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MG 1 VOL 2124 number 237

HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING

HALIFAX, N.S.

Personal Testimony of Miss Jane Wisdom, Social Service Worker.

She went from the Dispensary, where her office was, to the City Hall about 11 a.m. Thursday December 7th. to find out if there was anything she could do. The meeting was in progress, so she attended it. Mrs. Dr. MacIntosh, President of the St. John Ambulance Corps, volunteered to organize District visiting, "took it upon herself without consulting anyone", and ignored the presence of Mrs. Archibald and Mrs. Dennis who could have proffered the assistance of their several organizations. Archdeacon Armitage endorsed Mrs. MacIntosh's offer which was accepted, and she was authorized to open an office in the City Hall. she enlisted the help of Miss Wisdom, who was sitting next to her. Miss Wisdom sent for Mrs. Freeman. They installed themselves in the Mayor's office at 12 o'clock. In the afternoon, voluntary helpers began to come. Ensign Ham of the Salvation Army took charge of the desk, and when on Saturday coal orders grew tremendously heavy, he was given charge of the coal department with an office across the Hall. The voluntary Aid Department was also transferred to the Council Chamber, and given into the hands of Major Creighton of the S. A. The aim of this first relief was to "try to fill all urgent needs with a minimum of record". However practically every name and address was kept. On Monday Mrs. MacIntosh withdrew to the Medical Committee, and Miss Wisdom to the offices of the American Red Cross. The City Hall office became merely a Clearing House and Information Bureau in the charge of Mrs. Freeman and Mr. Mitchell.

J. H. Mitchell.