As the war progressed, concerns with economy, the running of the council and the use of urban space came to the fore. The city became a major site for public events related to the war effort, and the ever-present sight of the military was a growing reminder of the ongoing conflicts abroad.

With the beginning of World War 1 in August 1914, the conflict in Europe began to appear as a topic in the Town Clerk's Correspondence. The effect of the conflict on international trade as well as local social life is noticeable during the first six months.

Public space continued to be a site for events related to the war, including large numbers of military processions of departing and returning soldiers. Later in the year the conscription debate became a key topic.

Discussions surrounding the repatriation of returned servicemen and women and postwar rebuilding begin to be a significant focus, not only in Melbourne but Australia wide, and there are also occasional glimpses of antiwar sentiment.

During the year, enlistment continues, reported deaths of council workers still find their way into the files, while the Defence Department develops propaganda materials aimed at lifting recruitment levels in Melbourne. On 11 November the war finally ends.

Servicemen and women return from active duty, but many show the debilitating mental and physical effects of war that will continue to affect them for the remainder of their lives. News of deaths continues to be received, despite the joy of victory in the previous November.

Public life in Melbourne during the war was overwhelmed by gatherings and entertainments in urban spaces both on a large and small scale. The city streets, halls, parks and other public spaces were constantly in use for events related to the war, such as fundraising concerts, patriotic displays, enlistment drives and troops marching to war.

Public expressions of loyalty took on many forms during the war: from fundraising events such as balls and concerts to marches through the city streets; from the provision of comfort funds for soldiers to the display of flags and patriotic slogans on business letterheads; from the promotion of war bonds to the push for conscription.

International relationships and trade were quickly affected by the outbreak of war. Australia followed Britain in restricting commerce with German or other enemy alien suppliers. Initially this led to a supply shortage but later resulted in new business relationships, as well as the expansion of local industries.

The purpose of the Town Clerk's Correspondence was to record the minutiae of the day-to-day running of the council. They reveal much about its inner workings and, during the period from 1914, demonstrate that the war had an impact on almost every aspect of its operations.

Not only was the collective experience of the city revealed in the letters, but they also tell the stories of individual lives. These included council staff, business owners, members of the defence forces, representatives of patriotic groups, entertainers, and private citizens — the names of thousands of Melburnians are recorded within.

Female involvement in civic life during wartime features regularly in the files. Women were heavily involved in patriotic funds and movements but also are present as businesswomen, council employees and jobseekers, as well as among those who headed to the front those that lost their lives in the war.

Schoolchildren played an active part in the war effort, contributing to patriotic movements through the provision of comforts for soldiers and fundraisers. Events such as Wattle Day and Children's Flower Day specifically appealed and children proudly displayed commemorative badges that demonstrated their involvement.

The consequences of the war began to be seen very quickly, initially with reports of deaths of council employees and the consequences for wounded returned soldiers. For some of them, the results of their participation in the conflict affected them for the rest of their lives.