Several members thought copies of the whole Act should be sent.
The Chairman suggested that a solicitor should be consulted in the case of E. M. Pearen who had been asked to be present that day at eleven, but did not appear.
Mr. D’Avignon alleged that the charge against Mr. Pearen was alleged forgery, and if that was so, that he should be prosecuted. The fact that the register of apprentices had been altered would interfere with their proper registration as druggists afterwards.
Mr. H. Watters--The question is, can we prove it?
The chairman said he concurred with Mr. D’Avignon when he said that a lawyer should be consulted.
Mr Lewis was reluctant to tell the Council the exact facts, but said he would inform a lawyer of the whole matter. He felt more annoyed that he had been beaten, so to speak, by Mr. Pearen than from any other cause.
On the motion of Mr. H. Watters, seconded by Mr. J. E. D’Avignon, the mover, with Messrs. Petrie and Lewis, were appointed to consult a solicitor and report.
Mr. J. M. McKee moved, and J. W. Slaven seconded the following resolution:--
“That whereas the report of the Registrar-treasurer of February 16, 1889, shows that the fees from students of this college for the past year have been $5,756, of which sum $4,378 by this statement is due to the professors, and only $1,378 retained by the College, according to agreement (See Sept. Journal, p. 23), which agreement we recommended be cancelled, and the Professors forthwith be notified by Registrar accordingly in view of the rapidly increasing revenue from students and the large amount of money paid out to the Professors, we believe we are warranted in readjusting the salaries so that each of the Professors be paid by the Executive of this College a definite sum according to work performed. Therefore, be it resolved, that the Educational, the Executive, and the Finance Committees do at once confer with the Principal and teaching staff, and endeavour to make satisfactory arrangements with regard to the same. Failing to meet this, or arrive at a satisfactory agreement, that they be further empowered to report as soon as possible upon some plan whereby such an arrangement can be effected.”
The mover pointed out that when the school first commenced the amount received by the teachers was only $108. It had been gradually increasing, and although not doubting the ability of the teachers he thought each one only had a right to be paid for what he did. He did not know, however, where they could find another college making so much profit. Last year there had been a profit of $1,388, which the matriculation fees had brought up to $1,600. It was a question whether they could do so with reduced salaries. A cheaper staff might spread an influence against the college.