Nova Scotia Archives

Archibald MacMechan

Halifax Disaster Record Office Materials

"Journal”, miscellaneous notes and newspaper clippings

27 December 1917. — 4 pages : 30 x 49 cm.

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Journal Dec. 27. p.2
Text of Commercial Club Resolutions

Responsibility for Disaster
The following resolution was moved by A.H. Minshull, seconded by J.F. Ryan and passed:
Whereas, it is felt by the citizens of Halifax and members of the Commercial Club of Halifax that, whilst they are ready uncomplainly and loyally to bear all the burdens which the war has placed on them, they, nevertheless, should receive in return every consideration for their safety from the Local, Federal and Imperial authorities:
And whereas, in the opinion of this Club, the permitting of munition ships to enter the harbor of Halifax under the circumstances as shown in the marine inquiry now pending in the Admiralty Court, points to gross negligence on the part of authorities who cannot be brought before the Court by reason of its limited jurisdiction, the said investigation being held to ascertain the persons on board the respective ships who were responsible for the collision:
And whereas the disaster caused by their neglect not only killed about fifteen hundred men, women and children, but also has left many others, particularly women and children, in daily fear of further disasters through the apprehended danger of a repetition of this seemingly unnecessary practice of permitting munition ships to enter the harbor without proper safeguard;
And whereas hundreds of buildings, including homes and places of business, have been totally destroyed and others materially damaged, and many persons have become totally or partially dependent by reason of physical injuries or through the loss of the bread-winners of the family - all the said loss being through no fault of any of the citizens of Halifax:


Action of Commercial Club.

Reference: Archibald MacMechan Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 2124 number 73

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