This is the report of the Commission set up to deal with the aftermath of the disastrous Halifax explosion which occurred in the "Narrows" of Halifax harbour on the morning of December 6, 1917 when two ships, the Imo and the Mount Blanc, a French cargo ship load with munitions, collided.

"It will be remembered that on the day of the explosion, Dec. 6, 1917, the people of Massachesstts dispatched a special train with doctors, and nurses, and medical and relief supplies to Halifax. Subsequently a fund of $750,000 was subscribed of which a large sum was spent on emergent relief. A committee was formed in Halifax and 1800 homes were refurnished in whole or in part. In these two helpful projects about $500,000 was generously expended. There remained some $250,000 which, under the advice of Dr. Victor G. Heiser, of the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation, was set aside to be expended on a five year public health programme in Halifax. To this sum so set aside, the Halifax Relief Commission contributed $75,000. On May 17th, 1919 a Commission [viz., the Massachussetts-Halifax Health Commission] was created by statute of Nova Scotia legislature and a programme was entered upon."--From the Halifax Daily Star, Friday, March 30, 1928.