exit for 
 inmates in case of fires. Storaire of inflammable oils is now 
 receiving attention from the City Council. The present mode 
 of ringing church bells is one fraught with danger, in case of 
 an alarm being struck while all the church steeples resound 
 with the noise of their chimes. 
 
 •■Si 
 
 POLICE. 
 
 The Police Departn)ent has been strengthened by the ad- 
 dition of two extra constables, and the western suburbs have 
 '".hus eiijoyed a measure of police supervision and protection. 
 Occasional inspections of the whole force were held during the 
 year, when the men were reminded of their duties, and en- 
 couraged in the strict performance of them. The City Marshal 
 reports the conduct of the men as excellent, and it is certainly 
 a subject of congratulation that on all occasions, extraordinaiy 
 as well every day routine, the force has earned for itself the 
 respect of our own citizens and visitors. But few cases of 
 serious crime have been perpetrated in the City. Every 
 reported case was investigated, and if substantiated the offend- 
 ers, if within reach, were arrested, and brought lefore the 
 courts. During the year the number of prisoners brought 
 before the Police Court was 1552. For the past five years the 
 numbers stand. 
 
 1882. 
 
 1883. 
 
 1884. 
 
 1885. 
 
 1886. 
 
 1878. 
 
 187G. 
 
 1330. 
 
 1491. 
 
 1552 
 
 I have to express my entire satisfaction with the manner in 
 which City Marshal Cotter discharges the important and 
 trying office of Chief of Police, and especially in the sagacity 
 and foresight he has displayed in preventing breaches of the 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 peace, by judicious arrangements, carefully planned and ad- 
 mirably worked out. The Deputy Marshal, the ])etective 
 officer and sergeants of divisions have performed their several 
 duties to my complete satisfaction, while the constables showe«l 
 commendable zeal and attention in carryino- out their instruc- 
 tions. Some of the veterans on the foice should have their 
 long and faithful services recognized by being transferred 
 to less onerous positions in the City employ. 
 
 I would again point out the necessity for temporary lock-up 
 stations at the extremities of the City, also for the patrol 
 waggon now more needed than ever. 
 
 THE CITY PRISON. 
 
 Under the effective, economical, and businesslike manacre- 
 ment of Governor Murray, the City Prison arrangements 
 continue to merit the confidence of the City Council. During 
 1884-.5 the number of prisonei's was 254 with a total 
 imprisonment of 123o5 days and an expenditure of S548G, 
 while in 1885-G, the number of prisoners increased to 3G1, the 
 days to 17830, but the expenditure remained the same, or 
 S5447, the difference being only 311. This gratifying 
 economical result is due largely to the vigilance of the Governor 
 and Matron, also to the increased yield of the farm, which a 
 few years ago showed a plentiful crop of rocks, but by the 
 incessant labor of the prisioners, directed by the superinten- 
 dent, now yields a sufficient crop of vegetables to diet the 
 inmates. 40000 bushels of stone for the streets have been 
 broken to the value of $2000, and the total value of the 
 prisoners labor is nearly .^$5000. The average cost of the 
 prisoners is $56.70 for males, and $42.80 for females. In 
 1875-G tlie cost of the prison with 415 prisoners was $8918, in. 
 1885-G, with 3C1 prisoners $5447, a saving of $3471.00. 
 
 St. Patrick's Reformatory now relieves the prison of youthful 
 delinquents, and does for Roman Catholic boys the same good 
 

 XXX. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 iff 
 
 work that is done by the Industrial School for Protestant boys. 
 This not only frees the City from a great reproach but 
 gradually decreases the number of criminals by cutting off the 
 source of supply. The boys in both institutions are taught 
 useful occupations, and thus enabled, after serving their time, 
 to make their way in the world by honest industry. 
 
 Extensive repairs and improvements to the prison and 
 outbuildings long needed and long deferred, have at length 
 been effected (at least to considerable extent), but more remains 
 to be done when the requisite funds are supplied. The Gover- 
 nor complains of the obstacle caused by the branch railway 
 from Richmond to the Cotton Factory, and which decreases 
 his manure supply. This obstacle is one of easy I'emoval and 
 should be represented to the railway authorities, who are 
 bound to keep the street crossings in good order and passable 
 condition. Now that the City has control of the Poor Asylum, 
 there will be no difficulty in disposing of the aged and sick 
 vagrants, wdio were formerly sent to the Pri-son. 
 
 PARK, COMMON AND GARDENS." 
 
 The only work of any moment undertaken within Point 
 Pleasant Park has been the clearing away of underbrush and 
 the setting out of a number of young trees. At the main 
 entrance where the new avenue joins the Park a handsome set 
 of wrought iron gates hung on granite pillars, the gift of Sir 
 William Young, greatly increases the beauty of the surround- 
 ings and imparts a finished appearance to this very creditable 
 suburban resort. In acknowledgment of Sir William Young's 
 services to the City on very many occasions, and especially in 
 connection with Point Pleasant Park, the new entrance way 
 leading from Inglis Street and in continuation of South Park 
 Street, has been named Young Avenue. Next year the 
 carriage drives will require considerable attention to keep them 
 in good order and safe condition. 
 
MAVOIVS ADDRESS. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 The Commissioners of the Common and Public Gardens ask 
 for an additional grant of $1,000 per annum, as the present 
 amount of $2,000 is not sufficient, in addition to the other 
 revenues, to keep the Gardens up to their present high stand- 
 ard of excellence. Notwithstanding the limited sum at the 
 disposal of the Commissioners the beauty of this enchanting 
 spot does not deteriorate in any way, on the conti'ary it never 
 showed such perfection of beauty as during the past season. 
 Some new horticultural effects have been introduced, adding 
 greatly to the former attractions. Strangers visiting our 
 City never fail to pay frequent visits to the Puldic Ganiens, 
 which competent authorities pronounce second to none on this 
 
 • continent. 
 
 4 
 
 m 
 
 That portion of the South Common to which I called atten- 
 tion to last year is now enclosed, and being improved by Mr. 
 Power, the Superintendant of the Public Gardens, whose tastes 
 in such matters is unquestioned. Thus another eyesore is 
 removed and'a permanent improvement effected. 
 
 A large portion of the North Common called the Exercising 
 Ground is being raised, graded and drained. The enclosed 
 square north of Sackville Street is now ready for the contem- 
 plated improvements to be put upon it by the Wanderers' 
 Amateur Athletic Club, which Association has leased it for 
 15 years at an annual rental of $100. North of this ])lock 
 . and east of Sunnner Street another large plot of boggy and 
 low-lying ground is being filled in and graded. Camp Hill 
 remains in a rough condition and needs attention, for it is the 
 
 • only portion of the Common which has not shared in the 
 general improvement. The slopes of the south and west sides 
 of the Grand Parade have been sodded and the surface levelled. 
 Pending operations in the erection of the New City Hall, 
 further operations will be suspended. 
 
XXXll. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 SANITARY. 
 
 Special attention is now given to this very important- 
 department, and with good results. Our death rate makes a 
 favorable comparison with other cities in the United States 
 and Dominion of Canada. Sanitary orders and regulations 
 of the Board of Health are systematically enforced all over the 
 City, and a vast improvement effected in all that pertains to 
 public health and cleanliness. The Health Inspectors are very 
 assi<lu()us in their inspections, and the result flowing from 
 their persistent efforts is very marked. During the pendancy 
 of the small-pox excitement a very large number of persons, 
 were vaccinated by the City Medical Olticer and his assistants, 
 and also by the physicians at the Halifax Visiting Dispensary 
 under arrangement with the City Board of Health, It is 
 probable that a still greater number were vaccinated by the 
 physicians in their regular practice. Notwithstanding all this, 
 statistics taken by Dispensary officials .shewed a large per 
 centage of unvaccinated persons in the thickly •peopled parts 
 of the City. An effort was made to compel all school children 
 to be vaccinated before admission to the public schools, but- 
 though it was not persistently carried out, owing to the provi- 
 dential escape of our City from a visitation of small-pox, a. 
 large majority of the children are known to be protected by 
 vaccination. The sanitary condition of the City is goofl, and 
 as the new system of sewerage becomes more developed and 
 the water supply becomes purer, Halifax will take front rank 
 as an extremely healthy city. Fewer cases of diphtheria were 
 reported this summer than last, and nothing approaching an 
 epidemic of any kind has been experienced. The City Medical 
 Officer is very vigilant and pains-taking in attending to all 
 matters pertaining to the health of the City and such of its . 
 institutions as are under his professional care. -^ ; 
 
 
 
 up 
 
 PUBLIC CHARITIES. 
 Though our good city is studded over its length and breadth 
 with charitable and philanthropic institutions, the corporation- 
 
nssi^ 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 XXXlll 
 
 does not, and cannot, legally contribute to any except to the 
 Asylum for the Poor, the Hospital for the Insane and the 
 Provincial and City Hospital. It may not be amiss, however^ 
 to enumerate the sevei'al institutions supported mostly by the 
 free gifts of the public. There are two homes for aged ladies,, 
 one Protestant, the other Roman Catholic; two Orphans' Homos, 
 one Protestant, one Roman (Jatholic; Protestant Indu.strial 
 School for boys ; St. Patrick's Home for Roman Catholic boys. 
 St. Paul's Episcopal Alms House for girls, Halifax Visiting 
 Dispensary for sick poor. Infants Home for infants and their 
 mothers. Honie for Friendless women. School and workshops 
 for the Blind; Deaf and Dumb Institution, Sailors' Home and' 
 Rest, Association for the Relief of the Poor, St. Vincent do 
 Paul Society, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, also many 
 church organizations, national societies and benevolent institu- 
 tions of various kinds, so that no sick, helpless or poor person 
 need go without assistance, if deserving. The great danger is 
 from imposture, owing to the lack of communication between, 
 the various societies. , a • • rr ::= ' .„• 
 
 The only charital)le institution controlled by the Cit3r 
 Council is the Poor Asylum, which was passed over from the 
 Provincial Board of Charities when this Board was extinguish- 
 ed by law. Tiie other institutions wholly coHtrollcd by the 
 Board of Public Charities were the Mount Hope Hospital for 
 the In.sane, and the Provincial and City Hospital. These 
 are now under the management of the Local Government, 
 throutjh the Commissioner of Mines and Works. 
 
 Dion 
 
 Until tl\e Lst July, 1887, the City has the right to have its- 
 sick and injured patients, being fit cases for a public hospital, 
 treated free of cost. After that date another arrangement 
 will be made between the City and Province for the care of 
 the City patients. Under the provisions of Chapter GG, Acts 
 of 1886, the City of Halifax becomes directly chargeable with 
 the cost of insane paupers in the hospital at Mount Hope. As 
 
XXXIV. 
 
 MAVnuS ADDRESS. 
 
 explained in my last atklress, the payment was fnrmerly made 
 through the County, with great injustice to the City, which 
 paid amounts out of all proportion to the number of insane 
 persons properly chargeable to Halifax City. 
 
 On 1st July last the Committee of Charities was entrusted 
 by the City Council with the management and control of the 
 Poor Asylum, and also with all matters pertaining to the (^ity 
 insane and sick in Hospital. The new Poor Asylum in its 
 untinished and unfurnished condition was handed over by the 
 Province. The care of between 200 and 300 paupers huddled 
 together in the old Penitentiary devolved upon the Committee. 
 On testing the furnaces of the boilers which were to supply 
 the new Asvbm with stuam an 1 hot water, a "^rave defect 
 appeared, inasmuch as they could not generate steam nor heat 
 water owing to defective drafts. The opinions of exj)erts were 
 taken and it was decided to demolish and rebuild the large 
 chimney, which was accordingly done with entirely satisfac- 
 tory results, the chimney, furnaces and boilers now doing their 
 work. 
 
 Contracts were given for iron bedsteads, chairs, blinds, 
 screens, clothing, and necessaries of various kinds ; tables and 
 benches were manufactured. The inmates were transferred 
 ;about the last of October, to the new building, without mishap, 
 and all are now comfortably settled. 
 
 This Asylum is a combination of Refuge for the Poor, Night 
 refuge, hospital for chronic diseases, insane asylum, and lying 
 in Hospital. There are very many imbecile and lunatic 
 paupers in the insane wards sent from Mount Hope, where 
 they have been crowded out by more pressing cases. The 
 hospital wards are tenanted by incurables of every age and 
 •condition, the lying in ward is generally occupied by women 
 and girls waiting childbirth, while in the ordinary wards there 
 are pauper men, women, and children of all ages from the cen- 
 tenarian down to the infant of a few days. A great relief to 
 
 pN 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 the Asylum is affordod by tlio Infants' Home, to which many of 
 the infants and their mothers are sent. These transfers ert'ect 
 a large saving to the City as the civic treasury does not pay 
 the cost after the inmates leave the Asylum. But whether 
 it is just to the Managers of the Infants' Home, which is 
 supported hy the subscriptions of the ciiaritable, I will not 
 now discuss. This seeming injustice is in a fair way of being 
 remedied by legislation at the instance of the City Council. 
 
 m 
 
 There are three general classes of paupers within the In- 
 stitution, viz. : City paupers, Transient or Provincial paupers 
 and paupers chargeable to various poor districts within the 
 Province. City paupers are those having a legal settlement 
 in Halifax, Provincial paupers are those who have no legal 
 settlement in any poor district within the Province, and the 
 third class embraces those who have legal settlement in Nova 
 Scotia, outside the City. It is from this latter class that 
 injustice accrues to the City, and no end of trouble to the 
 committee. Poor districts in the country persistently shirk 
 and dodge their responsibility and repudiate liability so that 
 it is almost impossible to collect from them. The committee 
 will have all they can do to reduce this barefaceii imposition 
 to moderate limits. And there are cases of persons sent to the 
 Asylum whose relatives and friends should not allow them to 
 become paupers, but the words in the Act "Inalnlity to sup- 
 port" is made to cover a great deal of shameful filial, paternal 
 and fraternal ingratitude. No greater responsibility devolves 
 on any civic committee than the care of this multitude of halt, 
 lame, blind, sick, insane and unfortunate congregation of 
 humanity, and it is imperative that more skilled and paid 
 attendants be provided in order that the dreadful occurrences 
 of the former Asylum may not again be possible. The 
 committee intends operating a stone shed so that able-boiiied 
 paupers maybe subjected to a labor test and in addition be 
 compelled to contribute to their own support. 
 
XXXVl. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 OUR C;iTV SCHOOLS. 
 
 This annual reviow would scarcely l)o complete without 
 reference to the work of our City Schools. No other service 
 in the annual civic estimates calls for so large a sum of money, 
 and no other expenditure can exercisi; such an influence on the 
 future of our (Uty as that for Educational purposes. It is a 
 subject of extreme gratification to know that our City Schools 
 are improving year by year, and are gradually attaining to a 
 respectable position as compared with the schools of other 
 cities in Canada. * 
 
 By favor of the Supervisor of Schools for the City I am 
 able to present the data for the coming report of the year 
 ending 31st Oct., I.S80, and to compare the figures with those 
 of previous years. With respect to the Province at large it 
 can be noted that the number of pupils registered in the 
 schools has risen from 71,059 in 180(1, to 10.3,287 in 1885, an 
 increase of 44 per cent, in 19 years. The attendance for the 
 Province during 1885 was one in every 4.2 of the population 
 against 1 in 4.3 in 1884, and 1 in 4.4 in 1883. The exhibit 
 of our Provincial Educational System at the great Colonial 
 and Indian Exhibition, held in London this year, has attracted 
 considerable attention, and the work done by our City Schools 
 is by no means the least prominent feature of the exceedingly 
 intere.sting display made by the schools of Nova Scotia. 
 
 With respect to the Halifax common schools the total num- 
 ber of pupils enrolled was as follows : 
 
 r. ■' 
 
 
 WINTER TERM. 
 
 
 * 
 
 ; 1884. ,, 1885. 
 
 1886. 
 
 Boys, , 
 
 2411 2722 
 
 2697 
 
 Girls, 
 
 ; 2487 2487 
 
 2G59 
 
 _. 4898 
 
 5209 
 
 : 5356 
 
 "€ 
 
MAYORS ADDREHS. 
 
 xxxvu. 
 
 
 SUMMER TERM. 
 
 
 
 1884. 1885. 
 
 1886. 
 
 Boys 
 
 2575 2G58 
 
 2817 
 
 Girls, 
 
 2813 28:}4 
 
 2800 
 
 Total, 
 
 5388. 
 
 5402. 
 
 50 17. 
 
 The total number of different pupils attemiinj^ the common 
 , schools during some portions of the year : 
 
 1884. 1885. 1886. 
 
 5828 G747 0415 
 
 Grand total days attendance was : 
 
 1884. 1885. 
 
 760,980 703,449 
 
 1886. 
 
 780,724 
 
 The number of days the schools were open in the two 
 
 terms : 
 
 1884. 1885. 1886. 
 
 Winter, 115 114 115 
 
 Summer, 100 97 98 
 
 Year, 
 
 215 
 
 211 
 
 213 
 
 i The foregoing comparative statements shew a solid increase. 
 No less than 458 more pupils were registered in the winter 
 term of 1880 than in that of 1884, and 229 more than in the 
 summer term of that year. The total number of different 
 pupils attending .school in 1880 is 587 over that of 1884 or 
 above 10 per cent, increase. Grand total days attendance gives 
 19,744 more in 1880 than in 1884 with two less school days, 
 allowance for which would make the increase to about 28,500 
 days, say four per cent. The per centage of attendance was 
 about the same as last year. The proportion of population at 
 school which was 1 in 0.2 in 1884. was 1 in 5.7 in 1885 and 1 
 in 5.05 in 1880, a very gratifying improvement in the two 
 years. Owing to the fact that .several new teachers have been 
 employed this year, entering at the first year's rate, the average 
 salaries are a fraction below those of last year. 
 
 r 
 
XXXVIU. 
 
 MA.VOR.S ADDRKSH. 
 
 From tho reports of the Coiniiiissioners and especially those of 
 the Supervisor an increavSo of efficiency in ahnost every depart- 
 ment is <iuitu apparent. Tho various schools differ considerably 
 in efficiency, nminly o\vin<^ to ditierent degrees of skill and tact 
 among the teachers, hut it can he said emphatically that nearly 
 every teacher, if not every one, is using his or her very best 
 endeavors for the improvement of the schools. Many of the 
 teachers devote their whole energies, both in and out of school, 
 to the benefit of their pupils. Taking them as a whole, the 
 common school teachers of our (Jity are faithful and conscien- 
 tious to a marked degree, and are worthy the confidence reposed 
 in them by the Commissioners and parents who entrust their 
 children to them for training. 
 
 Just one year ago on 1st November, 1885, the Halifax High 
 School became the Halifax Academy. Under the Act of 1885, 
 chapter 51, the privileges of the Halifax High School which 
 had been confined to l)oys domiciled within the City of Halifax, 
 were extended to children of both sexes domiciled in the 
 County of Halifax, and the School became governed by sucu 
 regulations as might from time to time be made by the Council 
 of Public Instruction in relation to County Academies under 
 the law of the Province relating to Public Instruction. All 
 fees, except in the case of pupils from outside the County, 
 were abolished, and pupils are admitted only under regulations 
 and examinations prescribed by the Council of Public Instruc- 
 tion. Under chapter 11 of the Acts of 1885 the Halifax 
 Academy is entitled to receive the sum of $1720 from the 
 Provincial chest, the balance, less some special revenues, is 
 supplied by the City Treasury. 
 
 The last report of the High School gave the number of 
 pupils as 101 for 1st term and 107 for 2nd term. The total 
 cost was $91 per pupil. 
 
 From the data furnished I glean that the number of pupils 
 
MA YOU H ADDIIKSH. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 untler tho new older of things has more than doubled, the 
 followinf,' hoirig t\u\ corrected returns: 
 
 No. of pupils enrolled l.st term Halifax Academy. . 223 
 
 No. of pupils enroil'd 2n«l term Halifax Academy 200 
 
 Total number of <liHerent pupils enrolled during tho year. .24(5 
 EM a<,'ain,»t the lOl and 107 of the 1st and 2nd tc^rms of the Hi<,di 
 School of 1885. The numbrr of boys is 127, <,Mrls 110, total 
 240, and the total number of days attendance was 32,482 or 
 Viore than twice the attendance of last year. 
 
 Gratifying,' as the increased attendance is, the cost per })upil 
 shews an even more satisfactory result. The avera"^" cost to 
 the City Treasury o'' each pupil has been reduced t< •^*;.').0O, 
 the Provincial Government contributin;,^ about S7.0n pt .pil. 
 The netl cost of the pupils of the Hi;.rh School to the (^' was 
 about i$75.0() per head. And it is pleasinj^ to know tlmt the 
 comparative reducti<m of cost has not in any way impaired the 
 efficiency of the school. On the contrary, the Halifax Academy 
 imparts an education even superior to that which was given in 
 the Halifax High School, as the following will shew : 
 
 t' 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 80 
 
 
 a 
 
 < O 
 
 223 223 
 
 87 87 
 
 T. 
 
 a -^ 
 .2 --S 
 « 2 S 
 
 rt £ as 
 
 ? 
 
 CO 
 
 Pi 
 
 M 
 c 
 
 a 
 
 14 14 115 
 
 b Ph 
 
 iiil 48 
 
 .2 ^• 
 
 O 
 18 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 %■ si 
 
 o a .M 
 p: Wh-5 
 
 83 
 
 .")6 87 
 
 18 102 
 
 19 138 35 
 11 
 
 Academy. — 
 High School.— 32 
 
 Both at the same time imparting instruction in the ordinary 
 studies in reading, spelling, geography, writing, arithmetic, 
 grammar, history, eto., etc. 
 
 Tn addition to the High School work of the Academy there 
 are seventy pupils pursuing the same course in St. Patrick'^ 
 School, excepting the study of Greek, French and German. 
 
 Three new common school houses are in course of erection. 
 
" ■^ats^HH^^ 
 
 xl 
 
 mayor's address. 
 
 One of two departments on Lernarcuant Street ; one^^^r 
 
 P^an..pr.ent..o^;H^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 P V : e ^ThTr: r^"^T^ '''''' ^"^ school houses in h 
 to J/nnT ^^'J^tional accommodation has been provided 
 
 thc;^^.;::!^---^ -^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ---^ ^-^^^'- ^ -hth 
 
 The school estimate 1884-1885 was .>,^ .„^ 
 
 Less Provincial Grant, fees, etc .■;;;■; *[ ^ '^^^ 
 
 Assessed on Citizens . 
 
 ••••• • 66,820 
 
 The total estimate of 1885-1886 w..f ;!.' ' " '"^ <s,7o.nn 
 
 -Less grant, fees, etc ^rJ,4>00 
 
 11,700 
 
 Assessed on Citizens T -.;!■:> - 
 
 67,700 
 
 The total estimate of 1886-I887*is ... ^.^ r^nr^ 
 
 J^ess grants, etc 3580,000 
 
 • . 11,400 
 
 Assessed on Citizens 
 
 68,600 
 
 The proposed estimate of 1887-8 
 
 Less grants, etc . ^^82,000 
 
 ■■■■■;•■••••••••• 11.4-00 
 
 Assessed on Citizens 
 
 70,600 
 
 Total expenditure of 1883-4 " \.^^^ 
 
 u ,0^. . S77,739.47 
 
 u j^^. p 78,601.82 
 
 ^ '' 80,026.25 
 
mi 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 xli. 
 
 Though the annual expenditure is growing slowly, the 
 percentage is not proportionate to the increased attendance of 
 children, for instance, the increased cost of 1885-C over 1883-4 
 is under 3 per cent., while the gross attendance of children 
 makes fully ten per cent, gain between the two periods. It is 
 impossible to give the subject full justice in this report, but 
 enough has been stated to assure the City Council and the 
 citizens in general, that our Public Schools are thoroughly and 
 economically worked. The Board of School (.ommissiouers are 
 to be congratulated on the exhibit of the year, and I feel sure 
 very much of the <;ood result is to be attributed to the 
 unwearying exertions of the Supervisor, Mr. Mackay, whose 
 soul is certainly in his work, and the enthusiasm he brings to 
 his profession is being imparted to the teachers, inciting them 
 to greater efforts in b"ing up to their responsibilities. The 
 business and financial operations of the Board are conducted 
 with energy and faithfulness by the Secretary, Mr. Wilson, who 
 enjoys Ihe confidence of the Commissioners. 
 
 Now that there is more school accommodation, the City 
 Council should, when the proper time arrives, vote " yea " for 
 ■carrying into operation the compulsory clauses in the school 
 law. The percentage of attendance, about 58, is below what 
 it should be, and the Board of Commissioners might with 
 • advantage, ascertain the ca-use for the absence of so large a 
 number as 42 per cent, of the pupils. A circular to parents 
 calling attention to the desirability of their taking greater 
 interest in seeing that their children attend regularly, might 
 have good results. In some cities, officers are employed to 
 enforce attendance and to hunt up truants. A system of 
 attendance cards might be carried out, shewing to parents the 
 number of days per week their children were at school, and 
 in this way unauthorized absenteeism would be detected and 
 .stopped. By some such means the percentage of attendance 
 might be raised to at least 75 per cent., which rate would be a 
 gratification to all good citizens. 
 
xlii. 
 
 MAYOR S ADDRESS. 
 
 And should the carrying out of the compulsory clause in- 
 crease the enrolled number of school children to 1 in 5 of our 
 population, it would appear more creditable in the printed 
 statistics of the Province. 
 
 Technical education should he looked forward to as 
 
 something to be aimed at as an advance on our present school 
 
 system. 
 
 citizens' free library. 
 
 While other Libraries witliin the City have been extended 
 and improved, the Citizens' Free Library has barely held its 
 own. The number of books taken from the shelves during 12 
 months past has been about 11,000, or about 40 per day. 
 Taking the population of the City at 40,000 and the number 
 of persons using the Library a' 500 it will be seen that only 
 1 J per cent, of our citizens avail themselves of its privileges. 
 This is not to be wondered at .seeing that the Librarian reports 
 no additions of new bt^oks since the Library occupied its pres- 
 ent location, and that no less than 1400 of the most readable 
 books are laid aside for repairs. More than half the volumes 
 issued are magazines, and only one fourth of this class bound 
 up are availal>le for use, there being ').57 volumes out of a 
 total of 748 put aside. The Librarian points out that the 
 books of the Halifax Lil»rary werevsold to the City at one-tifth 
 the price otfered by Dalhousie College on condition that the 
 united collection would be put in an efficient condition. The 
 amount placed in the City estimates, $1200 per annum, is 
 altogether insufficient to pay the ordinary working expenses, 
 and the statement of Mr. Creed that " a more economically 
 worked Library is not in existence" is no doubt as correct as 
 it is to be regretted, for in this case "economy" is another 
 word for starvation. There is one gleam of hope for the 
 Citizen.s' Free Library in the fact that it is to occupy a per- 
 manent resting place in the new City Hall where it will be- 
 more under the eye of the whole City Council than at present 
 and its condition become ar.d continue to be better known. 
 
■MM 
 
 mayor's address. 
 
 xliii. 
 
 Until this event occurs it is not likely any change for the 
 better will take place, but I know of no institution in the 
 City more worthy of the attention of those desirous of edu- 
 cating the poorer classes of our people and supplyincj thetn 
 with wholesome reading matter to counteract the masses of 
 pernicious literature so eagerly devoured by the young of both 
 sexes. The sum of one hundred dollars to repair books would 
 replace 1500 of the most readable volumes, now useless because 
 out of repair. 
 
 THE CITY CHARTER. 
 
 No progress has been made for a year past in the revision 
 of the City Charter, I would repeat what was sai.l on the 
 subject in my former address, " a complete and thorough 
 revision of our City laws and ordinances is a subject of 
 paramount necessity, and cannot longer be delayed without 
 great danger to City interests. Unless a vigorous, detennined, 
 and continuous effort be made this autumn and commg winter, 
 the necessary amendments cannot be effected in time to secure 
 legislation from the coming session of the Legislature. 
 Nothing was done, so the revision or reconstruction remains 
 in statu quo. Another years legislation has swept away the 
 whole system of licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors. 1 he 
 changes of the past ten years have so affected our compilation 
 that the edition of laws and ordinances now in use, is more 
 remarkable for what of its contents is not in force, than tor 
 what is in force. 
 
 In tryincr to enforce such ordinances as those against light 
 bread, obstructions to streets, defacing public and private 
 property, Sabbath desecration, registration of dogs, profane 
 f t J . , . 1 „ Viuildings 
 
 'B'"' 
 
 language on the streets, minors smoking, dangerous 
 nuisances, &c., &c., &c., many difficulties are met with, and 
 in some cases convictions are almost impossible under the 
 present code. There is no other subject before the City Council 
 approaching in importance the purging and reconstructing of 
 the laws and ordinances. 
 
xliv. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 Should the council succeed with the proposed revision " in 
 getting the Legislative sanction to the varied changes in the 
 laws and ordinances, some latitude should be provided for in 
 case of new enactments, which mificht with advantao:e be left 
 to the City Council. Of late the Legislature has been too much 
 given to interference with City affairs, and the corporation has 
 became almost hide bound by reason of repressive legislation 
 in matters which should be controlled by the City authorities. 
 When civic legislation is before the House of Assembly and 
 Legislative Council, too much deference is paid to views of 
 individual citizens who appear beforo the?/o bodies in opposi- 
 tion to change in civic administration, which the experience 
 of the City Council find to be necessary." 
 
 It is to be hoped that a clear and concise edition of the sta- 
 tutes and bye-laws governing our City, will before another year 
 elapses, be in the hands of the citizens and be productive of a 
 greater measure of law abiding public conduct than now exists. 
 The authorities, whose duties embrace the enforcement of 
 measures for the protection, safety, and comfort of the commun- 
 ity, do not experience a very great measure of support from the 
 average citizen. Not many individuals care for anything that 
 does not touch their special interests. A proper knowledge of 
 the regulations governing the community should have a 
 beneficial effect on all classes of our people. .'T': 
 
 PROPOSED NEW MARKET. 
 Negotiations for the acquisition of the Imperial Government 
 property, known as the Military Fuel Yard, for the purposes of 
 a market place, are progressing favorably, and with ultimate 
 chances of success. The absence of a proper market place 
 with shelter for the market people in stormy weather, has 
 long been felt. And not only is the health and comfort of the 
 market people at stake, but the whole business community 
 frequenting George, Hollis, Prince, and Water streets, Bedford 
 Row and Cbeapside are greatly impeded and discommoded in 
 
MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 xlv. 
 
 carrying on operations of trade. The small market builtling 
 owned by the City, would not hold a tithe of the people who 
 might be expected to occupy it. No other site exists near the 
 Ferry, over which nine-tenths of the market people Avith their 
 produce, cros.s to the City. The nearest possible site is the 
 Parade, but owing to the steep hill it is almost unapproachable 
 to market people with their loaded carts. 80 the only 
 available locality and certainly the most convenient ,and 
 suitable one for a market is the Fuel Yard. As the Council 
 has taken up the subject with energy and determination, and 
 and as the whole business population is more than favorable, 
 nothing will be left undone that may be considered reasonable, 
 to effect the acquisition of the property. General Lord 
 Russell, with his usual good will to the community, will with- 
 out doubt go as far as will be consistent with the interests of the 
 Garri-son in meeting the views of the City Council. Plans and 
 estimates are being prepared by the military authorities with 
 a view to placing their ideas of a "quid pro quo," in a tangible 
 shape for the consideration of the City Council. 
 
 THE NEW CITY HALL. 
 
 It is a matter for congratulation that the project of provid- 
 ing a new City Hall has passed from the stage of uncertainty 
 and agitation to that of certainty and action. And it is 
 .satisfactory to notice that there is an universal concensus of 
 favorable opinions as to the desirability or rather positive 
 necessity of the Corporation having a respectable building in 
 which to carry on the multifarious work of City government. 
 The selected site is all that could be desired, it being in the 
 geographical centre of the City, facing what will be a handsome 
 square, in close proximity to the principal business streets and 
 touching the great thoroughfare which reaches from Point 
 Pleasant to Richmond. All the officers of the City will be 
 under the one roof and the several departments depending on 
 each other properly grouped together on the various floors and 
 so located that citizens having business with the officers will be 
 
xlvi. 
 
 MAYORS ADDRESS. 
 
 able to transact it with economy of time and labor. Creditors 
 of the City who wish to get their payments will not be obliged 
 to hunt out the City Clerk, Auditor and Treasurer in little 
 dens in out of the way corners as in the present building, nor 
 those who have police business to transact be compelled to 
 inhale poisonous odors and foul emanations from bad sewers 
 and filthy basements. Moreover the Public Records will be 
 safely stored in proper vaults and safes instead of V)eing con- 
 tinually liable to destruction. A full description with cuts 
 of the proposed building appears in this report to which I beg 
 to refer, only stating that the fron*^ elevation will probably be 
 somewhat changed and rendered niv)re sightly than it appears 
 in the cut. 
 
 Elsewhere I make the suggestion that the square on vv'hich 
 the City Hall fronts should be re-named "Queen Square" or 
 " Victoria St^uare " in honor of the Jubilee ytjar of Her Majesty 
 the Queen. And this is the more desirable from the fact that 
 the present designation " Grand Parade " is a name of the past 
 and is associateil with remembrances of ruined walls and a 
 condition of decay now happily succeeded by a creditable stone 
 and iron structure which will eventually enclose a beautiful 
 garden at the Head of which will stand an imposing City Hall. 
 
 THE DARTMOUTH FERRY. ' 
 
 As the ferry wharf is the property of the City, and so much 
 of the traffic of the City passes over the harbour by this ferry, 
 it will not be out of the way to refer to the effected and 
 proposed changes. The lease of the old steamboat company 
 having terminated in May last, the use of the landing was put 
 up for tender, and after some negociations the Halifax and 
 Dartmouth Steam Ferry Company obtained the lease for five 
 years at $1000 per annum, or $400 above the former letting. 
 This new company is getting plans and specifications for one 
 new steamboat, and intend improving the three boats they 
 own .so that the service will be much more satisfactorily 
 
mayor's address. 
 
 xlvii. 
 
 J 
 
 performed than before. The api)roaches to the landings have 
 
 had attention, new platforms and crossin-s laid down, an 
 
 electric light provided, and with new arrangements for later 
 
 and earlier trips the transfer from the old company to the 
 
 new one has been pro<luctive of good results in ministering to 
 
 the conveniences and business advantages of the citizens of 
 
 Halifax, as well as to the citizens of Dartmouth. Should the 
 
 propo,sed new market place be obtaine.l, the travel over the 
 
 ferry will be greatly increase.l. Even now the traffic is grow- 
 
 ' ing considerably year by year, and on market days the three 
 
 steamers are kept busily engaged in serving the public. ^ , 
 
 PUBLIC CEMKTKIIY. 
 
 I trust my remarks of last year respecting the rapi.l filling 
 •up of Camp Hill Oemeterv will not be lost sight of. A large 
 number of lots were sold this su.nmer, and a very few years 
 will exhaust the remainder. It will be short sighted policy to 
 ;allow the subject to lay dormant until the necessities of the 
 <:ase will compel hastv action. The cemetery of Holy Cross 
 is also rapidly filling, and the Roman Catholic body will a^so 
 be soon compelled to open a new burial place. Camp Hi 
 ■(Cemetery has had considerable attention this year, but it will 
 . require the expenditure of a large sum of money to put this 
 ■'•city of the dead" in the condition it should be. 
 
 BEAUTIFYING OUR CITY. 
 
 To all citizens of Halifax who take an interest in the welfare 
 of our r;ity, I wouhl repeat what I said in my last year's 
 review : " Our City would be greatly improved in appearance 
 if every citizen would take a pride in the surroundings of his 
 dwelling and vicinity. Shabby fences, rickety picketings, 
 broken \ree boxes might be fixed up, and enclosures open to 
 the street planted with a few flowers and kept clean and tidy. 
 A liberal use of paint, lime and whitewash would effect a 
 revolution, and after a beginning is made by some public 
 
xlviii. 
 
 mayor's address. 
 
 spirited citizen, the desire to improve surroundings would grow.. 
 • The example of the few would spread to the many and in a 
 short time a total chanjre in some localities would be manifest. 
 In the centre of the City especially, every citizen is bound to 
 keep the sidewalk clean and free from obstructions. Tufts of 
 grass should be cleared from all paved sidewalks and anything 
 otFensive removed. City employees clean the streets from 
 gutter to gutter, let the citizens do the rest and we shall have 
 a (deaner, tidier City. Any person defacing fences and walls 
 by affixing placards, bills or posters without the consent of the 
 owners, is liable to tine and imprisonment. The defacement of 
 fences, &c., in this way should l)e resisted by property owners 
 as it is a disfigurement and an injury," 
 
 Our City would be raised greatly in the estimation, not onl}" 
 of strangers who are visiting it in increased numbers everv 
 year.but also in the estimation of our own young people who are 
 growing up around us, and being educated in habits of neat- 
 ness and order, or of slovenliness and disorder by what they 
 see in the streets, as well as in their homes, if some of the eye 
 sores which abound were removed, and defects in our 
 surroundings were remedied. 
 
 The suburbs of Halifax are considered beautiful by strangers, 
 very many citizens take a pride in doing all they can b}^ art to 
 improve the natural beauties of the peninsula; the City authori- 
 ties have inclosed and improved a number of public squares, 
 the Common, Public Gardens, and Point Pleasant Park are 
 becoming more beautiful every year, and all that is needed to 
 make Halifax one of the handsomest cities in Canada is that 
 each citizen should apply himself to do his duty by his own 
 property, and by keeping it neat and tidy, thus do his share int 
 elevating the whole tone of the community. - 
 
mayor's address. 
 
 xlix. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In bringing thi.s address and review to a conclusion I would 
 refer to the efforts being made to improve and extend the 
 railway and steamship connections between our city and port 
 and other ports in the Province, the Dominion of Canada, 
 Great Britain and the Continent, the West Indies, and South 
 America, and the United States of America. Freight and 
 passage traffic inwards and outwards over the Intercolonial 
 Railway is largely increasing, the shipping facilities at the 
 Deep Water Terminus are being more appreciated and used^ 
 grain shipments are growing. Though there is a difference of 
 opinion respecting the Short Line Railway now being con- 
 structed between Montreal and Halifax, it is only fair to state 
 that its projectors promise to greatly reduce distance and time 
 between the two cities. Complaints are made that the 
 Windsor & Annapolis Railway time tables, freight and 
 passenger rates operate to the detriment of the trade of 
 Halifax with our Western Counties. This is to be regretted, 
 and it is to be hoped that the representations made to the 
 manager of this line may bring about some improvement. 
 
 Good results are expected to accrue to Halifax from the 
 agitation over the ocean mail contract and it seems to be the 
 universal desire that Canadian government subsidies shall only 
 be used to build up our own ports. 
 
 Better steam connection on our coasts, east and west, is- 
 promised next season and our merchants are waking up to the 
 fact that greater exertions are necessary if our city is to 
 improve its position and to extend its trade. 
 
 Owing to the exceptionally fine summer and fall, mechanics- 
 and laborers have had more work than usual, and the outlook 
 for the winter and coming spring is favorable. Operations on 
 the Dry Dock will be continued through the winter, stone 
 cutting and other preparations for the new City Hall and 
 Dalhousie College will also be carried on, giving employment 
 at a season when such work is usually suspended. Other 
 
xlx. 
 
 MAYORS ADDUKSS. 
 
 larjje buiMings are })r()jocted in the spring of next year, and 
 judging from recent sale.s there will certaiidy ho an increased 
 demand for household property. 
 
 It is a subject of congratulation tluit such industries as that 
 of the Sugar Refinery, the Cotton Factory, Starr Manufacturing 
 Company, Dartmouth Rope Works and other enterprises on 
 both sides of the harbor, mainly owned and operated by our 
 citizens, are presently enjoying a fair measure of success, and 
 are giving steady enjployment to so many of our working 
 people. While some liranches of trade continue in a depressed 
 condition, others are improving, and on the whole there is 
 much to be thankful for. 
 
 Halifax durin<' this year has been siLjnaliy favored with 
 exemptions from great storms and conflagrations, from pesti- 
 lences and earthquakes, from strikes and labor troubles, from 
 riots and outbreaks, from famines and droughts, all of which 
 calamities have visited so !'iany other cities in the United 
 States and our own Dominion. There is not a community of 
 people on this wide earth that has so much to be thankful for 
 as the citizens of Halifax. We can all heartily join in the 
 statements of one of our newspapers on Thanksgiving Day 
 that " If ever there was a year in the history of this country 
 that the people have reason to thank the Lord for, this is the 
 one. In a most especial manner He has poured out his 
 bounties." Also in the words of another newspaper: " If there 
 is a country in the world that has great cause for thankfulness, 
 that country is certainly this. Canada of ours." 
 
 Next year is the Jubilee Year of the coronation of our 
 beloved Sovereign, Queen Victoria, and in common with every 
 other City in that vast Empire which owns her benign sway 
 our citizens will join with enthusiasm in the world wide 
 demonstration in honor of the event. Would it not be a fittinsr 
 time to lay the corner stone of our new City Hall ? And I 
 would further offer the suggestion that the square in front of 
 the City Hall be named " Queen Square" or " Victoria Square " 
 
 k 
 
MAYOR H ADDRESS. 
 
 xlxi- 
 
 1(1 
 
 [I 
 
 It 
 
 in order to perpetuate the remembrances of the Jubilee year 
 of our beloved Queen. Our usual civic holiday on the 2lMt 
 June might be heltl one day earlier and combine tlie two 
 celebrations on the 2()th June, the Jubilee of the Queen's 
 accession to the Throne. 
 
 I would consider myself thoughtless and ungrateful, Ijoth as 
 / an individual, and in my official capacity, representing the 
 Citizens of Halifax, did 1 not bear testimony to the unwearied 
 labors of the gentlemen who have this year surrounded the 
 Council Board, and who have faithfully consurvod the interests 
 committed to their charge. 
 
 And to all the; officials who have labored honestly and 
 diligently in their several positions, and have been instrumental 
 in carrying out the laws, ordinances and regulations of that 
 complex and involved organization, the City Government of 
 the City of Halifax, my thanks are due. 
 
 As my third and last term of office draws to a close I feel 
 extremely desirous of having the laws and ordinances of the 
 City thoroughly revised and compiled, so that my successor 
 may not experience the same difficulties in administering the 
 duties of the office that have to a considerable extent beset my 
 path, and which difficulties are ray excuse and apology for 
 omissions and derelictions while striving to fulfil the obligations 
 imposed upon me when assuming the responsible position of 
 Chief Magistrate of Halifax. , 
 
 All of the foregoing is commended to the thoughtful 
 consideration of the members of the City Council and citizens 
 generally. 
 
 I am, gentlemen, 
 
 Your obedient servant. 
 
 J. C. MACKINTOSH, 
 
 - ':._!_ Mayor. 
 
 November, 1886.