June 2: Port Arthur

After the war, there was a large movement to give work to returned soldiers, whether that be their old jobs or new ones. Report No. 8 of the Works and Construction Committee states that the Engineer is to give Wilson and Ferguson, two returned soldiers, their old positions as Foremen and that their wages will be $135 a month ($1,765.59 in today’s dollars). Also that George Plenderlieth return to his former position as Waterworks Foreman, a position temporarily filled by Ferguson.

June 9: Port Arthur

In the autumn of 1918, the French Marines arrived in Port Arthur to outfit the minesweepers being built at Can Car and escort them to France. However, while here, Lieut. Edmund Jean Marie Raoult contracted the Spanish Flu, and passed away. The Treasurer is issuing a cheque for $210 ($2,746.47 in today’s dollars) to the Port Arthur Marble and Granite Works for a cross made in his honour. Council had discussed a memorial to the Lieutenant in December 1918 and January 1919.

June 9: Port Arthur

On April 14th, the Great War Veterans’ Association asked the Council for a larger meeting space for themselves and the request was referred to the Property Committee. On May 19th, the Committee suggested their request be suspended because the only large enough space in the Old Municipal Building was occupied by the Christian Science Church. The Church has now vacated the room, and Report No. 9 of Property and Fire Committee is offering it to the Great War Veterans’ Association for the same rental amount as their previous space in the same building.

June 10: Port Arthur

Fort William City Council has been looking for a space to erect a memorial monument. They have received a letter from G. R. Duncan, who is offering Lots 1 & 2 on the corners of Arthur St, John St (which is now McKellar St S), and Archibald St South for the proposed monument. The offer has been referred to the Memorial Committee.

June 23: Port Arthur

The Council has been invited by Mr. Garrett of the Royal Arthur Sailor’s Institute to the unveiling of the Memorial Fountain (The Institute was created in 1910 to provide meals and lodging to railway and shipping employees). The June 24th ceremony was also to include the burning of the mortgage which had been paid off.

June 23: Port Arthur

The Council has received a list of Soldiers’ lands with a cumulative interest charge of $55.90 ($731.08 in today’s dollars). Port Arthur has forgiven the charges, as they have done for many soldiers. The City decided to forgive interest incurred by soldiers while in active duty since they were not working and some did not have family members who could pay the interest.

June 24: Fort William

The Great War Veterans’ Association is asking the Fort William City Council to approve the creation of a local Soldiers’ Settlement Board, to administer the Soldiers’ Settlement Act. The Act offers grants and loans to returned soldiers to start farms through the purchase of land, stock, and equipment. The Association feels a local board is necessary because the existing board is too far away to fairly administer the Act. The Council agrees with this decision and endorses the petition.

June 24: Fort William

The Parks Board has asked Council for a portion of Mountain View Cemetery to be put aside for the War Veterans and Daughters of the Empire to use. The Council agrees for the land to be put aside.