April 3: Port Arthur:
After the policy for providing funds to former Port Arthur municipal employees who had enlisted was changed in March 1916, many men contacted Council about their eligibility for a grant. Married men would be given $100 and single men $50. Here, James Mottshaw, who had enlisted in late 1915, requests his grant.
April 3: Fort William:
Fort William has become concerned with the state of the Canadian Car & Foundry plant. Construction of the plant had begun in 1912, but here Council discusses that the Company has failed to complete the plant or begin employing local people. They are concerned that the facility could be used to manufacture materials to support the war effort. The owners of the plant propose dismantling the plant and selling the equipment to the Russian Government – which Fort William City Council is strongly opposed to.
“The meeting was called for the purpose of considering a letter from Mayor Young forwarding a letter from the Canadian Car & Foundry Company addressed to Mr. Young asking if the City would favour the proposal of tearing down and selling to the Russian Government the building and machinery of the Canadian Car & Foundry Company.
“Moved by Aldermen Duncan & Snelgrove: That we reply to Mr. S.C. Young’s letter advising him that this City Council is not in favour of his proposal to permit the removal of the Car plant and wish to go on record as being astonished at his suggesting such a proposition.
“Moved by Aldermen Byrnes & Piper: That the Mayor write to the Canadian Car & Foundry Company pointing out the seriousness of conditions caused by the failure of the Company to complete their plant and employ the hands according to agreement.
“That while there may be little demand for cars, it is believed that the plant could be utilized for some kind of manufacture for war supplies.
“The people of Fort William are greatly distressed as a result of the heavy expenditure incurred in preparing for the industry, and now interest and sinking funds must be raised to meet these items of cost, whereas the plant lying idle brings very little relief. The people demand that something must be done soon.”
April 10: Port Arthur:
A letter was received from the Serbian Relief Fund, and referred to Port Arthur’s Finance Committee for further action.
April 10: Port Arthur:
Two more former Port Arthur municipal employees have provided evidence that they are enlisted with the 94th Battalion. H. Smith and T. Browden each receive a grant of $100.
April 11: Fort William:
Fort William Council’s strong statements regarding the Canadian Car & Foundry plant were noted by Former Mayor Samuel C. Young, one of the proponents of the idea. He is not happy that the dismantling and sale of the plant was rejected so sharply. The Fort William Property Owners’ Association also plans to meet with Council regarding this proposal.
April 17: Port Arthur:
The Department of Militia and Defence sends a letter regarding establishing another military training camp.
April 17: Port Arthur:
Port Arthur regularly provided utilities, space, and other support for the Forces, including the training camp at Gresley Park and the recruiting offices. Here, light and telephone are requested for the recruiting office for the 141st Battalion, in the Prince Arthur Building.
April 17: Port Arthur:
The Port Arthur Patriotic Association is requesting more funds from Council for their work. The Patriotic Association supported the dependents of those who were serving overseas, and others who were similarly affected by the war. This request is referred to the Finance Committee.
April 18: Fort William:
Management of the Canadian Car & Foundry Company was still pursuing their proposal to dismantle the Fort William plant and sell a portion of it to the Russian Government. They met with Fort William Council, who heard the arguments, and still decided not to permit such a sale to take place.
“The meeting was called for the purpose of considering a letter from the Canadian Car & Foundry Company asking the Council to consider a proposition which would mean the removal of a portion of the Car Company’s plant from Fort William to Russia. In this connection Mr. Butler, Senior Vice-President and General Manager and Mr. K.W. Blackwell, one of the Directors of the Company were present and explained the position of the Car Company and their reasons for wishing to sell the plant to the Russian Government. After full discussion of the question, Messrs. Butler and Blackwell together with their Solicitor Mr. Langworthy retired, and it was
“Moved by Aldermen Duncan & Russell: That this Council is not favourable to the removal of the car plant of the Canadian Car & Foundry Company Limited. Carried Unanimously.”
April 26: Port Arthur:
Another former municipal employee, A.E. Baker, has requested his grant for having enlisted overseas.
April 26: Port Arthur:
Free electric light and telephone service were provided to the recruiting office of the 141st Battalion in the Prince Arthur Building, as requested earlier in the month.
April 26: Port Arthur:
Now, a similar request is made to support the recruiting office of the 212th American Legion Battalion with free electric light and telephone service. This request is also granted.
April 26: Port Arthur:
The last for the month, former Port Arthur municipal employee Clarence Richmond is eligible for the $50 grant for enlisting for active service.
World War One Thunder Bay Centennial Project 