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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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32X

. 1

CITY OF HALIFAX. I ^

THE

AY0R'S QdDRESS,

111

AND

(General Review ep 0fpairs

eP THE 6iTY ^eVERNMENT.

1886,

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HALIFAX, N. S.
PRINTED BY JAMES BOWES & SONS, 125 HOLLIS STREET.

1886.

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Mil iHHjiKf g JiKi ^

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'WIBPHISIIPPPPSWIPIP

CITY OF HALIFAX.

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THE

FRaY0R'S 0DDRESS

AND

CtEneral Review qf 9ppairs

eP THE 6ITY Q-eVERNMENT,

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.

*»AYOU's ADDIIESS.

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

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

22000

1050

1500

2991

3000

1200

1300

101

1383

13024

29C734

11000

7030

2750

1250

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.

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.

Real Estate.

Personals.

Total.

■

No. 1. $3,451,050

$1,149,350

$4,001,000

■

2. 1,931,750

590,905

2,522,715

3. 2,475,080

1,585,520

4,000,000

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

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

232,961

18,156

14,000

32,156

244,532

21,849

22,200

44,049

$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.

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.

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.

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

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.

it :

■^1

XXVI,

MAYORS ADDRESS.

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

:^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

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.

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. -^ ;

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

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.

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.

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 :

a
o

< O

223 223

87 87

a -^
.2 --S
« 2 S

rt £ as

M
c

14 14 115

b Ph

iiil 48

.2 ^•

O
18

%■ si

o a .M
p: Wh-5

.")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^^

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

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.

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 "

MAYOR H ADDRESS.

xlxi-

1(1

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.