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6
FOREWORD.
Local Conditions arising from the Great War.
The active operations ceased on Armistice Day, November llth, 1918,
but Edmonton had become accustomed to war conditions, which brought, at
least, the compensation of high wages and constant employment. However,
this long-continued struggle between the nations has left its mark on the
civilian population of Europe, especially the women, for the natural
emotions were fully engaged, particularly those of anxiety, love and fear.
To these were added the worries of food supplies, and the strain of overwork,
often carried out in places poorly lit, inadequately ventilated, and
short of sanitary requirements.
The birth-rate for 1918 was, of course, greatly affected by the absence of
fathers, and it was further affected by an unusual number of miscarriages
and abortions.
The Tribunal (Clerk, Mr. F. W. Claxton) ceased its work after Armistice
Day, but the War Pensions Committee (Secretary, Mr. L. W. C. Pettipiere)
continued their arduous labours during the year. On the latter I serve
(voluntarily) as a member of the Disablement Sub-Committee. Early in
1918 it was reconstructed, so as to provide seats for two disabled men and a
woman.
After Armistice Day windows were unscreened, lights cleared, lampheads
re-erected (both gas and electric), and shelters dismantled, so the people
of Edmonton were able to reassume some of the amenities of peace time.
On November 2'3rd, the Clerk was instructed to write for early release
of employees. In December the local Government Board was urged by my
Council to release labour and material for house repairs.
Overcrowding. "Conditions have never been so bad here, owing to a
rush of munition workers from all parts, who desire to live near their work,
and in many cases, two soldiers' wives limit their expenses by concentrating
into one house instead of two. If stringent measures were taken to abate
this, as no small houses are to be had, it would only lead to those, dispersed
producing over-crowding elsewhere."—Annual Report, 1916. This statement
continues true at time of writing.
Legislation. The Government's activities continue to be reflected here
to the local authority, who, mainly through its Clerk's and Medical Officer's
Departments, carry out in the district the various Acts and Orders issued.