The Intelligencer August 7, 1915 (page 3)
“Recruiting Rally In Murney Ward. A fine recruiting meeting under the auspices of the Belleville Speakers’ Patriotic League was held last evening at Queen Mary School in West Belleville. The spacious assembly room of the school was filled with ladies, men and children, who evidently took much interest in the proceedings. Previous to the meeting the 15th Regiment band discoursed a number of patriotic selections, playing upon the lawn in front of the school.
It was an inspiring audience that greeted Mr. W.A.G. Hardy, chairman of the ward committee, when he arose as the presiding officer to open the meeting. He was, as he expressed himself, delighted at the manner in which the residents of the ward had turned out. … Col. Ketcheson spoke briefly, referring to the fact that he was present because his heart was in the matter. …
Rev. Dr. Blagrave, Rector of Christ Church, was next called upon and he gave a most interesting and inspiring address. He referred to the pleasure it gave him to be present and address a gathering from Murney Ward. It was every man’s duty to do what he could at the present time for his country. … Some young men are not enlightened as they should be as to the seriousness of this great war. It is a serious conflict; of that there is not the slightest doubt. We are wiser than we were a year ago, wiser as to our resources, and wiser as to the resources of the enemy. …
Mr. E.G. Porter, K.C., M.P., was the last speaker, and whilst his remarks were of a brief nature they were to the point. He explained why the meetings were being held in the various wards of the city. If was felt throughout the city that the young men were not responding with that alacrity with which they should respond; not that they were cowards, but the needs of the situation were not thoroughly understood. … There is only one way to make this war end the way we desire it to end, and that is by the young men enlisting. We want men behind the guns, and we want young men. They can perform this service better than older men. …
On motion of Mayor Panter, seconded by Col. Ponton, a vote of thanks was tendered to the 15th Regiment band and those who had assisted in the programme. The proceedings closed by the singing of the National Anthem.”
First World War Belleville 