The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 1)
“Fewer Troops This Winter in Canada. Ottawa. At the rate at which battalions are now being sent overseas there will not be more than about sixty thousand Canadian troops left in Canada at the beginning of winter. … Last winter more than 100,000 troops were quartered in November and December in the various centres throughout the Dominion.
By the beginning of November there will be considerably more than this number in training in England, where climatic conditions are considered better for effective battalion and brigade training during the winter months. In addition to this reason for sending the troops overseas this fall, there is the further reason that they will then be immediately available in the spring for movement to the front for what it is hoped will be the final big offensive.”
The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (pages 1, 2)
“Casualties Among Canadian Troops. Killed in Action. Pte. John J. Palmer, Corbyville, Ont. ”
[Note: Private John Jacob Palmer died on September 4, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 144 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
“Went from Belleville. James Smith, No. 8258, who was recorded in yesterday’s casualties as wounded, enlisted with the Fifteenth, First Contingent, and is well known in the city. His home was specified as Scotland.
Cannifton Boy Wounded. Mrs. Bellis of Cannifton has received word that her husband, Pte. Bellis has been wounded at the front. He was admitted to No. 9 General Hospital, Rouen, on September 10, with a gun shot wound to the shoulder.
Amongst the Wounded. Amongst the list today of Canadians wounded appears the name of Lieut. Campbell, who is a grandson of the late Mr. George Taylor, who was sheriff of Hastings county, and also a grandson of the late Lt.-Col. A.A. Campbell, a former commander of the 15th Regiment. Lieut. Campbell had received the D.C.O. and military cross. He had twice been wounded.”
The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 2)
“Artistic Maple Leaf. Last fall Colonel Ponton sent to a friend in England fifty young maple trees (seedlings) from his farm, and today is in receipt of a beautiful natural reproduction in color of a perfect maple leaf from one of these trees (which are all being acclimatized), with the following legend written beneath it:—’Ponton Maplette—the eldest of the maples from Belleville sends his love and portrait to show how he is growing, London, England, 7th September, 1916.’
Some of the trees will be planted on Canadian graves and at Canadian Hospitals.”
The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 3)
“Edith Cavell Day In Our Schools. Hon. G. Howard Ferguson, acting Minister of Education, has appointed Tuesday, October 3rd, as ‘Edith Cavell Day’ in the public, separate and high schools of Ontario. In a signed letter to teachers and pupils, made public by Dr. A.H.U. Colquhoun, Deputy Minister of Education, the Minister states that it is proposed to erect in Ontario a memorial statue to the heroic martyred nurse, and takes ‘much pleasure in recommending to school Boards and teachers the desirability of permitting the merits and claims of this worthy undertaking to be placed before the pupils in order that the young of Ontario may take such part and lend such aid as the school authorities and their parents consider appropriate.’
For this purpose the day has been set apart for the consideration of the life and death of the martyred heroine in the schools of Ontario. ‘It is believed,’ says the chairman in his letter, ‘that the children will be glad to subscribe, and the teachers are requested to point out that no sum is too small for each child.’ ”
The Intelligencer September 21, 1916 (page 7)
“Belleville Cheese Board Red Cross Association report that letters have been received from the French Emergency War Relief gratefully acknowledging the cases sent by this society. … Dear Mrs. Lazier.—A most delightful surprise reached us two days ago, and I scarcely know how to thank you. … It all came as such a surprise it was a double pleasure, and I only wish I had time to tell you a little about these brave French soldier patients. …
The pillows, hot water bottle covers, pyjamas (which we use as suits for our convalescents) mop cloths and lovely doctor’s towels were made use of immediately. With thanks to each and all of those who are ‘holding the ropes’ at home, believe me, Yours very sincerely, Helen McMurrich. P.S.—I wonder if the societies know that the French soldier only gets 8 cents per day each. They send their gratitude and appreciation. H.M.
From Capt. B.K. Allen, Flanders. Dear Mrs. Lazier:—I received the parcel that you so kindly sent to the boys, sometime ago, but as we were just going into the trenches I did not have an opportunity of writing to you. Sergt. Ernie Geen distributed the socks to the boys and they were very glad to get them, and I trust will acknowledge in due time. …
Our battalion has just come out of the front line, and we are at present in a nice wood behind the line getting the kinks out of us. Again thanking you on behalf of the boys, and trusting that you are all well at home, I remain. Yours truly, B.K. Allen.”
First World War Belleville 