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Halifax Disaster Record Office
Chronical Building
Halifax, N.S.

Memorandum.

Director called on Henry S. Colwell, President Colwell Bros., Ltd., Deputy-Mayor, at his place of business, 453 Bannington St. on Saturday Dec. 29, 1917. Thin man, sandy hair, slight mustache, square chin, wears glasses. Understood object of visit, did not desire publicity and seemed to think he had done nothing that called for remark. Was taking stock at time of call. Short of help and business had suffered in consequence. Asked about meeting on morning of 6th said he had endeavored to get meeting of City Council in order to take corporate action soon after explosion. Not being able to obtain a quorum of members of Council turned it into a citizens meeting presided over by Lieutenant-Governor Grant.

Before that meeting understanding that wires were down sent (?) Duff to go beyond scene of explosion and telegraph all over the country for doctors and nurses. "At four o'clock that afternoon I had the satisfaction of seeing the first party walk into the City Hall".

One of the Controllers was continuously drunk. (John Mitchell says "continuously plastered".) City Clerk useless. Colwell tapped his head significantly. Will jot down further information when he has time.

In Director's opinion, the Deputy-Mayor showed great resource and presence of mind in face of emergency.

Colwell had only two hours sleep that night, two and a half hours the next, two hours the next and two hours the next. Continuously on duty at City Hall.
*Informed that this was Geo. A. Taylor of Wm. Taylor Co. Ltd.

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