Board of Health Feeling Pressure as to Ban - December 9, 1918

On Saturday, December 9, 1918 as Hamiltonians read their daily newspapers, the headlines in the Times, Herald and Spectator all concerned the Hamilton Board of Health’s regulations for fighting the influenza epidemic.

Members of the city’s clergy, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, plus representatives from the city’s major retail stores, had been campaigning for an end of the ban, or at least some modifications to the ruling.

The board of health members were sympathetic to the concerns but still had to deal with their responsibilities as to fighting the epidemic:

 “There is little prospect tomorrow over the board of health’s proclamation ordering the churches to remain closed. Rectors of some of the Roman Catholic churches earlier in the week announced that mass would be celebrated, as usual, but this morning His Lordship Bishop Dowling stated that all the Catholic churches in the city would remain closed.

“The board of health has refused to modify in any degree its proclamation. The request of the Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy and the merchants for a slight relaxation of the regulations was turned down at a meeting of the board and representatives of the Medical association yesterday afternoon.”¹

¹“Churches Will Remain Closed; Order Stands : No Modifications of Health Board’s Proclamation : Merchants and Clergymen Appealed in Vain: Flu Epidemic Seems to Be Abating – Few Deaths”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 07, 1918.

Although the meeting of the board which made the decision was closed to the public, the following overview of the matters discussed was put together by the board’s publicity commissioner :

“Rev. W.P. Robertson presented a letter signed by himself and three representative Protestant ministers, suggesting that the proclamation be so amended as to permit of the holding of services in the churches under certain restrictions. He stated that he did not  wish to appear antagonistic to the health authorities, his desire being to back them up in every way possible, but he felt that measures might be adopted that would safeguard the health of the citizens without interfering with the holding of services for divine worship.

“Rev. Dean Kelly, St. Mary’s Cathedral, expressed  every confidence in the health authorities, but concurred in the contents of the letter signed by the Protestant clergymen. He urged that the matter be given careful consideration.

                             MERCHANT’S SIDE OF IT

“”Lieut.-Col. Robertson, representing the retail merchants, assured the board of the confidence of the merchants in the health authorities, and of their continued co-operation in the carrying out of any necessary restrictions. At the same time, the merchants asked for the reconsideration of two points, viz. : Whether it would  not tend to relieve congestion by permitting the stores to remain open Saturday afternoons and evenings, and whether it would not be wise if the first suggestion could not be acted upon, to close all stores at 4 p.m. to prevent the crowding of smaller stores by the closing of the larger ones. He advanced several strong arguments in support of both suggestions.

“After the deputations had retired, the joint committee went fully into all of the suggestions and arguments that had been advanced, and also into the statistics showing the progress of the disease. Dr. Roberts suggested that relief might be given the churches to the extent of permitting them to be opened for private prayer, but not for the holding of services, but he received no support from the others.

“F.A. Magee, who attended as the board of trade’s representative said that, after hearing the facts, he was inclined to favor more stringent regulations rather than modification of those now in force.

“”After a long discussion, it was agreed by all that the restrictions should not be altered for the time, but the members asked that they be kept fully informed from day to day regarding the progress of the disease, with a view to the removal of the ban at the earliest possible date, consistent with the safety of the public.

“A letter was received from the Ontario Billiardmen’s association, asking that relief be granted the proprietors of local billiard parlors as soon as possible. The members agreed that this class was feeling the effects more than any others, but could not see their way clear to do anything at the present time.

“The Dominion Civil Service board wrote asking permission to hold civil service exams in Hamilton next week, there being between 30 and 40 candidates to write, but the request was refused.

“L.R. Tobey billed the board for $195, the cost of his newspaper advertising a week ago yesterday, which he claimed was rendered ineffective by the operations of the ban. The amount and letter were ordered to be filed.”¹

Although the Hamilton newspapers had generally been in support of the measures the board of health had taken, there was a feeling that the epidemic was on its wane, that store hour limitations were ineffective as the Christmas rush was underway and finally, that the ban on the holding of services in public worship should be ceased or at least be more flexible.

The Hamilton Spectator was particularly forceful on the matter :

 “The board of health stands pat. That is to say, the ‘ban’ remains.

“The ‘ban’ is the means taken  by the members of the board to stamp out the epidemic of what certain doctors call Spanish influenza.

“The ordinary citizen, who has respect for properly constituted authority, would like to believe that the ‘ban’ is all that its sponsors claim.

“The members of the local board of health consist of a tailor, a plumber, a lawyer, a boat builder and a doctor.

“According to their light and knowledge, they are doubtless doing the best they can, which is altogether different, however, from labeling that effort as the best possible.

“The Public Health act gives them authority to ‘use all possible care to prevent the spread of infection, or contagion, BY SUCH MEANS AS IN THEIR JUDGMENT is most effective for the public safety.’

“The phrase, you will notice, is elastic. ‘In their judgment’ provides the excuse for those who challenge the infallibity of the course pursued by Hamilton’s board.

“Inconsistency, anomalies, even unfairness, have been complained of in the newspapers by those affected by the order.

“Section 56, part 2, of the Public Health act, specifically mentions the places to be closed during an epidemic, as follows:

          Section 56, prt 2:

“The medical officer of health or local board, when it is considered necessary to prevent the spread of any communicable disease, may direct that any school or seminary of learning, or any church or public hall or other place used for public gatherings or entertainments in the municipality shall be closed, and may prohit all public assemblies in the municipality, and no such school, seminary, church, hall or public place shall be kept open after such direction for the admission of the public, nor reopened without the permission of the medical officer of health.. (2 Geo. V., c 58, 58.)

“It will be seen that no mention is made there of stores, the board evidently relying on the clause giving them general powers which ‘in their judgment is most effective for the public safety’ to interfere with shopping hours. The purpose of the act is to prevent crowding and congestion. How is that being accomplished by restricting shopping hours in the midst of the busy season of the year?

“Wouldn’t it be better to keep the stores open longer and attempt to limit the number of persons allowed to enter the store at one time?

“The board has not lived up to the requirements of the act for the treatment of communicable disease.

“The board has not inspired confidence by removing the ban and then restoring it with scarcely any warning, and while the city was in the midst of its social and business activities.

“It is not too late to undo some of the mistakes, but the board, by its announcement last night, does not seem to be in the mood to do so.

“An appeal to higher authority is a matter that takes time to handle, but it is worthwhile to notice that when such appeals have been made, the courts have held as a basic truth that, while bylaws of public representative bodies ought to be supported if possible, they should be benevolently interpreted, and credit given to those who have to administer them that they will be reasonably administered.

“If they were found

 ‘To be partial and unequal in their operation as between different classes;’

If they were

‘Manifestly unjust;’

If they involved

‘Such oppression or gratuitous interference with the rights of those subject to them as could find no justification in the minds of reasonable men, the court might well say : Parliament never intended to give authority to make such rules; they are unreasonable and ultra vires.

“The requirement of reasonableness involves the general rule that bylaws in their application should be general and not particular. They should not improperly discriminate between different classes.

“They should not make unlawful, things which are otherwise innocent.

“Is the danger from the spreading of this infection or contagion greater or less by herding together a certain number of people in a store for a shorter period than by thinning out the number over a longer period?

“If the theory of limiting the number of people in a street car is sound, why should not the stores be allowed to remain open and the number at any one time limited?

“And so with the churches?

“What about it, gentlemen of the board of health?”²

² “As to the ‘Ban’ ”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 07, 1918

Criticizing the Ban on Public Gatherings - December7 1918

By the end of the first week of December 1918, the Hamilton Board of Health and the Hamilton Medical Association were under withering criticism from the Spectator because of the second round of orders banning public gatherings. For three consecutive days, on the front page, the Spectator published a satirical take on the influenza epidemic and how the matter was being handled. The form chosen was a mock question and answer format with made-up questions from made up readers:

 “ Knutty Points

“Ask Us – We Don’t Know”

If it is dangerous for clerks to wait on customers after 4 o’clock in the afternoon, how is the overworked Proprietor immune?

                                                                       ANXIOUS

Our Hoyle is silent on this point. Ask the doctors. – Ed.

_____________________________________________

Is it worse for one man to serve fifty customers in his store after 4 o’clock than to have the assistance of his clerks and disperse the crowd more quickly.

                                                                 BEWILDERED

Common sense seems to approve of retaining the clerks, but the doctors have decreed otherwise. – Ed.

__________________________________________

Is the ‘flu’ germ more active after 4 p.m. than previous to that hour?

                                                                        I WONDER

Once again, we are stumped. Will some doctor please explain? – Ed.

_________________________________________________

Why, in the name of all that is sane and proper, if the ‘flu’ is more deadly than small pox, haven’t the cases been isolated and placed under quarantine?

                                                                       IVA KAUFF

If uva cough, Iva, your doctor should be able to answer that question. – Ed.

_______________________________________________

Please tell me why members of the board of trade and other business men can spare time to go to the city hall and beg the ‘people’s representatives’ to do things, but cannot do their duty by serving as city representatives?

                                                                      TAXPAYER

Will business men please answer? –Ed.

____________________________________________________

 Is it safer to stand on a street corner for an hour, waiting for a car, than to ride on a crowded one?

A. HOOFER

The doctors say it is. So there. – Ed.¹

¹ Hamilton Spectator.    December 05, 1918.

Knutty Points : “Ask Us – We Don’t Know”

“Please tell me if warning Brantford people to stay away from Hamilton comes under the head of good advertising for Hamilton’s publicity department?                                                                                     PERTURBED

Common Sense answers this one. – Ed.

“If I am late for work because I have to wait nearly an hour for a car, to whom should I refer my annoyed employer?                                                    WORKER

“To the doctors. – Ed.

“If influenza starts with a common cold, are children safer playing in the snow than in school, where they are under the watchful eye of teachers and school nurses?                                                                   MOTHER

“The medical men evidently think so. – Ed.

“If I suffer from a common cold, why should a notice be sent to the board of health that I have influenza? Does it make a difference to the size of my medical bill?                                                        U.  KALIPTUS

“We pass these along to the doctors. – Ed.

“Will the committee of medical men stay on the job after the influenza is curbed and assist in healing ruptured business organizations, sickly trade and bruised feelings?                                           P.B. PUBLICO

“That remains to be seen. – Ed.

“Why should it be necessary to close churches in Hamilton, when Toronto, where the epidemic has been just as serious, they have been left open?                                                                                              LIKETOKNOW

“Perhaps the Toronto doctors go to church. – Ed.

“If the library is closed because of the danger of infection from people and germs, what is to prevent the latter pesky little creatures nestling between the leaves of books for years to come?              A. BOOKWORM

“Please inquire of the janitor.”²

²  Hamilton Spectator.    December 06, 1918.

 “ Knutty Points

“Ask Us – We Don’t Know”

Please tell me any sound reason why the stores should not be permitted to remain open on Saturday evenings, the majority of the factories closing at noon and easing congestion on street cars?

                                                            MAG NANIMOUS

This seems to be up to the doctors to answer. – Ed.

_____________________________________________

Why not dispense with the board of health altogether, and let the medical association do the work?                                                                        BULL SHEVIKI

Give ‘em time, Bull; give ‘em time. – Ed.

__________________________________________

Would much coal be saved if staff of the public library was given a vacation, the building being closed to the public? 

                                                                                                                                                             BOOK WORM

Why worry about coal, when the books have to be dusted – Ed.

_________________________________________________

Why not prohibit fat people from riding on street cars, thus making it possible for more passengers to be carried?                                                                                                                                                              SKINNY

This is apparently a slight  oversight on the part of the medical men. But they can’t think of everything, can they?. – Ed.

_______________________________________________

How do you account for the churches being closed tight tomorrow, while the hotel barrooms will be crowded ? 

                                                                                                                                                     REFORMED BOOZER

Perhaps only ‘good’ beer will be ‘on’ –Ed.

____________________________________________________

 I am a descendant of Scottish covenanters. Should I not resist this church closing edict for conscience sake ?

B. HOOFER

You are living in the 20^th century now. You are too archaic . – Ed.³

          ³Hamilton Spectator December 7, 1918

Kicking Against Restrictions - December 6 1918

December 6, 1918, exactly one week after the Hamilton Board of Health once again imposed restrictions on public gatherings, the patience and spirit of co-operation which had been shown by citizens were starting to fray.

On that day, the city newspapers reported on two segments of the community organizing to have the restrictions cancelled or at least modified substantially. The retail community which was suffering financial hardship was one of the communities, while the other involved clergymen of various faiths hoping to be able to re-open their churches for public worship.

Hamilton Board of Health chairman Norman Clark was invited to attend a meeting convened by members of the retail community:

 “The merchants will back up the board of health to the best of their ability, believing that it has acted with the best possible judgement with regard to the restrictions placed upon the city since the recrudescence of the epidemic. This was the unanimous resolution of a meeting of the merchants at the board of trade rooms this morning, which Norman Clark, chairman of the board of health, was invited to attend and to discuss the matter of early closing of the stores and other restrictions.

                             TALKED IT OVER

“Lieut.-Col. R.A. Robertson was in the chair, and Robert McLaren acted as secretary, and the large and many of the smaller stores were represented. Prior to the arrival of Mr. Clark, a discussion took place between the merchants, and a program asking for certain modifications drawn up. This was read by Col. Robertson when Mr. Clark appeared.

                             REMOVE BAN SATURDAY

“The merchants, he said, were not criticizing the action of the board of health, and in calling this meeting and inviting Mr. Clark, they were not actuated by any spirit of animosity, but merely with the desire to show certain sides of the situation which might not have presented themselves to the board of health. Closing at 4 o’clock was the cause of great loss to the merchants; nevertheless they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the public interest. However, with regard to the idea which actuated this regulation – that the store clerks should not be forced to mingle with the crowds of factory hands going home at a later hour – it was thought that the board of health had not given the matter the consideration it deserved. Especially with regard to Saturday, it was felt there would be no mingling of the shoppers with the factory workers in the street cars since the factories closed down at 12, and the Saturday afternoon shopping did not commence until a later hour.

“As to the congestion in the stores, it was thought by the merchants that if the shopping hours were extended over a longer time, the congestion would be greatly eased, both in the stores themselves, and on the street cars.

                             NO DANGER

“ ‘We feel,’ said Col. Robertson, ‘while we are anxious for the safety of the public, we must also have a regard for their convenience. For this reason, we think that Saturday should be open all day, which would not only be a convenience to the general shoppers, but especially to clerks in offices who are practically unable to shop during the week.’

                   AN INJUSTICE

“Another point put forward was the injustice of allowing small stores to remain open after 4 o’clock. This only resulted in a greater congestion in these stores, which was more harmful than if the public were distributed all over the stores.

                             DRUG STORES TOO

“That drug stores should be u7nder the same regulation was also thought to be a ridiculous ruling, since their trade was required more than ever during the epidemic.

“ ‘One more kick,” concluded Col. Robertson, ‘is that retail stores are the sole sufferers under the regulations, and the factories escape. Why should people be denied the rights of shopping because of factory employees?’

                             IN INTERESTS OF HEALTH

“In replying, Mr. Clark stated that he could not possibly answer all these questions.

“ ‘I have answered questions till I am black in the face,’ he said, ‘I have done absolutely no business, and while the storekeepers talk of what they’re losing, I will say that I don’t any business has suffered as much as mine has.’

“The whole situation, he said, had been considered by the board of health, and it had a reason for everything that was put into proclamation.

“ ‘If it were for me to decide,  I would say that the board of health has done exactly what was right. Gentlemen, I don’t think you are right,’ said Mr. Clark earnestly. ‘You are taking the same attitude as the churches have done. The clergymen should be very careful what they say. They have called us materialistic, but it seems to me that there is something very materialistic in their arguments. We are up against a wall – you on the on hand, the people on the other. I think that the citizens should take it in the best spirit and endeavor to work it out as they can. Deputations are no good, gentlemen. We want to have a representative from the board of trade at our meeting this afternoon with the medical men, but we feel that the merchants should endeavor to back us up. If the people of Hamilton themselves show us that they won’t have these restrictions, then we will take the ban off. We haven’t been doing this thing for ourselves.’

“With regard to the Saturday proposition, Mr. Clark said that in his opinion, this was something which might be considered by the board of health.

Colonel Robertson said he thought this might be solve the problem of overcrowding directly after the ban had been removed.

                             WITH THE BOARD

“At this juncture, T.H. Pratt said: ‘Gentlemen, I am obliged to leave this meeting now, but I want to say before I go that I think it would be a great mistake to keep the stores open until 10 o’clock at night. I would strongly protest against it. Let us back up the board of health.’ Said Mr. Pratt, as he left the room, to Mr. Clark; ‘if you can satisfy every business man in this city, you are a genius, and go to it.’

                             WILL BACK BOARD’

“F.R. Smith, of Oak Hall, having heard the argument  of Mr. Clark, he was convinced that the board of health was doing every thing in its judgment to combat the epidemic and he thought that the stores of the city should back it up. This was the feeling in general of the meeting and Mr. Clark withdrew after thanking all present very heartily for this action.

“ ‘At the first opportunity, we will take the ban off,’ were his parting words. As he withdrew a hearty clapping was accorded him.”¹

¹ “Lift the Ban on Saturdays Ask Merchants : Board of Health Will Consider Request Today : The Merchants Assured Chairman They Were With Board.”

Hamilton Herald.    December 06, 1918.

Equally desiring the lifting of restrictions of public gatherings were clergymen who took their concerns directly to the board of health:

 “Clergymen representing four Protestant denominations – Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian – have forwarded a letter to Dr. Roberts, M.O.H., in which they ask for a modification of the closing order as it applies to churches. They point out that the street railway company, merchants and manufacturers are permitted to operate under regulation and think the same privilege should be extended to them.

                             WILL CONSIDER IT TODAY

“When asked what action would be taken regarding the letter, Dr. Roberts, medical health officer, stated that it would be laid before the board of health at a meeting which will be held this afternoon. When asked if, in his opinion, the request would be granted, Dr. Roberts declared to offer an opinion, stating that the whole matter would be given careful consideration by the board.

“The letter follows :

“To the Medical Officer of Health:

Dear Sir – Arising out of a conversation with you this morning, we submit the following statement of our views as to terms upon which we feel that the ban on churches might be lifted and the rights of public worship restored .It is hardly necessary to say that no body of public servants is more fully alive to the gravity of the present epidemic than the clergy, who are in frequent attendance upon the sick, both in hospitals and private homes. It is no spirit of ignorance or indifference to the public welfare that we ask for a modification of the regulations regarding churches, but in the conscientious conviction that, through the maintenance of public worship, we render our highest service both to God and men.

“We do not base our claim for open churches upon the democratic principles of freedom of conscience and equal justice for all. The regulations, as they stand, seem to us to discriminate unfairly against churches for two reasons:

“1. The street cars are permitted to carry five passengers over their full seating capacity. If this be consonant with the safeguarding of the public health, it cannot be reasonably maintained that a congregation, however small, in a church, however large, is a menace.

“2. The board of health has extended to factories the principle of self-regulation, the right to make their own arrangements for the good both of the public and their employees.

“Our request is that the churches shall be treated on the same principle. While we believe it be the general consensus of the medical opinion that the churches might safely be omitted from the closing order, we are prepared, if this cannot be conceded, to limit our congregations to half their normal size. Of course, every clergyman must make his own arrangements to provide for this. Some of us would arrange that a certain portion of the members of the congregation should attend only in the morning, and others, only in the evening. Other clergymen will prefer to double the number of services and halve the congregations.

“We believe that such permission will go far towards allying the widespread discontent that is only too apparent; that it would be in the interests of both public health and civic peace.

“The earliest possible consideration of our proposal will be much appreciated.

                   (Signed)    S. Daw

                                      W.B. Tighe,

                                      C.L. McIrvine.

                                      W.H. Sedgewick

          “Note the clergymen, whose signatures are attached, are representatives of the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian bodies. As it has not been possible to consult all their brethren, they do not claim to speak for anyone but themselves. Yet they have reason to believe that the arrangement proposed would be acceptable to all.

                                      “W.P.Robertson

                                                (Acting as secretary.)

“18 South West Avenue.

                             Will ENFORCE LAW

“According to present indications, there is every possibility of a clash between officials of the health department and some of the clergy next. Rev. Joseph Englert, rector of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic church, informed a Herald reporter this morning that he would hold public service Sunday next.

“ ‘So far as I know at present time, service will be held in my church Sunday next,’ said Father Englebert.

“Dr. Roberts stated positively yesterday that he would take all necessary steps to see that the order prohibiting the holding of public meetings was strictly observed, and when asked if violations of health laws would be summoned to court, stated that the law gave him the right to call on police to see that his orders are carried out, and that he was not out to collect fines, but to see that the law was enforced.^{” 1}

¹ “City Clergymen Ask for Modified Order : They Think That Board of Health Should Permit Them to Hold Services, As It Allows Street Cars to Operate and Stores and Factories to Remain Open : To Deal With Matter Today : Dr. Roberts Stated That Their Request Would Be Carefully Considered, and Decision May Be Reached This Afternoon”

Hamilton Herald.    December 06, 1918.

The editor of the Hamilton Herald, on December 6, 1918, gave support to both the retail and faith communities in their efforts to ease restrictions placed by the board of health :

 “When the board of health issued its new closing order a week ago, the Herald counseled citizens generally to draw upon their stock of patience, bow to the board’s authority and observe the regulations loyally. We still hold it to be the duty of citizens to observe the regulations. But we would most respectfully urge upon the board of health, and the committee of doctors which is acting in association with the board, to consider whether the time has not come when the regulations can be relaxed in some degree and changes made which would mitigate many cases of hardship. Consideration might also be given to the possibility that in some details the regulations actually operate to defeat the purpose in view.

“The order permitting business places to be open after 4 p.m. with only the proprietor present to serve customers appears to be a case in point. One of the object aimed at in the regulations is the prevention of crowding; but the regulation  we allude to results frequently in crowding for, as it is impossible for one man to serve promptly all the customers that enter his store, many have to wait and there is congestion. With two or more salesmen, there would be comparatively few customers in the place at one time.

“And surely there would be little or no danger in permitting certain religious services in churches if the attendance were strictly limited. There are many persons to whom frequent and regular communion is a religious duty of the highest importance, and a most precious religious privilege. To cut them off unnecessarily from this means of spiritual grace is an unfair exercise of authority. The question is whether the order forbidding all religious services is necessary to the public health. We do not believe it is. The prohibition of general congregational meetings may be necessary, but surely not special communion services with only a few persons present.

“It is to be hoped that the health authorities will be able to see their way clear to reviewing the regulations and making changes to those which cause unnecessary hardship. And we hope also that the regulations as a whole will be relaxed as the epidemic wanes. They should not be kept in force a day longer than necessary.”¹

¹ “Relax the Regulations”

Hamilton Herald.    December 06, 1918.

Nurses Needed - October 1918

 “Several women who are anxious to do their part in combatting the ravages of the ‘flu’ applied last evening at the headquarters of the volunteer emergency health auxiliary welcomed by the workers there.”

Hamilton Spectator.   October 26, 1918.

The 1918 Spanish influenza had reached such a level of impact in Hamilton during the latter part of October 1918 that a desperate effort was made to encourage volunteers to assist the overwhelmed  staff of the hospitals and swell the numbers of the at-home visiting contingent of the Sisters of Service.

When it came to addressing the need for more volunteer nurses and to assist in coordinating the response from those who did volunteer, the Hamilton Young Women’s Christian Association get involved, particularly in terms of giving space for the workers at the downtown YMCA headquarters on Main street. :

“The call for nurses is an exceedingly urgent one, and many more sisters of service are needed. There is now open to women an opportunity such as they never have had before to render their city a service that will be instrumental in stamping out an epidemic that is the most virulent of any that has attacked Hamilton for many years, and a prompt response from healthy women, willing to give their time and help in assisting the health authorities and the physicians, will result in the saving of lives, and the stamping out of the deadly Spanish Influenza.”¹

¹“Need of Nurses Is Most Urgent : Very Rev. Dean Owen Impressed With Situation : Several Women Offered Services Last Evening”

Hamilton Spectator.   October 26, 1918.

On October 25, 1918, the YMCA building was visited by a Spectator reporter, and the dean of Christ Church Cathedral:

“Very Rev. Dean Owen was one of the public-spirited citizens who was helping at the headquarters last evening, and was deeply impressed with the critical necessity of getting help for the sufferers. As his work was answering the telephone, he received many pathetic appeals, and heard several heart-rending tales.

“ ‘The need for nurses is more pressing than I think the general public yet realizes,’ said the dean. ‘Nurses, nurses, and again more nurses, is the need of the hour. A number applied and were accepted tonight, but if the women of Hamilton, who are noted for their hearty response to calls for service, really knew the situation in many a home today, the ranks of the sisters of service would be swelled to a small army of mercy.’¹

The scene at the Hamilton YMCA room where Dean Owen and the reporter visited was extremely busy, but despite that, was also very organized and focused :

“A large number of calls were sent in last evening to the Y.W.C.A. for volunteer help, many families being absolutely desperate. What with the lack of domestic help, full hospitals and the discouraging shortage of trained nurses, unless the women of the city take it in hand, bids fair to become very serious.

“One sad case was taken care of by sending the ambulance to take to the hospital a mother, who was stricken with the disease, and raving in delirium, alone in the house with two small and uncared-for children.

“Instances of unfortunate sufferers might be related by the dozen; but it is sufficient to state that those in touch with the situation are appealing for help. There are many women who, with the training they will receive at the daily lectures by physicians and the daily demonstrations by a competent trained nurse, would be prepared to look after cases where no other is available.

“Help at the headquarters may be needed, and, ultimately, money; but at the present time, it is nurses that are the main need.

“This is work that must be done at once. Let it not be said to their shame that the women of Hamilton failed to answer the call to service in the time of their city’s great need.”¹