FS.438.12

In Cranbrook it was another hot summer. A public notice in August 6th edition of the Cranbrook Herald warned the public that "The use of lower sprinklers was limited to 7-9am and in the evening, and that upon the sound of the FIRE WHISTLE water for all other purposes must be discontinued."

There were forest fires throughout the region due to the exceptionally dry weather. One of the worst was in the Bull River area, where 150 men were employed to control the fire.

Fires at Elko were started from sparks from the train engines of the Great North Railway.

There was to be a provincial election sometime next year and Liberal and conservative party members were merely to discuss the possibility of voter redistribution.

54th Battalion pulling out of the Cranbrook railway yards F.S.179.282

Plans were going ahead to organize the September fall fair and Cranbrooks first murder took place on a Japanese trick gardeners operation 2 miles south of Cranbrook. On August 13 the owner shot and killed his employee Sasa Moto. A full investigation was underway.

And finally in a public meeting was called for next Monday August 17 to consider ways and means of equipping two companies of volunteers for the patriotic defense of "The Mother Land".

Cranbrook prepared for the Great War. By 1918, Canada enlistments totaled 614, 974 men and women, of these 59, 544 were fatalities (KIA) and 172, 950 were non-fatal (WIA). Cranbrook lost about 112 young men killed-in-action. These men are recognized on the cenotaph in down town Cranbrook.