The Intelligencer April 24, 1916 (page 1)
“Memorial Service At Bridge St. Church. A memorial service, very impressive in its nature, was held in Bridge street Methodist church, in this city, yesterday morning, for the late Sergt. Signaller Horace Eugene Yeomans, who a few days ago ‘somewhere in France’ sacrificed his young life in defence of King and country. It was a service that will linger long in the memory of the hundreds of citizens who were able to gather within the sacred precincts.
The interest in the service was added to by the fact that the 80th Battalion, which will shortly leave for overseas, was present in a body, under command of Lt.-Col. Ketcheson. The number of officers and men on parade was such as to fill the church. The battalion marched from the barracks on Pinnacle street to the church, being led by the fine band under the capable leadership of Lieut. H.A. Stares. The band also took part in the service, furnishing the music for the hymns and rendering other selections in a pleasing manner. …
Two addresses were given during the service, the speakers being Judge Deroche, who is superintendent of the Sunday School in connection with the church, and the Pastor, Rev. H.S. Osborne: ‘Pat,’ as he was familiarly known in the city, was a teacher of a boys’ class in Bridge street church Sunday School, and was also active in Y.M.C.A. work, the Boy Scouts and in sports. He was in every sense of the word a young gentleman.
His capabilities as a signaller were well known, and when it was learned that the 34th Battery would leave this city for overseas services he was at once selected, and with a younger brother, ‘Ted,’ went forth to do his bit. … In speaking of Sergt. Signaller Yeomans the minister said that seldom had the city been more stirred than on Monday last when a message was received announcing the sad fact that Horace Yeomans had fallen. …
He was an expert signaller, and when the declaration of war came he was found ready for service. When he consulted his father about the matter he said, in his true and brave spirit, ‘If I do not go, who will go?’ He went, and with him a younger brother, scarcely 17 years of age. Side by side, they went at the call of duty. … There is a game to play in life, and Horace played it well. … ‘Somewhere in France’ Horace rests—for such lads as he cannot die—their memories go on and on. …
His prayer was that God would help and comfort the parents, brothers and sisters and relatives who have been bereft of a loved one. After prayer a hymn was sung, the benediction pronounced, and the National Anthem sung. The pulpit was appropriately draped with a Union Jack, while on either side were beautiful Easter lilies.”
The Intelligencer April 24, 1916 (page 7)
“Mr. Flint’s Criticism. The name of the author, Mr. J.J.B. Flint, was inadvertently omitted from a letter addressed to the City Council of Belleville, and signed ‘Citizen’ which appeared in Saturday’s edition of The Intelligencer.
Regarding Mr. Flint’s patriotic or unpatriotic proclivities, The Intelligencer has no comment to make, but must beg leave to repudiate the sentiments expressed in the letter as a whole. Patriotism is recognized in the response to the appeal of the hour, and in granting the $40,000 the City Council is doing the right thing.”
The Intelligencer April 24, 1916 (page 7)
“Regimental Funds. There has been considerable discussion as regards Regimental Funds for Overseas Battalions. … The establishment of Overseas battalions provide for a band, yet no instruments are furnished by the Government. …
An indispensible factor in successful recruiting is the hearty co-operation of civilians with the Military authorization. The leading representative of the men of both parties should be convened at a suitable centre for the purpose of organizing recruiting meetings, and soliciting financial aid; to solicit from County Councils, a money grant, also subscriptions from citizens. Such funds to defray incidental recruiting expenses, also needed equipment.
Some people are under the impression that all recruiting expenses are paid by the Government. As a matter of fact, such is not the case. It is true that the Government pay a considerable proportion of the expenses, but there are numerous expenses which they will not pay; as an instance may be mentioned that the 155 Battalion, now recruiting in Hastings and Prince Edward, have already spent in recruiting over $2,000.00 none of which amount will be repaid to them by the Government.
In addition to this sum, they have paid $1,800.00 for instruments for their band and there is a considerable amount yet to be expended for necessaries that the Government do not supply. …
Our own County battalion, the 155th, has been well received by the people of the two counties and we know that it will receive the same hearty financial support as all other county battalions in the third division, are receiving.
Every cent of money which is given to the Regimental Fund of any Overseas battalion has to be strictly accounted for … so the public may be assured that none of the money subscribed to Regimental funds is misappropriated.”
First World War Belleville 