1915-01-11ww

“Amid scenes so well known to the old members of the Council, and so entrancing to the new, the civic administration of 1915, as elected by the people on January 1, was duly and solemnly inaugurated at 11 o’clock this morning.”

Hamilton Spectator.        January 11, 1915.

Hamilton’s City Hall on James street north was  the site of elaborate proceedings, staged to formally put the City Council of 1915 into place:

“Lomas’ orchestra was in attendance, the Council Chambers were profusely decorated on all sides with tall and stately palms, natural flowers of multifarious hues, plants green and numerous, all charmingly intermingling, while every portion of the seating and standing room was taxed to the utmost.

“The gathering of citizens was not only representative, but twice as great as during recent years, and all apparently enjoyed the rites incidental to the advent of Mayor Chester S. Walters and the departure of John Allan, now of Hamilton’s thirty-seven ex-Mayors.

“The new and old magistrates were seated on the Council dias along with Mgr. J. M. Mahony, Sheriff Middleton, and T. J. Stewart, M.P., ex-Mayor.”¹

¹ “Elaborate Ceremony at City Hall Today : Mayor Walters and the 1915 Council Inaugurated.”

Hamilton Spectator.    January 11, 1915.

After an opening prayer by Rev. J.J. Ross of the James Street Baptist Church, exiting mayor Allan was asked to address the gathering:

“”Ladies and gentlemen: It is my privilege and duty to introduce to you, Mr. Chester S. Walters, who has been duly elected Mayor for the year 1915.

“Mr. Walters is a young, energetic, and I think promises to make a very good Mayor. Therefore, sir, I have very great pleasure in turning over to you the keys of our fair city, and I think you will find them untarnished for the two years’ use which I have had of them.

“I want to say to you, sir, that although our city has not progressed the last two years to the same extent, as we did the two years prior to that, I still think we have made a very good showing.

“During that time, we succeeded in landing nine new industries, representing an authorized capital of nearly four million dollars, and an invested capital of over two millions. We have at the present time ten concerns considering locating in Hamilton.

“We have had an increase in population in the past two years of nearly twelve thousand. I believe that when this cruel war is over, and Britain and her allies have shown Germany and her allies that militarism cannot prevail, Canada will come into her own, and new industries will spring up everywhere. Hamilton will secure a goodly share of them, owing to the advantages we have over most other places.

“Hamilton, the Ambitious City, has great possibilities before her, but she needs careful administration for the next two or three years, and I trust, sir, that you and the able council you have behind you will bear this in mind.

“Two years ago, in my inaugural address, I referred to several things which were needed, among which were a sewage disposal plant in the West End, a high level road and a street railway across the marsh. A bridge has been completed there, and the street railway provided for, and the sewage disposal plant is in operation. Another thing I referred to was the paving of Locke street, from Main to Herkimer streets. This is also completed.

“Another improvement referred to was the street railway extension on Burlington street, , Kenilworth avenue, Main street east, and Barton street, from Ottawa to Kenilworth avenue. Part of this road is running, and the rest will soon be finished. The underground conduits have all been laid in the center of the city, and we are ready to remove the poles from our streets in that section, and I have no doubt that the present year will see all the poles removed.  

“We have nearly completed the improvements to the waterworks system, including an adequate supply of water for the people on the Mountain. I also suggested a larger reservoir, which is now being considered by the engineers.

“Several buildings have been constructed during that time, including the Children’s Hospital, Central and East End fire stations, the high level pumping station at Ferguson avenue, the pumping station at the Beach, and the new extension to the present hospital, which will improve it greatly. In addition to this, $200,000 has been provided for a start on the new hospital on the Mountain. The plans for same are nearly completed, and the work will be started soon.

“We have made a great many improvements in roads, sidewalks, waterworks, street lights, sewers etc. We have installed a new system in the Board of Works, whereby a better accounting of the work, material, costs etc. can be kept in that department.

“We have finally succeeded in purchasing the Beckett Drive, provided we can get title to it, along with several other properties on the face of the Mountain. Taking a general survey of the two year’s work, I believe, Mr. Mayor and ladies and gentlemen, that I am able to hand the city into your care, at this time, in better condition morally, industrially and financially than I found it two years ago.

“I trust, sir, you will be able, with the assistance of your able Council, to keep up the improvements, and that Hamilton will advance until her every ambition is satisfied. I wish to take this opportunity of thanking the Board of Control, Council, heads of departments, in fact, all of the city officials, for the loyal way in which they backed me up in my administration.

“In conclusion, sir, I wish you and the Council for 1915, every success, and the citizens of Hamilton a happy and prosperous year.”¹

(To be continued)