Discussions

UNEMPLOYMENT AND RELIEF WERE MUCH ON CITY MINDS.  
 
In 1937 unemployment and relief were much on city minds.  
Resentment over even temporarily discontinued relief because they did not answer a civic work call, plus an intimation that more than 4,000 transients were provided with meals at the government Fifth Street and Pacific Avenue dining hall during July, sufficed for an aggrieved “Unemployed Council” delegation to descend upon the corporation fortress one August evening and demand “maximum welfare benefits forthwith.” The city, relief committee chairman Alderman F. J. Clark explained, that he had tried to be fair concerning both recipients and taxpayers. More favourable attention might be obtained without professional agitators, said Alderman James Kirkcaldy, looking directly at fellow Alderman Harry Spafford who had previously introduced a resolution calling for “maximum amount of relief schedule, effective forthwith.” While disregarding a suggestion to insert the words “if necessary.” An unnamed council member declared “much worst off than these people living in Saskatchewan drought areas. They have nothing!” The motion suffered defeat: the deputation departed.  
 
Just three weeks later community leaders organized a drive to secure provisions like vegetables, canned goods, flour and cash for the inhabitants of stricken districts in the neighbouring province. The Reverends F. E. H. James and J. I. McKinney headed the executive: through Canadian Pacific Railway co-operation, warehouse space was made available in that Companies freight sheds where an avalanche of offerings soon became appearing by the truck load. Brandon Schools became depositories for youthful scholars’ “garden and larder” gifts delivered in pails, baskets and wagons. Five days after the campaign opened, three donated railroad freight cars, packed to the doors, left the Wheat City: almost sufficient supplies remained to fill another boxcar. Relief recipients were numbered among donors of fresh vegetables.  
 
Brandon: A City by G. Barker.