Timeline: October 1916

 October 2: Port Arthur:

A committee is formed comprised of Alderman Blaquier, Slipper and Gibbon with the goal of securing quarters for a battalion to be stationed in Fort William during the winter months. A letter of assurance was to be sent to Col. Little indicating that provisions are being made for their accommodations.

October 10: Port Arthur:

More correspondence regarding plans for a battalion to be stationed in Port Arthur during the winter. During the last Council meeting a committee was formed with the goal of securing these quarters.

October 10: Port Arthur:

Port Arthur City Council received a letter from B.J. Roberts, Assistant Secretary of the British Red Cross regarding a Red Cross appeal. The letter was received and filed and the request will be revisited in November 1916.

October 30: Port Arthur:

 

Port Arthur City Council often provided phone and electric light services free of charge to military quarters. Here, Council has granted a request made by Sergeant S. Jacques of the 141^st Battalion. Sergt. Jacques requested light and phone services for the battalion’s mess located at 309 Dufferin St. This mess hall would have been conveniently located a few blocks away from the Port Arthur armoury which is still located at 317 Park Avenue.

October 30: Port Arthur:

Here, Port Arthur City Council receives authorization to purchase $25,000 worth of British War bonds, maturing in 1921. $25,000 in 1916 is the equivalent of close to $500,000 in present day. A.E. Ames & Co. was a reputable bonds dealer which was acquired in the 1980s by RBC Dominion Securities.

Note: There were no items related to the war effort in Fort William’s minutes for this month.