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ELLERSLIE DURING THE
TWENTIETH CENTURY
Facing the Depression and War
 The onset of economic depression during the late 1920s profoundly affected the
community. By 1931 a number of residents declared they would be unable to pay
their rates, forcing the Town Board to forgive almost £600 in revenue.
In December 1930 the board utilised grants from the Public Works Department to
implement relief schemes for married men. At least 26 unemployed men were assisted
on these schemes, preparing numerous roads in the district for channelling and
curbing, developing the recreation reserve, and constructing a footpath through
solid rock to allow pedestrian access to Glasgow Road. A number of community
groups also provided assistance during the crisis, particularly members of the
Ellerslie Social Welfare League who collected food and clothing for the poor.
From the outbreak of World War One members of the Town Board were invited to
functions held to honour departing soldiers. Over ensuing years the board liased
with community groups, provided assistance to charitable causes, and declared
complete support for the war effort on behalf of the town. When the war ended
a branch of the Returned Serviceman's Association was established, initially
meeting in a Findlay Street hall until the War Memorial Hall was constructed.
During World War Two many families created air shelters in their gardens and
caves located beneath the district were identified as an additional place of
shelter. Although no complete commemorative list is known to exist, a large number
of Ellerslie men were killed or wounded in these wars.
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