The Intelligencer October 4, 1916 (page 1)
“Requests for allotment of soldiers for Winter—Every little place in the district Wants Troops for the Winter. There is now a race between the various municipalities of this district to secure soldiers to be quartered during the winter. … one that seems to be of very great interest to the district concerned is that dealing with the 235th Battalion. … The 235th Battalion is about 500 strong now.
There is Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg in the list of runners. … The question is also agitating other places. Belleville is getting the Canning factory (beg pardon) ‘The Barracks’ into shape for the new battalion which rumor states is to be quartered there.”
The Intelligencer October 4, 1916 (page 1)
“Deserters Are Numerous. Kingston. ‘If we had our deserters back with us, the battalion would be strong enough’ said an officer on Monday, discussing recruiting. This fact is only too true, and yet no effort is being made by the department in rounding up these absentees.
There are today, even in this country a great many men who took the oath to serve in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but who became peeved at some little thing, went home and have never been molested. …
In the old days a deserter was branded but this method is rather severe just now. In any case the police could do a lot and with little trouble could bring in more than the number of recruits secured in the same period by our large recruiting staff.”
The Intelligencer October 4, 1916 (page 1)
“Substantial Gift to Patriotic Fund. The following communication, submitted to The Intelligencer this morning, explains itself: Belleville, Ont., Sept. 25, 1916. H.F. Ketcheson, Esq., Chairman of the Patriotic Committee of the City of Belleville, Belleville, Ont. My Dear Mr. Ketcheson,—Allow me to congratulate you and the gentlemen of your committee on the good work you have done since this fund was started for the purpose of protecting the wives and families of our dear boys who are sacrificing their health, and possibly their lives in fighting to sustain Canada and the British Empire.
I, also, wish to congratulate you as Mayor of the City and the gentlemen who have the honor of presiding as Aldermen with you for applying the handsome amount of the people’s money this year to the fund which I am sure will meet with the approval of all our citizens.
I understand that with the amount voted by the City your committee will still require almost as much more by private subscriptions to meet the requirements and calls for the year. … I will be pleased to subscribe $100 per week until the end of the war; 80 per cent to go to the Patriotic Fund, and the balance, 20 per cent, to be paid to the Belleville Red Cross Patriotic Society, Argyle, Quinte and St. Julien Chapters, I.O.D.E., one quarter each, to assist the good work being done by our ladies of this City which I am sure we all, as citizens appreciate. I remain, Yours sincerely, (Signed) H. Corby.”
The Intelligencer October 4, 1916 (page 2)
“Alexander Beaton Wounded in Field Hospital. The following telegram was received today by Mrs. Beaton, this city, announcing the wounding of her son, the message speaks for itself: Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 4. Mrs. Flora Beaton, 241 BleeckerAve. Belleville, Ont.
Sincerely regret to inform you that 455096, Private Alexander Beaton, infantry, is officially reported admitted to No. 32 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, Sept. 25, 1916. Gunshot wound in the thigh and arm. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in Charge Record Office.”
“Officially Reported Wounded. Mrs. James Wallace, Front Street, Belleville, this morning received from the Record Office, Ottawa, officially notifying her that her son Lieut. William H. Wallace had been wounded sometime between the 24th and 27 of September.”
The Intelligencer October 4, 1916 (page 5)
“Ask for Magazines. The 155th Battalion stationed at Barriefield, has sent out a request for magazines, papers, books, small games such as checkers, dominoes, etc., these to be used by the men on the trains and transport en route overseas.
This request was made to the Y.M.C.A. Secretary. If friends of the 155th Batt. would send their donations of magazines, books, games, etc. to the Y.M.C.A. Sometime before Oct. 11th they will be shipped to Barriefield.”
The Intelligencer Oct. 4, 1916 (page 5)
“Nearly All in Uniform. Belleville Cadet Corps Had Forty Boys When Started. Lieut.-Col. Barrager, commandant of the School of Infantry, has received several letters from boys at the front who had their first military experience in the original Queen Mary School in Belleville of which he was principal. When the cadet corps was organized some eight years ago Col. Barrager immediately applied for permission to organize one for his school. …
There were forty boys in the corps and though no uniform was allowed the enthusiasm was at high pitch. Today with one or two exceptions every one of those boys are in uniform in units connected with the first contingent.
The fact that such a large percentage of the boys have enlisted is one of the greatest tributes to the cadet corps movement and in years to come with the present system of government assistance the corps should flourish even more than ever.”
The Intelligencer October 4, 1916 (page 5)
“Enjoyable Event at the Y.M.C.A. Under the auspices of St. Julien Chapter, I.O.D.E., of this city, a fair was opened up yesterday in the Y.M.C.A. building, and was continued today. It has proved to be an attraction and the ladies in charge will no doubt be pleased with the result of their efforts to secure funds for a most worthy object, namely procuring comforts for the boys at the front.
The main floor of the building has been converted into a bowery of beauty. In addition to the fish pond which is well patronized, there are three booths tastefully decorated. … Miss Bessie Handley is in charge of the tea-room, and is assisted by a number of young ladies who are ever ready to wait upon those who are desirous of partaking of light refreshments and a cup of tea.”
First World War Belleville 