The Intelligencer February 18, 1916 (page 1)
“Too Many Comforts Sent for Forces. Needs of Wounded and Invalid Soldiers Should be Cared For. London, Feb. 17.—Responsible Canadian officers request me to urge upon the people the needlessness of sending supplies of warm winter equipment. Many battalions are overwhelmed with enormous stocks of Balaclava helmets, mittens and the like, for which there is no possible use. Socks are always welcome. …
We appreciate the kind intentions but wish the donors would now direct their energies to the care of returned wounded and invalid soldiers, whose need is much greater. …
All ranks say they greatly appreciate Canadian newspapers and magazines posted direct regularly to officers and men’s messes. The delivery of papers by freight is greatly delayed.”
The Intelligencer February 18, 1916 (page 3)
“Canada’s Patriotic Givings. Two things the recent patriotic campaigns have revealed: First, that there is a good deal of money in Canada; and second, that her citizens are heartily in sympathy with all patriotic enterprises. …
But while this will help to carry us through another year, it is time we were looking forward to what we must undoubtedly prepare to face immediately—the care of those soldiers who may be returned home wounded and more or less incapacitated. These men must, as far as possible, be provided with suitable employment. It would be an eternal disgrace to us if our maimed soldiers were compelled to travel from shop to shop looking for work which they cannot find.
Already they are beginning to return, and their numbers will naturally increase. Are we making proper provision for their employment? This is even more important than our patriotic funds, and will soon be just as urgent.”
First World War Belleville 