Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-11
Relief Work at Halifax

is bounded on the south by Russell
street, on the west by Longard Road.
on the east by Campbell street and on
the northwest by Harmon Road. 1t
includes the whole line of waterfront
from North street railway station to
Falrvlew station on the shore of Bed
ford Basin. Blocks numbered Il TO II
and 81 to 81 were completely DESTROY
ed South of these areas for two miles
all the buildings are more or less
damaged
Stopped at Truro
An embargo against the admission
to the city of persons not connected
with relief or reconstruction work was
ordered tonight. Military guards were
instructed to stop passengers at Tru-
fo and turn back all who failed to
snow good cause for coming here. 4
large party. including many Ameri-
cans, was stopped at St John. y. B..
tonight
Directing Relief Head
The suggestion Of A. c. Ratshesky.
vice chairman of the MaSsa chusetts
Committee of Public Safety. that all
the agencies through which supplies
are being sent here organize under one
directing head was adopted today. 1t
means, members of the committee say,
that everything will be centralized and
co-ordlnated in relation to the big
question OF handling the tons of stuff
on the way to relieve the homeless
families of Halifax
The committee OF which A Handfield
whitman, one of the leading business
emn of this city. is chairman will worl,
with the general relief committee with
the ldea OF doing the greatest good for
the largest number in the most prompt
ana effective manner.
Mr.. Ratshesky, first on the yround
from the United States as head of a
special relief train sent by Massachu-
sets, said tonight that the action of
the committee in ccntralizing the aC-
Invites OF the Red Cross medical ,Inits
rellef committees from a number of
cities in the handling of supplies was
the most important step yet taken in
an effort to make this service of bene-
hit to the people here.
Inc general committee composed of
Halifax citizens in charge of the great
work of relief will find its labors re-
ileVed lnconceivably by putting the
"hole question of supplies in the hands
OF one man. Mr.. RatShesky said i'm n
statement tonight. The spirit of CO.
operation shown at the meeting was
magnificent and to relieve all of the
organizations working more or less
bl1ndly and have them concentrate ey
cry effort under one directing force
the same as in Halifax, will go 'fa,.
toward putting the work on a footing
which will show astounding results
quickly"
I'VE did not come here from Massachu-
sets to take control of any of the relief
activities, but we came with helm and IN
give TO the city of Halifax if wanted. the
benefit of our experience in handling Sc
rlous fires in our own land. I feel that
a great atep forward was made TODAY and
1t means that every drop of medicine. ev-
cry piece Of clothing every tool in fact
everything, will be put where 1t is needad
most urgently in the quickest possible
time
hundreds. Of kilograms asking about
reiatiVes here have been received bv Mr.
ltatshesky from all parts of New Eng
land. IL has been impossible to answer
.hese messages because of the democrat
lzed condition OF the wires Mr. Ratshe-
SKY confirmed press dispatches from, this
city that no Americans vera eiuad ara
none injured, except possibly nv niooos
OF glass.
Hundreds Of persons were cut bv glass
the injuries generally centering about the
eyes Dr. Loring of Boston. a member
vi the hrst Massa chusetts unit. was cali.
ca IN by Halifax specialists and has ma =
teriaily aided in the great work of savn,.
| 'he eyeslght of citizens. and especially
children
Ten sets of N-ray machines and fou,.
ampulances We're ordered by the Mass, .
chusetts committee today
american hluejaekets have helped con-
siueraoiy IN putting in order quarters at
81 Mary's College, set aside ro. tb..
massachusetts, Maine hospital unjts