"This book tells the story of the unique institution set up by the government in January 1918 to take charge of disaster relief and recovery after the Halifax Explosion. Using the perspectives of law, politics, public policy and intergovernmental relations, historian Barry Cahill describes the complex activities of an almost-unaccountable agency which took the place of municipal, provincial and federal governments in addressing the needs of the citizens and the city after the Explosion. He provides new insight into the pioneering town planning and construction of the Hydrostone neighbourhood in Halifax. He also explains why an ad-hoc disaster agency continued to operate for nearly sixty years after the catastrophic event which precipitated its establishment. This book offers a new and unique perspective on the recovery efforts which followed a domestic disaster unprecedented in Canadian history."-- Provided by publisher.