Summary of Dartmouth Annual Reports re. the Explosion (101-1M)
This page contains relevant sections from the Town of Dartmouth Annual Reports relating to the Halifax Explosion. Report names are hyperlinked to a PDF of the digitized report.
1917
- Addresses the losses and damages caused by the Explosion.
- States that the Dominion Government has appointed a Commission to “take up the whole matter of rehabilitating and restitution to all those who have suffered.”
- Fires in the North End caused by the Explosion completely destroyed three houses owned by Owen Sawler of Pelzant St., George Smith and E.R. Wright of Windmill Rd.
- Two women were admitted to the Nova Scotia Hospital as a result of the Explosion.
Water and Sewerage Committee report
- Discussion of the damage to properties caused by the Explosion which has allowed frost to enter buildings and freeze water pipes.
- A relief hospital was opened at the Parker house for contagious diseases in order to halt an epidemic caused by housing conditions after the Explosion. Recommends acquiring the property as a full-time hospital for both infectious diseases and general health services.
Board of School Commissioners report
- The Explosion destroyed all but two school buildings, which “will compel the new Board to provide School accommodation for at least sixteen new departments [rooms]” of which fourteen will be at Greenvale and Hawthorne schools. The Assembly Hall accounts for an additional two departments. Previous to the Explosion, there were thirty departments.
School Medical Inspector report
- Inspections of the schools were “rudely interrupted” by the Explosion, although most had already been completed.
- The Explosion also caused many families to be scattered and therefore school visits by the nurse were interfered.
- Interruptions to plans to sell land because of the Explosion.
1918
- p. 4 – Financial statement discusses that the Liabilities of the Town exceed the Assets because of expenditures related to the Explosion.
- States the cost of the damage to Town Buildings and Schools as filed with the Halifax Relief Commission.
- p. 5 – states that none of the relief money has yet been received by the Town, waiting for the Commission to make a settlement.
- Influenza epidemic and Smallpox throughout Dartmouth caused by the Explosion and resulting costs considerable.
- Finance report shows liabilities, including “Explosion Account” and “extraordinary expenditures and accounts” due to the Explosion.
Streets and Public Property Committee report
- Discussion of the work conducted on streets and of trouble with the water supply due to the Explosion.
- Leaks found in main pipes, caused by the Explosion.
- Discussion of the health conditions of Dartmouth residents affected by the Explosion and the subsequent living conditions, such as overcrowding in houses. A relief hospital for infectious diseases was opened which helped to curb the spread of diphtheria. There were many smallpox cases brought by workmen who came to help with relief efforts.
- Recommends garbage collection to curb disease, especially in the severely damaged north end.
- p. 39 – “Explosion Account” lists receipts and expenditure.
- p. 43 – “Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Town of Dartmouth” shows assets and liabilities, including those relating to the “Explosion Account.”
- The School Supervisor Mr. W.C. Stapleton discusses the effects of the Explosion on the schools, including:
- Central, Park, and Victoria Schools were destroyed.
- The Influenza epidemic shut down the Greenvale and Hawthorne Schools for six weeks and continued to affect attendance afterwards.
- “Many of the cleverer students” left school permanently following the Explosion and subsequent epidemic.
- Younger children in the north end could not attend school at all because there were none near their homes.
- Schools were closed following the Explosion from Dec. 6, 1917 to Feb. 10, 1918.
- Documents ferry damage at $16,470, which was filed with the Halifax Relief Commission.
1919
- $15,000 received from the Halifax Relief Commission for Explosion claims.
- p. 37 – expenses relating to repairs to public property caused by the Explosion.
- p. 47 – details on the “Explosion Account.