Annual report of the Department of Education 1890-91

“Reports of Inspectors of Schools: Dartmouth has provided a house, in the north end, with two departments. The site is retired, dry and pleasant, surrounded with forest trees. What has been known as Tuft’s Cove school occupies one of the rooms. The “Greenvale” house has four large and well ventilated rooms. The basement is well planned and arranged for play rooms in wet weather. The site is admirable. It would take many years for the newly planted trees to assume the stateliness and beauty of the trees which surround this building. In fifteen of the school-rooms in Dartmouth the pupils are saved from the effects of stair climbing, which has been pronounced “evil, and only evil, and that continually.””

“Halifax County has sections among the [black] population; 5 of these have school houses which answer fairly well for the summer term, and we hope to have two more added for 1892. I may here remark that in the Fall River school no distinction of color has ever been recognized. Only think of two public schools, situated within two hundred yards of each other, the one with an average of 15, the other [black], and average of 11. What a waste of public money! When will this prejudice, as foolish as it is cruel, cease to cripple weak sections that need to economize all their forces?”

“Dartmouth has the distinction of being the first in the Maritime Provinces, to open a free Kindergarten in connection with the Public Schools. It was opened in May, 1888, under the able directorship of Miss Hamilton, who recieved her training at Truro. Her Kindergarten has won its way by sheer merit, and commended itself to the approbation of competent judges. It has its quarters specially designed in the Greenvale schoolhouse.

A happy feature of the Dartmouth schools is the Banking system.

The Chairman of the Board of School Commissioners, W.H. Stevens, Esq., in his report to the ratepayers of the Town, Nov. 1890, gives -“The amount deposited since their establishment three years ago, as $3165.15.”

Nova Scotia. Dept. of Education, and Nova Scotia. Superintendent of Education. Annual Report of the Department of Education. Halifax: Dept. of Education, https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3013762

Annual Report 1894

101-1m-1894-pdf

Mayor’s Report for the Year 1894

Ladies and Gentlemen, -I have the honor to submit for your information and approval, a report of the proceedings of your Council for the year ending December 31st last. I have decided for your better information to give you the detailed reports as submitted by the Chairmen of the Public Property. Water and Finance committees these being the three principal services of the Town, not only that you may see just how your money has been expended, but also to show the large amount of work gratuitously performed by the several members of these committees on your be half. I here take the opportunity of expressing my thanks to the members of the Council. His Honor the Recorder, The Town Clerk and other officials of the Town for their ever ready assistance extended to me in Carrying out the duties devolving on me as your chief magistrate. I regret very much that the adverse balance is so large against the Town, but taking into consideration the large amount expended on the streets and other causes. fully explained in the financial report. I think you will agree with me that the Town is in in a fairly good position.

Legislation

The only measures under this heading were the acts consolidating the Water and Ferry acts obtained from the Legislature last session.

Report of Finance Committee

By the report of the Auditors submitted herewith, it will be seen that the total receipts for the year in the ordinary account of the Town were $23,091.36 and the expenditure $25,586.02. On the 31st. December the current liabilities amounted to $5366.09 of this amount $3,845.43 was due the Bank and sundry accounts totaling $1,920.66 remained unpaid. To meet these sums there are due Taxes for 1894 $4053. and Poll and School Tax for the same $719.88, leaving a net deficit on 31st, December last of $1473.21, all outstanding accounts having been taken into consideration. This your committee feel is a very satisfactory state of affairs, when it is considered that by a special vote of the Council the Street Committee overdrew their account $1500, and that there was a balance against the Town due the Bank at the commencement of the year of $865.80.

The bonded debt of the Town on December 31st, amounted to $321,300 as follows:

Consolidated Debt: $17,000

School Loan: $21,300

Ferry Loan: $150,000

Water Loan: $133,000

being $10,000 more than for the year 1893, this increase being caused by the loan of $7,000 for schools and the issuing of $3,000 additional for Water and Sewerage construction.

The net debt however amounts to only $304,428 as the Ferry Commission have on hand $9,000 as a Sinking Fund and the sewer sinking fund now amounts of $7,872.

The assessed valuation of Real and Personal Property for the year within the town amounted to $1,803,367 being an increase over the previous year of $324,340. The assessed rate was $1.20 per $100, 55 cents of which was for the support of Public Schools.

The large amount of taxes owing at the end of the year was largely due to the fact that one firm owes some $1,900. The assessment was taken into court and twice decided in favor of the Town, and your committee hope that it will be settled before long. A further reason is found when it is remembered that no great pressure was put on the rate payers during the year to enforce the payment of the Taxes, this in the past has always caused more or less friction. and your committee felt that as under the Lien Law the Real Estate Tax would all have to be paid in this year, it would perhaps be better to give delinquents a further extension of time.

The year 1894 marked a new era in Town affairs, as then for the first time in its history the Lien Law for the collection of taxes was put in force, some 12 properties were sold, which all brought more than enough to pay the taxes and costs, and today there is only the very small sum of $9.30 owing from Real Estate for 1893.

A.C. Johnston, Chairman.

Report of Street and Public Property Committee

This, the most important branch of the Town service has received close attention. Owing to the introduction of the Water and sewerage, the streets were in a very bad condition, none of them being in a fit state to travel over. Your committee felt that with the limited means at their disposal, the best course to pursue would be to permanently repair the main thoroughfares and leave the less used side streets for the future. With this in view they macadamized Water Street from Portland to the top of Synott’s Hill. Ochterloney Street from Water to Canal Street. Portland Street from Water to Pleasant Street, and Pleasant Street from Portland to the foot of the hill opposite Mott’s Factory. This was all covered with broken stone and screenings from the breaker, and used up 6,873 loads or 96,292 bushels. The streets thus repaired present a smooth. hard service over which it is a pleasure to drive and should with ordinary attention last 10 or 15 years, and will, we believe prove that macadam is the cheapest material to use, when it can be obtained as at present.

A large amount of stone was obtained from the lot owned by the Town to the west of the Hawthorne street school. and your committee have thus turned a useless piece of ground into a fine field, and this without costing the Rate-payers one cent.

The amount rated for the Streets was $3000. but by a special vote of the council owing to the exceptional circumstance a further sum of $1,300 was granted. and we feel confident that when the ratepayers Consider the amount of work. they will approve of this action of the Council. The total amount spent on the Streets was $4,434,27, which includes the madadamizing, the general street repairs in the several wards and the Superintendent’s salary.

Public Property

The estimate was $174, expenditure $91.20, this being for the repairs to the Engine House Tower made in 1893, and for the introduction of the Water into the Town Hall. Under this heading it may not be out of place, if the attention of the ratepayers is called to the room, known by courtesy as the Council room, where the gentlemen they ask to do the business of the town without any renumeration, are compelled to sit often for hours in an atmosphere sometimes positively injurious, and in a room at all times in a filthy condition. Under the present circumstances, this cannot well be otherwise, but we think the time has now arrived, when the Town should have a Hall a credit to itself, and one in which it would be a pleasure to do business.

Amalgamation of the Town and Ferry Office

This matter is still in the hands of a committee. the only practical solution of the difficulty appears to be the erection of a Town Hall at or in close proximity to the ferry. and there in no doubt the large saving that could be made in salaries would go along way in paying the interest upon a sum sufficient for the construction of a building which would be a credit to the Town and fill a long felt want, as the rate payers cannot expect the gentlemen whom they elect to transact their public affairs to continue to do so much longer in that disreputable building called by courtesy The Town Hall.

Railway

During the past year the Branch has been carefully surveyed, tenders called for, and the contracts for its construction awarded. The plans and profiles show that the road will be first class in every respect. At no point is the grade heavier than 1 font in 100 feet. The curves are not excessive. although at two or three points they are rather too pronounced. it is possible some improvements will be made in this respect during construction. The structural parts will be thoroughly built. The road will tap Waverley. and a siding will be put in at Portobello. The traffic which will accrue to Dartmouth from the former point will be consider- able. The contract is let in two sections. Messrs Cook and McGregor, who are the contractors, announce their intention of pushing the work as rapidly as possible. Their agreement calls for its completion by the 31st of August next.

Terminal Facilities

The question of terminal facilities is a matter for the serious consideration of the incoming Council. So far the accommodation has been very inadequate to the requirements of the large business of the road. Shippers by water are completely handicapped as everything has to be trucked to the railway station. which would be obviated by utilizing the water front at the disposal of the government. No business other than that of a purely local character can be accomplished until this is done. Proper terminal facilities would undoubtedly attract a large volume of traffic in due course. The advantages of this road when completed. -have been fully dealt with in previous reports.

Dominion Atlantic H.R. Co.

Realizing the fact that this enterprising road is seeking better terminal facilities. your council hastened to lay the advantages and claims of Dartmouth before their representatives. The better to accomplish this. your council deemed it wise to send a delegation to interview them in person. Mayor Stern: and Councillor Johnston were appointed. They proceeded to Kentville and laid the facts which they had gathered before the resident manager. The delegates were advised to transmit their information in full to the Head Office in London, G B. This has been done, but sufficient time has not elapsed to receive a reply. The delegates. it may be stated, were well received, and felt that their statements had made a good impression. This matter is of too much importance to the town of Dartmouth to be lightly passed over. Every effort should be made to induce the Dominion Atlantic to locate on this side of the‘ harbor.

The Musquodobit Road

The Construction of the Branch to Windsor Junction, connecting with Waverley. will be an important link in the construction of the Musquodoboit Road. and makes that project so much the easier of accomplishment. The time appears opportune for the joint committee, which was appointed at the public meeting held early last spring in Middle Musquodoboit, to present the information they have gathered to the government and press the matter to an issue. This town stands ready to heartily assist any practical move which this committee decides upon in furtherance of the undertaking. In closing my report 1 again thank you Ladies and Gentlemen tor the honor you have conferred on me by electing me your Chief Magistrate.

I remain, your obedient servant,

WM. H. Sterns, Mayor

Statement of the Receipts and Expenditures of the Town of Dartmouth for the year ended December 31st, 1894

Licenses Granted & Dog tax paid, 1894

Dartmouth Municipal Court

Park Commissioner’s Report

…I am pleased to note the very small amount of damage received by the trees and shrubs from children who are almost continuously congregating in the Park in large numbers…

101-1m-1894-pdf9

Board of School Commissioners

The past year was the second in which the compulsory attendance act was in force in the Dartmouth School Section. It was the first year in the history of the town in which parents have been prosecuted for the non-attendance of their children. A fine was imposed upon seven heads of families for neglecting to send their children the required number of days. About twenty-seven were summoned before the Board to account for neglect in this respect.

High School

The high school was opened in Dartmouth in Nov. 1892. The registration was then 30. The number has increased to 55 pupils at the present time. It will probably reach 80, or nearly so, judging from present indications, after next grading… About 54 per cent of Dartmouth High school pupils passed the provincial examination in July last.

Kindergarten

The certificate of Honorable Mention from the Board of Lady Managers of the “Worlds Columbian Exhibition” for skill in the collection and preparation of the display of work from the Dartmouth Kindergarten ranks our little institution among the Kindergartens of the world and is no small honor to Miss Hamilton.

Miss Hamilton has called my attention to the gift of four large wall pictures representing the swan, the fox, the hare and the flying squirrel, presented through Mrs. Hinkle Congdon by the firm of Messrs Philip & Son, London. These she considered very valuable to the school.

The Colored School

The compulsory attendance Act still continues to affect very favorably the colored school. In 1890 for example 30 children were enrolled and the average daily attendance was 11. Last year (1894) 48 children were enrolled and the average daily attendance was 29.

Attendance

The schools were open 208 days during the year. The total number of pupils registered was 1259. The total days attendance for the year was 182,052. The average daily attendance was 880.79.

Board of School Commissioners, Dartmouth, Statement of Accounts; Staff of Teachers

Annual Report 1890

101-1m-1890-pdf

Ladies and gentlemen:

The second year of my official duties as mayor of this town having closed, it affords me the opportunity to place before you the following report of the several services that have engaged the attention and exertions of your council. The most important of which are the ferry, between the Town and the city of Halifax; the railway subvention; the water supply and sewerage; electric lighting; cemetery and post office; together with the ordinary services incidental to the health, good order and management of the town in general; some of which they have been enabled to carry to completion, while others, particularly the introduction of a water supply, and construction of systematic sewerage have, after much laborious investigation, been adjourned, pending the result of a further and exhaustive examination that has been carried out by the assistance of a committee you considerably appointed in September last. unquestionably the year just passed has been a momentous one for the town, and the measures that have been matured and carried into operation, notably the entire control and acquisition of the ferry must have a great influence on our future progress and development; the auditor’s report: here too appended, page 20 will show you in detail your present financial condition; and the future requirements will be shown by the reports of the various departments. I trust that the several steps that have been taken by your Council for the purpose of improving the well-being, health and prosperity of the town will be considered satisfactory and meet with your full approbation. I will now review the various departments under their several heads.

Legislation

The water supply in sewerage act of 1889 not having received your approval, and certain alterations being found necessary to make it a cord with the altered conditions then existing so that it’s privileges and Powers might be taken advantage of it any future time you might determine; your counsel promulgated and procured during the last session a short active amendment, insofar as was rendered requisite without making any material alteration in the principles of the bill. As instructed by your vote at a public meeting held March 6th, requesting your Council to take the legal steps to procure the authority and powers to establish an operate a corporation ferry, to and from Halifax; your Council procured the introduction, and notwithstanding the strenuous and persistent opposition of the Halifax and Dartmouth ferry company, secured the passage of an act investing a commission with full powers to carry out your desires, and authorizing your counsel to borrow the sum of 110,000 on debentures for the purposes of the ferry, and further in compliance with your vote at public meeting held 25th March last, your Council likewise secured the passage of an act in powering them to borrow the sum of 12,000, to enable the school commissioners to erect and equip three additional schools. this has been carried into effect by the issue of debentures for the sum of 12,300, bearing interest at 4% per annum, and the amount realized has been handed to the commissioners for the purposes set forth. And act was also procured repealing the 30th section of chapter 40 of the act of 1877, amending the towns incorporation act, and which restricted the council from levying and assessment exceeding the sum of $15,000 in any one year; this having been rendered requisite by the growth and increased requirements of the town.

By-laws and Ordinances

The prevalence of diphtheria in the town during the past summer rendered it necessary for the general health that your council, acting as a board of health, should draw up and submit to his excellency, the lieutenant governor in council, a set of bylaws and code of regulations, governing persons and places infected, which were duly approved; and having been published for the information of all concerned, have greatly assisted the health officers in carrying out their arduous duties.

The sanitary state of the Town

During the past year there has been an unusual outbreak of diphtheria in the town, several of the cases having been undoubtedly imported by parties coming from the city and outside districts. The number of cases during the epidemic has been distributed through 29 families, resulting in 40 recoveries and 18 deaths, the last case received a clean certificate from the doctor on the 24th December last. The only house in the town still under the band of infection is that occupied by Henry power on Tulip Street who since the diphtheric patient of his family died, has neglected to take the proper steps to cleanse and disinfect his premises so as to procure the necessary certificate. I am happy to say that by God’s grace and the efficient exertions of the doctors and health officers in carrying out the various orders and regulations of the board of health, together with the precautions taken by the citizens generally, the town is entirely free from the fatal scourge. having in view the fact that the town is absolutely without any sewerage, and that the water supply is defective in quality and inadequate and quantity, the death rate of the town has been surprisingly below that of many other places far more favorably equipped in these respects.

Railway subsidy

The several applications of the Dominion government for the annual subsidy of $4,000, now amounting to the sum of $20,000, having become important and in fact placed in the hands of their solicitors Messers Borden, Richie and Parker, for collection, and your Council failing to make their case understood by correspondence, and from the best information available, been assured that the terms and conditions of the agreement under which the demand was made against the town, have not fully complied with by the Dominion government; and that consequently the town’s liability had not accrued, decided in April last to send myself and his honor the recorder as delegates to Ottawa, to present their case personally to the government, and press the points relied upon as favorable to the town’s contention; with the result that the case has been for the time suspended to await the action of parliament at its forthcoming session, when it is fully anticipated that a satisfactory solution of this much effect and serious question maybe arrived at. It will appertain to the incoming Council to closely watch the case, and they may find it necessary for its success to send a personal representative again to Ottawa to press their claims.

Water supply and sewerage

This much discussed and important service has been passing through various phases during the year, and the act of the legislature of 1889 an amendment there too, of 1890, having failed to meet with the approval of the citizens as expressed at two public meetings held for the purpose of their consideration, a citizens committee was appointed on the 29th of September last, to inquire into the whole subject; who have since that time been engaged in an exhaustive examination and inquiry as to the capacity, capability, quality, and possibilities of the various proposed sources of supply, their cost of introduction and distribution, and have decided to virtually endorse the scheme as propounded by engineering, and adopted by the council in 1889, and recommend it’s adoption with some alterations in the mode of carrying out the work which, if approved by the citizens that to be held on the 26th, will necessitate the procuring of a new act from the legislature during their coming session. The plan of sewerage has been likewise approved with some slight modifications in the details of construction.

Finances

According to the auditor’s report and statements here to appended page 20, the receipts of the town from all sources, has been for the year 17,285.77, this with the balances in hand on the 31st December, 1889, of $1,156.72, balance due to treasurer or bank $54.68, and transferred interest from the school and fairy boards of 2,682.36, makes a total of $21,179.53, which some has been expended during the year as they’re in set forth. The current liabilities of the town are as follows:

The actual assets to represent the above are largely of a productive character, that is the fairy will of itself produce sufficient to cover the interest, the general finances of the Town having to provide the interest on the remaining 31,300 expended for schools, Town Hall and engine house.

The current liabilities show a heavy amount owing to the balance due to the ferry company on the purchase of their property by the commission, and for which the legislature will be asked to Grant authority to fund semicolon the amount paid to E.H. Keating C.E. on water supply; the purchase of land at spider lake; and the large amount of the assessment for the year still uncollected; which of itself is more than sufficient to cover all current outstanding claims chargeable on the current finances of the year.

Being nearly 10%, and end in excess of the same period in 1889 of $406.18, and is a larger amount that has been outstanding for many years, the only apparent reason for which is the general depression that has permeated the business portion of the community during the past two years; still with exercise of the utmost forbearance consistent with the town’s requirements, I’m fully assured that the greater portion of the amount will be collected.

The other current assets principally for poll tax and common rent are $338.74.

The only service that has during the year exceeded the estimated provision, was the construction of the fireproof vault in the town’s clerk’s office, and this was an item in which efficiency and completeness were imperative, and the work could not be curtailed; I have therefore much pleasure and congratulating the citizens on the very satisfactory state of the public finances, a detailed statement of receipts and expenditure with auditors report, will be founded page 20.

Ferry

The commission instituted by the act of legislature on the 15th day of April, having been duly appointed on the 17th of the same month, was at once organized and commenced to take the necessary steps to carry out the duties and post upon them, by taking over from the citizens committee on the steamer Arcadia that had been provisionally purchased on the 31st day of March to carry the foot passengers across the harbor upon the ferry company withdrawing the privilege of commutation rates; and made provision for the continuation of this initial service; they also immediately sent delegates to New Brunswick and the States to look for and report upon a boat suitable to undertake the complete team service; at the same time the engaged in engineer to examine and report on the most available site on the harbor for the Dartmouth landing, and to prepare plans for the docks, floats, landings, etc, that would be required on both sides of the harbor; after a lengthened tour of the delegates and extensive examination of various vessels, the steamer “Halifax”, (late “Annex 2”) was, on the report of engineer warring, supplemented by the recommendation of the delegates, purchased in New York for $25,000, to which the expense and insurance incurred to bring her down, the duty and necessary repairs and alterations required to fit her to receive the requisite certificate for the service, have to be added. During the proceedings pending the purchase of this boat, negotiations were opened with the existing ferry company for the purchase of their entire premises and plant, but no definite arrangement could be arrived at until after the final purchase of the steamer had been completed; soon after which the suspended negotiations were reopened and eventually led to the acquisition of the whole interest of the company it being transferred to the commission for the sum of $109,000, the sale being perfected as taking place on the first day of July last; that’s terminating the exciting contest for supremacy between the then existing company and the commission for the passing traffic that had been carried on with more or less vigor during the previous three months, and preventing the loss that must have a crude by operating an opposition fairy on a large scale.

By this purchase the investment of the commission was increased to the extent of $40,000 beyond the some contemplated. And for which you in public meeting called for the purpose on the 22nd day of July, voted approving the scheme, and authorized your counsel to apply to the legislature for the necessary power to borrow on debentures the said further sum of $40,000; but this is not likely to increase in any way the burdens of the town is the commission has entered into possession of property beyond the necessary requirements of the ferry that is producing an annual rent equal to the interest of about $35,000 of this sum, and the remaining interest will become a first charge on the earnings of the ferry itself; this property can at any time be disposed of when a purchaser can be found willing to pay a figure equivalent to its annual return; there are also two or three boats I can be dispensed with when opportunity offers, which will likewise reduce the capital investment.

As to the achievements that have resulted from the town’s acquisition of this undertaking, first there has been affected a bona-fide reduction of 40% on the rate for foot passengers, which is the chief source of income, this is participated by the public at large. The citizens of Dartmouth, who are the principal holders of commutation tickets, have not directly received any benefit from this reduction, as the special rates charged remain the same as of old; it has been found necessary to slightly increase the charge for commutations for team and vehicle traffic, in order to assimilate it more in accordance with the expense occurred. the great reduction from 5 to 3 cents has already been more than made up by the increased number of passengers carried, but this has been in some measure achieved by the reduced number of persons that have taken out commutation tickets, so that while the receipts from the general traffic for the past 6 months has increased nearly $1,000 beyond the corresponding period in 1889, the returns from commutation tickets for the same time has been $1,260, less than an 1889, but this appears to be largely improving, is the returns for the last quarter has made a great advance beyond the first. I therefore consider you may look forward in the near future to the time when this income will have increased to some Beyond its previous return. But the expenses are largely in excess of those incurred by the company; the running of larger boats, and those for longer hours, are in every respect to more costly affair; the engineers have to be of a more advanced class, and must be paid accordingly, the cruise have to be increased in number, and the quantity of coal consumed is increased 50%, this necessitates more yard labor to handle; the wear and tear to the boats, docs, and approaches, is beyond calculation, all these additions, with many others, added to the cost of maintainance will for some time militate against the accumulation of any surplus. The necessity of having to erect a new waiting room in station House in halifax, the repairs to docks, words and buildings, have made heavy demands on the resources of the commission, so that sometime will probably elapse before any much greater reduction in rates can be contemplated; but being in the hands of the citizens they have the assurance that so soon as the income May warrant, a revision of tariff rates will take place, and they will receive the full benefit that may be compatible with security. I trust that the accounts of the commission at the close of the first full year of operation will show on the whole a very satisfactory result.

Public schools

These have been under the control of a special commission for the past two years, and should now be showing the advantages anticipated by the change of management, how far these have realized I will leave to the judgment of such parents as of children in attendance, who should be in the best position to form an impartial opinion.

The town having in the spring of 1889, established a kindergarten department as part of the public system of education; which has now been operation upward of three terms, and if the special method of imparting instruction is in itself a success, apart from the original idea of introducing a brightening and invigorating principle into the lives of the little waves of a great city, who had previously found little in this world but squalor, want and misery; it is now quite time that it should be shown by the improved status the pupils that have received this training attain in the other departments of the schools, for if it terminates in their ability to imitate the actions of their instructors it is of small value semicolon I am sure you will anxiously watch the developments in this connection.

The sum asked for maintenance this year appropriated by your Council for the service was $6,603, which with the sum of 1,357.62 the amount of provincial Grant to teachers makes a total of $7,960.62, and there has been expended for this purpose $8,211.31.

For the purchase of land and the erection of three new buildings, the benches had been issued by the town for the sum of $12,300 for 20 years bearing interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The North end building of two departments has been erected, the Tufts Cove school occupying one of the rooms. The green veil or Central building for four departments is in course of construction, the contract for the Woodside building has not been let at present, and the commissioners have found it necessary to make an application for the further sum of 2,500 to enable them to complete the grading and fencing of the grounds attached to the central school and the erection of the building at woodside; the consideration of this additional requisition will devolve upon the incoming Council for a particulars see chairman’s report page 31.

Dartmouth Park

This fine tract of land has been, under the charge of the commission, planted with 500 ornamental trees, a pavilion erected, seats set up, the roads and paths have been improved, portions of land leveled, the surface stones removed, and drains constructed, which in the course of a few years will greatly add to the appearance and usefulness of the place as a public resort semicolon much more could have been accomplished had more extensive funds been available for this purpose. The receipts for the year have been, from the town funds, $250; from voluntary contributions, $55; an interest of deposit, $30.21; for building stone, $9.50; these, with the balance in hand on first January, 1890, of $831.62, make a total of $1,176.33. the expenditure has been for town, $100; pavilion, $210.38; labor and sundries, $563.63, and all $874.01, leaving a balance of $302.32, $300 of which wise in the bank on special deposit, and the sum of $50 of the voluntary contributions still uncollected.

Streets

This service has received the constant attention of the committee and overseer, who have endeavored to bring into as efficient of State as possible, the roads and streets of the outlying sections, and as in the year 1889, doing a little more than cleaning and maintaining the streets of the center plot, having in contemplation the necessity of their surfaces having to be broken up in the near future, for the purpose of constructing sewers etc. The some placed in the estimates was $2,100, out of which $2,081.44 has been expended. granite Crossing on water street, paving 500 ft of gutter with stone on Ochterloney street, the Reconstruction of several large culverts, the erection of new fences, the repairing of Lake road with 1,244 bushels of broken stone, 436 loads of shore gravel was used in the general repairs throughout the town, and in cleaning out and repairing the various gutters, drains and culverts this service will in the near future require a much larger expenditure, is the shore gravel now obtainable is becoming yearly deteriorated in quality, and all the pits in the vicinity of the town from which material have been from time to time drawn, have been exhausted, the only resource left being the purchase of an improved Stone crusher with portable engine, and the breaking up of the wind Stone so abundant on all.

The sum of $300 was provided for watering of streets; during the summer the committee had the cart out 43 days from May 23rd to September 26th, using saltwater throughout at an expenditure of $194.93.

Public property

Town clerk’s office– The sum of $250 was provided in the estimates for the construction of a fireproof fault, to contain the papers, vouchers, and documents appertaining to this office; this much required work has been satisfactorily completed by tender and contract at a total cost of $339.47, and all although this some exceeds the estimated amount by $89.47, still the outlay is small for the obtained certainty of security against possible loss by fire of the vast accumulation of documents, that no money compensation could possibly recover.


Lamont property– This is under conditional lease to Levi Conrad the dam in Mill being considerably out of repair the place is let at a nominal rental; the house was slightly damaged by fire during the summer colon and has been repaired at the charge of the insurance company.


Engine house and lock up– In additional room has been fitted up and added to the apartments of the caretaker of The engine House and necessary repairs affected to the lockup, at a total cost of $43.92. the bell tower of The engine House having lately developed symptoms of weakness will require thorough examination in the spring, and any defect that may be found attended to.


Street lamps– These at present number 57, distributed throughout the town; they include three new ones erected by the town, and one presented by ex mayor Simmons and erected in Ward 1 the cost for this service has been $755.93. I cannot leave this subject without reverting to the various proposals that have been made to employ electricity for this purpose; but has no reasonable plan that was likely to satisfy the requirements of the citizens, at a cost within the reach of your Council has been propounded, it has again been necessary to defer action in this direction for the time being semicolon but I trust that, through the many and great improvements that have, and are continually taking place in the application of electricity to Street and other lighting, it will not be long before it can be made available.


Pumps and Wells– There are at present 19 public Wells and 18 pumps these have been duly cleaned and repaired there has been during the year one new well excavated and three new pumps set up the whole service insofar is it extends is in a satisfactory condition although the quality of the water is in general far from good and the distribution inadequate to meet the requirements of all sections; the amount expended has been $167.69.


Fire department– This service has been maintained in its usual state of efficiency, and is promptly responded to the several calls during the year, which have been six, this, three alarms, and three fires, and in each case the fire was so far controlled as to confine its ravages to the building within which it originated, the amount expended has been $457.92.

Police

The usual force has been employed and from the large extent of ground to be patrolled by so small of force, it has on the whole been satisfactorily performed, the town having been exceptionally free from disorder in crime; the expenditure for this service has been $1,197.94. a change has been decided upon whereby half of the force will be from the first of the present month perform night duty and, and it is fully anticipated that the change will be the means of preventing the repetition of a series of petty offenses that have been at various times occurred to the annoyance of the citizens.

Liquor Licenses

This is the fourth year in which the only application for license has been from messers Oland and sons and company, for a wholesale Brewer’s license, for which they have paid the statutory application fee of $10.

Poor

There has been an increase of two persons chargeable to the town during this year, making a total of eight, namely, five males and three females; they have been taken care of in the county pores farm at a charge to the town of $424.37. they appear to have received all requisite care and attention. The other charges under this department amount to $179.19 for usual Grant to dispensary and general assistance to some of the families while suffering from attacks of diphtheria and other indigent persons.

Pauper lunatics

The number of town patients in hospital at the commencement of this year was eight, admitted since two, making a total of 10. Two patients have died, and one has been discharged, leaving a balance of seven in hospital at present chargeable to the town, VIS three meals and four females. the amount paid to the hospital has been $66.50, do on the 31st of december, 1889, of which some the town has received for maintenance, etc, of the patient the sum of 117.46, making a net expenditure of 489.04, paid by the town. There is now due to the hospital to date the sum of $1,138.29, which will have to be provided for in the estimates for the year 1891.

Public cemetery

The plot of ground devoted to this purpose is nearly all taken up, and although there is an authorization to extend the enclosure southwards to the line of stairs street, it has not been deemed advisable to carry it into effect, the general consensus of opinion being favorable to the establishment of a place of burial further removed from the population, and in this connection your Council has been like their predecessors untiring in their inquiries and examinations of localities for this purpose, but have up to this present failed to recognize a plot that will meet all the requirements; they haven’t viewed two probable parcels of land either of which can be procured, and they are in many respects very suitable, but each has its own deficiencies. From the massive information that will be placed at the disposal of the incoming council, I have every reason to Hope they will be enabled at an early date to select a satisfactory plot that will meet with your full approval.

Post office

I have much satisfaction in reporting that the Dominion government have acknowledged the long made just claims of the town for a change in this service; at the last meeting of the legislature a sum of money was placed in the estimates for the purpose of purchasing a site for and erecting a suitable building for a post office. After full consideration your Council have decided that the lot of land owned by the ferry commission on the southwest corner of Portland and water streets, is the most suitable site for this purpose, and they have appointed a committee to wait on the county members of the House of Commons to request their services in recommending the same to the government, and urged the necessity of the work being proceeded with immediately.

Litigation

During the year no very important litigation has occurred. A suit was brought against the town for proceedings of the street committee in 1889. The committee had made an arrangement with Mr Franklin, who assumed to be the owner of the Cottage Hill property, for the privilege of taking Earth from the side of the hill to repair the streets. The ownership of the land has since been claimed by Mr L.B. Fairbanks, who brought a suit against the town for the value of the Earth taken. The cause was tried before Mr Justice Townshend, who gave judgment against the plaintiff on the ground that no trespass was shown to have been committed outside of the line of the street, even assuming that the land adjacent was that of the plaintiff, as alleged by him. The plaintiff has appealed from this judgment to the supreme Court in banc.

Before closing this report I have to acknowledge the great obligations I am under to the several members of my council, the numerous commissioners and others with whom I have been associated in the onerous duties of the various services of the town, to his honor the recorder, the town clerk, and other officials of the town, for their hearty cooperation and cordial assistance under many difficult and trying circumstances and carrying out of the various duties devolving upon them and the ability with which they have throughout attended to the best interest of the town.

Thanking you for the honor and confidence you have a second time bestowed upon me and with sincere wishes for the progress and prosperity of the town of Dartmouth, I have the honor to be, ladies and gentlemen,

Your most obedient servant, Frederick Scarfe, Mayor

Dartmouth NS January 22nd 1891.

Auditors report

To his worship the mayor and counselors of the town of Dartmouth:

Gentlemen,-

We beg to report having audited the books, vouchers and accounts of the Town clerk and treasurer, including the books, vouchers and accounts of the board of school commissioners, Dartmouth, for the year ending December 31st, 1890, all of which we find in order and correct.

Annexed is a list of the current liabilities of the town, and a statement of the consolidated and bonded debts, as shown by the ledger accounts and sundry documents placed in our hands for inspection.

By the accompanying statement it will be seen that the receipts for the year amounted to $19,968.13, and the expenditure to $21,179.53, leaving to debit of the Town $54.68, being the difference between receipts and expenditure, less 1,156.72, balance at credit of the Town brought down from last year.

The statement of the board of school commissioners shows that the receipts for the year amount to $8,146.23, and the expenditure to $8,211.31, leaving a balance to the debit of this account, $48.98. it will be seen the balance between receipts and expenditure shows $65.08; the difference, $16.10, is in the balance brought down.

By the school board capital account the receipts from debentures sold amount $11,998.65, and sale of Falconer house, $255 = $12,353.65, and expenditure on school sites and buildings, $5,520.20, leaving balance of $6,733.45, on special deposit, $6,200 in Bank current account $484.47, and owing this account by general fund $48.98.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

Geo. Foot, W. Creighton, } Auditors

Dartmouth, N.S., January 12th, 1891.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditures of the Town of Dartmouth for the year ended 31st Dec., 1890.

Auction, Hackney, Truck & Trader’s licenses and Dog Taxes Paid, 1890

Dartmouth Municipal Court

Police Court

Staff of Teachers, Nov 1890

Ratepayers of the town of Dartmouth

Ladies and gentlemen it is my duty, as chairman of the board of school commissioners, to lay before you a brief report of the receipts and expenditures for the financial year ending the 31st December last, and also to acquaint you with the general condition of this most important branch of the public service.

Seventeen teachers were employed during the winter, and 18 during the summer term of the past year, an increase of one over the corresponding terms of the previous year.

During the winter term the schools were open 118 days full time; $988 pupils were enrolled, who made a total attendance of $73,389 days, or an average of 62% of the school days was open.

It is to be regretted that, owing to the prevalence of diphtheria, it was deemed advisable to close the schools in the center of the town for about 6 weeks. During this term the schools were open only on an average of 68 days; the enrollment was $1,057. The total attendance during this time was 44,404 days, making the average 62% of the enrollment, daily present.

The attendance for the term previous to the appearance of diphtheria, was much larger than that of the corresponding term of any previous year; but the attendance from the reopening of the schools, until the end of the year, was only about 1/3 of the usual number.

The total number of different pupils enrolled during the year was 1,176, and increase of 45, or about one department, but there is no doubt had it been not for the outbreak of diphtheria the increase would have been very much larger.

The total cost for the year was $7,975.46, or a per capita cost of $6.78 for those enrolled, which is an increase of six cents per capita over the last year; but if the increase in attendance had been as large as anticipated, the per capita cost would have been less.

The equipment is much better than formerly, and the teachers are there for enabled to do better work.

The kindergarten department coordinates easily with the regular primary departments; many of its methods have been carried on in the succeeding department, continuing that training of the hand and eye, so valuable and afterlife.

The action of the board and establishing this department has been fully endorsed, by the establishing of three fully equipped kindergartens, in the city of Halifax, besides several others in different parts of the province. In a few years, no town of any importance will consider its system complete, without a department in which Froebels principles are fully practiced.

The attendance in this department for the past term was 69, which is as many as can be efficiently taught. It is to be regretted that the assistance are all from Beyond the confines of our own town; but these unpaid, but wise young ladies will reap benefits, that should be secured by those among us.

As the people everywhere are asking for practical education, and are urging the establishment of manual training schools, it can readily be seen that, our kindergarten is a step in the right direction introducing as it does, the manual training at the outset, which is admitted by all, to be the proper time.

The schools’ banks still continue to be well patronized.

The amount deposited since their establishment, three years ago, has been $3,165.15.

Of this amount there has been transferred to the Government and Post Office Savings’ Bank $2,501.

Repaid to depositors $343.35.

Leaving a balance in hand of $320.80.

$300 of which is on deposit in the Union Bank, Halifax, at four per cent interest, and $20.80 in same bank in the current amount.

The contract for the school at the North end was awarded to Mr John T. Walker for the sum of $2,149, being about $1,600 less than the next tender.

Several tenders were received for the construction of the central building, but Mr Walker’s tender was again $28 lower than any other, being $5,997. The building is now in course of construction, and will be handed over to your board early in the spring.

The architect in preparing the plans has made provision for future needs; and has so designed it that future enlargements can be economically made. The building will, when completed, enable the board to provide for all the pupils attending without renting outside rooms.

Your bored considered the question of sites very carefully, and examined a number in all quarters, getting prices and comparing sizes. The site selected were in each case fully considered, and all things being taken into account, your board feel the selections were the best that could be made with the funds at their disposal.

At the North end a site was purchased from Mr D. Farrell measuring 200 ft on Windmill road and 150 ft on the side street.

On this site they have erected a fine substantial building containing two rooms, one of which is now occupied. This building is lighted, heated and seated according to the most approved methods.

It is so situated, that while doing Justice to the residents at Tufts Cove who have been promised such accommodation for several years past, it will also be convenient for a number residing in the North end of the town.

A site has been purchased from Mr AC Johnston at the south end, at such a distance from the sugar refinery that a number of pupils residing in the town may be accommodated without coming, as at present, to Hawthorne school.

In the center of the Town a site has been purchased from Mr James Shand, measuring 249 ft on Ochterloney street, and 283 ft on pine street, which street, according to the deed, has to be extended so as to meet an extension of quarrel street, thus making it a corner lot. The lot contains nearly one and one half acres.

The three sites cost about $350 less than was estimated; but the cost of construction being so much greater, that when park and Hawthorne schools were built; you’re bored find that they will not be able to accept tenders for the south end school, and for fencing and out buildings for the central school, without a further Grant of $2,500. You’re bored regrets having to ask you for a further sum, for completing the work, but as tenders were asked for, and the lowest accepted in every case, they feel that you will see they were as economical as possible, and did the very best they could with the money voted.

It is gratifying to note the very few cases of corporal punishment inflected on pupils during the year, and therefore we must conclude that the moral character of the young is improving.

The action of the ferry commission in passing the children attending the county academy, without charge, has removed one of the principal reasons for starting a high school in Dartmouth, and therefore your board has not deemed it advisable to add that department to the system.

Appended will be found a statement of receipts and expenditure both for the general and capital accounts.

I have the honor to be, ladies and gentlemen, your obedient servant,

W.H. Stevens, Chairman of the Board of School Commissioners.

Dartmouth Board of School Commissioners

Annual Report 1889

101-1m-1889-pdf18

MAYOR’S REPORT

Ladies and Gentlemen,- Having had the honor of your suffrages in filling the office of Mayor for the past year, I have much pleasure in laying before you the following reports of the present condition, the future requirements, the several steps that have been taken by your council for the purpose of improving the well being, and financial position of the Town together with the various services connected therewith, which on the whole I trust will be satisfactory and meet with your approval. For the facility of reference I will treat of the different subjects under their several heads.

Legislation

On Water and Sewerage

Soon after entering on the duties of my office, your Council in compliance with the instructions given them, at a public meeting of Ratepayers held on the 1st day of Feb’y last, to consider the report and estimates of E. H. Keating, C. E., then submitted in accordance with your instructions given at public meeting held on the 13th day of the previous November, prepared and submitted to the Legislature of the province an Act for the purpose of obtaining powers to carry into effect the scheme for the construction of an efficient system of Sewerage and an ample supply of Water for Domestic, Fire – and other purposes. After much discussion in both houses on all the bearings of the scheme the Legislative Council thought proper to attach a rider to the Act in the shape of a clause requiring the rate-payers to reaffirm the undertaking previous to the Act becoming law, and as you are all aware at the public meeting held for that purpose on the 26th of April last the final decision was postponed for a period of 12 months and all the labors of the Engineer and your Committee rendered of no avail; this is much to be regretted as the Town during the past summer suffered materially from the deficiency, and quality of the water supply and the inauguration of an efficient system of sewerage has been for many years an imperative necessity; the delay of which has only been tolerated by the interposition of Providence in warding off all the great epidemics that from time to time prevail in several portions of the world, but how long His mercy and forbearance may endure should we not take immediate and active steps to place the Town in a more satisfactory hygienic state than at present it would be presumptive to rely on. I therefore trust that a scheme of sewerage may be forthwith promulgated that will commend itself to the judgement and circumstances of the rate-payers and inhabitants in general.

On Income Tax

My esteemed predecessor in office referred in his annual report to the subject of this tax which had been imposed by the Legislature upon the Town of Dartmouth in common with all the incorporated Towns of the Province and promised on behalf of the Council that every possible effort should be put forth to have the law amended in such a way that this Town should be placed on the same footing as the City of Halifax in which this feature of the assessment law did not exist. The redemption of this pledge descended to an obligation upon the present council and I am pleased to be able to say that the Government and Legislature were so fully convinced of the justice of the claim put forth by the Town: that an Act to exempt the Town from the income clauses of the Assessment law – introduced and advocated by the leader of the Government, passed with very little opposition and no amendment.

On Dartmouth Common

This was another legacy that devolved on your Council from their predecessors. And in compliance with the directions of the rate-payers as expressed at a public meeting held the 13th day of November, 1888, your Council applied to the Legislature for an Act to incorporate a commission, and powers to make the necessary expenditure required for the purpose in which they were successful, the Legislature in due time passing an Act incorporating the Dartmouth Park Commission to consist of the Mayor for the time being, and two Councillors to be elected annually with two commissioners elected by the subscribers to the auxiliary fund.

On Consolidation of Funded Debt

Your Council considering the large rate of interest namely 6%, that the Town was paying on their bonded debt, compared with the low rate ruling in the money market generally, promulgated and secured the passage of an Act through the Legislature in 1889, to authorize their borrowing, by the issue of new bonds to consolidate the funded debt, a sufficient sum of money to pay off their old. outstanding bonds. Under this Act your Council paid off on 2nd December last bonds amounting to $15,700 by the issue of new ones, for the sum of $17,000 at 4% interest redeemable in 25 years from date.

On Qualification of Voters

While on the subject of Legislation I would direct the attention of the rate-payers to the change that has been again made in the requisite qualification of a Municipal Elector by the Act passed by the Legislature at its last session in 1889, to amend the Towns Incorporation Act. of 1888. The clause as passed and now in force runs thus :—

“ 19.—The qualification of an elector at any election of mayor or councillor shall be as follows: A British subject of the full age of twenty-one years, who is by the last completed assessment roll assessed in respect. of real estate one hundred and fifty dollars, or in respect of personal estate three hundred dollars, or of personal and real estate together three hundred dollars, including widows and unmarried who are British subjects of the age of twenty-one years, and who are in their own right assessed in the last assessment in like amounts as above stated; and also including married women holding property under the provisions of “The married womens’ property Act, 1884,” of the said age, being British subjects and assessed for said property in the last assessment to the amounts aforesaid; provided that no unmarried woman shall he entitled to vote whose husband is qualified to vote, whether by reason of being rated for property held by his wife or otherwise; and also provided that no person shall be qualified to vote at any election for mayor or councillor whose rates and taxes on real and personal property for the last preceding year due the town. have not been fully paid at least ten days before the last day for making nominations to said offices under this Act.”

I need not assure you that this change has not been sought by your Council, but has been passed by the Legislature on behalf of all the incorporated Towns of the Province; and without any desire to criticize or commend the provisions themselves your Council cannot but regret the many changes that have been made within the past few years in the requisite qualification of a voter as leading to confusion and in many cases much dissatisfaction.

Bye-Laws and Ordinances

I have great cause to congratulate the Town on the successful completion of the Council’s labours in revising and compiling a very comprehensive set of Bye-Laws for the government of the Town. This most arduous task has engaged the time and energies for various councils for some years and has been rendered more difficult from the various changes that have from time to time taken place in the laws governing the Town, notably so from the many radical changes that took place on the passing of the Towns Incorporation, and Assessment Acts of 1888, and the several amendments thereto. They were completed and finally passed by the Council on the 10th September 1889, and owing to the attentive and learned care bestowed upon them by His Honor the Recorder, received with only one or two unimportant changes the approval of the Governor in Council on the 30tl1 day of same month, and were thereupon published in pamphlet form for the information of the rate payers and residents.

Public Schools

As you are aware from the report of my predecessor the management of these public institutions have by the Towns Incorporation Act of 1883, been during the past year taken out of the hands of-your Council and placed under the entire control of a Board of Commissioners, two of whom being appointed by the Government in January last, and the remaining three elected by your Council. This method has been adopted for the purpose of giving more permanence in the management of our educational system, but as it takes all control of expenditure out of the hands of your direct representatives, the Council, I consider it a retrograde measure, and how far the conservatism obtained may compensate for the control relinquished will largely depend on the extent the permanent Commissioners are in unison with the Wishes and desires of the citizens as a community. The sum asked for and appropriated by the Council for this service was $5550—as against the sum of $5729 expended last year, this shows an apparent reduction of $179 in favor of this year, but against this is to be added the sum paid for interest charged to general account of $457 and the amount of $1531 received from Government as grant in aid of Teachers’ Salaries which is this year paid direct to School Board. With these corrections the appropriation for School purposes was in reality $261.90 in excess of 1888. The Report of Chairman of School Board is hereto appended page——

Dartmouth Park

The Commission for the improvement and embellishment of this fine tract of land was inaugurated as soon as possible after the passing of the Act of the Legislature granting the powers of incorporation, and they immediately took steps to proceed with the duties imposed upon them, and have actively entered on several measures for the general improvement of the property placed under their control, such as the opening of a new carriage drive around the southern boundary of the high table land; the repairing and improvement of the several foot path ; opening and forming of chains; the cleaning out and shaping of an ornamental pond at the south-east corner, the completion of which had to he postponed owing to the setting in of the winter season, but will be resumed and carried to completion as soon as climatic influences permit. They have likewise made arrangements with Mr. Harris, of Halifax, for the supply of 500 acclimatized young ornamental trees to be delivered for setting out in the spring, preparations having been made in the fall with the View of facilitating the planting of a great portion thereof. This has been effected at a cost of $11033.38. The receipts have been, from voluntary contributions $1435, from the Municipal funds $500, making a total of $1935, leaving a balance on hand of $831.62, $800 of which is in the Bank on special deposit; the amount still remaining on the subscription list uncollected is $105; and I have every assurance that with the experience gained during the year they will be enabled to make a very satisfactory appearance in the way of permanent improvements during the incoming season, the full extent of which will take years to realize, and having a large tract of land under their charge. The Commissioners would be able to advantageously expend funds to an almost unlimited extent that any public spirited townsmen might be in a position to devote to the ornamentation and beautifying of their native place.

Public Cemetery

The small repairs required have been carried out at an expenditure of $16.15. This plot of ground has been for some years past very crowded, so that there now remains scarcely any of it unappropriated; and the urgent necessity for providing a suitable place for the reception of the dead farther removed from the centre of population has been repeatedly brought to the notice of your Council, who have advertized for information of a suitable plot, and an imperative necessity will devolve on the incoming Council to take early steps to secure the same.

Streets

These have received the unremitted attention of your Council, and have been cleaned and repaired generally; the main outlets to the adjacent country receiving special consideration. A paved gutter has been constructed at the corner of the Eastern Passage and Old Ferry Roads; a sidewalk in front of the row of new houses on John Street: and the various culverts and drains opened, cleansed, -and repaired: bridges examined, and where necessary, fully repaired. But, owing to the comparatively small sum provided for this service, your Council have been unable to entertain any extensive improvements; and in view of the probability of the breaking up of the streets in the near future for the construction of sewers they have considered it advisable to expend as small a sum as possible upon them. The estimated expenditure on this service was $2000, out of which your Council paid the sum of $292 over expended last year and $1663.48, for the work performed this season; being within $44.52 of the appropriation. The necessity of the Town owning and working an efficient Steam Stone Crusher so clearly referred to in my predecessor’s report still appertains and will have to be provided in the near future. In consequence of the many additional calls for outlay in the Town this season your Council considered it imperative to omit from the appropriation the provision for watering the streets, but owing to the very dry summer and the representations of many rate-payers that were suffering from the dust an extra appropriation was voted and the sum of $82.25 expended thereon during the most troublesome portion of the season.

Public Property

The Lamont Mill and property still continues under conditional lease to Jno. Lapiere at a nominal rent of $25 per year the only outlay incurred being for insurance. The Engine House has had necessary repairs to tower and chimney and the front painted, etc., being at present time in good condition. The expenditure on this building has amounted to $177.24, $143.98 being balance left unpaid from last years alterations. The Lock-up has been examined, and all necessary repairs et.c made at a cost of $17.50. The Town Clerk’s Office having been found inconvenient has been altered, refitted, and painted at a total cost of $53.60. This was much needed, and has added greatly to the general convenience of the office.

Lamps

There are now 53 lamps distributed throughout the Town, no addition to the number has been made this season, there has been 9 posts and 2 lanterns replaced by new ones, and more or less repairs carried out where requisite, at a total cost for repairs and lighting of $647.32. There has been much deserved dissatisfaction at the inefficiency of this service, but it is as good as the system permits, there has been a proposition to introduce the Electric Arc Light into the Town, but the expense for 20 Arc Lights of 1200 candle power, would amount to $1200. The number of lights propose did not commend itself as sufficient to meet the requirements of the Town, and that for an efficient service the sum required appeared to your council, to be too great an increase to incur on a single service at the present time, this combined with the many and great changes that are continually taking place in the various systems in operation, the large number of casualties that have occurred in operating the system at present adopted, the very unsatisfactory results of its introduction into the City of Halifax, and the large extend of the Streets to be lighted, induced your Council to defer the consideration of its introduction for the time being, trusting that there would shortly be perfected, a system whereby the light could be produced and employed in a more diffused manner, at a cheaper rate, and less risk to life and property than at present. I would advise the incoming Council to give this subject their serious consideration, and make such provision as may be comparable with the circumstances of the Town, and in accord with the advancements and requirements of the times.

Pumps and Wells

We have 19 Public Wells, and 15 Pumps in the Town. There have been two new pumps set up during the year, several of the wells are not as efficient as could he desired, and there is much difficulty in keeping the pumps in working condition, and although should a supply of water he introduced into the Town, several of the wells would become useless, there are large portions of the outlying districts that will have to rely on wells for their supply for many years, and it will be a question that must be solved as to what extent that necessity shall he met by public supply, or left to the enterprise and cost of the individual property owners. The appropriation for this service was $100, but the exigencies of the service has necessitated an expenditure of $133.71 the excess being unavoidable.

Fire Department

This department is still maintained in its usual State of efficiency both as regards the number, physique and promptitude of the men, and perfect working condition and completeness of the apparatus. A slight delay occurred at the Leadly fire in May last in getting the steam engine to work, one of the engineers being out of town, and the other employed at the Ropeworks, who on being telephoned to immediately responded. A change has been made which it is expected will prevent the possibility of the recurrence of any such delay in future. A defect developed itself in the suction hose of the steam fire engine at the semi-annual inspection in May last, and although repaired, your Council could not assume the responsibility of its possible failure on an emergency, and therefore procured a new length from the manufactory as soon as possible. We have therefore now on hand a duplicate suction in case of any accident. The appropriated sum for this department was 8468, the amount expended being $455.02, and the extraordinary cost of new section hose of $116.86, in all $571.88, There has been during the year 3 fires, 1 of them a chimney only, and 2 false alarms.

The apparatus of this department at present under the charge of the Engine Company consists of-

1 steam engine, 1 small hand ditto, 1,500 feet of rubber hose, 700 feet of leather ditto, 1 extra length of suction hose, 4 hose reels, 1 water cart, Lanterns, torches, buckets, etc.

The apparatus in charge of the Axe and Ladder Company consists of the following:-

1 waggon, 8 ladders, 2 rubber buckets, 10 axes, 2 grapplings, 2 ropes, 2 chains, 2 lanterns, 3 torches.

The Union Protection Co. have in use for their service-

1 waggon, 3 rubber covers, 4 baskets, 2 axes, 3 ropes.

The large hand engine not being in efficient working order line been taken out of the department and is held for sale; 1,000 feet of the rubber hose having been in use from ten to eleven years, I would recommend the incoming Council to make provision for the purchase of 300 feet more rubber hose to enable the department to meet any possible emergency that might arise.

County Rates

These have been paid on the usual basis of one nineteenth‘ of the gross amount expended for general purposes omitting all such expenses as may be solely for the benefit of the outside county. The sum appropriated for this was $750, and the amount paid the current year $746.

Licenses “Liquor”

The only license applied for this year is like the previous- year from the Messrs. Oland, Sons & Co. for an wholesale Brewers License for which they have deposited the fee of ten dollars required by Statute. Under the present Statutes there have been no applications for Retail or Shop Licenses for the sale of Spirituous Liquors in this Town during the past three years, and however inconvenient this may be to some individuals the law appears on the whole to he beneficial to the community; if we can form any opinion from the number of cases of drunkenness and disorderly conduct that have been brought before the Police Court. which have of late been few as compared with the periods when licenses were in vogue.

Licenses “Other”

There have been 14: Truck Licenses, 9 Hack, 2 Auctioneers, and 4 Traders, Licenses granted during the past year, also Exhibitions licensed for which the sum of $141.50 has been received.

Police

The usual force has been employed throughout the year with the additional assistance of a special during a short period of the summer months. This service has been on the whole as efficiently performed as capable by a. small force patrolling over as extensive beats as are contained in this Town. The amount appropriated to this service was $1224, and the sum expended $1237.58 the excess being very small under the circumstances.

Poor

There are now 6 persons at the charge of the Town namely 3 Males and 3 Females, taken care of in the County Poor Farm at a charge to the Town of 8373.86, and from the various visits of your council to that institution they are satisfied that every attention and necessary care are taken of the inmates, they received no complaints from any of the wards of the Town; your council express satisfaction at the clean and comfortable manner in which the establishment is kept. by the Master and Matron in charge. The sum of $600 was appropriated for this charge. and the amount paid out for the year including $120 for 2 years grant to the Dispensary was $543.67, there is likewise a further credit of $53.38 received in compensation from an order of filiation.

Pauper Lunatics

The are 8 patients at the Hospital for Hospital chargeable on the Town, and 1 patient from the Town whose expenses are recouped to the Town. There has been no change in the patients during the year. The sum Voted for this charge was $1200, and the sum paid $597.84, on account of which the sum of $147.67 has been received, leaving a net expenditure of $423.17. This is to the 30th June only; the account from this institution to the 31st. of December not having been yet paid.

Water Supply

Owing to the action of the ratepayers at the public meeting held on the 26th day of April in postponing any further proceedings with the service for 12 months, the Legislature having been prorogued, your Council was left in a very precarious position, having no legal powers to deal with the then circumstances in which they were placed. By the assumed authority given by the ratepayers at the public meeting held on February 1st, authorizing your late council to apply to the legislature for powers to carry out the works in accordance with the plans at that time submitted and approved. They had engaged and instructed E. H. Keating, C. E., to proceed with plans and specifications of materials required, and had in order to expedite the work printed the specifications and forms of tenders, advertised, and called for the same. The expenditure thus ineur1‘e:l was in anticipation of carrying the works to completion, and would have formed a charge on the capital expenditure for construction. Your present Council found that the Engineer had been engaged with the same view, and that there had been no proviso to meet the ease as it stood. Mr. K. rendered an account against the Town for professional services amounting to $300. This your Council considered a very high charge for the work performed in so far as it could be seen by them. After some explanations, Mr. K. offered to withdraw his account, and submit the whole question of his compensation to the decision of any duly qualified hydraulic engineer that might on certain conditions be selected by the council, and pay out of his own resources the entire expenses of said reference. provided the Town agreed to pay him the full amount of said award. Your Council considering that Engineers’ services were usually rated in accordance with the magnitude of the completed works on which they have been engaged, concluded that the cheapest way was to accept the account as rendered, and although this decision was only carried by a small majority, I am assured the course adopted will commend itself to your approbation. Your Council decided to raise the required funds by a temporary loan, and have closed arrangements with the Bank for that purpose, which will be completed in a few days. The other charges connected with this department, to the extent of $55.42, have been paid out of the general funds, thus making the whole outlay to date, including interest, $667.57.

In this connection I have to report that the Halifax Land Improvement Co. made a proposition to supply the Town with water, the works to be owned and run either by the Town as a. corporation or by the Company as a commercial venture. The water to be taken from either the first or second Dartmouth Lake, and from thence pumped up to a. reservoir to be constructed on the high land adjacent. Neither of these schemes commended itself to the favourable consideration of your Council, as the expense of the plant and buildings for the pumping machinery and the construction of a. suitable reservoir would go very far to offset the cost of bringing the water into the Town by gravitation, and the annual expense of the works would far exceed the interest on the balance of the pipe line, and while the force could he no more if the highest land in the vicinity was chosen, the risks of failure from the construction of the reservoir and breaking down of the pumping machinery would be immeasurably greater, and the purity of the water could not be exceeded if equaled. Your Council have still this subject under their consideration, and I trust they mat be enabled to perfect a scheme that will prove satisfactory to themselves when they will take an early opportunity to lay the same before the ratepayers for their approval.

Although the question of expending a large sum for the purpose of competing this service was by vote of April 26th, postponed for twelve months. I considered it my duty in the interest of rate-payers, to procure any information on the subject that might be from time to time obtainable, and in furtherance thereof the Chairman of Water Supply Committee assisted me in visiting and examining during the past summer the lakes, and found the outflow very small, and from an examination of the surrounding land had every reason to doubt the correctness of the surveys on which the watershed of the district had been delineated, and as this forms the basis on which all the valued reports of the celebrated Engineers have been based, it unfortunately renders them of small value and although Mr. Keating has in reply to my question, stated that “he is quite prepared to stake his professional reputation on the success of the scheme if faithfully carried out according to his plans”, he indignantly repudiates the idea of assuming any responsibility in connection with the surveys of others; thus throwing the whole responsibility of the sufficiency of the source of supply entirely on the Town, great caution will therefore be necessary before expending a large amount of money on this scheme.

Litigation – Mr. Craig’s Case

The Town has for several years past enjoyed a happy immunity from the vexatious and costly litigation that has been experienced in some other incorporated towns, but it is only proper that I should refer in this connection to a break in the monotony of our affairs caused by a. suit brought to recover a sum of money paid in some years since by Mr. Craig as a fee for a liquor license. Under the facts of the case as represented to his Honor the Recorder, the case appeared to be exactly similar to the cases that had occurred in the City of Halifax, in which a large number of dealers had paid in sums of money under the Dominion License Act of 1883 for the purpose of procuring licenses. Before the expiration of the license year the Act under which the money was paid was declared by the Privy Council to be unconstitutional, and as no licenses could be granted under the Act, claims were made lay the parties who had paid in their fees for a refund of the special amounts so paid. The Recorder of the Town and the then recorder of the City, Mr. Robert Sedgewick, now Deputy Minister of Justice, consulted together in reference to the cases, and concluded that there was no authority under which the money could be paid out. The proceedings of the Council at this period were being narrowly watched and as injunction proceedings had already been taken to restrain the licensing authorities from granting any license for the sale of spirituous liquors, it was felt that caution was imperative in dealing with a question so delicate and difficult. The Council felt safe in acting on the opinion of the two learned gentlemen referred to, and would probably have been sustained in their action had the facts proven at the trial been in accordance with the instructions on which the Recorder’s opinion was founded.

The case made out by the plaintiff differed materially from that advised on, inasmuch as it was made to appear that the money was paid to the Town not for a Dominion License under an Act afterwards ruled to he unconstitutional but for a, Town License which the Council would have had power to grant. had the requisite petition been filed ; no petition had as a matter of fact been filed and the plaintiff was not therefore entitled to the Town License as professed to have been prayed for. He had enjoyed immunity in the sale of spirituous liquors for eight or nine months on the strength of his payment of fifty dollars. The fee for a whole year would have been under the resolution of Council one hundred dollars. When his premises were eventually closed up by the then Warden, it was on the ground that there was no law Dominion or Local, under which the plaintiff could claim protection. It is difficult to see what claim there could he either legal or or equitable to a refund of the amount paid in, but the judgement of the County Court was given in his favor, and although the reasons presented by the learned Judge do not seem to he very convincing yet your Council having great objection to protracted litigation, have accepted the decision, and the sum claimed together with the costs of the suit amounting to $83.93 has been paid. The result no doubt is to be regretted but the rate-payers have the consolation of knowing that by the course taken they have escaped injunctions which if successfully carried on might have resulted in expenses amounting to several hundreds of dollars. It will he remembered that an attempt on the part of the Council some years since to refund a fine imposed in the Police Court for violation of the License Acts resulted in costs amounting to $209.94, and there is every reason to suppose that a similar result would have followed had the Council taken a similar course in the present case. In adopting the course that they did, the Council felt and are assured that they have chosen the least of two evils. The other parties that at the same time paid in fees have presented similar claims to that of Mr. Craig, and as the question raised is solely one of law it has been left entirely in the hands of His Honor the Recorder to take such steps as he may deem advisable.

Railway Subsidy

The engagement entered into by the Town with the Government on behalf of the Intercolonial Railway whereby a branch of said Railway was carried through the Town by virtue of which the Intercolonial Railway authorities have from time to time made application to the Town for the payment of the annual sum of $4,000 has received the careful and attentive consideration of your Council who have hitherto been unable to satisfy themselves that the spirit and intentions of said contract has been carried out. In view of which your Council have made such representations to the Government as they trust will result in an impartial and favourable consideration of the case prepared on behalf of the Town.

Post Office

Notwithstanding the persistent steps taken by your several Councils for some years past supplemented by the untiring efforts of the present members in urging on the Government the inefficiency and unsuitableness of the premises used as a Post Office and Savings Bank for this Town, no success has as yet followed their labours. I trust that the Government will in the near future be so convinced, by the inconvenience within and the external exigency of the case, of the necessity for a change that they will take immediate steps to remedy so prominent an eyesore and source of annoyance.

Fire Proof Vault

Reference was made in his report by my predecessor of the necessity that existed of providing a fire-proof vault for the office of the Town Clerk as the safe at present in use although considered good and reliable is quite inadequate for the safe keeping of the large and continually increasing accumulation of valuable books and papers, and although your present Council could not owing to the other pressing claims make any appropriation for this much required service, I would strongly recommend to the incoming Council the urgency of taking the necessary steps to supply the want.

Ferry Accommodation

This very complicated question has not been lost sight of by our Council, and the hindrance it has hitherto presented to the progress and advancement of the Town, taken full cognizance of Your Council considering the Ferry to be in fact a floating bridge or highway, connecting the whole eastern section of the province with the Capital, hoped that the Government would have seen their way clear to have taken over the ferry, and operated the same in the interests of the public at large, especially after their having taken over the charge of the Bridge over the Avon at Windsor, and thrown the same open free from all tolls, and with this view your Council sought the co-operation and assistance of the Council of the City of Halifax. There overtures not meeting with the success that was anticipated your Council have considered it advisable to obtain an expression of the views and wishes of the ratepayers and citizens in general, before taking any further steps on this important question, and with that object have decided to call a public meeting to discuss the subject on Tuesday, the 21st instant.

The Sanitary State of the Town

The Act relating to the Public Health passed by the Legislature, 16th April, 1888, has not been found workable, owing to the failure of the Governor in Council to make the necessary sanitary orders for carrying out thereof according to its requirements, although repeatedly requested by your Council to do so –in consequence the Sanitary inspectors and the Board of Health have met with many obstacles in attempting to perform the duty imposed on them.

Finances

You will find by the Auditor’s report and statement hereto appended that the receipts of the Town from all sources, exclusive of the sum of $17,000 borrowed to pay off outstanding bonds, was $16,733.55; this, with the $95.47 balance on hand brought forward from 1888, makes the receipts with the above exception $16,829.02, being $1,495.63 less than in the year 1888. The expenditure for all purposes for the year, exclusive of the sums of $15,700 paid for the redemption of bonds, $1,000 on special deposit in Bank to meet bonds for that amount not yet presented for redemption, and $331.50 discount on bonds of Consolidated Debt, was $16,640.80, being $1,578.38 less than in the year 1888. But it must he considered that the income and expenditure for the year 1888 were both increased by the sum of $1,493.58, being the amount received from the Government, &c., as grant in aid of teachers salaries, whereas this year the sum from this grant is paid direct to the Board of School Commissioners. The balance of cash in hand at close of year, less the special deposit above-mentioned, was $156.72.

The bonded liabilities of the Town at the end of the year amounted to $20,000, viz :—Consolidated Debt, $17,000 ; Hawthorn School Bonds, $2,000; Common School Bonds, $1,000 provision for the payment of these last having been made. The current liabilities amount to $1,874.31; this sum is in excess of last year $760.51, but has been largely augmented by the amount due Mr. Keating, C. E., on account of water supply and sewerage of $600. The assessed valuation of real and personal property within the Town amounted to $1,261.025, being an increase of nearly 3% per cent on the valuation of 1888 principally on personal property, the valuation for the three previous years having been nearly stationary. The rate being $1.08 per 100 dollars of valuation, the incidental revenue received otherwise than from assessment amounted to $2989.27. The amount of statutory exemptions to firemen, widows and others was $720.18. On the 31st December there was uncollected of the assessment of the year $96.417, being in excess of the previous year $438.00 which was owing to the stringent state of the business portion of the community, I have a full assurance that in due time the greater portion of this sum will be realized. Other current assets amount to $344, principally for poll taxes and common rents, the greater part of which Will be collected. And although the expenditure on several of the services have exceeded the estimates owing to the various causes as more particularly set forth under their several heads the interest account being increased to the sum of $1423.29 owing to the interest on bonds being paid up to the date of their redemption on the 2nd of December, and the interest of all the bonds being charged to this general account, whereas in previous years the interest on money borrowed for schools was charged to expenses of the schools. This account in the future will be reduced by the conversion of the Town debt in the annual sum of $322. Then we have had to meet the extraordinary expenditure of $500 for the Park. I have pleasure in reporting that the finances of the Town are on the whole in a healthy and satisfactory condition.

A detailed statement of expenditure with Auditors’ Reports and Statements are herewith printed for your information.

In closing my report of the condition of the Town during my term of office, and the immediate requirements that claim your careful attention,I must express my great obligations to the several members of your Council, to his Honor the Recorder, the Town Clerk, and other officials for their hearty co-operation and assiduous assistance not only in the faithful and prompt performance of their several duties the untiring industry and ability, with which they have served the Town, hut also for the personal help they have invariably rendered me in performing those that have from time to time devolved upon myself.

With many thanks for the honor you have bestowed upon me, and sincere wishes for the welfare and prosperity of the Town of Dartmouth, I have the honor to be Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your very obedient servant, FREDERICK SCARFE, Mayor.

Dartmouth, N. S.. January 20th, 1890.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure of the Town of Dartmouth, for Year ended December 31st, 1889.

Vouchers Paid during the Financial Year Ended Dec. 31st 1889

Auditor’s Report

Gentlemen,- We beg to report having audited the books, vouchers and accounts of the Town Clerk and Treasurer, including the books, accounts and vouchers of the Treasurer of the Board of School Commissioners of Dartmouth, for the year ended December 31st, 1889. All of which we find correct.

Herein is a list of the current liabilities of the Town, and a statement of the consolidated and bonded debts, as shown by the Ledger Accounts and Sundry Accounts placed in our hands for inspection.

By the accompanying statement it will be seen that the receipts for the year amounted to $33,733,55, and the expenditure to $32,672.30, leaving a balance to the credit of the Town of $1,156.72, one thousand dollars of which being a balance on special deposit from sale of consolidated debentures, held to meet bonds of the same amount not yet presented for redemption.

It will be seen by the statement of the Board of School Commissioners that the receipts for the year amount to $7,907.61, and the expenditure to $7,081.51, leaving a credit balance carried down of $16.10.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Geo. Foot, Walter Creighton} Auditors

Dartmouth, N.S., January 10th, 1890.

Auction, Hackney & Truck Licenses, & Dog Taxes Paid, 1889

Police Court

To the Ratepayers of Dartmouth

Ladies and gentlemen, -The financial year of the Schools having ended on the 31st of December last, it is my duty to lay before you a statement of the expenditure for the year, and also an account of the general affairs of that portion of the public service which is of the first importance to the welfare of our Town. Previous to January 1st, 1889, the schools were under the charge of your Council, but by the Act of 1888 a School Board was constituted, consisting of three members of the Council and two members appointed by the Governor in Council, this Board having sole and absolute control of the schools. The present Government appointees hold office for two and three years respectively, but in future appointments their tenure of office shall always be for three years. This coupled with tl1e fact that at least one of the members appointed by the Council shall always remain on the Board while he is a member of the Council, ensures a much more permanent organization than formerly, and while still leaving the control in the Council, preserves a continuity in the management which must have a beneficial effect on the schools. One of the first matters to engage the attention of the Board was the regulation of the teachers salaries. Heretofore, these seem to have been increased in a haphazard manner, with but slight regard to the qualification or services of the teachers. The Board has adopted a scale of increases based on the work of the teachers, as evidenced by the advancement of the pupils. If the work (as shown by the reports of the School Inspector, the Committee on Teachers, and the Principal) reaches a. certain average the salary is increased according to the scale; if, on the other hand, this average is not attained the salary remains unchanged. This plan will, I believe, he found to work well, as it is not only an incentive to the teachers to do good work, on which alone depends their chances of advancement, but it relieves the Board of having to deal continually with applications for increases, and does away with any chance of favoritism being shown. The total increase under this system for the year amounted to $73.

On the 1st of May a Kindergarten was opened in the Central School House under the charge of Miss Hamilton, a lady who came highly recommended from the Normal school at Truro. An innovation of any sort in any walk of life meets with more or less opposition, and the Kindergarten room has not been an exception, simply, I feel sure, from the fact that this style of elementary education, while quite familiar to residents in Great Britain, the Upper Provinces, and the United States, is here but little understood. I would therefore ask your attention to the following description of the purposes and results of Kindergarten teaching, which explain very concisely the benefits to be derived from this system :-

“What is the purpose of Kindergarten Education?

“It is to develop the child and all its faculties in a natural manner while checking all propensities to evil. The New Education may be regarded as analogous to the treatment of plants by a skillful gardener.

“It is to apply the maternal instinct intelligently, to make the conscientious mother in easy circumstances her child’s best educator during its tenderest years.

“It is to associate children with children, in a pure atmosphere, amid pleasant surroundings, and under a special guidance, during the three or four years intervening between the nursery and the primary school.

“It is to afford children all proper, rational enjoyment; to supply them with toys and games, to sing with them, to play with them -the toys, games, songs, and plays all being covert vehicles of instruction.

“It is to promote children’s healthy activity; later to awaken their imagination gradually to the influence of the beautiful, the true, and the good; to stimulate their imitative and inventive capacity; to aid the development of their reason; and to give those powers free exercise and a right direction.

“It is to prevent any undue strain on children’s powers, mental or physical -to teach by means of object lessons conveyed in plays rather than by books.

“It is to form a well-balanced mind, to discern and bring out gently, but surely, any latent aptitude for intellectual acquirements, artistic gift or manual skill.

“It is to partially relieve parents of slender means of the charge of their very young children for part of the day, and during that time to train them properly.

“It is finally to prepare children for school, to fit them for learning more readily, to sow the first seeds that are to produce adults of sound mind in a sound body -good citizens and true Christians.”

And when it is admitted by the best known authorities on the subject that pupils who have had a course of kindergarten teaching save 2 years in their future schooling, I trust that the action of the board in establishing such an important branch in the educational system of the town will meet with your approval.

I would call your attention to the desirability of the parents of the pupils taking more interest in the schools. An examination of the registers of the different rooms will show but very few visits on the part of the parents. This is not as it should be. If the schools are visited occasionally by those most concerned, it shows both teachers and scholars that others besides themselves are interested in the work, and Spurs them on to greater efforts. Visitors are always welcome at any hour in any of the departments. To induce them to come visitors days have been established, at which times informal exercises will be taken part in by the scholars. Notice of these days will be given to the parents of those children attending the rooms to be examined.

The repairs on the schools during the past year have been but slight, but the estimates for the current year should include a sum for painting the central schoolhouse and for erecting a fence around the park and Hawthorne Street schools.

The school accommodation not only in the center but at both the North and South ends of the town is in a very unsatisfactory condition. The Tufts Cove department is in a small, low, dilapidated building, without light or ventilation, and wanting in the most ordinary conveniences. In the center of the town there are two rooms outside of the central school, one in what is known as the Elliott school, a light, airy room, but without any playground except the street; the other in the town hall, where the children are confined in a dark, on wholesome atmosphere, which at times is almost unbearable. At recess the pupils attending this room have the privilege of playing in an alleyway 5 ft wide, or of using the public street, one of the main thoroughfares of the town. To add to these inconveniences the police court is held in an adjoining room, and it is no uncommon occurrence for the children to know the details of the cases tried there; this can have anything but a beneficial effect on the morals of the young.

Woodside school is as far as the accommodation is concerned a charity school, as it is by the courtesy of the sugar refinery officials held in one of the rooms of the old dwelling house. of this room there is nothing to be said in its favor; it is utterly unfit in every way for the confinement, even for a short time, of the little ones. The facts are certainly nothing but a disgrace to the inhabitants of a town the size of Dartmouth, and call for immediate remedy. A scheme for increased accommodation will shortly be laid before you, and I trust will meet with your hearty and warm approval, more especially when it is remembered what the town has gained by taking charge of both the Woodside and Tufts Cove schools.

The School Banks established some two years ago continue to be well patronised. Since their inauguration the amount deposited has been $2,363.29. Of this amount there has been transferred to the Government Savings Bank $1,806, $227.38 repaid to depositors in cash, for a total of $2,033,38, leaving a balance in hand of $329.91. $300 of which is on deposit in the Savings Bank, Halifax, at 3 1/2 % interest, and $29.91 in the Union Bank in the current account.

As will be seen by the annexed statement the cost of the schools for the year was $7,081.51. to this, however, must be added the sum of 457 interest on schoolhouse debentures paid by the council, and say $62 for an audited accounts, making a total cost for the year of $7,600. The number of pupils on the roll was $1,132, being an increase of 71 over the previous year, and of 305 over the year 1881. This shows the per capita charge of tuition for each pupil to be $6.72 being $0.08 less than last year, and $1.43 less than 1881. In this connection it is interesting to note what tuition in other towns costs. I have been unable to obtain the figures from more than three places, but find that Halifax pays $10.87; Truro $8.65; Yarmouth, $12 per capita. If the government grant is deducted from the total cost, the rate payers are only assessed the sum of $5.36 for each pupil, an amount very much less than what has to be paid in a private school for the most elementary teaching. These facts should prove to any unbiased mind that the schools in Dartmouth are managed at a very low rate, and should silence forever the reports which have been heard so frequent  of late that the present board of school commissioners is an extravagant one.

The board are endeavoring to make some arrangements whereby the branches taught in the high school may be taught in Dartmouth, as they feel that it would be much better for the children to finish their school education in their own town then to be put to the expense of ferriage and they walk through some most undesirable quarters to obtain what ought to be theirs on this side of the harbor. I trust that if it is found this can be done it will meet with general approval. I append here with a list of the staff of teachers for the current year, showing their grade, department, amount of salary paid by the town, amount of government grant, and the total present salary.

And remain, ladies and gentlemen, your obedient servant,

A.C. Johnston, Chairman Board of School Commissioners.

Dartmouth, January 10th, 1890.

Staff of Teachers, 1890

Board School Commissioners, Dartmouth: Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for Year ended December 31st, 1889

Dartmouth Municipal Court: Business for Year ended December 31st 1889

Annual Report 1888

101-1m-1888-pdf

MAYOR’S ADDRESS

Ladies and Gentlemen, At the close of my term of office as Mayor, it gives me pleasure to report the satisfactory condition of the business affairs of the Municipality of Dartmouth.

Legislation

Since the last animal meeting, two important acts have been passed by the Legislature which affect the Town of Dartmouth in common with every other incorporated town in the province. The first of these, the Towns Incorporation Act, embodies in one general statute all the provisions of the various acts heretofore passed from time to time, incorporating the towns in the different parts of the Province, and making them applicable to all towns without distinction, leaving the towns to regulate matters of minor importance by by-laws.

Two provisions of this act are of special importance and introduces changes in the law. The first of these relates to the qualification of electors. Heretofore all rate-payers have been competent to vote for members of the Town Council. Under the new law only those rate-payers (with certain exceptions) who would be qualified to vote for members of the House of Assembly are qualified to vote for Mayor or Councillor. It is needless to say that this change was not asked for by your Council, and that like all the other provisions of the act. the sole responsibility for it rests with the Legislature of the Province. The other provision to which reference has been made relates to the constitution of a Board of School Commissioners. The design of this change is to secure more steady and conservative administration of school affairs than could be secured where the constitution of the School Committee was liable to be changed every year, and the mode in which this object has been sought to be accomplished is by the appointment of two Commissioners by the Governor in Council to co-operate with a Committee chosen by the Council. The controlling power is still preserved in the Town Council, but it has been assumed that the more permanent tenure under which the Government Commissioners hold their office, will contribute an element of permanence and continuity which will be an improvement in the Board as heretofore constituted.

The measure to which reference remains to be made is the new Assessment Act. To prevent misunderstanding it is well to explain that this act, also, is one of a general nature, applicable to the whole Province, and with reference to which the Town of Dartmouth has not been connected any more than any other town in the Province. Had it been possible for your Council to have a voice in the settlement of this matter, there are some provisions in this Act which they would have objected to, or, at least, from which they would have sought to have the Town of Dartmouth excepted. It is the opinion of the Council that the Income Tax bears with special severity upon the Town of Dartmouth owing to the fact of its proximity to the City of Halifax, to which the income clauses have not been made applicable. The Council are of the opinion that it is the duty of the Legislature either to include the City of Halifax within the provisions of the Act or to have the Town of Dartmouth exempted. The matter has engaged and is still engaging the attention of your Council, and the ratepayers may rest assured that no proper and suitable steps for the purpose of removing the inequality complained of, has been, or will be, omitted by the Council.

The Towns Incorporation Act does not provide for the usual Annual Town Meeting of the rate-payers, but in lieu thereof the Act provides that the Council, before applying to the Legislature for authority to make any extraordinary expenditure, or affording exemption from municipal taxes to any corporation, firm, or person, shall convene a public meeting of the rate-payers of the town to which such proposed expenditure or exemption shall be submitted, and the same shall be approved by a majority of such meeting. Said meeting shall be called by public notice, stating the object of the meeting, conspicuously posted in the town and inserted in one or more newspapers, if any in the town, For ten days previous to such meeting.

Schools

The estimate for this service was $7,336, and the actual expenditure $7,922.58.

During the year Miss M. McKay, a valued teacher, resigned, and her place was tilled by transferring Miss Moseley from the Common School; Miss Jessie Shute was appointed to the vacancy. Miss McCarthy, teacher of Colored School, also resigned, and her place was filled by the appointment of Mr. Harry Forrester. Miss Jessie Findlay was appointed principal’s assistant vice Miss Murray who Went to the Normal School.

Included in the expenditure is the sum of $112, expended for modern desks. which were required to replace old ones long in use.

There have been sixteen departments in operation during the year. The number of pupils registered was 996. The average attendance 63 per cent. This is smaller than last year, but can easily be accounted for by the severity of last winter; prevalence of diphtheria in the spring, and excessive wet and cold of the past summer.

There has been a small falling off in the number enrolled, but in the higher grades a marked increase has taken place, showing that the efficiency in regard to work is well maintained.

The School Banks which were inaugurated about a year ago are in successful operation, and I would recommend that the same be continued,-

The total amount deposited up to Dec. 3, 1888 $1407.36
June 30, ’88, on general account$2.94
$1410.30
Amount transferred to individual amount. of pupils in Govt. Savings and P.O. Banks$1003.00
Amount withdrawn by depositors from School Bank$90.68
Balance in Govt. Savings Bank$300.00
In Union Bank$16.62
$316.62
$1410.30

The school building at Tufts Cove is not suitable, and a new building should be erected in that vicinity in the near future.

It was found necessary to expend on repairs to buildings. cleaning and whitewashing, $408.76, which is much more than usual, but as the buildings are now in a good state of repair the expenditure under this head will probably be less for the ensuing year or two.

The grounds at the Ward one School should be enclosed with a suitable fence.

The government have appointed two Commissioners to complete the School Board under the provisions of Sec. 66 of Cap. 1 of the Acts of 1888. The Board intend to complete their organization at an early date. The Board will consist. of five members, two appointed by the government and three Councillors.

Staff of Teachers, 1888

GradeLicenseSalary
H.S. Congdon, (Prin)8B$1000
Miss S. Findlay8C$400
Miss W. Crowell7B$375
Miss M. Moseley6B$300
Miss M. Downey5C$350
Miss A. Downey5C$300
Miss H. Scarfe4C$240
Miss K. Fletcher3 & 4C$250
Miss K. Major3C$300
Miss J. Shute2C$200
Miss B. Hume1 & 2C$315
Miss E. Hume1C$335
Miss B. Shute1C$200
Miss J. Finlay, (Asst).C$250
Miss J. Dorman, (Woodside)Miscel.C$200
C. Power, (Tufts’ Cove)Miscel.D$160
Hy. Forrester, (Colored)Miscel.C$230

Common Improvement

Last summer several public spirited citizens oils-red to subscribe a sum of money for the improvement of the Common. if it were placed in commission, the matter received the careful attention of your Council, and the Council decided to recommend to the ratepayers that the Common be placed under a commission, consisting of the Mayor for the time being, and two Councillors, together with two members to be appointed by the Government, and to include in the estimate for the incoming year the sum of $500, and a Further sum not exceeding $250, to be assessed each succeeding year to be paid over to such commissioners. The foregoing to be conditional upon the citizens subscribing the sum of $1,500 to a fund for the improvement of the Common. A public meeting of the ratepayers was called on November 13th. 1888, to obtain their sanction, at which a large number of ratepayers were present, and the scheme proposed by the Council was approved of‘, and the Council was authorized to procure the necessary legislation to carry it out.

Water Supply

During the past year the Council was requested by a number of citizens to endeavor to have a Water Supply brought into the town. but as some years had elapsed since there had been any public expression of‘ opinion upon this subject, your Council did not. deem it prudent to incur any further expense until the ratepayers of the town were given an opportunity to express their opinion. To this end a public meeting was held on 13th November last, at which meeting a resolution was passed by a large majority, authorizing the Council to take the requisite steps to provide and appropriate such amount as would be found necessary to procure a reliable estimate of the cost of a water supply and system of sewerage lot‘ the town. Since which time your Council have taken steps to procure a plan and estimate of the proposed works. When a plan and estimate has been completetand will be laid before you in a few days, a meeting of the ratepayers will then be called for the purpose of taking action upon the report of your Council in the matter.

County Rates

Under the agreement made by your Council between the Town and the County of Halifax entered into two years ago, it was provided that the Town should pay one nineteenth of the county estimate, which estimate was not to include Schools. Insane Paupers, Poor Farm. Revisers and Assessors. Draw-bridges and Ferries, nor salary of Inspector of Licenses. The amount of the county estimate of 1888 was $15,400. one nineteenth of this sum is $810.50, which amount has been paid.

Licenses

There were no Licenses applied for or granted during the year save an application from Messrs. Oland for a brewers license, for which the usual fee of ten dollars was deposited. The balance on hand January 1st. 1883, was $159.21), and the expenditure including Inspector-‘s salary of $60 amounted to $69, leaving :1 balance to the credit. of this fund of $107.20.

Lamps

The estimate for this service was $560 and the amount expended $622.04. Two new lamps have been put up. making a total now in the Town of 54. It was found necessary to repair a large number of the old lamps, and fit up several new posts, which will explain the over expenditure in this part of the Public Service.

Streets

The estimated expenditure for this service was $2,400 $400 of which was for watering the streets. There was spent in labor $1,401.03. In grading Newcastle and Albert streets $96.49. There was used during the year 2142 bushels of broken stone, 442 loads of shore gravel, and 75 tons of paving stones.

A “Watering Cart was purchased at a cost of $35.00, which was used 40 days during the Summer at a cost of $119.25. Arrangements were made with Mr. Robert Moseley to fill the cart with salt water, to be used in the North end of the Town, which proved very satisfactory, the cost for this was $122.50. I would take this opportunity of calling your attention to the generosity of‘ the Starr Manufacturing Co., who notwithstanding the fact that they were put to some inconvenience, allowed the watering cart to be filled on their premises without charge, thereby saving the town quite a large amount.

There was sold during the year material amounting to $45.43, making the net expenditure on streets during the year $2,381.15

The streets in the central part of the Town are new in very good repair, but it has been found very difficult to keep those in the out-lying districts in proper condition on account of the great scarcity of suitable material For street making. I trust that the in-coining Council will see their way clear to take the necessary steps to procure a proper stone crusher, as the one now owned by the Town is quite unfit for the purpose. I think it is beyond dispute that broken stone is the best as well as the most economical material that we can [procure for making and repairing our streets.

Public Cemetery

A New Fence has been erected around the Cemetery, New Gates at the main entrance, and a new and wider Road made along the South Side, at a nett expenditure of $114.00.

Fire Department

For this service the estimate was $1,077, and the expenditure $1346.77. There was 300 feet of New Rubber Hose purchased at a cost of $348.79. A new Ladder Wagon costing $92. The steam Fire Engine has been examined and put in thorough order by competent workmen, thus I think putting the department in efficient condition to cope with any ordinary fire.

During the year the Store Room on the second floor of the Engine House has been converted into a dwelling house and a janitor placed in charge, there has also been a new meeting room fitted up for the Axe Company, the expenditure thus far on this work has been $439.44, and with a small additional amount to make a few necessary improvements outside the building, will then make it a very comfortable residence and as it is let at a rental of nearly 10 per cent on its cost, will prove a good investment for the Town. The total amount of those improvements were not assessed for last year, it being the intention to pay for them in two years, but owing to the accounts of the Town generally making such a good showing, the whole amount was paid, and this will explain why the expenditure exceeded the estimate. There has only been two fires during the year, and one alarm.

The apparatus of the Department now consists of:

1 Steam Fire Engine, 1 Large Hand Engine, 1 Small Hand Engine, 1500 ft. of Rubber Hose, 700 ft. of Leather Hose, 4 Hose Heels, 1 Water Cart, 9 Torches, 6 Lanterns, and 9 Fire Buckets.

Finances

For the year 1888, the estimated expenditure was $19,080, and the actual expenditure was $18,229.73. At the beginning of the year there was cash on hand $678.21, and at the end of’ the year there was on hand $95.97. The fine, widows, and other exemptions, amounted to $629.90.

The amount assessed for all purposes was $13,996.21, and the amount thereof collected was $12,804.94. The assessed valuation of all property within the Town for ,the year was $1221.84, and the amount levied was $12,951.50, at a rate of $1.06 per $100 on said valuation. The incidental revenue received was $5198.26.

Owing to the promptitude with which your rates are paid and the energy of the Town officials, the small sum of $275.39 of the taxes of 1887 or 2.14 per cent thereof is now uncollected. At the end of that year there was uncollectecl $774.76, and on the 31st December, 1888, of the assessment of 1888, the very small sum of $526.62 or 4.06 per cent. was uncollected.

The only current liabilities of the Town on 31st December were Mrs. Lamont $300.00, held on account of disputed title; $379.83 for accrued interest on debentures not yet payable, and accounts amounting to $433.97. All other accounts to that date, of every kind, have been paid.

I have caused a detailed statement of expenditure to be printed herewith for your information.

Pumps And Wells

For this service the estimated expenditure was $100, and the amount expended was $88.86, which included the cost of two new Bickford Force Pumps, one put in the well on Portland street, near Chitticks, and the other in the well on Maitland street. There are now in the Town fifteen public wells, all of which are in fair repair.

Poor

The amount estimated for this service was $620, and the expenditure was $329.72, with outstanding accounts of $273, which were not filed in time to be included in the year’s expenditure.

It was found that the paupers chargeable to the Town could be maintained at a less expense at the County Poors Farm than at the City Asylum, and so arrangements were made to remove them to the County Institution last spring. There are now five persons at this institution chargeable to the Town. The Committee on Poor have visited the Poor Farm on several occasions, and found that the wards of the Town were as comfortable as could be expected, and had no complaints to make. The Committee reported the Institution to he kept in a clean and tidy condition.

Pauper Lunatics

he amount assessed for this service was $1200; the net expenditure was $1295.08. There are accounts due on this service amounting to $43.37 which will be collected. The number of lunatics at the beginning of the year was ten; during the year two were discharged; one died; one re-admitted; one admitted leaving nine at present charged to the Town.

Post Office

I had hoped before retiring from office to have had the pleasure of congratulating the citizens of Dartmouth upon obtaining a new Post Ofiice, or at least that the Government had taken the necessary steps to provide us with a suitable building for a Post Office and Savings Bank at an early date, but there appears to have been no move made in that direction as yet. The Government has been Frequently urged to provide us with better accommodations, as the present arrangements, are alike unsuitable for the work. inconvenient for the public, and of little credit to the Government.

Fire Proof Vault

I would strongly urge upon the in-coming Council the necessity of providing the office of the Town Clerk and Treasurer, with a suitable fire-proof vault. as there is now a large accumulation of valuable books and papers belonging to the Town, that would almost certainly be destroyed should a fire occur in the Town Hall.

In now retiring from office I have to thank you for having done me the honor of electing me to the Chief Magistracy of your Town. I also thank the Council and Officers of the Town, for the hearty aid and co-operation they have accorded me, toward the carrying out of those duties which devolved upon us. To the Town Clerk, and also to the Recorder my thanks, as well as those of the citizens are especially due, for their faithful and untiring industry, and the ability with which they have served the Town.

With my sincere wishes for the future prosperity of the municipality of Dartmouth, I have the honor to be, ladies and gentlemen.

Your obedient servant, JAS. SIMMONDS, Mayor.

Auditor’s Report

To His honor the Warden and Councillors of the Town of Dartmouth:

Gentlemen,-

We beg to report having audited the books, vouchers and accounts of the Town Clerk and Treasurer, for the year ended December 31st, 1888. We find them correct.

Herewith is a list of current liabilities of the Town, and a statement of the Bonded Debt, as shown by the Ledger Accounts and sundry documents placed in our hands for inspection.

By the accompanying statement it will be seen that the receipts for the year amounted to $17,646.44, and the expenditure to $18,229.18, leaving a balance to the credit of the town of $95.47. All of which is respectfully submitted.

Geo. Foote, Walter Creighton, } Auditors

Dartmouth, N.S., January 10th, 1889.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditures of the Town of Dartmouth, for Year ended December 31st, 1888

Vouchers Paid during the Financial Year ended Dec. 31st 1888

Auction, Hackney & Truck Licenses; Dog Taxes for Year Ended Dec 31st 1888

http://legacycontent.halifax.ca/archives/DartAnnReps/Documents/101-1m-1888.pdf

Annual Report 1951

101-1m-1951-1

The Mayor’s Report

Citizens of Dartmouth, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit my report as Mayor of the year 1951. The year just closed marked another year of progress for Dartmouth, one in which the official census figures showed a population in excess of 15,000, an increase of 40 percent over the 1941 census.

During the year 1951 we marked the completion of our new Junior High School, which is widely acclaimed as the most modern in its field, and also observed the official opening of the Dartmouth Memorial Rink. Both of these were in. operation during the year and are filling a long-felt need in the Town. An addition to Notting Park Elementary school was also started late in the year.

Good progress was made in the special water project involving the construction of a reservoir outside the Town. Further progress was also made in the Windmill Road widening project. Both of these undertakings are scheduled for completion in 1952.

The Harbour Bridge came a step nearer with the expropriation of land by the Bridge Commission and the removal of many homes from the site.

Curb, gutter and sidewalk work was slowed somewhat due to credit restrictions as was new housing, however, business expansion continued with the completion of the Dominion Store and the Wool-worth building. Building by-laws were approved and are now available in a convenient booklet.

Debenture issues by the Town were very well received; we continue to enjoy an excellent reputation in financial circles. The re-assesment survey started in January was completed ahead of schedule, raising our assessments to approximately $21,000,000.

For the first time in history, Town elections were held on the first Tuesday in December with the newly elected members of Council taking office on January first. These elections were marked by the election of our first lady councillor.

Two hundred and fourteen prefabricated houses were purchased from the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation at $1000 each and were permanized by placing concrete foundations under them and making ether repairs at an additional cost of approximately $1000 per house. These houses were offered first to the occupants and then to other citizens at $2800, $3000 and $3200, making low cost housing available to many. They will ultimately show a substantial profit to the Town.

The Civil Defence program made steady progress through 1951. Three members of the organization took special courses in Ottawa at the expense of the Federal government and others plan to take courses during 1952. The nucleus of an organization is set up and plans are being carried out to expand further during 1952.

Traffic conditions were given special study by a committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Town Safety committee and some measures to improve conditions were undertaken immediately and recommendations concerning traffic lights were referred to the in-coming Council.

The Works committee budget was the largest in the history of the Town and many new streets were constructed, particularly in the south end of the Town. The patching program was started earlier and the street sweeping service extended. Flood conditions at the Lake Road and at the foot of Synott’s Hill were corrected during the year and a section of the Lake Road was resurfaced. We should look forward to further development of a paving program in 1952-53.

Welfare costs rose sharply in 1951 due to increased hospital rates. The Police and Fire Departments continue to expand with the increased demands being made on them.

I should like to express my thanks to the members of Council and the various committees and also to Town employees and citizens generally for the co-operation afforded me during the year.

I have the honor to be, Yours faithfully, C. H. MORRIS, Mayor.

Finance Committee

The steadily rising cost of living index made its weight felt in Dartmouth finances In 1951 with the result that the tax rate showed a slight increase, fifteen cents over the previous year, or $4.40 per $100 of assessment. Continued expansion and need for further services and facilities also contributed towards the slight increase in the rate.

Total revenues in the Town during that period amounted to $670,558, the largest ever recorded in the Town’s history. Despite this fact, however, a deficit of $25,000 was shown on the year’s operation.

Main reason for the deficit was an unexpected increase in the cost of hospital services to the Town which in themselves resulted in a deficit of $10,000. In addition temporary borrowing debt charges, covering the Memorial Rink and Bicentennial Junior High School amounted to $12,000 while the Works Department was over-expended an amount of $5000. These combined with the small surpluses shown by several committees resulted in an overall deficit.

The Finance committee points out that during 1951 an amount of $13,500 was included in the budget covering the Town’s costs the Halifax County Vocational High School in Halifax. This had not been paid at the end of the year, but was due and is being held in a special reserve account for this purpose.

Total assessment for the Town of Dartmouth during the year 1951 was $12,000,175. The amount of taxable property in the town amounted to $9,455,475. During the year a reassessment survey was undertaken and this is dealt with under a separate report.

New Town Clerk Appointed

town hall

During the year R. D. Thomson, Town Clerk who had been in the employ of the Town for 13 years, resigned from that post to accept employment in private business.

The loss of such an efficient employee, and one who was held in such high regard by the Department of Municipal Affairs and leading Municipal figures throughout Nova Scotia was a serious blow to the Town.

Fortunately the Town was in the position of having a capable Deputy Town Clerk in Clifford A. Moir who was able to step into the vacancy resulting from Mr. Thomson’s resignation and who has since carried on in a well qualified and capable manner.

A full time tax collector in the person of Reginald Bonang was appointed during the year and he aIso served in the dual capacity as collector of public welfare accounts an d tax collector. As a direct result of his efforts; a marked increase was shown in collection of accounts.

Revenues for the Water Department stood at $132,423.49 during the year as compared to revenues of $128,978.10 in the previous year. All properties in the Dartmouth area are now metered and number approximately 3000. Gross surplus for the Water Department as of the end of the year stood at $43,362.82.

During the past year the Town put off the issuance or further debentures and as a result overdraft interest running as high as $1000 a month was being paid the bank. Purpose of delaying the Issuance of debentures was the higher rate of interest which would have had to be paid during that time because of the unsteady fluctuation of the bond market. This item alone contributed materially towards the over-expenditure experienced during the year.

During 1951 the Town purchased 214 prefabricated houses in North Dartmouth from Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation and permanized them with the installation of permanent foundation walls and other minor improvements. These were then offered for sale, first to the original tenants and then to eligible purchasers as they became available. The buildings were sold at prices of $2800, $3000 and $3200, depending upon the size.

The Dartmouth Park

Virtually all the efforts of the Dartmouth Park Commission in 1951 were concentrated in one section, the downtown corner of the Town Park bordered by Synott’s Hill and Park Avenue.

Chairman of the Park Commission Walter Meredith explained that the $2250 allotted by the Town to the Park Com-mission during the year was expended in this section, as the Commission felt this area was most often seen by motorists passing through Town, and most used by residents of the Town.

Construction of a lovely rock garden was the main project of the beautification program and this to date has met with considerable public favour. Due to the roughness and steep slope of this area it was decided that a terraced rock garden was most practical. Footwalks were cut through the garden and these were gravelled. Retaining walls were constructed and the whole area was planted with shrubs, many of which were donated by Towns· people and which helped greatly to beautify the garden. Other donations of suitable plants or shrubs will be accepted gratefully by the Commission.

Most of the money available was expended on labor and the remainder went towards providing grass seed, fertilizer and plants.

Regular maintenance of other Park districts, including upkeep of paths and driveways, was also continued throughout the year by the two man staff. Only tree planting undertaken in the Park during the year was a donation by the Dartmouth Lions Club in the form of a group of trees planted around the cenotaph in the centre of the Park.

During the year the Birch Cove property at the Dartmouth Lakes was turned over by the Town to the Commission and plans for beautification and clearing out of this area are now under consideration.

Public Health and Welfare

Increases in costs of hospitalization and medical care were responsible for almost half of the total amount the Town budget was over-expended in 1951. Of an estimated expenditure of approximately $21,000. total costs of Public Health and Welfare to the Town amounted to $31,125.90, a $10,000 increase.

Some of this amount is recoverable, but under the present legislation hospital debts incurred by Dartmouth residents are the responsibility of the Town for immediate payment, and the Town must collect payment from the persons responsible. Far example in 1951 total hospital costs to the Town amounted to $24,067.95 of which $5064.79 was recovered, leaving a balance of $19,003.16.

Grants to private charity organizations throughout the year totaled $3950. This amount was’ made u p of donations as follows: Victorian Order of Nurses $3000: Halifax Visiting Dispensary $200; Canadian National Institute of the Blind $200; Children’s Hospital $250 and Salvation Army $300.

Maintenance of inmates in charitable institutions during the year cost the Town of Dartmouth $6,266.47 of which $5,642 was expended at the Halifax County Home.

One bright spot , attributed to the relative prosperity of this area, was the fact that the cost of food, fuel and burial charges for indigents amounted to on1y $208.87.

Child Welfare investigations and ·work undertaken by the committee in the 1951 period cost a total amount of $Z773.95 including payment of $1943.77 to the Department of Child Welfare.

The polio epidemic which struck Nova Scotia last summer paid a visit to Dartmouth and sent a number of patients to hospital resulting in an unexpected expenditure in this field. The total cost of the epidemic to the Town of Dartmouth was $3742.85 of which $1197.40 has already been collected leaving a balance of $2545.45 uncollected, some of which is recoverable.

Medical Health

Medical Health in Dartmouth lost one of its Fathers in the death of the Town’s beloved Medical Health Officer Dr. H . A. Payzant.

Committee members, especially ‘appreciating the amount of time and effort the deceased had put into his work as Medical Health Officer in Dartmouth, have expressed their sincere regret in hi s passing. The Town Council meeting in a special session passed a special motion of regret at the passing of a man who had done so much to keep Dartmouth school children well, and the Town’s health at a high standard.

His efforts were centered around the work of the Victorian Order of Nurses in Dartmouth who achieved a great amount of work in Dartmouth schools during the 1951 period.

During the year the V.O.N. continued their educational program including Well Baby Clinics, School Nursing, Immunization Clinics and Health Supervision.

In 1951 the Nurses held 80 well baby clinics with 1353 babies examined. and advice offered. to mothers, 312 babies were immunized against diphtheria and whooping cough, while 132 were vaccinated. A total of 708 visits were made to babies in their homes for health supervision.

In the school nursing service provided by the V.O.N. the nurses checked 2867 children attending classes, having to exclude only 17 children for various reasons during the year. Defects discovered in various checks were reported to parents. A rapid inspection of all students was done three times during the year, while 90 children received free dental care at 7 dental clinics. 702 students were immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. 1500 students were given the tuberculin patch test with all positive re-actors and high school students being x-rayed by the MobiIechest x-ray unit. No active cases of tuberculosis were found.

Public Works Department

Expenditure of over $70,000 on street construction 2nd maintenance in 1951 highlight-ed a busy year for the Public Works Department. During the year a general policy of maintaining present good. streets and doing a small amount of new work was initiated with an overall plan which is hoped within the next few years to put all Dartmouth streets in good repair.

Of this amount approximately $10,000 was expended on an extensive patching program throughout the whole Town, designed to keep present streets from deteriorating as much as possible. The Town Engineer, J . Walter Lahey explained that many of the older Town streets are worn out and the Town is confronted with the same repair work year after year, until gradually these areas can be completely replaced.

After the patching program in 1951, came considerable construction of new streets. Included among those which received primer and penetration asphalt during that period were sections of Church street, Park Avenue, Thistle Street and Victoria Road, while complete jobs were done on Stairs, Howe and Wallace streets. In addition to this treatment, application of more material was given to the end of Haig Street, the upper end of Hester Street, all of Johnstone Avenue. all of Dustan Street, Fenwick Street, Rodney Road, Milverton Road, Murray Hill Drive, Blink Bonnie Terrace, part of Old Ferry Road, Newcastle Street, part of Maitland Street. Erskine Street, George Street, Bligh Street, part of School Street, Harris Street, Cairn Street, Graham, Murray and Francis Streets, and part of Crichton Avenue. Some street construction, in conjunction with sewer extensions was undertaken on Best Street which was reconstructed from Fairbanks Street to Shore Road, out of virtually solid bed rock. Catch pits were installed on Mott Street.

In addition to these, a considerable amount of time and money was expended in a tremendous improvement to the Prince Albert Road entrance to the town where a storm sewer was constructed in front of the MicMac club, and the street was repaved. This project, costing approximately $15,000, was financed half by the Town and half by the Province. There were no excessive snow removal costs in 1951, but from five to six thousand dollars was expended in sanding and salting streets. Three carloads of salt were put on Town streets using the new salt spreader, a modern piece of equipment purchased. by the Department during the year. It proved to be a most efficient and economical piece of machinery.

Other pieces of equipment purchased by the Town Works Department during the year Included the Hough loader at a cost of $16,000. This versatile piece of equipment proved exceptionally valuable to the Town and performed far more efficiently than anticipated. Complete with a snow plow attachment it was used for this purpose, as well as a bulldozer during the remainder of the season, and as a loader for both snow and earth. Another versatile piece of equipment was the self-propelled tractor compressor which was purchased in the Fall and was used in addition as a sidewalk snowplow in the winter. Dartmouth was a step ahead of most other places in the Province in purchasing this type of modern equipment but since their value has been proven locally many other areas have purchased the various new machines mentioned.

The long-overlooked drainage problem at the Dartmouth Park at the corner of Park Avenue and Commercial Street was solved during 1951 by the construction of a storm sewer up the side of the hill and across the Park to the juncture of School Street and Wyse Road. As a result of this work there have been no floods or wash-outs since, in this area.

Water and sewer extensions handled by the Works Department during 1951 included work on Milverton Road, Crichton Park Road, Clear View Crescent, Murray Hill Drive, and Victoria Road. A major undertaking during the year in this phase of the work was the commencement, and near completion, of a sewer installation up Prince Albert Road to Hawthorne, to connect with the Crichton Avenue sewer and aimed at alleviating a serious problem resulting from the small sized sewer originally serving this fast-developing section. This important installation will cost approximately $35,000.

The Windmill Road ·widening project, a plan which has been under consideration by the Town of Dartmouth since 1918, finally bore fruit in 1951 when property was acquired from residents bordering along the street to enable a wider street construction. The subsequent disposal of a building, and straightening of the street was undertaken but; due to a failure of the Provincial government to finalize negotiations covering the cost of paving the artery, this work had to be delayed until 1952.

An estimated two miles of curb, gutter and sidewalk were constructed in Dartmouth in 1951. Streets to. receive this attention included Johnstone A venue, Dahlia Street, Pine Street, and Wind:: mill Road (section Lyle Street to School Street). Due to the fluctuating bond and financial market the Department of Municipal Affairs advised against borrowing any further money for such work this year, although petitions for several more miles of work were on hand.

The newly purchased power lawn mower came in for considerable use during the summer especially on the new Memorial Park which was graded and seeded during the year. The Town undertook an extensive street cleaning program during the past year; several extra men were hired on to handle the street sweeping and washing, and all streets with curb, gutter and sidewalk came in for attention in this regard. Favourable comment on this was heard from all over Town.

Inauguration of a garbage pick-up system for the business district proved successful and this additional service was extensively used by the downtown business firms. Street lighting continued to improve. as new light fixtures were installed and new lights added.

Other highlights of a busy year for the Public Works Department included the construction of a number of catch pits; to reduce the possibility of floods on Town streets, and aimed at decreasing maintenance costs. This was a very necessary undertaking and fairly expensive. The aerial survey was completed during the y.ear and maps and plans turned over to the Town. Snow removal in the downtown business district, for the first time in history, resulted in additional parking space for patrons of downtown business places. This was done in a year of record high snowfall for the Town, a creditable achievement.

A number of new subdivisions in the Town were opened up and developed during the year, making way. for further residential development. Included among these was work in the new Murray Hill subdivision, Crichton Park subdivision, and the Hazelhurst subdivision.

Board of School Commissioners

Rapid expansion and consolidation of school facilities through-out the Town, to keep pace with a fast increasing population of children partly from the influx of Naval families into this area, resulted in the Board of School Commissioners experiencing one of its busiest years in the Town’s history.

It was during this time that the Bicentennial Junior High School, costing approximately half a million dollars, furnished, was completed and put into use, and that plans were finalized for the construction of a new school building on the Notting Park campus as a replacement for old Victoria School, and to handle increased enrollment from this district.

Physical Assets

The Dartmouth school system is now composed of six schools Including the new Bicentennial Junior High, along with Hawthorn, Park, Findlay, Notting Park and the High School.

Latest addition to the school system, the new Junior High, is believed to be at least the equal, and in many respects the finest Junior High School in Nova Scotia. It has many assets such as a spacious auditorium, efficient household science and industrial arts rooms and large sized, well lighted classrooms which will stand Dartmouth in good stead in future years.

At the close of the 1951 Board meetings plans were well along for the construction of a new Primary school at Notting Park, to be connected with the present Notting Park building by a breeze-way.

Considerable progress was made in improving school grounds following a plan laid out several years- ago. Paving of sections at both Hawthorne and Findlay schools at a cost of about $6000 was the highlight of this phase of the work.

The fruits of a year of testing various light systems was seen in 1951 with the complete installation of fluorescent lighting throughout Hawthorne school. As a preliminary to this, a special test room had been installed at the school.

The regular program of painting and decoration throughout the school system was continued, keeping all property in a Good state of repair.

School Operation

In 1951 total cost of operations of the Dartmouth school system was $207,417.45 of which the biggest item, teachers’ salaries amounted to $129,291.

Of the total revenue the School Board received $152,660 from the Town general account while the remainder was made up in grants received from the Municipal School fund and mainly the Provincial government grants.

The total teaching staff amounted to 63 members including Supervisor of Schools Ian K. Forsyth. More than twenty-five per-cent of these teachers are men. Every effort is made by School authorities to select the finest teachers available, from the Province and beyond, to replace teachers who have retired.

In curriculum, especially the academic section, the high standard of teaching was maintained throughout. This is especially evidenced by the fact that when Dartmouth students wrote Provincial matriculation examinations their marks were well above the average for urban districts in the Province.

Thoroughly modern Household Science departments were set up and operated during the year at the new Junior High School with a staff of two trained instructors. This year for the first time. in the past 30 years a fun time Industrial Arts Department was established and operated at the Junior High. These facilities were made available, in so far as the Industrial Arts course is concerned, to Grades 7 to 10 inclusive and in the case of Household Science to Grade 11 as well.

In the field of physical education a program which has attracted interest throughout the Province was. carried out with two competent instructors employed. The field of music also saw two teachers employed, thus- enabling the teachers to inculcate the gift of song to all students.

There were a wide variety of extra-circular activities throughout the year, and one which attracted considerable interest was the Evening Vocational classes under the joint sponsorship of the Department of Vocational Education and the Board of School Commissioners which carried four adult classes in home sewing to a successful conclusion.

The other extra activities, including sports of all types, and inter House competition filled important niches in the school life and assisted the students in making themselves more valuable and efficient in future life.

Cemetery Committee

Continuing a long range program to improve Dartmouth cemeteries, the 1951 Cemetery Committee cleaned out a large section of the old Public cemetery (Park Avenue and Victoria Road).

All dead brush, trees and rubbish were cleaned out of this section and gravestones were straightened. Plans were laid for the seeding of this section in 1952. A section of property cleared of all’ rubbish and shrubbery in 1950 was loamed this year and then seeded, following the policy which will next year see the same action taken on the piece cleared in 1951. This sectional Work is planned to continue until the whole cemetery is completed, probably in 1954.

Some work was also undertaken on Mount Hermon cemetery where a low section was filled in, and a new Roman Catholic section opened above School street, approximately opposite Shamrock Drive. The roadways through the cemetery were leveled and the road edges trimmed back to provide a 16 foot driveway. Some small trees and perennials were planted and this beautification plan will continue.

To continue this work and still keep the cemetery self-sustaining it was found necessary to increase both lot rates grave opening charges in 1951.

Water Committee

Undertaking of one of the greatest water system improvements ever seen in Nova Scotia be-came a realization in Dartmouth in 1951 after a number of years of planning.

After ratepayers of the Town had voted $700,000 for this important project, immediate action was taken to commence the proposed plan laid out by the Engineering Service Company of Halifax and this firm was retained by the Town to supervise the project.

During the year an enormous reservoir, capable of holding more than five million gallons of water was gouged out of the top of a hill 375 feet above sea level. An extensive pipe line system to carry this high gravity pressure supply of water into the higher sections of the Town was installed, including 14,000 feet of 24-inch pipe and 1300 feet of 16-inch pipe, to bring this new supply of water to the Town boundary. This main will connect with the new -water system laid in the Town during the past year and will help to serve these higher level customers. In reality, when this project is completed and in use sometime this coming summer, the Town will be provided with two complete and independent water systems.

Mr. John Kaye of Engineering Service Company has reported that costs for the project have run very close to the original estimated amount of $700,000 but he believed that the total cost of the project would not exceed this estimate.

This includes the purchase of property on which the reservoir is situated, plus considerable watershed area, also the cost of purchasing and installing almost three miles of pipe line, plus the construction and equipping of a modern pumping station at the water source, Lake Lamont.

The main water project, including excavation of the reservoir and laying of the pipe, has been handled on contract by the Atlantic Construction Company, while the pump house is being Constructed by Foundation Maritime Limited. Spokesmen for the Engineering Service Company have told the Town that the new system will probably be filled with water early in the summer at 1952 but actual use of the water by the Town will depend upon the length of time .it takes the mud and sediment to settle from the water in the reservoir, and also upon how many leaks are discovered in the more than three miles of newly laid, and yet untested water mains.

Routine Operations

The routine operation of the Town’s water system continued as usual in 1951 wit h very few major breaks or similar problems arising during the year, according to Town Engineer Walter Lahey.

Total revenues received by the Water Committee during the year from sale of water amounted to $132,482.49 as compared to $128,978.10 during the year 1950.

Throughout Dartmouth itself all water was provided on a metered basis,· as was all water sold to the Municipality of Halifax County, or other outside purchasers. The gross surplus for the Water Department for the year stood at $43,362.82 according to figures provided in the financial statement.

Public Safety Committee

Laying the preliminary groundwork for the Civil Defence organization in Dartmouth, and attempting to educate the public in the importance of this work proved to be one of the most important undertakings of the Public Safety Committee in 1951.

Appointment of Mr. J. J. MacIntosh as Director of Civil De-fence in Dartmouth, and organization of a committee which included responsible and civic-minded men in the Town was successfully undertaken and the nucleus laid for a sound Civil Defence group.

As in 1950, the Public Safety committee again in 1951 directed the operations of both the Town Police and Fire Departments. Combining of both Forces under one central direction proved. highly successful and avoided duplication of plans.

The committee expended much effort and time in 1951 drafting out plans for a metered parking lot in the downtown area on Commercial Street opposite the Dartmouth Ferry. It was decided to recommend that several old buildings on Commercial and Portland Street, owned by the Town, be torn down to make way for a 32 car parking lot. It was proposed that the parking lot be graded and paved to provide a permanent parking area.

Considerable study was given to the traffic problems in the downtown business area and it was recommended to Council that four sets of traffic lights be installed. Consideration of the proposed extension of a new artery, to provide a new route for through traffic connecting with Newcastle Street on one end and Commercial on the other, was also passed on to Council.

A new Police car was purchased, and three men were taken on the Police force, two as replacements, and one new man, to strengthen the force. There was no increase of men in the Fire Department. In both of these Forces a salary scale was established, with a minimum of $1900 and a maximum of $2300 for regular Firemen and Police constables.

A big step was taken when all the Union Protection Company equipment was moved to the Fire Station. Now all equipment, including clothing and truck, is housed in the new Fire station building.

There were no major expenditures in the Fire Department, except for the purchase of a 35 foot aluminum ladder thus completing a full set of ladders on the ladder truck, replacing all the wooden ladders of the Department.

A breakdown of activities and expenditures for each Department follows:

Fire Department

The high standard of efficiency in the ·Dartmouth Fire Department, under the direction of Fire Chief George Patterson, was maintained during 1951 when the Department responded to 189 alarms. Total fire loss during the twelve month period was $28,512. of which $23,372 was covered by insurance, and $5140 was uninsured.

This fine record was accomplished with a force composed at 40 volunteer firemen and ten regular men, including the Fire Chief. Total expenditure for the Fire Department in 1951 amounted to $69,255.75 of which the biggest item, $39,000, covers the cost of providing water for fire fighting and also provides funds for the installation of fire hydrants and connections. Actual cost for operation of .the Department amounted to $30,255.75.

Police Department

Under the leadership of Police Chief John Lawlor, the Dartmouth Police Force had a busy year during 1951 with increased traffic patrols, and checking on traffic violations in the downtown area, taking considerable extra time.

A considerable number of hours was spent in actual traffic direction during the past year, accentuating the early need for installation of traffic lights. The regular Police Force in 1951 was composed of 14 men with a Reserve force of 25.

A total of 539 cases were taken before Police court during the 12 month period, with a total of 496 convictions. Six offenders were sent over to County Court and two went before Supreme Court, with two convictions resulting.

In addition to regular duties a total of 1386 complaints were received and investigated during the year, with a total amount of $3380 in fines being collected, along with $1904.75 in costs.

A new patrol car was placed in use during the year.

Recreation and Community Services

The development and promotion of sport for the youth of the Town, aiming towards the successful development of sound future citizens, was accentuated in endeavours pursued by the Recreation and Community Services committee of the Town in 1951.

The efforts of the committee were also turned towards the development of the D.A.A.A. grounds and ball park, with a view to milk:n g necessary improvements in this valuable property so that residents of the Town could continue to enjoy top flight baseball on a field comparable to any east of Montreal. Negotiations were undertaken with officials of the Arrows Ball Club wit.h a view to negotiating a satisfactory lease for the Park.

Baseball was also highlighted in efforts to construct and grade out a ball field for the smaller youngsters, at the foot of Summer House hill in the Town Park.

Approximately $300 was expended at the Commons field in re-surfacing the field, and also for the erection of the backstop and construction and repairs to bleachers. Considerable work was done on the playing field here with a view to improving its condition for use by pupils from the “Bicentennial Junior High School, which is located nearby.

The public swimming pool at the corner of Commercial Street and Park Avenue, a mecca for youngsters of all ages, was patronized even more than usual in 1951. To encourage use of the facilities provided here by the Town for the benefit of the community the committee had both the swimming and the wading pools completely re-cemented and put in good condition, They were also disinfected to ensure safe, clean bathing for the children. Again this year two supervisors, one male and one female, were in charge while the pools were in operation between Dominion and Labor Day. A large number of children was given instruction in the principles of Water safety with a number receiving Red Cross swimming badges.

One of the most important community services coming under the direction of this committee during 1951 was the Tourist Bureau operated throughout the summer months by the Dartmouth Junior Board of Trade. Efforts were made to landscape the property and the complete program here w ill be completed next year.

Painting of benches and general maintenance and upkeep of grounds in Victoria Park was another committee effort, together with general maintenance in Wentworth Park. These areas are important to the Town with the rapid residential growth of the past few years.

An important service provided partially through the efforts of the committee, the Dartmouth Public Library, has again proven its value to the cultural and educational background of the Town. Attendance more than doubled the population of the Town in 1951 with 29,906 persons visiting the library while circulation reached a new high of 32,778.

Town Planning Board

Completion of the revised building by -laws and their enactment by Town Council was one of the main accomplishments of the Town Planning Board in 1951. They are now available in convenient book· let form to the general public for a fee of $1. They provide a more up-to-date building code for what has proven to be tremendous development in the building field in Dartmouth during the past few years.

Construction of single dwellings remained at a high peak in Dartmouth during 1951 although the total building figures in that period dropped slightly over the previous year. Total value of building permits issued in the year was $949,963, almost one million dollars.

Of this amount two thirds, or $618,832, accounted. for single dwellings for which a total of 73 building permits was granted. During the year also permits were issued for 38 apartments, com-posing a total value of $51,300. Continuing their trend towards improving the appearance of the Town’s business district, various merchants applied for applications to remodel store fronts with a total estimated! value of $15,500.

Biggest individual building permit granted during the year was to Dominion Stores Limited for a master market on Canal Street at a total estimated cost of $80,000. Other big items include the $30,000 expansion of the Dartmouth Medical Centre; construction of the Woolworth store valued at $50,000; and a number of minor items including a $20,000 service station construction, and consider-able work in alterations and additions.

Some consideration was given to the laying of a groundwork for the preparation of Zoning by-laws to be used in conjunction with the new building by-laws, and it was decided to pass this item on for action to the incoming Planning Board.

Dartmouth Rink Commission

A new era in the sports development of Dartmouth was herald-ed in 1951 with the official opening and operation of the Dartmouth Memorial Rink.

Authorized by vote of the ratepayers in 1950, the $175,000 structure, located virtually on the same site as the old Mar k-Cross arena, fills a long-felt need in the Town. Built of permanent type materials, including brick tile, and especially designed structural steel the new building came in for a terrific amount of use during the Spring of 1951, just after it opened, and during the Fall and Winter season to follow.

Actual opening date of the beautiful new rink was slated for early in January but due to delays experienced in the installation of the freezing equipment this was held back until February when at a special ceremony Han. Geoffrey Stevens, M.L.A. officially tossed in the first puck to open operations.

Included among the varied activities to take place at the ice palace in 1951 were the operation of a large number of hockey leagues, ranging all the way from midgets and bantams up to the participation by the Chebuctos in the Valley Hockey League. Other promotions held at the rink included the Dartmouth Kiwanis Club’s Ice Follies show which promises to grow bigger each year, plus numerous public skating sessions, and rental of ice to private parties and firms. During the year every effort was made to insure provision of skating session and hockey time for the younger children and this is expected to increase annually through the efforts of such organizations as the Dartmouth Minor Hockey Association headed by Colenso Bowles.

Financially, during its first year of operation the Rink showed an operating profit of $142.48. This is before payment has been not in full operation during that period, this profit might not have operated only for a portion of a year, and the leagues, and such attractions which would bring money into the Rink coffers were not in full operation during that period this profit might not have. been as large as hoped for but this situation is expected to improve following a complete year’s operation. Rink Commission members were confident of a successful operation, especially if arrangements can be completed for a permanent type flooring to be laid over the brine pipes so that the Rink. building can be used for special money making attractions during the summer months. Arrangements are now underway in this regard.

The Reassessment Survey

While it may not have been the major undertaking of the year. 1951’s general reassessment survey in Dartmouth will have a far reaching influence on the Town’s financial structure for years to come, and will serve one of its main purposes in seeing that each citizen pays a just and equitable portion of taxation.

In the words of the Assessment committee composed of Chairman James L. Harrison and members, Mayor Claude H. Morris and Deputy Mayor D. T. Marsh, this is what was done:

“The Assessment committee in 1951 was composed of the same personnel who in 1950 had studied assessment procedures in Dartmouth and had recommended a complete overhaul to ensure a modern and equitable system.

The committee reported in part- “In order that each citizen pay a just and equitable portion of taxation, complete revaluation should be carried out in Dartmouth – – – a person familiar with modern assessment systems and procedures should be engaged to completely overhaul our assessment department – – -this supervisor should prepare the various tax maps, the necessary records and forms, the proper scales and tables of land and building values, and from the co-ordination of these and actual physical measurements, arrive at the goal of a scientific appraisal of all properties in Dartmouth.”

During the past year a revaluation and reclassification of all property was undertaken with a modern system of assessing and recording instituted.

Mr. M. E. Mullan was engaged at a salary of $4500 to organize, supervise and conduct the reassessment. Mr. Mullan has had experience in the construction field and in assessment work in Ontario and had recently been engaged in reassessment work in Halifax County.

In commencing the reassessing in Dartmouth, the Town was divided into sixteen pricing zones for the purpose of evaluating land in different sections of the Town. In the downtown area a lot with a 40-foot frontage was taken as the standard; in residential areas a lot 50 by 100 was decided upon as a standard. A system of graduated plus and minus factors was set up to provide for wider, deeper, narrower and shorter lots, and formulae were set up to calculate values for unevenly shaped or extraordinarily situated lots. Minus factors were also applied to land assessments to allow for lack of pavement, sidewalks, water or sewer, and other physical conditions.

Valuations on buildings were calculated from reproduction costs obtained by co-coordinating physical measurements with costs of material and labor and allowing for depreciation and condition factors. Other factors influencing the building value that were taken into account were: type of heating plant and plumbing; particulars of interior and exterior construction and finish, plus unfavorable exposure influence, such as proximity to railway and fire stations, cemeteries, old buildings and undue noises.

“A field sheet was designed with sections for recording all information dealing with the land and building values and showing each step in arriving at each individual assessed value.

“An assessment manual for the use of our Assessment Department was drawn up with all formulae and factors included as well as a schedule of rates for personal property.

“During 1951 the sum of $13,259.57 was expended on the re-assessment work.

“In 1952 the various Tax Maps will be completed and toe remaining details of the survey cleaned up. A study will also be made of alternate methods of assessing personal property and applying poll taxes.

“Your assessment committee is confident that completion of the reassessment work will result in equitable and just distribution of the tax’ burden among the ratepayers.”

The Dartmouth Ferry

Entrance to Dartmouth as seen from the ferry.

With total assets less accumulated depreciation standing at $983,377, almost one million dollars, the Dartmouth Ferry Commission could look over the past year as one of consolidation, in which a policy aimed at keeping the Town-owned industry on as sound a financial footing as possible, had been successfully pursued.

The Dartmouth Ferry Commission is keeping a close watch on its immediate future plans, and the effect on its vehicular and possibly pedestrian traffic when the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge is completed. At the annual meeting it was decided to increase the rate of depreciation on a number of items, so as to leave the Ferry as free of debt as possible in case a changeover should become necessary.

The annual financial statement of the Ferry at the conclusion of 1951 showed an operating profit on the year of $9284.92 which was turned over to the Town of Dartmouth according to statute. It also revealed that total financial revenues from ferriages during the same period amounted to $531,440.81, the second highest recorded in the history of the Town.

Gross revenue for the year totaled $536,683.02 a total second only to 1950’s revenue. The highest number of pedestrians carried on Dartmouth ferries since the peak year of 1944 used the service in 1951, a total of 4,585,218. The second highest number of motor vehicles also used the facilities in 1951 with 551,423 being carried across the Harbor. Last high was in 1950 when 561,076 vehicles were transported.

The importance of the Dartmouth Ferry operation to the economic stability of the Town is accentuated by the fact than in 1951 almost quarter of a million dollars was paid out of revenue for salaries and wages of employees. Actual total was $227,206.18 In addition to this Dartmouth merchants and business men benefited directly to a consider able extent. by the approximately $70,000 expended for operational purposes with Dartmouth business firms.

Another direct contribution made to the operation of the Town by the Ferry was the payment of $30,531.63 covering taxes and water rates in 1951.

The Commission’s fixed assets were increased during the period. by $5824.54 covering improvements to the main dock in Halifax. with reductions of $46,898.56 due to the sale of the steamer S.S. Chebucto to Upper Canadian interests for $5000 leaving a balance on fixed assets as of December 31, 1951 of $1,141,470.46.

The Ferry’s debenture debt at the end of 1951 totaled $246,500. which amount is being retired by annual payments from revenue.

As the result of unusually heavy repairs on the ferry steamer S.S. Halifax a portion of the cost of repairs, $28,345 was charged against the unforeseen contingencies reserve fund leaving a balance at credit of $134,854.03. The financial report of the auditors shows an underappreciated balance on boats and property of $362;220.01 with provision made in 1952 for depreciation of an amount totaling $44,834.

Annual Report 1952

1952-1

Citizens of Dartmouth,

Ladies and Gentlemen: I have the honor to submit my report and comments on the civic events of 1952.

Dartmouth continued to march forward during 1952 but it is difficult to single out any particular event as the main highlight of the year.

We saw the completion and taking over of the new additions to the water system, i. e., new pump house, reservoir and new water main which were finished within the original estimate of $700,000. The benefits in an improved water system were immediately evident and there was an early reduction in insurance rates of 17% which is worth many dollars to Dartmouth citizens.


Taxable Assessments rose to $20,965,395, as a result of the reassessment survey, making possible a reduction in the Tax rate from $4.40 to $2.58. It is evident that a rate of $5.00 would have been necessary under the old system of assessment. The benefits will be increasingly evident as new properties are added under the new system. Plans were made to relieve householders of the household personal property assessment effective in 1954.

It is worthy of note that in the total budget of $894,743, $300,712 was applied to either capital expenditure from revenue or repayment of capital debt. Our capital debt is high due to large expenditures in the post war years but provision has been made for a very rapid retirement of same and the bulk of it will be retired during the next ten years. It is also worthy of note that revenue from sources other than real property have shown a large increase and $305,900 were received from these sources.

The street program was the best in many years, patching was started early, the street sweeping program was continued, a substantial amount of seal coating was done and in addition a considerable amount of permanent paving was done during the year.

Traffic lights were installed in Dartmouth for the first time in history and have done much to help out with our traffic problems.

Improvements in the Dartmouth Park came in for considerable favorable comment and it is hoped to continue further with this program.

The sale of prefabricated houses was completed during the year resulting in a net profit to the Town of $232,685 which is represented by a 2/5 interest held by the Town in the mortgage on the various properties. These net proceeds will accrue to the Town annually for fourteen years at the rate of approximately $19,000.00 per year.

Construction of the Harbour Bridge is well under way and as came to a close the concrete work on the Dartmouth side was approximately completed and we may look forward to using the Bridge in late 1954.

We were honored during the year by a visit from His Excellency Governor General Vincent Massey, who signed the register book at the Town Hall and was presented with a scroll on behalf of the Town. We were also honored by visits from the Minister of National Defence, the Chairman of the National Research Council and other dignitaries on the occasion of the opening of the Naval Research establishment in October.

The facilities of the Dartmouth Rink continue to be very widely used, the summer operation being of particular value. The Rink Commission were able to show a small surplus on operating account before providing for debenture debt charges.

Revenue at the Dartmouth Ferry was the highest in its history and the reserve account which has been built up in recent years, plus the current cash assets. now exceeds the total debenture debt charges. New pedestrian commutation tickets introduced during the year were received with favor by the traveling public.

The Town took over all rights held by the Starr Manufacturing Company in Sullivan’s Pond and the locks at Lake Banook for the sum of $1.00. This made it possible for the Town to make certain repairs necessary and to effect some improvements in the area.

I should like to express my thanks to the members of Council and the various Committees and Commissions and also to Town employees and citizens generally for the co-operation afforded me during the year.

I have the honour to be, Yours faithfully,

C.H. Morris, Mayor.

Dartmouth’s Financial Review: Finance Committee

First effects of the general reassessment survey which was undertaken in Dartmouth in 1951, and which was anticipated to have a far reaching influence on the Town’s financial structure in future years was felt in 1952 when a tax rate of $2.58 was struck, the lowest rate to be set by the Town since 1918 when it was $2.00.

In 1951 the tax rate was $4.40, as compared with $2.58 per $100. of assessment in 1952. Based on 1951 assessment figures and maintaining the same expenditures and revenues the tax rate this year would have been $5.76. However, with a more equitable distribution of the tax burden, and with a number of new additions to the tax rolls, the ratepayer in 1952 in general paid less in actual taxes to the Town than in 1951, a situation which is very creditable after taking due consideration of the steadily increasing cost of living index.

The total revenues for the year 1952 amounted to $860,859.65, the highest in the history of Dartmouth. Total revenues for the year prior, 1951, amounted to $670,558.

In addition to other high expenses during the past twelve months, the Town Council in 1952 provided an amount of $17,723. to be paid over to the Halifax County Vocational School in Halifax. This amount was in excess of the previous year’s payment by more than $4,000.

One of the big changes resulting from the reassessment survey which went into effect this year, was the total assessment figure for the Town. In 1951 the Town’s total assessment was $12,000,175. while in 1952 it had increased by more than one hundred percent to $28,521,345. Of this amount $20,965,395 was subject to taxation.

Changes at Town Hall

The rapid growth of the Harbour Town, steadily increasing population, and influx of additional business at Town Hall resulted in some necessary changes being made during the year at Town Clerk Clifford A. Moir’s office in order to facilitate this boom.

The rapid growth is strongly accentuating the need within the immediate future for a new Town Hall building to replace the inadequate and obsolete facilities of the old structure now in use. Even such changes as were made in 1952, the tearing out of a section of the wall and making an arched counter in the centre of the hallway to handle bill payments and other transient business is only a temporary solution to a problem which must soon be faced.

Expenditures for 1952 out of current revenue were the highest ever undertaken by the Town. Increased operational costs were prime factors accounting for the budget of $849,743. Heaviest expenditures were accounted for by education where $192,510 was accounted for with the School Board taking approximately $163,000. General government amounted to $48,581, while protection costs, including fire, police and civil defence cost $137,360.

Revenues in the main came from general taxation with $539,851 out of the budgeted $849,743 being raised in this manner. Other revenue included $15,000 from poll tax payments, $12,000 from licenses and permits, and $28,989 from service charges.

Revenue for the year 1952 in the Water Department from Water rates amounted to $145,223.80 with a total of 3,238 metered properties now being serviced in the Town. The gross surplus from the operation of water utility was $54,279.87, prior to the payment of debenture debt charges of $50,078.50 leaving a net surplus of $4,279.87.

During the year the construction of a $700,000 improvement to the Town’s water system was completed at a total cost of $699,724.75, or only about $273 under the estimated amount of money needed for the big project. The new pumping station is now in full time operation and open to inspection by Town ratepayers at any time.

Appointment of a full time Building Inspector, operating out of the Town Clerk’s office was one of the big changes made in the personnel at Town Hall in 1952. This was the appointment of Welsford Symonds to the Building Inspector’s post, on the recommendation of the Town Planning Board. His appointment provides for a central checking point for all building applications and permits and a close check is now being kept on all construction in the Town.

Outstanding taxes to the end of December 1952, amounted to $90,752.90, out of $630,473.59, Town Clerk C. A. Moir said. This included all outstanding taxes over the past three year period, in addition to the 1952 tax assessment. In the tax arrears over the past three years, approximately 12 percent has not been collected to date. The Town Clerk’s office urged payment of any taxes as soon as possible by the ratepayer, so as to provide a better civic operation and in the longrun save the ratepayer money.

Debentures sold during the year 1952 by the Town, included an issue of $27,000 for sewer extensions bearing 4% percent interest, which was sold at par to the Dartmouth Ferry Commission. Another issue of debentures for water purposes, amounting to $19,000 and bearing 4 and 4% percent interest brought a yield of 99.261 when placed on the market. Another issue of $325,000 covering a phase of the water project was also sold along with $350,000 more of debentures for school purposes (Bi-Centennial Junior High School), bearing 4% percent interest which brought the price of 100.323 on the open market at a time when the general bond market was very low. The Town recorded the best prices of any municipality in the Province, a credit to its sound financial position.

During 1952 the Town of Dartmouth made capital expenditures from revenue totalling $81,121.79, covering such items as a new police patrol, traffic lights which were inserted at three intersections, a Fire Department Utility truck, and payment of $5,000. to the Junior High School capital fund. This last payment saved the issuing of an additional $5,000 in debentures. The total cost of the Junior High School was $450,000 of which the Town issued debentures covering $350,000. The remaining $100,000 was made up of the cash payment of $5,000 by the Town and the $95,000 grant by the Provincial government.

Capital payments from revenue amounting to $63,000 for paving were also made, and an additional grant of $2,000. was paid over to the Park Commission.

During the year the Town retired serial debentures totalling $124,000. Interest on the debenture debt and payments on sinking fund requirements faced by the Town in 1952 amounted to $95,590.32, with Temporary debt charges amounting to an additional $8,576.62 Discounts on the current years taxes amounted to a further $7,627.67.

During the year 1952, the following debentures were paid off from the sinking fund: Schools, $40,000.: Sidewalks, $15,000: Permanent streets, $21,000.: Water, $25,000: Permanent streets, $19,000, making a total of $120,000.

This represented retirement of approximately a Quarter of a million dollars of Town indebtedness in 1952. By the year 1956 all of the Town of Dartmouth‘s current sinking fund will be retired, and at present the Town has no debentures outstanding beyond the year 1982.

The Total debenture debts of the Town, including general, schools, water, and ferry, amounts to $2,665,600 at the end of 1952, of which an amount of $143,122.34 is set up in sinking fund reserves. In the Town general account the credit bank balance to the end of 1952 amounted to $36,705.61.

The Dartmouth Memorial Rink

Although sufficient revenue has not been forthcoming to date from the operation of the Dartmouth Memorial Rink to provide for the debenture debt charges, the Rink Commission, and the Commission Chairman, Mayor Claude H. Morris have hopes that with continued careful management in future years the operating surplus of the rink may be made to equal the interest payments.

An operating surplus of $2,749.41, before providing for debenture debt requirements, has been achieved by the Rink Commission’s operation of the Rink during 1952.

In his annual report on the Rink operation, Mayor Morris outlines the activities undertaken at the Rink during the year, pointing out that a partial wooden floor constructed to place over the brine pipes, in order to permit a summer operation was very profitable, showing a revenue for the summer operation of $5,700.45, thus paying the $2,000 cost for the wooden floor in one year and still showing a profit. It also shows promise for future years as attractions at the Rink during the Summer months build up into a full time operation.

Last winters program at the Dartmouth Memorial Rink was featured by many skating sessions, and considerable hockey all of a local nature. Very wide use has been made of the facilities by the youth of Dartmouth. Skating sessions have been made available three afternoons per week at a nominal charge of fifteen cents, and also on Saturday mornings for a two hour period.

In addition to this, the Minor Hockey Association is using a total of nine hours per week for practice sessions for younger boys, and also for organized minor hockey league games.

Much credit must also be given to the Bluenose Skating Club which holds a two hour skating session every Saturday afternoon, and has done a great deal towards instructing the younger skaters.

The evening hours have been devoted in the main to adult skating sessions, and for the Suburban and Halifax-Dartmouth Senior Hockey leagues. During the past year also the Halifax-Dartmouth St. Mary’s Juniors played out of the rink and provided some top notch hockey for local fans. They played the famous Montreal Junior Canadiens here in one match.

In his annual report on the finances of the Rink, Mayor Morris, the Chairman of the Commission, points out that in addition to the operating surplus of $2,749.41, the Commission has paid to the Town in 1952 taxes and water rates. a total of $5,505.28.

After providing for taxes, and for debenture debt charges to the Town of Dartmouth over the year, the Rink is faced with a deficit amounting to $15,95?.59. An increased summer operation and steadily increasing winter revenue is hoped to cut this amount down as the operation of the Rink continues.

Public Works Department

Much credit from ratepayers and motorists in the Town of Dartmouth was handed out during the year 1952 to the Town Works Department and the Public Works Committee for the unusually fine job done in repairing and maintaining the Town’s streets after they suffered considerable damage as the result of an unusually bad winter.

The money provided for the Public Works Department general street maintenance and repair budget was unchanged from 1951 at $75,000.

Considerable additional work was handled during the period however out of the amount totalling $46,476 provided by Council for permanent paving under capital expenditures from revenue. It is unusual when a Town can go ahead with such capital expenditures out of the current revenues.

The paving work done last year (1951), on the Lake Road was to have been covered 50 percent by the Provincial government, but since this payment was not forthcoming by the end of the financial year, an amount of $5,000 had to be provided, contributing partially to the Town’s deficit of $25,000 on the 1951 operation of the Town in general.

Under Town Engineer Walter Lahey’s direction the street repairing and maintenance program carried on speedily from the first of the season.

First step was a general checkover of all Town streets, with all holes or breaks in pavement being filled in or covered with hot patch mixtures so as- to provide a permanent type repair to the damage.

Primer coats and penetration asphalt were provided for a large number of streets, following up the Work’s Department program of putting some new sections in good repair each year. thus keeping up partially at least with the current demands for new streets in the many rapidly opening sub-divisions.

The winter program was quite light excepting for the usual sandings and saltings of streets and hills. Very little sand is in use now with virtually all salt being used to cut down the glassy skim ice surfaces which form over the streets. A relatively mild winter kept the operational costs down fairly low with little heavy plowing or trucking of snow having to be provided for.

One of the biggest jobs of the year, which was provided for under the capital expenditure from revenue was the widening and paving of the entire length of Windmill Road from the Tufts Cove highway intersection at Albro Lake Road down through to Jamieson street. Cost of this project is being borne jointly by the Provincial government and the Town since the use of Windmill Road as part of Route number 7, a trunk highway extending down the Eastern shore from Bedford has now become official.

The work on Windmill Road in addition to the paving program also involved considerable curb and gutter work along sections of this route, now making it the Town’s most attractive entrance. The widening and paving program is eventually planned to carry on down over the incline past Jamieson street and across the Jamieson street storm sewer, which has been covered over with a large amount of fill left over from various Town projects. This work, however, is being delayed pending the removal of Teasdale’s grocery store from the straightened road site.

The year 1952 saw a number of new subdivisions opening up, including further additions to the Crichton Park subdivision, and the huge new Wyndholme subdivision on Silver’s Hill. New streets are being rough graded in these subdivisions and gradually being taken over by the Town, thus continuing to increase the program each year to be followed by the Works Department.

The Dartmouth Ferry Service

Keeping a cautious eye on its financial structure. the Dartmouth Ferry Commission. headed by Mayor Claude H. Morris, achieved a highly Successful year in 1952 for the Dartmouth Ferry service, despite some unusually high maintenance and repair costs.

This Town owned service, which is operated through a Commission, last year paid a net profit to the Town of Dartmouth of $8,710.21, in addition to paying out other large sums of money to the Town coffers through tax assessment, and in water rate charges.

The Ferry service provides employment for a large number of Harbour Town residents, and in addition continues to provide a low cost transportation service between Halifax and Dartmouth, the purpose of which it was originally set up by ratepayers of this Town.

Ferriage revenue reached an all time high in 1952 of $587,000. but expenses were also high due to the unexpected repair and maintenance bills covering ferries, and also due to increased salaries. The operating profit shown over the 12 months period of 1952 was $57,000. out of which the Commission replaced in the reserve fund for unforseen contingencies an amount of $28,000. which was withdrawn in 1951 to meet unforseen repairs. Also an additional $20,000 was placed in this fund leaving a net profit to the Town of nearly $9,000 as previously mentioned.

The reserve now stands at $186,800. in investments and cash, and the current account stands at $62,000., making a total in cash and investments of $249,000.

The debenture debt of the Dartmouth Ferry service now stands at $231,000., which places the Ferry in a very strong liquid condition. This is a situation for which the Ferry Commission has been striving to achieve before the completion of the Harbour Bridge. which is scheduled for August 1954. As a result this gives the Ferry Commission an additional year and one-half to further strengthen the Ferry’s financial position.

During the year 1952, a new agreement was negotiated with the unlicensed personnel of the Ferry service, calling for increases on a graduated scale ranging from $10.00 to $33.00 per month. These benefits were also extended to the licensed personnel of the Ferry.

Possibly one of the most important changes to be noted by the Ferry during 1952 took place on October 1st when a change was made in the pedestrian monthly books. This change resulted in the replacing of three books then in use with one monthly book and introducing a new book of transferable tickets good at any time. This action. which greatly simplified the handling of pedestrian tickets, appeared to be very well received by the general public, and both classes of tickets are being widely used.

In 1952 the Dartmouth Ferry service observed its 200th anniversary, and an interesting paper on this subject was read before the Nova Scotia Historical Society by Mr. John P. Martin, who has done much to preserve the history of Dartmouth and this vicinity.

A move, which was financially sound for both the Ferry and the Town of Dartmouth, which was undertaken in 1952 was the purchase during the year by the Commission of Town of Dartmouth debentures, including $30,000 in March, and a complete issue of $46,000 in December. This move keeps the Town debt in Town hands and still provides the Ferry with a good rate of interest on its investment, to the benefit of the ratepayers of the Town. Since the Town owns the Ferry, it means essentially that the Town is only paying itself interest rather than outsiders.

During the year a general appraisal was made on all ferry property, including ferries. and it was all found in good repair. An increase on the real estate insurance carried, from $25,000 to $40,000 to keep the value based on increased real estate values, was authorized.

Possibly one of the highlights of the Ferry was that one of the most distinguished passengers ever carried by this service, His Excellency Governor General Vincent Massey was taken to and from Halifax during the official visit to Dartmouth of the Governor General, on the Ferry steamer Scotian.

The Water Department

Many years from now ancestors of present Dartmouth ratepayers will point with pride to the foresight of their forefathers in providing the Town of Dartmouth with one of the most up to date and well planned water systems in the Maritime Provinces.

Completion of the $700,000 expansion of the Harbour Town’s water system to service increased Town needs and to fill requests for the purchase of water by both the Provincial and Federal governments was announced in the latter part of 1952. after almost one and one-half years of extensive construction work.

The new water system will eventually pay for itself over a period of years, and revenue from this source in the future will place the Town in a very favourable financial situation in this regard.

The water system project was guided very capably by the Engineering Services Company, which handled all phases in the construction of the system. This included the laying of 16 inch mains through the Town, also the construction of a five million gallon capacity reservoir. one of the most impressive engineering feats ever seen in this area. It also included the laying of a 24 inch water main from the reservoir to a point in the Town near Rodney Road a total of three and one-half miles of pipe. The construction and equipping of a modern new pumping station at Westphal was the final step in the three quarters of a million dollar development, designed to completely replace old. Town water mains which have become obsolete.

Considerable public criticism has been made concerning the time of completion and breaks in the pipe during work on this project. The facts are that that except for some delay in connection with the pump house, due largely to difficulties in delivery of equipment the job was finished in good time. It was in the main timed to meet the requirements of Federal and Provincial developments, and every demand for service has been met with very little interruption to Town services.

The design of the new system called for concrete lined pipes to be used so that the building up of material within the pipes with consequent loss of capacity, would be avoided, and also to do away with the necessity of scraping mains in years to come, thus lowering maintenance costs. This pipe was not readily available in Canada at the time, although prices were obtained from both Canadian and English manufacturers. The actual price for the English pipe landed on the job was $201,300, and an approximate price from the Canadian manufacturers was $213,000 f.o.b. cars. It was estimated that it would cost an additional $12,000 to deliver the pipe from the cars to the job. On this basis the special water committee decided to order the English pipe which represented an 11 percent saving.

After laying of 1,025 lengths of pipe, 26 sections had to be replaced during the test periods at a cost of pipe and labour of $22,149. This represents 2.5 percent of the pipe laid, and is not considered excessive in work of this nature. Some pipe was damaged in shipment from England, but this was checked closely and any damaged pipe discovered was not paid for. After a final tabulation of the cost of this project at the office of the Town Clerk, it was announced that the final expenditure out of the estimated $700,000 for the project was $699,724.75. Its completion brings to a culmination the efforts of the Town Council to provide the proposed additions and improvements in the water system as recommended in an inspection and survey of the Town’s water system made by the Engineering Service Company in 1950. Its results include an improved high pressure water service to Town and area water customers, it has already resulted in a sizeable drop in the Town’s fire insurance rates, and in addition provides this area with two separate water mains bringing water into the Town, in case of any type of disaster striking the area. It also provides the Federal government and Provincial government projects in this district with needed water, which eventually will give the Town valuable water customers and providing a sound investment for the Town in future years.

General Operations

In addition to completion of the new water system, the routine operation of the Water Department during 1952 showed a successful year with the revenue for the year being the highest ever recorded in the Town’s history.

Revenue from water sales during 1952 amounted to $145,223.80 as compared with $132,438.49 the previous year and $128.978.10 in 1950.

This increase was resultant mainly from consumption in the Commercial areas with $26,000 being realized from this source in 1951 as compared to $37,000 in 1952, an $11,000 increase.

There was an increase during the year 1952 in the number of metered establishments being provided with water in the Town. The total number of meters was raised to 3,238 during the year as compared to 3,062 the previous year.

The Water Department showed a gross surplus of $54,279.87 on the sale of water during the year prior to the payment of debenture debt charges amounting to $50,078.50, leaving a net surplus of $4,279.87.

Pre-Fab Housing Report

Proving false the old adage that you can’t have your cake and eat it too, Dartmouth Town Council culminated the purchase and resale in 1952 of 214 prefab houses in Notting Park in a double pronged effort which in addition to providing permanent homes for more than 200 Dartmouth residents, also will net the Town government a profit of over $200,000.

Chairman of a special committee on Pre-Fab housing set up by Town Council, was Mayor Claude H. Morris who led the negotiations between the Town of Dartmouth and the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation which led to the eventual purchase of the wartime housing units.

After approval of Harbour Town ratepayers had been received, Town Council borrowed by means of temporary borrowing from the Royal Bank of Canada the sum of $214,000 with which they purchased at a cost of $1,000 each, 214 prefab houses from the Central Mortgage and Housing corporation.

An agreement was entered into between the Town of Dartmouth on one hand and the Eastern Canada Savings and Loan Company and the Nova Scotia Savings, Loan and Building Society on the other hand, and under the terms of this agreement a schedule of prices for the houses was setup. It was arranged that following the down payment the balance of the purchase price was to be realized from a mortgage under the terms of which the company paid over to the Town three-fifths of the mortgage and the Town retained a two-fifths interest in same.

Tenders were called and contracts let for the permanentizing of the houses, which involved the placing of concrete foundations under the buildings, replacing of any timbers necessary, the extension of chimneys previously hung, to a sound footing, exterior painting of the woodwork and other minor repairs necessary. Of the 214 houses sold, three were paid for outright, the remainder being carried on the mortgage arrangements.

The total sale price of the houses was $672,671.12 The cost to the Town was the purchase price of $214,000, plus the cost of permanentizing $250,199.75, making a total of $464,199.75. The net Profit to the Town of Dartmouth will amount to $208,471.37.

The Pre Fab Housing committee reported that the cost of the permanentizing was fully paid in 1952. The temporary borrowing of $214,000 was also fully-retired, and there is now a small credit to the Town which will be increased each month during the term of the mortgages, most of which do not mature until 1966.

It has been estimated by the Pre Fab Housing committee that the Town may expect to receive annually from this source about $20,000. This totals more than the $208,471.37 profit mentioned earlier, and is explained by the fact that the money is bearing interest at six percent out of which is paid administrative costs of one and one-half percent, leaving the net interest to the Town of four and one-half percent.

Legislation provides that the proceeds are to be paid into a special fund which can only be dispersed by Council with the consent of the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The Dartmouth Park

Located in the heart of Dartmouth, the Town Park showed tremendous advancement during the twelve months of 1952 under the guidance of Park Commission Chairman F. D. Ross.

Work was commenced early in the year under the funds provided in the regular Town budget and by mid—surnmer the lower section of the Park, facing on the corners of Park Avenue and Synott’s Hill was taking on the appearance of a beautiful rock garden.

his work was started in 1951, but only the groundwork could be started at this time due to a shortage of necessary funds. In 1952, beautiful paths and walks were cut through, built into the sides of the craggy bluff overlooking the swimming pool, and the whole setup “was attractively set out with shrubs, rock garden flowers and many forms of wildlife.

Some Harbour Town citizens joined in the program to beautify this most obvious section of the park and donated some plants for use here. More of these are needed when ever someone has them available according to Park officials.

As much as possible the natural lay of the land was utilized in the construction of the rock garden setup. Its naturally rough appearance blended in perfectly with the Park Commission’s scheme.

As the year progressed the Town Council voted a further $2,000 to the Park Commission and another flurry of activity was commenced by the Park Commission which has long been curtailed in its work by a lack of necessary funds.

Biggest job commenced in the Park in 1952 was along the extension of Thistle street. south of the Bicentennial Junior High school. Here workmen were engaged in rooting out hundreds of old shrubs and undergrowth. long an eye-sore to this area. Special equipment was rented to facilitate this work and much was achieved on both sides of this new street in clearing up the Park.

Plans were also laid for further clearing out and levelling of this Park area and planting of grass and flowers in the coming Spring.

The general maintenance work of other paths and walks at the Park was continued, so as to keep the whole area as generally presentable as possible, while special efforts were made to spruce up the districts most visible to newcomers and tourists visiting the Town.

No definite action was taken at Birch Cove because sufficient funds to commence a full scale program here were not available However, Park Commission authorities opened negotiations with the Dartmouth Junior Board of Trade with a view to that civic minded organization commencing the clearing out of matted growth and other debris as soon as weather permits in the Spring.

Public Health And Welfare

The costs of hospital and medical care continued on the up-trend in 1952, and the Welfare Department in Dartmouth reflected this rise in their operations over the 12 month period.

The total costs of hospital and medical debts incurred by Dartmouth residents in 1952 amounted to $36,514.14, in hospitals throughout the Halifax area, and of this amount only $5,625.95 was recovered during the period.

Because of this fact the total net expenses of the Welfare Department in 1952 were $30,888.22, being an over expenditure of $3,038.22, over the amount estimated at the first of the year.

Under Provincial law in Nova Scotia, person admitted to the hospital, from the Town of Dartmouth becomes the responsibility of that Town. Any debts incurred by these persons are charged to the Town and it is the responsibility of the Town where persons do not have the necessary funds, to receive depositions from the individuals and to arrange collection.

In recent years the Town has become responsible for a number of persons whose settlement may be outside the Province of Nova Scotia and the Town is at present endeavouring to take some action to collect these outstanding accounts.

Grants made by the Town to charity organizations through 1952 did not change from the previous year with $3,950, being distributed as follows: Victorian Order of Nurses, $3,000, Halifax Visiting Dispensary, $200.00, Canadian National Institute of the Blind, $200.00, Children’s Hospital, $250.00, and Salvation Army, $300.00.

Maintenance of inmates in charitable institutions during the year cost the Town of Dartmouth $4,733.51. during 1952 a considerable drop from the amount of $6,266, spent for this purpose in 1951. This expenditure was in the main made at the Halifax County Home.

Charity expenses, food, fuel and burial charges for indigents cost the Town of Dartmouth $1,426.93 in 1952.

Public Health

Under the direction of the Town’s Medical Health Officer Dr. L. A. Rosere, who was newly appointed to succeed the late Dr. H. A. Payzant in 1952, the Town’s medical health was closely watched. The Dartmouth branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses also played an important role in this watchdog post.

Dr. Rosere as the Medical Health officer, directed regular checks of Town Lakes, water supply, and every other source where possible contagion could develop to harm Dartmouth resident’s health.

Both the Medical Health Officer and members of the V.O.N. made regular calls at all the Dartmouth schools, examined the hundreds of students in the public schools, and conducted dozens of well baby clinics, school nursing, immunization clinics and general health supervision.

An important part of the Victorian Order of Nurses work during the year was the Child Health clinics with 1,045 babies and pre-school children attending a total of 92 of these clinics.

The school program consists of rapid classroom inspections done three times during the year, physical examinations on all students in Grades one, three. and five, which are done by the nurses, medical examinations by Dr. Rosere on all new admissions and follow up visits to the home whenever necessary.

A total of 1,643 children were given a physical examination by the Nurses during 1952 and 161 were given a medical examination by Dr. Rosere.

During the year five dental clinics were held treating a total of 56 children. Dentists of the Town gave their time voluntarily to make these clinics a success.

With the co-operation of the Medical Health Officer and the V.O.N. a series of 23 Immunization clinics for Infants, Preschool and school children were held throughout 1952 with 300 children being vaccinated against smallpox. 924 children received booster doses of toxoid, and 1,069 were immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.

A total of 482 children were given the Tuberculin Patch test and of these ten were found to have positive reactions. These ten children and all the students at the Junior High School were X-rayed by the Mobile chest X-ray unit and not one active case of Tuberculosis was found.

There were some changes made on the V.O.N. staff during the year with Miss M. Adams resigning in August and Miss MacKenzie in September. These two were replaced by Miss Daphne Harriett and Miss Louise Gillis, both of whom took over duty in September. Miss Marion MacKaracher is the Nurse in charge of the Dartmouth office of the V.O.N.

Harbour Bridge Progress Report

Construction work on the Dartmouth approaches to the Halifax-Dartmouth Harbour Bridge, got well underway in 1952 and by the end of the year the stretch of land running down to the Harbour front from Windmill Road to Shore Road was liberally sprinkled with huge concrete arches which will eventually bear the road bed for the Harbour span.

Since Dartmouth ratepayers will eventually be hearing a portion of the financial responsibility for the construction of the Harbour Bridge, it is only fitting that an outline of the progress on the project should be carried in this annual report of the Town.

In addition to completion of the concrete arches, Bridge workmen finished the huge concrete abuttment at the upper end of Lyle Street, just off Wyse Road. This huge “V” shaped concrete bowl was filled in with earth, and topped with gravel and will eventually provide the Harbour Town exit for the Bridge with six to eight exit routes radiating out from the Bridge mouth.

Down closer to the waterfront, a tiny footbridge eased its way out into the Harbour, permitting workmen access to the site of one of the main under water supports for the Bridge on the Dartmouth side of the Harbour.

Final negotiations for Bridge land were ironed out in 1952 and tentative plans were being laid by the Town to widen and improve streets in the Bridge area to provide adequate exit ways for the influx of traffic expected to come from the span which is to be completed about August of 1954.

Public Safety Committee

The uniting of the Police and Fire Departments under the direction of the Public Safety committee was again successfully accomplished during 1952.

Highlight of the year was the installation of traffic lights at two busy downtown intersections, the Commercial and Ochterloney Street corner first. and later a traffic actuated set of lights at the King and Portland intersection.

Plans were also finalized for installation of a set of lights at the very hazardous Five Corners intersection. School safety was studied carefully during the year and every effort was made to provide good traffic markers, warning signals and street crossing patrols as a protection to school students.

Two new Police Patrolmen were added to the regular Police Force and one new Fireman to the Fire Department.

Plans were laid during the year for the construction of a Safety Island to be constructed at the intersection of Prince Albert Road and Ochterloney street, and this work will be completed in 1953.

Special equipment in the form of white gloves and belts were obtained during the year and provided for Police, patrol-men and traffic officers.

Provision was made at the first of this season for funds for the Civil Defence committee to provide for stenographic services, training, buildings and the like. Arrangements were made for some quarters for the committee’s various branches.

Police Department

Addition of several officers to the regular Police Force, brought the Dartmouth Department up to a better size to handle the steadily increasing needs for law enforcement in the fast expanding Harbour Town.

Headed by Police Chief john Lawlor, the Department recorded the busiest year in the history of the Town in 1952 handling some very difficult problems, including a series of breaks which were solved when the responsible parties were apprehended, through Police detection.

Lodged in the Police Departrnent’s lockup during the year were 645 male and 21 female guests, with 78 men being sent to the County jail, while 2 women were also sent to the County jail. Six convicted prisoners left Dartmouth for Dorchester Penitentiary. A total of $5,701.50 were collected by the Department in Town Police court with court costs amounting to $2,374.72. Making a total of $8,076.22.

In police court there were 219 cases of intoxication under the Liquor Control Act, four persons were charged with disturbing the peace. while 41 persons were charged with driving motor vehicles while their ability was impaired. Other minor traffic violations amounted to 142, plus a further 222 parking meter violations. 26 People operated radios in the Town without licenses. and a total of 17 vagrants, one female, were picked up by Police. Twenty-nine Criminal Code violations were tried with three being sent to Dorchester.

Fire Department

With completion of the new high pressure water system the Fire Department operation at the end of 1952 was entering a new era. Now there is plenty of pressure in the Town water mains to provide adequate water for fire fighting purposes in any area of the Town.

This was one of the recommendations of the Board of Fire Underwriters in a survey made in the Town some years ago, and backed up by the Engineering Service Company, and has already resulted in a drop in Town fire insurance rates.

Total fire loss during the twelve months of 1952 amounted to $31,442, according to the annual report of Fire Chief George Patterson.

Of this amount insurance companies covered a total of $26,013. while the uninsured loss amounted to $5,429. and had to be borne by the persons owning the property. There were no serious conflagrations in the year.

A total of five general alarms were responded to during the year, out of a total number of alarms amounting to 216. The good record of the Dartmouth Fire Department and its group of forty volunteer firemen plus the 11 regular men, including the Fire Chief, have received warm praise from Provincial fire authorities.

Board of School Commissioners

The official opening of the magnificent new addition to Notting Park school in North Dartmouth was the highlight of the educational year in Dartmouth in 1952.

The steady increase in population in the Dartmouth district since the end of the War and the resultant jump in the number of the younger school children had forced the Town to provide additional school accommodations for the younger grades with the result that a new school building in itself costing approximately $100,000 was constructed next to the old Notting Park school building, being connected to it with a breezeway.

Gone from the school lineup in Dartmouth is the obsolete old Victoria School on Wyse Road which was razed in 1952 to make way for the modern new school.

Notting Park’s newest addition is worthy of a visit by any ratepayer. Its modern design, well planned and lighted interior, and special equipment aimed to attract and suit the younger pupils is something which is unexcelled anywhere in the Maritimes.

Even with this new school building completed however, the School Board finds itself faced with even more problems, and on the recommendation of the Supervisor of Schools Ian K. Forsyth, and following a thorough investigation by their own committee, the Board recommended at its closing meeting in December of 1952. that immediate action be taken to procure a suitable site in the Prince Arthur Park subdivision in Dartmouth’s south end on which to start the immediate construction of a new “bungalow type” school to provide for the overflow of younger students in this section of the Town, which will be an actuality in 1953.

Use of the Bicentennial Junior High school, almost as a community center at times, continued through 1952 and its spacious design is proving over and over again the need that Dartmouth had for such a building, especially in its beautiful auditorium which has a capacity of more than 1,000 persons.

Home and School Associations, private groups. school groups, sports meets and virtually all musical programs are now being conducted in this school’s auditorium and the school shows promise throughout of being one of the best investments the Town made in the educational field in many years.

School Finances

Expenditures by the Dartmouth Board of School Commissioners in 1952 to cover the operation of the continually expanding Dartmouth school system were the highest ever recorded by the Town.

The total budget called for an amount of $267,081, or an increase of approximately $60,000 over last year’s total expenditure of $207,417.45.

Accounting for the biggest amount of the increase in the budget was the provision for increased teacher’s salaries which jumped from $129,291. in 1951 to about $171,000. in 1952. Increase in fuel costs as accounted for some of the increase in the School Board expenditures. and also the fact that additional staff members were needed at the Junior High School helped send the budget higher. This was actually the first year that the Junior High was operating at about a full capacity for its number of classrooms.

Besides the regular school expenditures in the Town, a further amount of $17.700. had to be provided by the Town to cover Dartmouth‘s proportionate share of the cost of operation of the Halifax County Vocational High School in Halifax. This amount covers only until the end of 1952.

Again in 1952 the schools were very capably directed by the Supervisor of Schools. Ian K. Forsyth. and a very competent staff of teachers which have been described as some of the most capable in the Province.

The addition of Jens Thorup to the Physical Education staff of the schools proved to be a tremendous advantage to the Town, and his efforts in establishing a well-planned training program are meeting with favourable comment all over Nova Scotia.

The high standard of Dartmouth’s public school teaching is also evident in the large number of graduates from Dartmouth students participating in the Provincial Matriculations. Dartmouth rates well above the average in this field it was indicated.

Very efficient Household Science and Industrial Arts classes were conducted during 1952, and the new setup at the Bicentennial Junior High also added much to this program with National mention coming of the setup of machinery and its use in the Industrial Arts section.

Again this year under the joint sponsorship of the Vocational Guidance Department of the Department of Education, and the Dartmouth Board of School Commissioners. a very comprehensive program of adults’ home sewing classes was conducted. and plans are now underway to expand these home classes into several other fields if there are sufficient interested adults.

Town Planning Report

For the first time in the history of the Town, a permanent building inspector was appointed by the Town Planning Board in 1952.

In view of the rapid growth of the Town, tremendous residential development, and prospects for an enormous potential in future years, the 1952 Planning Board decided to recommend to Council that Welsford Symonds, the Town’s Chief Assessor, be appointed as Building Inspector.

As a result of this action. which was approved by Council, all building permits are now first examined and either approved or rejected by the Building Inspector. If they meet with the Building By-law requirements and are recommended by the Inspector they are then given official approval by the Planning Board and Council.

This new system has been working out exceptionally well, providing the Planning Board with opportunity to study more fully other problems faced by the fastest growing Town in the Maritimes, such as Zoning.

The up-to-date building code, passed in 1951, came into full force in 1952, and as a result, a greatly improved building program existed in the Harbour Town during that period. The Planning Board passed on a large number of smaller sub-divisions in 1952 permitting commencement of further private construction of dwellings.

In addition to these, approval was given to the sub-division of the Wyndholme sub-division on Silver’s Hill, one of the largest to be developed in 1952. Construction work is proceeding apace in this sub-division with half a dozen houses well underway and some already occupied.

Further sections of the enormous Crichton Park sub-division were also approved for development and continual construction work is evident in here as new proposed streets are being bull-dozed out to make way for construction equipment waiting to commence erection of new homes. Construction of single home units, and private dwellings of all kinds broke all records ever established for this type of development in a 12 month period. During 1952, the Planning Board gave the o.k. to a total of 125 applications for new buildings, as compared to 73 building permits issued in 1931, an increase of over 50.

Very little commercial or industrial work was commenced in 1952 although work was progressing on establishments for which permits were issued the year previous. Preliminary negotiations were also being opened for new projects which did not receive final approval by December of 1952. Total value of building permits issued in 1952 amounted to $1,153,875, as compared to $949,963 the previous year.

Recreation and Community Services

Further development of baseball diamonds in scattered areas all over the Town in order to promote junior sports and pee wee baseball was undertaken by the Recreation and Community services in 1952.

With a budget increase of approximately $1,000 the committee was able to go ahead with some of the clearing of property for these small midget diamonds. This work is rated as one of the most important items on the list for the committee in an effort to promote the development of the younger children in the various sports.

Further work was undertaken at the Commons field during the year with general levelling of the grounds and repairs to the new bleachers.

Corning under the classification of community services, the committee operated in very close conjunction with the Dartmouth Tourist Bureau, and its sponsors the Dartmouth Junior Board of Trade.

Through arrangements with this committee it was possible for special markers to be erected throughout the Town, directing visitors to the Ferry or other exit points, or also showing them the route to the Tourist Bureau.

A beautifully coloured welcome sign was erected at the main Dartmouth Ferry entrance on Ferry Hill and here the hospitality of the Town was extended to all visitors.

Considerable work was also done in the Tourist promotion field with special cards being distributed to Townspeople to place on tourists cars, extending them a welcome to the Town and pointing out some of the attractions The total registration of tourists through the year as a result climbed to almost 1,400, and this does not touch whatsoever the large numbers of tourists from outside the Province who did not visit the Tourist bureau.

At Victoria Park considerable work was commenced with some extra funds made available for this purpose. The grounds were plowed up and levelled and will be eventually seeded and laid out with suitable walks and gardens to make it an attractive play and rest sport for residents of the North end.

Operation of the Dartmouth swimming pool at the corner of Synott’s Hill and Park Avenue continued as in other years with hundreds of boys and girls participating in the planned Water Safety and Red Cross Swimming competitions arranged through the competent swimming instructors provided by the Town.

The Town grant to the Dartmouth Public Library was increased to $2,000. in 1952 in keeping with the hope of the Committee to add further good reading material to the shelves of the busy library. and also for the provision of other services which have been lacking in the past. Attendance at the library continues to show an upward trend with many persons now availing themselves of the opportunity to visit and read right at the Library rather then taking their books home.

The Cemetery Committee

Working with limited finances the Cemetery Committee continued its long range program of improving Dartmouth cemeteries during 1952 by clearing out of a further large section of the old Public cemetery.

This work has now been underway on the Public cemetery for several years. with each year an additional section being taken in hand, cleared out of old bushes and debris. loamed and seeded with grass to put it in a presentable condition. There still remains two sections of this cemetery go be done and the Cemetery committee hopes to have this completed on the similar basis. of one section a year. Insufficient funds are available to do both sections in one season.

The usual maintenance and repair work was done around Mount Hermon cemetery in 1952. One of the important improvements was the installation of two sections of water pipe, which are now connected with two stand pipes and provides Town water for use in the cemetery, rather then having to rely upon an old spring on the cemetery grounds for this purpose.

A new power mower was purchased during the year and the use of this new equipment has greatly facilitated work at the cemetery and improved the appearance of the grounds. The Cemetery Committee also arranged to have the road and walk edges leading into the cemetery trimmed during the past year and this operation in itself improved very greatly the general appearance of the cemetery.

Although the Committee does not have too much in the way of funds for its operation it has been found that with the newly established lot and grave opening rates as set in 1951 the cemetery is now operating on a self-sustaining basis which is very desirable.

Annual Report 1953

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CITIZENS OF DARTMOUTH,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have the honour to submit my report and comments on the civic events of 1953. The year 1953 showed acceleration in the progress and expansion which has been evident in recent years.

The sale of Town owned land at Maynard’s Lake and on Boland Road opened the way for tremendous apartment developments, which as the year came to a close were well on their way to completion. A total of 638 apartments will be provided in these two projects which should do much to alleviate the housing shortage in the area. The opening of new subdivisions continued and many new homes have been built.

A block of Town owned land near the bridge head was also disposed of for the purpose of building a shopping centre. Upon completion this centre should add materially to the commercial assessment in the Town.

Road construction in new subdivisions continues to pose a problem. but with the expenditure of $30,000. out of revenue for this purpose we have been able to keep up fairly well with the demand. The Council has laid down more rigid restrictions in the matter of road construction applicable to the subdividers which we hope will help out the situation.

Legislation was obtained providing for the abolition of the household personal property tax. The effect of this legislation is reflected in the assessment notices for 1954.

Authority was given to the Fire Department for the purchase of an aerial ladder truck. A two—way radio was also provided in the Fire Department which has already proven its value. Another set of traffic lights was installed, this time at Five Comets. Special constables were appointed during the year to handle traffic in school areas.

Continued improvement in the street program was noted with the purchase of a patching machine which has speeded up the program very materially. Further widening of Windmill Road was carried out during the year and is scheduled for completion during 1954.

An arrangement whereby the Town Assessor, Mr. Symonds, could carry out the duties of Building Inspector, was entered into and has worked out very satisfactorily.

The Year 1953 saw the passing of an old landmark with the demolition of the old Park School. This was in line with the general program of improvements carried out in the park area during the past few years.

We are grateful to the Junior Board of Trade for the project started in 1953 to clear out the undergrowth on the Birch Cove property and improving this beautiful site as a picnic area.

Plans for two new elementary schools, one in the north end and one in the south end, were approved and are scheduled for completion in time for the 1954 school term.

With the completion of the new Work Shop building downtown, The Works Department building in the north end as well as the D.B.C. building were disposed of.

Work on the Harbour Bridge continued on schedule, drawing another year closer this long dreamed of improvement in our transportation.

Revenue at the Dartmouth Ferry again touched the highest point in its history and profit was satisfactory. The Commission are, however, faced with the problem of major dork repairs and anticipate some adjustments as the impact of the Harbour Bridge competition begins to make itself felt.

I should like to express my thanks to the members of Council and the various Committees and Commissions, and also to Town employees and citizens generally for the co-operation afforded me during the year.

I have the honour to be,

Yours faithfully, C. H. MORRIS, Mayor.

Newcastle Street
A view of Newcastle Street, perhaps from the water, as the railroad trestle is visible at bottom. A child at the bottom right is making their way across the trestle while two others can be seen along the shore. Johnstone Avenue is seen atop the hill with water tower.

FINANCIAL REVIEW Town of Dartmouth — 1953

While costs everywhere have been on the climb the Town by careful financing and by developing new sources of revenue made big news with the announcement in 1953 that it’s tax rate would be dropped by ten cents per $100. of assessment. The tax rate of $2.48 for that 12 months period was the lowest mark the rate had struck since 1918.

Net assessment for Dartmouth during the 1953 period was $21,602,000, which was a new high. This resulted largely from the reassessment survey_ of two years ago. Revenues from this source provided $535,725 for the town coffers with revenues from Poll Tax amounting to an additional $25,015. Revenues from other sources amounted to $328,940. making total revenues for the year of $889,680.

During the year however, total operating expenditures exceeded revenues by the amount of $25,780. This deficit was charged to the Revenue Fund Surplus account which at the end of the Town’s financial year stands at a deficit of $4,675. This amount will be rated for in the year 1954.

The deficit resulted from several of the departments exceeding their budgets. Most notable of these were Education. Police and Sanitation departments.

The over—expenditure in the education field is accountable by the fact that the Town was faced with considerably higher financial demands than originally expected to cover its share of operations and capital cost of the Halifax County Vocational High School in Halifax. It was felt when the 1953 budget was drafted that sufficient funds were in reserve to cover this account but unfortunately this was not the case.

During the year also, Town Council authorized the start of the School Safety patrol, involving the hiring of several additional Police officers on a part-time basis. The work of these officers has as a result released regular Police officers for routine Police work. An extensive program was also undertaken to replace and renew Traffic signs throughout the Town and these items together with the increased cost of operating Police equipment accounted for the over-expenditure in this department.

Town clerk's office

Main reason for the Sanitation budget exceeding its preliminary estimates was the cost of necessary repairs to the incinerator together with the purchase of a new truck for garbage collection, both of which had not been anticipated.

A big item on the credit side of the Town operations during the past year was the revenue arising from the sale of a number of Town owned properties. A total of $87,810 was realized by Dartmouth ratepayers from this source. Of this amount the sum of $30,000 was earmarked by Town Council for capital street construction work. Another $4,000 was voted by the Town for Park beautification. An amount of $17,000 was transferred to the Windmill Rd. widening account which enabled the continuation of this project also an amount of $15,000 was voted for the widening of Wyse Road and Windmill Road in conjunction with these arteries being used as main routes from the Halifax – Dartmouth Bridge. The sum of $2,500 from this money was used to purchase land from the Province of Nova Scotia at Maynard’s Lake, which was subsequently sold by the Town to Maxwell-Cummings and Son for the construction of one of the biggest housing projects ever undertaken in the metropolitan area, the Lakefront Garden Apartments.

With the rapid growth of this area, each year brings a new high in operational costs for the Town.

This past year operational costs showed an increase of some $53,000. over 1952, with the cost of Education being the leader in this increase.

The cost of providing adequate protection to persons and property in the Town also continues to grow as the Town expands. With an expanding Town like Dartmouth also goes the added costs of providing additional sewer and water facilities, street lighting and innumerable other items.

Some of this additional cost in providing services for the newly developing areas is offset by the additional revenue received in taxes and other ways from these new sections, however for the first few years these districts do not begin to carry the cost of providing many of the services they receive.

The Town received a grant from the Dartmouth Ferry Commission during the year. This grant represents the net profit or surplus of the Ferry operation and amounted to $8,710.21.

An amount of $157,000. in serial debentures was retired during the past year plus interest of $98,624.75. This was composed of the following amounts: Genera1—$76,000.; School —-$24,000.; Water— $41,500. and Ferry $15,500. No sinking funds retired during the year but an amount of $15,155.65. was paid into Sinking Fund accounts.

Ferry Purchases Debentures

The Town had only three small issues of debentures during the year and all were purchased by the Dartmouth Ferry Commission.

One of the debenture issues was for $40,000. for school work, bearing 4 percent interest. It was bought for par value by the Ferry. There was also an issue of $25,000. water debentures and $25,000. sewer debentures, which were sold together, at 4} percent interest. These were also purchased at par.

With the Town owned Dartmouth Ferry Commission purchasing these debenture issues out of its reserve fund it meant that the Town received par value for their debentures, and did not necessitate the Town going to the Bond market, which was decidedly low during the year.

At the end of the year the Town’s debenture debts amounted to $2,694,261.03 which is made up as follows: General-—$936,600.: Schools -$434,000.; Water –$999,000.; Ferry -—$215,500, and the Town’s share of the Vocational High School $109,161.03.

During the year a total of $44,671.45 was expended on capital expenditures from revenue, and this was divided as follows: Police Department [car] –$1,331.45: Fire Department (mobile radio)— $1,140.: Street construction $30,000. Park Commission $4,000.: and Water and Sewer construction $8,200.

There are still some ratepayers who are slow in paying their tax accounts as evidenced by the fact that at the end of 1953 the amount of $97,104.61 was outstanding as Taxes receivable. Of the $560,740.13 current tax levy an amount of $68,130.38 is still outstanding.

DARTMOUTH MEMORIAL RINK

Annual Report

Continuing a program aimed at encouraging minor hockey and developing the younger boys of the Town in hockey talents, the Dartmouth Memorial Rink Commission during the past year provided reduced rates for minor hockey so that more of the younger boys could participate. Through the assistance of interested citizens, such as Colenso Bowles, President of the minor hockey league, the Commission hopes to lay the groundwork for greatly increased hockey activity, and resulting increased revenue in the years to come.

Over the past year the Commission has also supported other minor activities in the skating field such as the work the Bluenose Figure Skating club is doing in developing skating talents in the young ladies of the Town. This groundwork is necessary in a Town that has been without a rink for the use of its young people for many years.

During the past year, according to the financial statement released by the Commission the operating profit before providing for Debenture Debt charges was $105.86.

The total revenue figures amounted to $31,201.84 including skating revenue of $11,340. ice rentals of $13,417., plus smaller amounts from dancing and wrestling events.

In the expenditure column salaries took up the biggest single item of $10,290. while light and power amounted to $5306. and maintenance costs on building and equipment totalled another $5,829.

The debenture debt charges, still very high on the initial borrowing for the rink, amounted to $18,240., resulting in a gross expenditure of $49,335.89 for the year. This amount less the revenue resulted in a deficit of $18,134.14 which has been provided by the Town from taxation.

One of the ways in which this deficit might be overcome in ‘ future years is the holding of a brand of senior hockey competitions in the Town which would develop a good following. Currently a proposal is being considered for the new year which would give a number of big league games per month to the Dartmouth Rink, and might be the first step to place the rink on a paying basis. Eventually the development of Allan Cup hockey or something similar might be the boost that is needed.

The Rink was sold out on several occasions last year, breaking records on two occasions, for playoff matches in the semi-finals of the Big Four league when Halifax came over here to play. Such support on an increased basis would solve all financial problems.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

With a budget of $70,000. the Works Department concentrated on several big projects, and on other work did mainly maintenance and repairs during the past year. Biggest job of the year, and one which will have far reaching results on the development of the South end of Dartmouth was the installation of what can best be described as the Brook street sewer.

This is a thirty inch sewer, and extends parallel with Portland street draining the area in the valley between Portland and the hill sloping down from Rodney Road. Originally considered in the 1920’s when the late Mayor Vidito was in office, the big installation was finally undertaken and completed in 1953 at cost of $40,000.

This sewer drains much valuable property including a large block of about thirty town owned lots in what is known as the Prince Arthur Park sub—division. Completion of the storm sewer makes these lots available for development. It is in this same area that the new 16 room elementary grade school is to be constructed, and is just across the street from the Lakefront Garden Apartment project.

In all $50,000 worth of sewer and water extensions were handled during the year by the Works Department to assist in development of new subdivisions. Some work was done in the Wyndholme sub-division, also on Mount Pleasant Avenue. Crichton Park Road and the south end of Hershey Road.

Sewer and water extensions went to Scott Street. McNeil Street, Fenwick Street, Hillside Avenue and on a portion of Thistle Street between Beech and Mayflower Streets.

No permanent paving projects were undertaken during the year, and the street program was confined mainly to maintenance work. The Department purchased a mobile patch unit at a cost of $4,000. which while not elaborate. proved very efficient in quick patch work. It has been in use almost steadily since being purchased.

No other new equipment was purchased during the year excepting a vehicle for the garbage department. No curb and gutter work was done during the year due to the fact that the ratepayers of the Town turned down a plebiscite authorizing money for this purpose.

One big job undertaken and finished during the past year was the moving of Teasdale‘s grocery store back from Windmill Road at the corner of jamieson Street to make way for a general straightening and paving of this section which was quite hazardous. This project had been proposed as far back as 1920.

In the north-end of the Town the three Notting Park prefab Streets of Symonds, Russell and Chappell came in for considerable discussion by the Works Committee which laid out an overall plan whereby each year for three years one of the streets would be rebuilt and resurfaced with the aim of putting all in good shape. Last year a big job was done on Symonds Street. It was graded and levelled, and given a coating of penetration asphalt. It will be given a further coating this year and grading work will move on probably to Russell Street.

A similar type of program was undertaken on Crichton Park Road. This was a major job, costing close to $10,000. and involved grading of the street, installing storm sewers and catchpits, and coating the street with penetration asphalt. A storm drain was also installed up Forrest Road in addition to the sewer.

Slayter Street came in for some repairs and the Town made a start on construction work on streets in the newly developing Wyndholme sub-division.

The winter turned out to be generally light and the snow removal program was not too expensive, although motorists are now demanding more special attention each year with the result that snow removal and street maintenance in the winter is becoming an expensive problem. The Department now uses only salt on the streets because of the big saving in labour costs in cleaning up after, and also in the saving on catchpits and sewers which formerly became clogged with the sand and ashes used on the streets.

A better program of street cleaning was inaugerated and was especially followed out in the downtown area. Plans are to increase this service in the coming year.

WATER COMMITTEE

With the new high pressure water system having now been in service for a complete operational year, many of the operational wrinkles have been ironed out and the installation is providing the Town and its customers with a water service of the PUMP HOUSE highest standards.

With this new service come additional costs and these expenses, coupled with the natural annual expansion of the water utility has made it necessary for the Utility to make application for a new rate structure. (This application will be heard by the Public Utilities Board early in 1954).

A misunderstanding over terms of an agreement between the Town of Dartmouth and the Municipality of the County of Halifax for the supplying of water to Halifax County was settled out of court by legal counsel for the two bodies, on December 31, 1953.

During the past twelve month period the utility had a gross surplus of $82,905.18 after providing for operation costs, taxes and depreciation. Out of this gross surplus the Debenture debt charges had to be paid and these amounted to $81,074.50, leaving the utility with a net surplus of $1,830.68.

Sinking fund payments during the year amounted to $2,542. Serial debentures retired amounted to $41,500. and interest payments were $37,032.50. The Tax payment to the Town of Dartmouth was $23,534.99.

Revenues for the Water Utility during the past year showed an increase of approximately $34,000. This actually represents a payment by the Municipality of the County of Halifax for water supplied during a three year period, and billed for under terms of an agreement. These accounts were not paid until December 31. as previously mentioned.

The Water Utility continues to make capital expenditures from revenue, using the depreciation funds to pay for these expenditures.These expenditures include new services, the cost of installing hydrants, etc.

To get a clear picture of what the Water Utility represents as an investment to the Dartmouth ratepayer it is well to realize that the Total Fixed assets of the Utility amount to $1,900,462.93. The total debenture debt of the Utility stands at $999,000.

The Utility continues to expand as the Town grows and every year Water service is being supplied to new developments and areas.

FERRY COMMISSION REPORT

It is with profound regret as we prepare the annual report of the Dartmouth Ferry Commission that we must record the sudden death of the Ferry Superintendent, the late Captain Charles H. MacDonald. The late Superintendent passed away just shortly after giving his final report on the Ferry operations. He had served as Superintendent of the Ferries since the end of the Second World war.

With assets of over one and a quarter million dollars, and outstanding debenture debt of $215,500, the Dartmouth Ferry Commission faces the year 1954 in excellent financial standing, an aim which has been foresightedly sought by members of the Commission with a view towards being financially fluent in case of unfavourable developments with the opening of the Halifax—Dartmouth bridge.

Ratepayers of the Town again in 1953 benefitted as the owners of the Ferry service with the amount of $8.10.21 being turned over to the Town coffers, being the net profit for the 12 month period. An amount of $50,000. which also could be considered by any standards to be profits for the same period was transferred by the Commission to the Ferries contingency Reserve Fund to bolster even further its sound financial status.

Whether future years prove either prosperous or disasterous financially for the Ferry service, the Commission by making it financially fluent, has guarded against it becoming a burden to the owners, the ratepayers of Dartmouth.

According to the audited financial statements of the Ferry operations, revenues reached an all time high in 1953 of $597,565., making it one of the Town’s three top industries.

Expenses also reached an all time high in 1953 of $534,062., an increase of $7,000. over 1952. Salaries showed an increase of $20,000. reflecting the increases granted late in 1952 as well as the extra remuneration granted in December 1953.

A substantial decrease was noted during the past twelve months in the cost of maintaining the boats due to the extensive program of repairs carried out during the two previous years.

With the exception of the main dock in Halifax, which has been giving considerable trouble, the plant and equipment of the Ferry Commission are in good shape as the result of repairs and renovations carried out during the year.

Current assets in cash and investments at the Ferry have now reached an all time high of $340,000. While the debenture debt now stands at $215,500. In other words every cent of indebtedness could be paid off by the Commission and the plant and boats turned over completely paid for, to the Town at any time.

To increase even more solidly its standing, the Ferry, with some of its cash assets purchased two issues of Town of Dartmouth debentures during the past year, including 540,000. in July and $50,000. in December. In other words the Town of Dartmouth is in the situation that it is just borrowing money from itself for these two debenture issues, which is an excellent situation from the point of view of the ratepayers.

As previously mentioned, ferriage revenues for the past twelve months were the highest ever recorded in the Commission’s history. They amounted to a grand total of $597,565. as compared with $584,191. the previous year, which had been a previous high. It marked a two percent increase in revenue over the year.

Big reason for this increase was the tremendous jump in vehicular traffic on the ferries, with 592,473 being carried across the Harbour during the 12 months as compared with 568,841 in 1952 and 551,423 in 1951. This phase of the ferry operations has shown a steady climb.

The number of passengers, including all fares, showed a drop in numbers carried in 1953. During that period 4,03?,324 crossed on the Ferries as compared with 4,821,443 in 1952.

Cost of repairs on ferries during the year, together with maintenance of machinery. amounted to $18,937 for the S.S. “Scotian”, $l2.0?1 for the S.S. “Dartmouth” and $7,379 for the S.S. “Halifax.”

The capital fund balance sheet shows the general fixed assets of $1,228,092. are made up as follows:

Land and buildings -$87,818.; Ferryboats—$630,921.; Docks, wharves and bridges—–$413,432.; Machinery and equipment—~ $12,920.; Office furniture and equipment—$1,976. and Due from revenue fund -$81,021.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

PUBLIC HEALTH

The Town’s Medical Health Officer, Dr. L. A. Rosere, in conjunction with the Victorian Order of Nurses provided Dartmouth with a sound Public Health setup during the past year. The school nursing service, carried out on a part time basis by the V.O.N. was an important phase of this program. Dr. Rosere and the nurses reported on the program carried out explaining that rapid classroom inspections were carried out three times a year in six Dartmouth schools. Records Show that Harbour Town students are almost 100 percent innoculated, and 100 percent vaccinated. In addition to this regular preschool immunization clinics were held.

Every new student in the schools was given a medical examination and in addition students in Grades 1, 3 and 5 were given special physical examinations. It was noted that in these examinations over 50 percent of the school children had dental defects. It was pointed out that no prophylactic dental program was in force in Dartmouth and the few dental clinics held were providing parents with a false sense of security about work being done which was incorrect. Only extractions were made at dental clinics, it was pointed out.

Proposals concerning fluoridation of the water supply were under way by the Water committee when the year came to a close.

During the year a very close check was kept on the Town water supply, and the condition of Town water, and schools were also rigidly inspected for health conditions by the Medical Health officer, and generally they were reported in good condition. Several minor health hazards in private residences were noted and the Board of Health took appropriate action.

The Health program by the V.0.N. was also extended outside the classroom with a total of 28 immunization clinics being held for infants, pre—school and school age children. A total. of 191 children were vaccinated against small pox, 553 children were immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus and 306 children were given reinforcing doses of toxoid. Arrangements were made during the year for patch testing and x-rays of students making use of the Province‘s mobile x-ray unit.

There were some changes on the V.O.N. staff during the year. Miss Daphne Harnett and Miss Louise Gillis resigned in the Fall, and were replaced by Miss Isobel Patterson and Mrs. Violet Orton (Mrs. Orton later resigned in January).

WELFARE DEPARTMENT

There was a certain amount of good news from the Public Welfare department in 1953 as the year end budget total revealed that the cost to the Town for services provided through this source had taken a drop during the year.

The total costs of hospital and medical debts incurred by residents in the Town of Dartmouth during the year in hospitals throughout the Halifax area amounted to $15,950.97, of which a portion is recoverable by the Town.

Total net expenses of the Public Welfare committee during 1953 amounted to $28,931.21 as compared with $30,888.22 in 1952

Under Provincial laws the Town is responsible for debts at hospitals in the Province incurred by residents of the Town, and that body must make its own arrangements for collection of these debts.

Charities and miscellaneous welfare costs were quite low during the year. They amounted to only $63.83 for groceries and coal, reflecting on the general prosperity of the area. Burials and sundries faced the Town with an additional $402.

Child Welfare costs included payments to the Department of Child Welfare. and the Children’s Aid Societies of Cape Breton, Lunenburg, and Halifax. Three institutions the St. Joseph’:-; Orphanage, St. Patrick’s Home and Maritime Home for Girls also cost the Town nominal amounts.

Maintenance of inmates in the Halifax County Home and other charitable institutions during the year amounted to $5,781., slightly more than the $4,733. cost last year.

Grants made by the Town to charity organizations in 1953 included V.O.N. $1,000., Halifax Visiting Dispensary $200., Canadian National Institute for the Blind $200., Children’s Hospital, $250., and Salvation Army, $300.

TOWN PLANNING

Like a giant mushrooming on every side, the development of the Town of Dartmouth reached an all—time high in the year 1953 with approved building permits totalling almost seven million dollars. Not even the total assessment of the Town stood at this high a mark a quarter of a century ago.

This big problem of providing adequate direction for this unprecedented growth fell to the capable hands of the Town Planning Board and its newly ap pointed Building Inspector Welsford Symonds.

The appointment of a building inspector to study all applications for building permits, and to . handle all preliminary details, ‘- – l leaving only major decisions for WELSFORD smouos Planning Board discussion, resulted in considerable additional time being made available to Board members for important discussions on zoning plans and other over—all building details.

With the building by-laws finally approved, and published in a booklet form, available to contractors and other builders, the Board finally saw one of its aims reach completion. A great deal of study was placed during the year on the Zoning by—laws and these will be placed before the Town Council for consideration in the immediate future.

Lakefront Apartments under construction at Maynard's Lake
Lakefront Apartments under construction

One big step was taken by the Board during the year, and it is one which will result in considerable criticism from builders, but must be faced with the rapid growth of this area, and with a view to keeping building under control, The Board asked Town Council to instruct the Building Inspector not to issue any permits to build, until sewer and water facilities were first installed, and streets graded to Town specifications. Council approved this step and placed it in the hands of the Town Solicitor to draft the necessary by-law.

During the past twelve months the total value of building permits issued was placed at $6,975,600. by the Building Inspector. The most amazing thing about this is that this figure did not include the permanent buildings being constructed at the Naval Armament Depot at a cost of $1,600,000. including a gun mounting and electrical shop. Nor did it include the millions being expended by the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission on the Dartmouth approaches of the Bridge.

A total of 152 single unit new buildings at a cost of $1,460,500 were constructed during the year, along with 5 duplexes amounting to $68,850. plus 55 new apartment buildings totalling 660 units, a tremendous development adding $5,125,000. to the building figure, also residential alterations and additions placing 56 more units available for the rapidly increasing population at a cost of $130,000. New commercial and industrial buildings added $41,800 to the total, while commercial alterations totalled $92,300.. and 42 private garages resulted in another $17,950. Completing the figure was another $39,200. resulting from small additions and repairs.

To climax the building year in Dartmouth for 1953 a total of 394 permits were issued adding a total of 880 units to the Town’s housing accommodations.

PRE-FAB HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

The sale of one house, the last of 214 prefabricated houses purchased by the Town from the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 1952, completed the final sale of these housing units by the Town to private ownership.

The amount of $2,800. received by the Town for the sale of the small four room pre-fab, together with mortgage interest received for the year amounting to $10,293.75. gave the Town of Dartmouth a gross income during the past year from the pre-fab houses of $13,093.75. From this amount a slight deduction for repairs was made, leaving net income over expenditures for the period of $13,048.81.

The balance sheet shows assets on hand in the Prefabricated Housing fund of $12,429.06 on deposit in the Royal Bank of Canada. together with $1 1 7,2 26. in mortgages receivable through the Eastern Canada Savings and Loan Company, and $84,079. in mortgages receivable from the Nova Scotia Savings, Loan and Building Society gives the Town total assets of $213,735.56, after all expenditures of permanizing these units have been taken care of.

This will represent a profit to the Town of close to a quarter of a million dollars on the transaction. The funds have to be paid into a special fund. which can only be dispersed by council with the consent of the Minister of Municipal Affairs

BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS

Board of school commissioners

Two new schools were born in the minds of School Board members during the past year, and tentative plans were considered for a third.

The year 1953 was another period of growth. Keeping pace with the tremendous development, both residential and commercial, throughout this area the population has been climbing steadily, and with it the student population in the Dartmouth schools has been increasing out of all proportions and facing local school authorities with dozens of problems.

Faced with part time classes in several cases during the year 1953, school authorities laid preliminary plans for a ten room school to be constructed in the south end of the Town to handle the rapid increase in population resulting from new subdivision developing. Suddenly these plans were all thrown out as the Lakefront Garden Apartments started work on a tremendous housing development which meant another 450 families, and an approximate increase in the number of elementary grade students. Finally plans were being drafted by architect D. A. Webber on a sixteen room school. which it was hoped would accommodate the new student body. The school is to be constructed in the Prince Arthur Park sub-division.

Meanwhile in the Northend of the Town a similar situation was developing. Here several new housing projects were underway and in addition another apartment project, with accommodation for 250 families was being started. Faced with tremendous overs crowding of facilities at present in use the Board decided it would be necessary to have a new ten room school ready for occupancy when classes commence in the Fall of 1954.

At year’s end both of these projects were in the stage of having tenders called for a start on construction.

During the year the Board recommended to Town Council the razing of the old Park school, located on the bluff of land looking down over Synott’s Hill.

Meanwhile the Board, after studying recommendations from Supervisor of Schools, Ian K. Forsyth, was faced with the possibility of needing a great deal of additional Junior High school space in another year. Reports were being considered on heavy increases in junior high school classes as the elementary grades advance, and action may be taken sometime next year in this regard.

Considerable work was done during the past year on school grounds, with a program aimed at improving the properties and laying asphalt surfaces for game areas being continued.

SCHOOL FINANCES

The cost of education in the Dartmouth public school system continued to climb in 1953 as the student population showed a steady increase.

Total expenditures during the year by the Board of School Commissioners amounted to $284,454.86 as compared with approximately $267,000. the Year previous, or $207,417. in the year 1951.

This climb will continue next year with the opening of two more schools, and the following year if another junior high school is constructed.

During 1954 Teachers‘ salaries accounted for $180,172.61 of the total amount. Principal installments on serial bonds took $24,000. and interest on bonds another $17,327. Other high items included janitor service which runs to $14,000. and fuel, another $1I.313.

Prince Arthur Park School started

Additional funds were used during the year to promote such items as Household Science, Music, Physical Education, and Industrial Arts, and these classes were felt to be providing a much needed service in the public education system.

The program of adult education through capably supervised evening classes, in such fields as Household Science and Industrial Arts, continued to meet with a great deal of favourable comment and have big followings. This program is arranged in conjunction with the Vocational Guidance division of the Department of Education and will be increased in the ensuing year.

One of the big items last year was the physical education display arranged by the P.T. Instructors, the Music Festival held at the Junior High School was also highly successful and warmly praised.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Direction of the Police and Fire Departments of the Town of Dartmouth was handled during the year 1953 under a single committee, designated as Public Safety.

One of the big projects of the year, and one which has done much to provide for a steadier flow of traffic in the downtown area was the installation of a set of traffic lights at the dangerous Five Corners intersection. A drop in the number of accidents at this corner, and encountering of little difficulty in the winter months has made the third set of lights installed in the Town very successful.

During the year a new police patrol car was purchased, and funds were also expended on the purchase and installation of a mobile radio-telephone unit in the Fire Chief’s truck to provide for more maneuverability of equipment in case of several fire outbreaks at one time.

Plans were considered during the year for the purchase of a new aerial ladder truck for the Fire Department to replace the obsolete chain driven model which has been in use for over 30 years.

The Civil Defence organization was in full operation during the year and is strongly set up to operate in case of an emergency. A Civil Defence pumper unit was obtained and is stored at the Fire station, a warning air raid siren was also installed by the committee, and a practice air raid drill was held during the year.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Dartmouth Fire Department, headed by Fire Chief George Patterson had a busy year in 1953, but through the efforts of this department the total loss by fire throughout the Town was kept very low.

The total fire loss in the Town limits amounted to $173,619. Of this figure the amount of $155,1_54 was covered by insurance leaving only $18,465. actual loss suffered by property owners.

During the year the Fire Department responded to 245 alarms an increase of 29 over the previous year. Seven of these were general alarms, responded to by the members of the Volunteer departments.

The largest fire loss was the Vincent warehouse blaze on October 17, which contained the stock of Simpson Sears Limited. plus other stored items, resulting in a loss to the buildings and contents of$l43,005., representing the major part of the fire loss in the Town for the year.

Two other buildings were destroyed, including a combined shop and dwelling on Fairbanks Street and a bungalow on Woodland Avenue. In all during the year 14 buildings were damaged.

According to the Fire Chief the Volunteer departments are up to full strength and giving valuable service. working in conjunction with the 12 men on the permanent force. The Department responded to seven alarms in the County during the year.

The Department revealed that a number of local business firms have installed automatic sprinkler systems in their business places, and indicated it was endeavouring to have others installed in other public buildings in Town.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Town officials moved to bolstered the Dartmouth Police Department during the year 1953 and one of the most important steps taken was the installation of a separate School Safety Patrol. Four additional men were taken on duty on a part-time basis to serve during school days at rush hours on busy intersections, directing traffic to a certain extent and aiding students proceeding to and from school in crossing the street.

The results at the end of the year proved that the move had been justified, as school accidents were completely prevented during the year, despite the fact that traffic has increased greatly in recent years, and also considering that the 1953 school population was the highest recorded to date.

The strength of the Police Department in addition to the safety patrol officers, remained at 16 men including the Police Chief ‘John Lawlor, and other officers, plus the utility man.

The year was a busy one and the Department was praised for its work and investigations in breaking up several crime waves. including a series of breaks, and a bicycle resale gang of juveniles.

In all the Town Police court handled a total of 11,218 cases in comparison to approximately 900 the year previous. Fines and court costs collected amounted to approximately $8,500.

Considerable time was spent during the year by traffic authorities in studying the growing problem of downtown traffic and the traffic lights were found to be of great assistance. The new light installed at Five Corners was found to be a great assistance in handling the heavy flow of traffic in this area.

Extra funds were used during the year in erection of additional signs, traffic signals, and road guides to handle the heavy traffic. Further work was done to develop the downtown Parking lot at the corner of Commercial Street and Ferry Hill.

TIIE CEMETERY COMMITTEE

Mount Herman Cemetary

Space is rapidly being used up in the Town’s biggest cemetery, Mount Hermon. This large property has been becoming increasingly filled as the size of the Town’s populace has increased with leaps and bounds during the years since the end of the War.

The problem of a site for a new cemetery was studied very carefully during the past year by the Cemetery committee and thought given to the possibility that with burial space becoming steadily limited that only residents of the Town would be accepted for burial, and that Halifax County residents in the surrounding suburban areas would have to be refused space in this cemetery.

Further work was continued during the past year at Mount Hermon in removal of old brush, weeds and accumulated debris from the northern section of the cemetery. The installation of Town water in the cemetery has made it much easier for maintenance workmen to keep the grass and shrubs watered and fresh looking.

Despite increased lot and grave opening rates as set in 1951 the cemetery operated at a deficit amounting to $1,925.48 during the year 1953. Burial charges only netted the Town $1,105. which together with $700. provided from Town tax levy was still short of the $3,730. needed to operate during the year.

The biggest expenditure faced by the committee during the year was labor costs of $3,346.

In the overall picture of the balance sheet the assets held by the Cemetery committee amount to $8,086.36 including property and equipment while deduction of accounts payable, and minus the deficit for the current year the balance is cut to $7,389.97 as of December 31, 1953.

DARTMOUTH PARK

Build Retaining Wall in Dartmouth Park

Highlighting the development of Dartmouth Park properties in the year 1953 was the start of a concrete program of work on the beautiful Birch Cove property, which was obtained by the Town from the estate of the late L. M. Bell, and which in the future may be one of the Town’s most valuable Park properties.

The work in clearing out the underbrush, removing debris, having the terrain levelled and sand provided for a bathing beach was the start of a program which the civic minded men of the Dartmouth Junior Board of Trade sparked, in co-operation with the Park Commission.

After getting the go ahead signal from the Park Commission, a special committee headed by Charlie Clarke did a great deal of the preliminary work necessary to put the property into condition for use as an ideal picnic grounds. Located as it is on the scenic shores of Lake Banook, with easy access from Crichton Avenue, the location is fast becoming a popular gathering spot.

With a budget of $2,500 plus an amount of $4,000 from sale of Town owned land the Park Commission continued its program of beautification and maintenance on the Dartmouth Park. Considerable more work was done by Park workmen in constructing retaining walls along walks in the lower section of the Park.

Further shrubs and plants were planted and during the latter part of the Summer the whole section of the Park bordering along Synott‘s Hill and the Park Avenue Hill was a glorious array of colourful flowers.

Further work was done by the Park Commission in conjunction with work on the rock garden. This work is limited because of the lack of sufficient funds but the Commission has been following a program in recent years of doing a small amount of work in one section rather than trying to spread the small budget over too big an area. This has begun to pay off and now further work is being started in the Thistle Street extension area, a section which is also becoming a very heavily travelled route.

Considerable grass was planted in the Thistle Street area extending down from the Bicentennial Junior High School, and trees and shrubs were given special attention here.

A power mower was purchased during the year by the Commission to be used in assisting the small staff of the Park in keeping the new lawn areas well trimmed. A further amount of $400. was used by the Commission during the year in beautification and maintenance work on the centrally located Memorial Park at the intersection of Crichton Avenue and Ochterloney Street.

Benches were placed in this section of the Park and the area was widely used when Band concerts and other special events were held there.

At Victoria Park, the Victoria Park Commission continued its program aimed at making that section of property in the North end of the Town more useable for the residents in general.

Further seeding of the ground was completed here after it had been plowed up, and levelled off. The Commission hopes to add to the Kiwanis Club’s work of installing playground equipment. by providing walks across the Park, and benches for the use of residents of the district. With construction of the Dartmouth Park Apartments nearby, this will become an even more important Park area. Only the ordinary maintenance work was carried on during the year at the Wentworth Park.

The Tree planting program, which is rapidly beginning to show results in the Town was furthered during the past year with the expenditure of approximately $500. during the period for trees. Throughout the Park, and on virtually every Town street the new trees which have been planted are growing well and will soon add a great deal to the values of properties and to the beautification of the Town.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Continuing in a program to support the youth of the Town in various fields of progress the Recreation and Community services committee assisted financially in the sponsoring of Band concerts for the enjoyment of the general public, serving a double purpose in one of their 1953 projects.

The Committee arranged for a series of special Band concerts to be presented during the Summer months at the Memorial Park by the Kiwanis Youth Band. Realizing the heavy expenses the Kiwanis Club is undergoing in its efforts to assist the youth of Dartmouth in advancing culturally in the field of music, the committee decided to pay the club a nominal amount for each Band concert presented, as a boost in the Bands operation.

The strong general support of this move was evident by the large audiences on hand for the concerts on each occasion.

The committee felt that the young people interested in the Youth Band work should be supported as well as youngsters anxious to make use of Town ball diamonds and sports facilities.

Although operating on a limited budget the committee was able to assist further in the work of improving and maintaining present playing fields in operation in the Town. Considerable work was done at the Common field with approximately $200. being expended in repairs and maintenance on both grounds and bleachers.

The Community swimming pool, operated at the foot of Synott’s hill in the Dartmouth Park was as usual well patronized by boys and girls from all over Town. Two capable instructresses were on hand every day to direct the classes in Water Safety and Red Cross Life Saving and Swimming Methods. This pool provides well supervised swimming and has proven invaluable in providing instructions to Dartmouth children who with the nearness of the Lakes and seashores spend much of the summer in the water.

The Dartmouth Public Library, operated by a Board of Trustees, and still located in the Service Centre, was given a grant of $2,000. for operations during the year. A considerable number of private and public donations of books helped the Library to add to its wide array of reading n-iaterial. Attendance at this centre again topped all records and the Library is faced with a problem of needing larger quarters in the near future to accommodate a steadily increasing patronage.

In co-operation with the Dartmouth junior Board of Trade the Tourist Bureau was again operated at the corner of Elliot Street and Lake Road. The number of visitors and home-town residents making calls at this centre for information and literature increases every year, accentuating the need for this service in the Summer months. Outside visitors alone during the past year topped the 1.500 mark.

HALIFAX – DARTMOUTH BRIDGE

Grading Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge approaches

As the curtain came down on construction work on the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge for 1953 a great deal had been achieved.

Especially evident has been the progress made on the Dartmouth side of the Harbour. Concrete work had been completed and virtually all of the steel work stretching from the upper end of Lyle Street, down across Windmill Road to the waterfront, had been completed.

Construction work on the east main tower had been almost finished at the close of the year, and preliminary plans were being laid for the big job of erecting the catwalk and hauling the dozens of steel cable supports across the Harbour.

At the Wyse Road end of the Bridge, work on the approaches had been started at the end of the season. The approaches on the Bridge property itself had been levelled and given a preliminary coating of asphalt. Construction work had also commenced on the toll booths, administration and work buildings for the Bridge which would be located on the Dartmouth side of the Harbour.

The Town, under the direction of Mayor Claude H. Morris, who is the representative on the Bridge Commission was laying the first plans to start work on arteries which must handle most of the vehicular traffic from the Bridge. Through $100,000. obtained from the sale of a block of land to the Bridge Commission, and another $30,000. set aside in a special fund, the Town was planning to start work almost immediately in the new year on the Wyse Road approach. This would be widened and boulevarded for a distance of 100 yards in each direction of the Bridge entrance.

GENERAL MUNICIPAL STATISTICS (for year ended December 31, 1953)

POPULATIONDominion Bureau of Statistics Census (1951)15,037
AREALand. . .1,533 acres
Water. . .198 acres
Total1,731 acres
Land Exempt in Public Works and Playgrounds68 acres
ASSESSED VALUATIONAssessmentExemptionNet Assessments
Real Property. . .$23,538,970$7,156,550$16,382,420
Personal Property. . .$5,315,000$94,600$5,220,400
Total. . .$28,853,920$7,251,150$21,602,820
Government Property
Dominion. . .$5,223,400
Provincial. . .$24,000
Town. . .$242,800
Total Government Property$5,490,200
Property used for Educational,
Religious, Charitable Purposes
$1,515,650
Widows. . .$245,300
Total Exemptions. . .$7,251,150.
TAX RATEGeneral Tax Rate 2.48%For General Purposes 1.40%For School Purposes 1.08%
STREETS AND SIDEWALK MILEAGEAsphaltConcreteGravel StoneBituminous
Streets. . .6.28Nil1116.55
Sidewalks. . .2.3014.0425.10Nil
SEWER AND WATER MILEAGEStorm and Sanitary
Sewers. . .
Water. . .Total. . .
26.4331.8958.32

Annual Report 1886

Warden’s Address To the rate payers of the municipality of the Town of Dartmouth

Ladies and Gentleman — It is my privilege to report to you the “state and condition of the Town” at the close of this the fourteenth year since civic government, under the Act of Incorporation, began.

Before reporting on the different services under the management of the Council, permit me to congratulate you upon the success attained in the long-contested suit of the Queen vs, Dartmouth, a suit that probably has given the members of your Council in the past more care and trouble than all the rest of the civic services together.

As you are no doubt aware, this suit was instituted to compel the Council to assess certain school rates for the years – 1874 to ’78 and pay the same into the County funds, and after a number of adverse judgments in the Courts of this Province the suit. was heard, on appeal, in the Supreme Court of Canada, and that Court has given a decision in favour of the Town, This decision, inasmuch as it is upon the merits and not upon any technicality, is most satisfactory, and as the judgments-. have not yet been reported, I shall take the liberty of quoting several extracts therefrom, that will shew you what has really been decided.

The Hon. Mr. Justice Gwynne, who delivered the judgment of the Court, says: “And in my opinion, for the reasons above given, the provisions of the Act incorporating the Town are abundantly sufficient to exempt, and do exempt, the ratepayers of the Town from all liability to contribute to the support of any schools outside the limits of the Town, and they are not therefore liable to he rated for the sum now demanded or any part thereof.”

On behalf of the Town it was contended, in addition to the claim of absolute exemption. that the Act of 1877 prevented an assessment of more than 315,000 in any one year, and that the ratepayers of the Town being now quite different persons from those who were ratepayers of the years 1874-8, and upon whom the burden, if any, was imposed of providing a fund to pay for the education of the children of the rate payers of those years. were not liable, and upon these point,- Mr. Justice Gwynne says: “ This Court, in my opinion, has no jurisdiction to compel, by the prerogative writ of mandamus, the levying of an amount in one year in excess of what the law permits;” and as to the levying the rates for the years 1874-8 on the present ratepayers, he says: “Lord Abinger says: “The general inconvenience of retrospective rates has been long known and recognized in the courts of law on the ground that succeeding inhabitants cannot legitimately be made to pay for services of which their predecessors had the whole benefit.” “I can conceive no case to which this language is more applicable than to an attempt to levy on the ratepayers of 1886 sums of money which were only required in 1874-8 to support the schools where the children of the ratepayers of those years were educated, and which sums were wanted for no other purpose.”

In conclusion the learned Judge says: “I am of opinion, therefore, that the defendants are entitled to judgment upon both grounds * * * * and as it is important to all the parties interested that the question of the liability of the ratepayers to contribute at all to the County School Fund should be finally determined as a guide for the action of the Town in future years, and as it is competent for us to decide it upon the present proceeding, I think we ought to do so; and being of the opinion, for the reasons already given, that the ratepayers were not in the above years and are not liable to contribute to the Common School Fund for the support of the schools of the County, and that therefore the County has no right. to recover the amount demanded, or any part thereof, by action or otherwise, I think we ought to rest our judgment upon t-his ground and allow the appeal, and order judgment to be entered for defendants.”

There was another suit to enforce collection of the rates for the years 1879-83, and judgment was given in favour of the Town also upon the same grounds.

The amount the County authorities asked to have assessed for the years I874-8 was $15,976, and for the years 1879-83. $19,359.

LEGISLATION.

Some two or three years ago the Act of Incorporation and bye-laws were revised and consolidated, and last year an Act embodying the revision and consolidation was sent to the Legislature, but owing to the opposition of the County authorities the Legislature struck out that portion of the Act relating to assessment and certain other sections, and, as it was feared that it would not be safe to repeal the original Act of Incorporation, the latter was left as originally passed; and now that the school question has been decided, it is expected that the omitted portions of the amended Act can be passed, unless there should appear to be some reasons rendering such a course inexpedient.

Several changes are made by the Act of 1886, the most important being

lst. Granting to the female ratepayers of the Town the right to vote at municipal elections.

2nd. Changing the time for holding the election for Warden and Councillors to the 1st Tuesday of February, and making the civic year end on 31st December.

3rd. Instead of the voter being required to produce his tax receipt, the Presiding Officer is furnished with a list of ratepayers.

4th. The original bye-law regulating the Annual Meeting of the Ratepayers was repealed, and your Council passed another, which has been duly advertized.

By Chapter 53 of the Acts of the Local Legislature, 1866. it is enacted that “In any case in which a person interdicted as a habitual drunkard has been elected a member of a Municipal or Town Council, the Council shall by resolution declare such election null and void and SHALL declare the office vacant, and shall appoint a time and place, not less than fifteen days after, for holding an election to supply the vacancy.”

The attention of the Council having been called to the fact that Mr. Donald Fraser, who had been elected a Councillor for Ward Three, was an interdicted person, and evidence of this having been produced, and this fact being admitted by Mr. Fraser, the Council, acting under its legal adviser, who instructed them that the provisions of the Act were compulsory, by resolution on the 24th day of August last declared Mr. Fraser’s election null and void, and the office of Councillor, held by him, vacant, and appointed a time for holding an election to fill the vacancy thus created; but there was no nomination and consequently no election, and as there was some question as to whether an election could be held after the expiring of the fifteen days, the office was allowed to remain vacant.

On the 16th December last Mr. Fraser obtained an order removing the interdiction and claimed his seat as Councillor, but your Council was advised that such removal did not restore him to that office, and consequently refused to recognize his claim.

Chapter 66 authorizes the Commissioner of Works to charge against this Town the expenses of all pauper lunatics who have obtained a legal settlement in the Town, and that the Town shall not be chargeable with the expense of any other pauper lunatics; and that hereafter the County shall not charge the Town with any portion of the expenses of paupers confined in the Asylum; and that the apportionment of County rates shall be amended accordingly.

STREETS

The amount assessed for street purposes was $2,500, and the amount expended was $2,375.75, including the cost of the improvement in Ochterlony Street. The streets of Dartmouth, from their number and length, and the number of hills, are particularly hard to keep in repair, and the amount assessed for this service is barely sufficient to effect the necessary repairs, and wholly inadequate to provide for many permanent improvements.

Last winter a considerable supply of broken stone was procured, which was all put upon the streets, and it is expected that a further supply will he obtained this year for that purpose.

The most important improvement was the straightening of Ochterlony Street at the Canal Bridge.

Tenders were asked for this service but the Street Committee under the authority of the Council had the work performed under the supervision of the Committee, and thereby effected a very considerable saving in the cost of the work, the same being done for less than the amount tendered for.

For some years the title to the extension of Maple and Myrtle streets through Mr. Fraser’s property has been in dispute, and Mr. Fraser in consideration of the Town’s relinquishing its claim to these streets, gave the greater portion of the land necessary to effect the above improvement Mr. Duncan Weddell with commendable public spirit presented a portion of the land required for this purpose.

The amount at the disposal of the Street Committee has been economically expended and the streets as efficiently repaired as the amount at the disposal of the Committee permitted.

LAMPS

At the beginning of the year there were 47 lamps, and four new ones have been erected during the year, and there are still several places where new lamps should he added. The amount assessed for this service was $500: the amount expended,” $503.48.

LICENSES.

By Chapter 3 of the Local Acts of 1886 a great change was made in the mode of licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors, and under this Act and an Act in amendment thereof last year, there were but two licenses issued in the Town, and for the ensuing year, for the first time since the Town was incorporated. there will be no licenses issued, there being no application therefor within the time prescribed by the Act.

Mr. Elliot was appointed License Inspector, and has efficiently carried out the duties devolving upon him as such officer. Under the provisions of this Act the Inspector has deposited the license fees and amounts received for fines in the Halifax Bank, and there is to the credit of this account the sum of $211. At the end of the license year the balance remaining will he paid into the general funds of the Town.

POOR AND PAUPER LUNATICS

By recent legislation the Poors Asylum has been transferred to the City of Halifax, and your Council have arranged to have the paupers chargeable to this Municipality kept at that institution at the same rate as those chargeable to the City.

The amount assessed for this service was $800, and the amount expended, $515.28, and there are at presentin the Poor Asylum nine persons that are a. charge on this Town.

As I have before stated, the pauper lunatics who have a settlement in Dartrnouth are now directly chargeable to us, and your Council has paid to the proper authorities one quarter’s charges for this purpose.

Under an Act of last year the City of Halifax has prepared a portion of the Poor House for the reception of harmless insane idiotic and epileptic persons, and your Council is negotiating to have several such persons chargeable to this Town removed from the Asylum to the Poor House, as it is expected that they can be supported there ate. much less rate than that at present paid for them. There are at present nine persons in the Insane Asylum for whose support this Town is responsible.

FIRE PROTECTION

Dartmouth has ever been fortunately rarely visited by the devouring element, and the year past has been no exception t-o the rule. there having been no serious fire during that time.

This service has never been more efficient than at present, and the thanks of the ratepayers are due to the several members of the various branches of the service for their gratuitous labours.

The steam and hand engines and hose are in first class order, and no material addition or repairs to these will he required during the ensuing year.

The Axe Company have long had to put. up with an oldfashioned hard running ladder cart, and they should at once be supplied with one of more modern pattern and of greater usefulness.

The Engine and Protection Companies participated in the tournament held in Halifax, and the appearance of the members and their appliances was certainly second to none that took part in that event.

The amount assessed for the Fire service was $520, and the amount expended, $541.75.

FINANCES.

It affords me much gratification to inform you that of the assessment of 1835-6, there is at present less than 1 1/2% per cent. uncollected, and that of the assessment of 1886 there has been collected all but the small amount of 12 1/2 per cent, and this in nine months, being 3/4 per cent. more then was collected during the years 1885-6, and I doubt whether any other Municipality not having a lien law and without resort to undue severity by sale or distress, can present as satisfactory a statement. It clearly indicates a fair amount of prosperity, and a praiseworthy effort on the part of the ratepayers to support their municipal institutions. ‘

During the past year, or rather nine months, there has been received from all sources the sum of $17,189.68, and expended $16,528.85, leaving a balance on hand of $660.83 at the beginning of the year 1887.

The amount assessed for all purposes for this period was $12,948, and of this the amount received was $10,785.87, and the discount and exemptions were $522.13.

The amount assessed on property within the Town was $12,150.35.

There was a balance on hand at the beginning of the year of $860.51, and the incidental revenue received, including overdue taxes for previous years, poll tax, Government school grant, court fees, etc., amounted to $5,543.23

For the year 1885-6 there was assesed $2,000 for County rates, and no part of this was paid over; this year $3,000 was paid, and this, together with the sum of $410.47 paid for pauper lunatics, will probably cover the amounts properly chargeable to this Town for County rates for that period. There are accounts due, not received at the end of the year, amounting to some $600.00.

The Auditors’ report, submitted herewith, shews the details of the receipts and expenditures.

Since 1874 the amount assessed for County rates has only been what your various Councils could approximately estimate, the County demanding a sum covering County and school rates: and giving no details separating these items ; and now that the non-liability of this Town for school rates has been determined, arbitrators under and in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 101, Chap. 56, Revised Statutes, should at once be appointed and the indebtedness of this Town, if any, for County rates for all these years be adjusted and fixed, so that next year an assessment. can be made of a sum sufficient to settle the same, as it is manifestly undesirable to have the amounts longer unsettled.

By Chapter 27, Local Acts 1886, provision is made for fixing, by arbitration, the valuation of property in the Town and County, and for the adjustment and proportion of County Municipal expenditure from which this Town derives no benefit; and it will be the duty of the incoming Council to appoint an “Arbitration Committee” for this purpose and adjust the amount to be assessed on this Town for County rates for the ensuing year.

I may add that the valuation for assessment purposes of property in this Town for the year 1886 was $1,215,635, an increase of $20,510 over the year 1885, whilst the valuation of all the rest of the County for like purpose, except the City of Halifax, was only $2,053,709, and the increase in valuation in 1886 only $10,624 over that of 1885, a state of affairs clearly showing the necessity of some more equitable method of valuation of property taxable by the County authorities.

PUBLIC PROPERTY

The various buildings owned by the Town have been kept in good repair, and it is not expected that any great expenditure for this service will be required for the ensuing year.

CEMETERY

From enquiries made it is evident that the amount provided for the purchase of a new Cemetery (33,000) is inadequate for that purpose. for no suitable lot can be procured for that sum. The matter has received the attention of the Council, but up to the present no lot suitable in location and price has -been found. Further enquiries and searches will be made. and when a suitable lot is found it will probably be necessary to have an application made to the Legislature for a larger sum than at present provided.

SCHOOLS

The assessment for this service like that of all others. except. the streets, was for nine months instead of a year, that is from 1st April to 31st December, and amounted to $5,800. The expenditure was $5,742.95.

One new department was added in the past year, making fifteen now as against fourteen in 1885. The number of teachers employed was fifteen, and there were five Grade B teachers, as against two in 1882, and ten Grade C teachers; in 1885 there was one Grade D teacher.

The number of pupils enrolled was 943, and in 1885 the number was 861. There were 466 male and 477 female pupils, and there were 931 under fifteen years of age, and twelve over that age. There were 190 new pupils enrolled during the year.

The average attendance during the year was better than that of last year, being 69 per cent, as against 68 1/2 per cent and the average cost per pupil was $6.09, which is less than the Provincial average.

No department of our Civic Government is of so much importance as this, inasmuch as no services requires so great an expenditure, and none has such lasting effect on the future of our Town.

The teachers at present in the service of the Town are well qualified to perform their duties and devoted to their calling.

The only litigation in which the Town has been engaged «luring the year besides the “school case” was a suit brought by Miss Scott for salary alleged to be due her for services during the year 1885. Under the advice of the Recorder her claim was settled for $170; and this appears in the Auditors’ report as legal expenses.

From the great increase in the number of pupils attending‘ the schools it is clear that increased school accomodation will soon be necessary.

PUMPS AND WELLS.

The amount assessed for this service was $200, and the amount expended was $104.l0. Now that the “school case” has been decided in favour of the Town and that impending burden thereby removed, it is worthy your consideration whether the time has not arrived to carry out the long projected introduction of a water supply.

I suggest the matter to you, leaving it entirely in your hands, only adding that if you shall decide at any time hereafter to go on “with this improvement your Council will be prepared to give the matter their earnest and best attention.

SCHOOL EXHIBITION

During the approaching Summer it is proposed to hold in Dartmouth a School and Industrial Exhibition, somewhatsimilar to the one held in the Town Hall in 1885, but of course on a more extended scale.

If this project is carried out, Dartmouth will have the honour of being the first town in the Dominion to hold such an exhibition; and it is hoped that the matter will receive the enthusiastic support of all our citizens, for nothing can bemore important to us than the education of our youth; and, dependent as we are, largely upon our mechanical institutions, no education can be of so much value to our children as that which combines the industrial and mechanical with that heretofore given by our schools.

All portions of the British Empire will this year celebrate the fiftieth year of Her Majesty’s reign, and surely no more fitting celebration could be held in this Town than that proposed above.

ESTIMATES

The following are the estimates for the year 1887-:—

For Streets$2.000
Schools$6,670
Police$1,250
Fire Department$600
Salaries$1,500
Poor$800
Pauper Lunatics$1,500
Lamps$650
Pumps and Wells$150
Interest$665
County Rates$500
Contingent$1,000
Allowance for non-collection and discount$500
Fire School and Widows’ exemptions$400
$18,185
Less incidental revenue$4,740
Amount to he assessed$13,445

The increase in item ” Fire Department” is to provide for a. new ladder cart and shed therefor; and in “Salaries” is to provide for pay of boy employed in the Town Clerk’s oflice, his salary having hitherto been charged to Police account.

In conclusion I have to say that the various Civic services have received the careful consideration of your Council and the paid officers of the Town have faithfully and diligently performed their duties. I have the honor to be, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, B. A. WESTON, Warden.

AUDITORS’ REPORT

To HIS honor the WARDEN AND COUNCILLORS or the Town or DARTMOUTH:

Gentlemen.-—

We have audited the books, vouchers and accounts of the Town Clerk and Treasurer for the year ended Dec. 31st, 1886, and beg to report the same correct.

Herewith you will find in Schedules A. and B. a statement of the Assets and Liabilities of the Town as shown by the Ledger Accounts and sundry documents submitted for our inspection.

Schedules C. and D. show a statement of the accounts against the Town, audited and unaudited by the Finance Committee to date.

By the accompanying statement will be seen that the receipts for the year amounted to $16,549.17, and the expenditure to $16,537.85, still leaving a balance of cash on hand and in the bank of $871.83, which we have examined. All of which is respectfully submitted.

A. C. Johnston, Francis H. Pauley, Auditors

Dartmouth, January 15th, 1887

http://legacycontent.halifax.ca/archives/DartAnnReps/documents/101-1m-1886.pdf

Annual Report 1887

Warden’s Address To the rate payers of the municipality of the Town of Dartmouth

Ladies and Gentleman,—

At the close of this my second term in the office of Warden, it is my duty and pleasure to report to you upon the state and condition of the Municipality of Dartmouth.

This municipality has for so long a period been engaged in litigation, that it is with much satisfaction that I am enabled to report for the year 1887 there has been no suits by or against the same, and that the County Council decided not to appeal the “School Case.” and the latter is therefore finally decided in favour of the Town.

There was no legislation affecting the Municipality during the year, but the Hon. the Attorney General has intimated that the Government proposes to introduce an Act of Incorporation, applicable to all the incorporated Towns, and your Council has directed its legal adviser to see that the interests of the Municipality are not prejudiced by the new Act.

SCHOOLS

The estimated expenditure for this service was $6,900.00. and the actual expenditure was $6,907.93, which includes the sum of $68.75 paid for liabilities incurred during the year 1836. There is a credit of $9.25 for sundries sold, leaving the net. expenditure for the year $6,829.93.

The number of pupils enrolled was 1,057, an increase of 115 over the previous year, and the cost per pupil was $6.46, or deducting the Government grant, $5.01. The cost for 1886 was $6.57.

This service has been judiciously and economically administered during the year, and I have every reason to believe that the Teachers are faithfully performing their duties, and that the schools are in a high state of efficiency.

It has been found necessary to use the Town Hall for a school room, the number of departments having been increased to 16, and it will probably be necessary at the end of the current year to make provision for permanent increased school accommodation.

The average attendance has been over 70 per cent. That of 1886 was 69 per cent.

A number of children residing beyond the Town limits have been in attendance at the schools, and your council decided to allow them to continue to attend upon payment of a sum equal to the per capita cost of our own children.

After careful enquiry, a system of School Savings Banks was instituted, and although the same has been in operation for a short period only, yet I have no doubt that it will prove beneficial to the scholars, and promote habits of thrift.

During the year one room in the Quarl St. School was reseated with modern desks, and the School property is in a good state of repair, save the south side of the roof on Quarl St. building, which needs reshingling.

The estimated expenditure for this service for 1888 is as follows:

Teachers$5390.00
Janitrices384.00
Repairs200.00
Cleaning75.00
Advertising and printing20.00
Stoves, pipe, etc.50.00
Stationery and books120.00
Fuel175.00
Rent Tufts Cove School20.00
Interest457.00
Sundires100.00
$6991.00

LAMPS

No increase in the number of lamps has been made, there being 51, the same as last year.

The estimated expenditure was $650.00, and the amount expended was $565.83. As a large number of the rate-payers have expressed a desire to have the electric light introduced, your Council decided to put in the estimates for the year 1888 the sum of $1400,00 for this service, a sum sufficient to have ten or more electric lights put up and also to keep up the oil lamps in the suburbs.

As this is a material increase in this expenditure, it is desirable that you should, at the ensuing annual meeting, express your opinion on the subject, for the guidance of the incoming Council, who will have to conform this estimate, or not, as you may direct.

LICENSES

There were no licenses applied for or granted during the year.

At the beginning of the year the sum of $211, received for licenses, that had been included in the civic funds, was transferred to the Inspector’s account in the Bank, and out of this has been expended the sum of $61.80, leaving a balance of $149.20.

As there was no license fees to be recieved, it was decided to leave this sum in the Inspector’s hands, to enable him to carry out the purposes of the Act; and, as an application has been received for a brewer’s license, when the fee for the latter is received, the former balance, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, can be transferred to the Town for Town purposes.

The Act has been rigidly enforced by the Inspector, and, in my opinion, the operation of the same has been beneficial to the Town.

POOR

The estimated expenditure for this service was $600, and the actual expenditure was $762.31.

In former years it has been customary to allow the amount for the last quarter of the current year to remain unpaid, but this year the amount due for the last quarter of 1886, viz.: $135.03, and the whole of the amount for 1887, has been paid, thus leaving the net expenditure for this service $627.28.

The County Council has erected buildings at Cole Harbour for the accommodation of the poor of the County, and your Council will make application to have the poor, chargeable to this Town, boarded there, as it is believed that the same can be done at a less rate than is paid at present.

PAUPER LUNATICS

The estimated expenditure for this service was $1400, and the expenditure $1,382.15, but this also included the sum of $365.89, due for the quarter ending Dec. 31st, 1886.

Arrangements have been made with a number of the relatives of those chargeable to this municipality to supply them with clothing, and by this means a considerable saving will be effected.

COUNTY RATES

Under the provisions of Chapter 27, Acts of 1886, your Council appointed a Committee to confer with a Committee of the County Council relative to the proportion of County Rates to be paid by Dartmouth.

The estimates of the County Council for the year 1886, for amount required for County purposes was $30,456, and from this the Committee of that Council agreed to deduct $18,100 for services not chargeable to – this Municipality, leaving the sum of $12,356. to which this town had to contribute.

The valuations of Assessors for 1886 were as follows:-—

Dartmouth$ 1,195,125.00
County of Halifax$2,053,721.00
City of Halifax$21,002,040.00

It was admitted that the City of Halifax assessment was at a higher valuation than either Dartmouth or the County, and it was finally agreed that thereafter Dartmouth should pay one-nineteenth of the County rates properly chargeable to the three Municipalities, and under this last year Dartmouth paid $684.21, and this made the proportionment of the aggregate assessment of $24,310,885, about as follows:—

Dartmouth$1,280,477.00
County$3,036,986.00
City of Halifax$20,023,423.00

During the pendeucy of the “School suit,” only the approximate amount due the County each year for County rates could he ascertained, and payments were from time to time made on account.

Your Council has several times during the past year endeavoured to get the County account shewing what balance was claimed, but only received the same on the 31st December last, and have not had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the same.

The balance, as claimed in the account received, for years 1874 to 1887 inclusive, is $4,414.30,but from this should be deducted $684.21, paid in December, 1887, and also the sum of $1,500 paid in the year 1883, and a balance of $40.00 not credited, leaving a balance of $2,190.00, and I have little doubt but that even this sum on investigation will be largely reduced.

It will be the duty of your Council to investigate and settle the claim.

The 1884 smallpox accounts were credited in the account rendered.

FINANCES

For the year 1887 the estimated expenditure was $18,486, and the actual expenditure was $17,730.12. At the Beginning of the year there was cash on hand $871.83, including $211 since transferred to the License account; and at the end of the year there was on hand $678.21.

The amount assessed for all purposes was $13,746, and the amount thereof collected was $12.365.64.

The amount assessed on property within the municipality was $12,832.05, at a rate of $1.05 per $100. The incidental revenue received was $5381.86.

Owing to the promptitude with which your rates are paid, and the energy of the Town officials, the small sum of $296.05 of the taxes of 1886, or 2.43 percent thereof is uncollected. At the endof that year therewas uncollected $1533.77, and on 31st December, 1887, of the assessment of 1887 the very small sum of $774.76, or 6.03 per cent. was uncollected.

The only current liabilities of the Town on 31st December were Mrs. Lamont $300.00, held on account of disputed title; $379.83, for accrued interest on debentures not yet payable, and two small accounts amounting to $10.40. All other accounts to that date. of every kind, have been paid.

The assessed valuation of all property within the Town for the year was $1,222,110.00, an increase of $6,475 over the year 1886. I have caused a detailed statement of the expenditures to be printed herewith for your information.

PUMPS AND WELLS

For this service the estimated expenditure was $150, and there was expended the sum of $130.34.

A new well was dug on Fairbanks Street, and new force pumps were put in several of the wells.

PUBLIC PROPERTY

The Lamont property is still leased to a tenant at the former rental.

During the year additions were made to the Lockup building, a new building for the ladder cart was erected, and it having been considered dangerous to continue longer to store oil in the old engine house, a new building to be used for that purpose and as a workshop was erected on the engine house lot. The floor of the engine house and the gearing of the fire hell were renewed, and a step-ladder to the bell tower erected.

The buildings owned by the Municipality are in good repair, and the only estimated expenditure for this service for the year 1888 is for the purpose of shingling the roof of the Quarl Street school building.

FIRE PROTECTION

There have been only two fires of any moment during the year, but unfortunately these destroyed two important manufactories and threw a number out of employment. There were nine alarms. The estimate for this service was $600, and the expenditure $700.57.

A contract has been entered into for a new ladder Wagon, to be delivered in February, the same to cost $87, and a new building therefor was erected. The steam and one of the hand engines are in good order, but a further supply of rubber hose is required to replace some 300 feet of leather hose.

The estimate for the year 1888 includes sums sufficient to pay for the ladder cart and new rubber hose.

STREETS

The estimated expenditure for this service was $2300. There was expended the sum of $2242.63, and the sum of $35.36 was received for material sold etc., leaving a net expenditure of $2207.27.

The Ward expenditure, for labor, was:—Ward One, $621.96; Two, $303.72, and Three, $793.92, and the sum of $172.14 was made a general charge.

The most important work was the improvement at St James’ Church, to which the Trustees of that Church contributed $150, and the replanking of the Lower Canal Bridge.

There were 3836 bushels broken stone, 47 loads gravel, and 230 loads ashes used. besides large quantities of other materials.

The Hon. Mr. Justice James dedicated that portion of Hawthorn Street, fronting on his property, to the Town, upon condition that it be improved within three years, and his terms and the dedication were accepted.

The principal streets are in very good repair, but in my opinion some suitable means should be procured to enable future committees to have a much larger supply of broken stone, as this material is much more durable than any other, and consequently in the long run cheaper.

POST OFFICE

Applications were made to the Hon. the Postmaster General, for better post office accommodation, and so far no improvement. has been made, but the matter may he still under consideration. Application was also made to the Hon. the Minister of Railways for better freight accommodation the Dartmouth station, but this application did not receive the approval of that gentleman and was refusal.

ESTIMATES

The following are the estimates to be submitted to you for the year 1888 :—

Streets$2,300
Schools6,991
Police1,200
Fire1,000
Salaries1,450
Poor650
Pauper Lunatics1,200
Lamps1,400
Pumps and Wells150
Interest665
County Rates684
Contingent800
Allowance non-collection and discount500
Fire, School and Widows’ exemption400
$19,930
INCIDENTAL REVENUE
Cash on hand$678
Court Fees500
Fines60
Poll Tax1,400
Dog Tax90
Licenses Trucks etc.81
Government grant schools1,530
Rents, Lamont property50
Rents, Common40
Interest on Deposits50
$4,479
Amounts to be assessed on Real and Personal Property$14,911

The various services have been carefully and judiciously administered. The expenditures have been kept well within the estimates, and the current liabilities have all been settled The various officials have diligently performed their duties. and I cannot close my long connection with civic affairs without hearing testimony to the faithfulness, untiring industry, and ability of ‘your Town Clerk and Treasurer.

Thanking you and the members of the Town Council for the uniform courtesy and consideration extended to me, I have the honour to be, ladies and gentlemen, Your obedient servant, B. A. WESTON, Warden.

AUDITORS’ REPORT.

To his honour the warden and councillors of the town of Dartmouth

Gentlemen, We have audited the books, vouchers and accounts of the Town Clerk and Treasurer for the year ended Dec, 31st 1887, and beg to report the same correct.

Herewith you will find in Schedule A a list of the current liabilities of the Town, and a statement of the bonded debt, as shown by the ledger accounts and sundry documents submitted for our inspection.

By the accompanying statement it will be seen the recipets for the year amounted to $17,747.50, and the expenditure to $17,941.12, still leaving a balance to the credit of the Town of $678.21.

All of which is respectfully submitted, A.C. Johnston, Geo Foot, Auditors, Dartmouth, January 11th, 1888

DARTMOUTH MUNICIPAL COURT

Business for year ended Dec. 31, 1887 :— Summons issued-

Served in Dartmouth272
Served in Halifax City and County96
Capias’ served23
Total391

All of above writs were served by the Town Constables, except in 24 cases, which were served outside of the police limits.

POLICE COURT

Return of convictions; and acquittals for year ended Dec. 31st, 1887:

ConvictionAcquittal
Drunk and Disorderly53
Fighting on streets1
Common assault1112
Assault on a constable1
Larceny25
Disturbing meeting for religious worship1
Offences under Vagrancy Act103
Playing ball on street13
Disorderly driving1
Selling liquor without. license11
Keeping liquor for sale1
Using profane language on streets11
Causing a nuisance11
Allowing cows to go at large45
Felonious breaking and entering1
Malicious injury to property711
Shooting with intent to murder1
4550