The Intelligencer August 11, 1915 (page 2)
“Recruiting Rally in Baldwin Ward. The attendance at the Baldwin ward Recruiting Rally last night, was the largest yet. Over eight hundred men women and children were there, sitting on chairs, or standing on the beautiful lawn. …
Mr. O’Flynn, when called upon, spoke right to the point, and was listened to with the more eagerness as he has a son, (Capt. O’Flynn) over in Flanders fighting for the Empire. … Belleville and the County of Hastings had nothing to be proud of. They had not stood up with other townships and cities of equal size. They had been so self-centred that they had no time for the national danger. But the Belleville boys who had gone had proven equal to the best. They were boys to be proud of,—all trumps. Those who left now, deserve double praise, for they know their danger and were bravely facing it. This war makes men of the boys who went.
‘We must send on a never ending stream of reinforcements,’ concluded the speaker ‘to drive the heathen back. Stand by the right, send on our boys. God will protect them, and in the future, when we tell of the part Belleville took in the Big War, it will be with honest pride and satisfaction.’ (Applause).
Mr. J.W. Johnson, M.P.P., gave a very interesting address which was listened to with close interest. … The serious peril facing the country is the supreme cause now; nothing else can be allowed to stand in the way of the Empire’s defence. … At the meeting at which the recruiting campaign was started and also at other meetings of men for patriotic purposes those present were often obliged to ask what men are holding back who should be with us in our efforts. We wondered at the indifference of some of the ministers and still have cause to wonder. It is not too late for their influence to be exerted, the cause needs it and who should render more willing or could render greater service?”
The Intelligencer August 11, 1915 (page 3)
“Men Wanted! The 8th Mounted Rifles Want Recruits. Apply to Lieut. D.M. McCarger Inside Armouries.”
The Intelligencer August 11, 1915 (page 7)
“Patriotic Meeting at Thomasburg. Over 500 people gathered in the beautifully decorated grounds of the church at Thomasburg on Monday evening and blazing bonfires of white pine erected on concrete pillars like beacon fires, made the scene most romantic and picturesque. … Over $100 was taken at the gate by the Women’s Institute and over $60 at the booth. Dainty refreshments were served.
Mr. Elliott as chairman introduced each speaker felicitously with current comment of his own. … Mr. Ketcheson made a rousing recruiting speech appealing directly to the boys to shoulder their responsibilities. … Rev. Mr. Richards is a new asset of the Church militant and Thomasburg is to be congratulated on the young and vigorous minister. … Colonel Ponton brought the traditions of the past to bear upon the duties of the present. …
The townships of Hungerford and Huntingdon were well represented at this most enthusiastic gathering which is only one link in a great campaign.”
First World War Belleville 