Providing street railway tickets for enlisted men was an ongoing issue through April 1915. It seemed like an obvious and straightforward way to support the war effort. However, by the end of the year, the street railway would be in considerable deficit. Providing free tickets to a large number of riders was not a trivial decision to make.
April 6: Port Arthur:
T.F. Milne was appointed in 1912 to be Port Arthur’s City Clerk, Secretary of the Utilities Commission, Secretary of the Local Board of Health, Secretary of the Board of Park Commissioners and Secretary of the Board of Police Commissioners. In these roles he was involved in nearly every decision Council would make.
April 13: Fort William:
The Trades and Labour Council weighs in on the City’s plans for relief work – providing work for those who don’t otherwise have employment. The Fort William Trades and Labour Council was established in 1907, and later merged in 1955 with the Port Arthur Trades and Labour Council, to form the Lakehead and District Trades and Labour Council. Unfortunately no copy of this letter was kept with the minutes.
April 23: Fort William:
Captain H.B. Dawson of the 96th Lake Superior Regiment requests that the same street car privileges be given to members of the 96th who were not part of the 52nd Battalion. At this time, there were men of the 96th Lake Superior Regiment in active service protecting local facilities at the Lakehead. This request was granted as well.
April 27: Fort William:
The Army Service Corps was responsible for transporting materials and supplies. In this letter, Lieut. Col. J.R. Benson of the Army Service Corps requests the same street railway ticket privileges for them as for other enlisted men, and the request is granted.
World War One Thunder Bay Centennial Project 