The Intelligencer April 1, 1916 (page 2)
“Welcomed Home by Comrades. Corporal C.C. Bongard a member of the 39th Battalion, which left Belleville last fall, arrived here today, having been invalided home. Corp. Bongard was wounded in France, and after remaining some time in a hospital in the mother land, was sent home, arriving at St. Johns, N.B., on the steamer Corinthian.
The returned hero was met at the station by members of the 80th and 155th battalions and escorted through the city. At one time the wounded soldier was connected with the Belleville Hardware Company’s establishment here.”
The Intelligencer April 1, 1916 (page 2)
“The Fifteenth. There was a fair turn out last night. The instruction given showed splendid progress being made by those enthusiastically following the work. There is no reason now why every man physically fit between the ages of 18 and 45 not going overseas residing in Belleville should not be in the reserve. Many have promised and signed up. Now drill is the only thing that counts.
Munitions are what we want, not contracts. Men are what we want, not promises and excuses. Protection is what your wife and children and mother want. And why should you not be the one ready to protect them capably and intelligently? Do you think it is the duty of some other fellow to do this? Of course you don’t! Then get busy. Cut out the amusement game one night a week at least and get down to drill at the Armouries, 8 o’clock Tuesday and Friday evenings.”
The Intelligencer April 1, 1916 (page 3)
“80th Overseas Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Stirred by the love of liberty and honor—called by the Empire’s need—undaunted by the hardships and carnage at the Front—keen to be in at the finish—Canada’s finest manhood is getting into khaki! Men who thus give up income and home comforts, and risk life itself, certainly should not have to sacrifice such civilized habits as a clean, smooth shave whenever they want it. Experience has shown that the only way to be sure of this at the front is to have a Gillette Safety Razor.
Wherever there is soap and water, and five minutes to spare, the Gillette will give a real velvet shave. Take one to the Front yourself if you can—if you cannot go, see that your enlisted friend has a Gillette Safety Razor.”
The Intelligencer April 1, 1916 (page 3)
“Chocolate for Soldiers. The Y’s certainly excelled their previous efforts last evening in the entertainment they put on in the assembly room of the High School. … Twelve girls from Mr. Simpkins’ room in Grier Street school, proved themselves very clever in a drill and snatches of patriotic songs. Miss Marie Stewart was an excellent accompanist for the drill. Mr. Reid, in his recitation, proved himself to be a talented reader of good ability. A number of boys gave appropriate recitations entitled ‘No Cigarettes for Me, Sir!’
An interesting sketch entitled ‘Packing for the Soldiers,’ and tableau followed, in which Miss Rough as ‘Aunt Patience Primrose,’ made a decided hit. She was assisted by several girls and boys who, without exception, acted their parts splendidly. In this sketch, which thoroughly delighted the audience, chocolates were recommended as being more nutritious than cigarettes for the soldiers. The singing of the National Anthem closed the programme. The proceeds of the entertainment go towards the purchase of chocolate for the soldiers.”
The Intelligencer April 1, 1916 (page 4)
“Belleville Branch of Canadian Patriotic Fund. During the month of March the local list of beneficiaries included 294, children of soldiers (or young brothers or sisters wholly depended on soldiers); 37, mothers of soldiers, either widows or whose husbands were unable to work. Contributions during the month amounted to $286.25 and the 171 cheques mailed to soldiers families during the same period amounted to $2953.14. These cheques are for the full month’s allowance and have always been sent out regularly about the 11th of each month to avoid any excuse for debts being incurred by beneficiaries.
The committee has heard with regret that in a few instances some families have asked for credit and been allowed to go into debt for supplies. This should not be encouraged by the public, as it has been the object of these early and regular payments to avoid such conditions while the usual breadwinner is absent. It is hoped that it will not be necessary to delay payments till the end of the month in those cases where families do not try to make each month’s allowance last until the next allowance is due.
The response to the Committee’s appeal to subscribers to pay up the amounts promised to be paid in last year has not been as general as might have been expected. When it is known that this delay is seriously embarrassing the management in their efforts, it is trusted that those who have not made the payments promised will do so at once.”
The Intelligencer April 1, 1916 (page 5)
“R.T. Knitting Circle Entertain. Queen Mary School Scene of Pleasing Event. A fair sized audience was present at the R.T. Knitting Circle concert, held in the Queen Mary School in West Belleville last evening. Mr. A.E. Bailey presided in his usual genial and efficient manner. …
At the conclusion of the musicale a comedy sketch entitled ‘The Home Guard’ was introduced by members of Albert College. These amateurs brought out the timidity of the women, while the men were away attending Home Guard Drill, in such a manner that would have done credit to professionals. The various make-ups and humorous lines brought forth rounds of applause from the audience. The National Anthem brought the joyful proceedings to a close, after which a vote of thanks was passed to the members of the Albert College and all those who took part in the programme.”
First World War Belleville 