The Intelligencer February 14, 1916 (page 2)
“Large Crowd at Recruiting Meeting. A large crowd was present at the Patriotic Meeting held at the Griffin’s Opera House, the building being filled to capacity; a large part of the audience consisting of ladies. The stage was decorated with flags and recruiting posters. The chairman of the meeting was Mayor Ketcheson, who fulfilled his duties in his usual affable manner. …
Lt.-Col. Adams in his address stated that when he first came to Belleville as a member of the 80th Battalion, he was very little known, but now, owing to the friendly attitude of the local people, he felt that when the 155th Battalion leaves, every one will be ready to help the boys when they are overseas. About 600 men have enlisted in the Battalion, and 75 per cent of them are Canadians, bred and born in Hastings County and Prince Edward County. (Applause.) He urged that every man who can, ought to don the khaki. …
Mayor Ketcheson then arose and holding the Union Jack exclaimed in stirring tone: ‘Is this our flag? Is it worth fighting for? Is it worth dying for?’ The meeting then closed with the singing of the National Anthem.”
First World War Belleville 