100 Years Ago: Appeal by the Queen, Concert Ticket Sale, New Khaki Club Rule, Capt. Allan Harper Wounded

The Intelligencer November 23, 1916 (page 1)

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“An Appeal by The Queen. Buckingham Palace, Oct. 24, 1916.

On the threshold of the third winter since the beginning of the war, I appeal to all those who have generously responded to my requests for work during the past two years, not to relax their efforts in providing comforts for our soldiers and sailors.

The applications from regiments and hospitals at home and abroad increase instead of diminish, and an almost unlimited number of things is needed if the Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild is to meet all the demands made upon it.

As Sir Edward Ward has recently pointed out, the chief needs at the present moment are mittens, mufflers, helmets, socks, gloves and cardigans, and my Guild is also being specially asked for pyjamas, day shirts, bed jackets, blankets and sheets.

I wish to take this opportunity of thanking again the many workers in many lands, who have so kindly contributed to the splendid total of 3,290,784 garments, which have been sent out in 26 months from Friary Court. Signed Mary R.

A copy of the above appeal was enclosed to Mrs. Arthur Van Koughnet, President for Ontario, the following being an extract from the letter: ‘I feel sure you will like to know how much Her Majesty appreciates your generous support of Her Guild, and I hope you will be able to help us as loyally in the future as you have done in the past.’ A copy of the appeal has just been inserted in all the newspapers. Signed Aimee Dawson. (Lady Dawson)

In answer to the appeal Lady Hendrie has graciously arranged a Shower for Soldiers’ Comforts, to be held at the Government House on Thursday afternoon, December 7th, and all those desiring to contribute in response to the Queen’s request, may send their gifts of comforts or money, by post, to Lady Hendrie, Government House, Toronto, at any time before the 7th of December.”

The Intelligencer November 23, 1916 (page 1)

“In order to further the sale of tickets for the concert to be held in Griffin’s Opera House by the 235th Battalion to-morrow night, a wrist-watch is to be given to the man who sells the largest number. The proceeds of the concert will be turned over to the battalion fund. …  Bets are being freely made as to who will win. Private Watts seems to be the favorite but there are several dark horses.”

The Intelligencer November 23, 1916 (page 1)

“Wednesday Night at the Khaki Club. The weekly concert was given at the Khaki Club on Wednesday evening, and was very much enjoyed by the men present. The music was in charge of Mrs. MacColl, assisted by Prof. Staples of Albert College, and Miss Jessie Tuite, who gave several readings in her own inimitable style. The canteen was looked after by Miss McLean.

At the close of the evening, Miss Falkiner, the President, requested the men to sing all the verses of the National Anthem instead of one verse. This met with favor by the men, and will henceforth be a rule of the Club. Copies of all verses were provided through the kindness of Mrs. MacColl, and will be posted up in the Club House until every man knows them.”

The Intelligencer November 23, 1916 (page 1)

“Seriously Wounded. In yesterday’s casualty list appeared the name of Capt. Allan D. Harper, whose original home was in Moncton, New Brunswick, but who is well known in Belleville; he having been a valued member of the local branch of the Bank of Montreal.

Captain Harper went overseas with the 80th Battalion. His many friends in this city hope for his speedy recovery, though private cable advices say he is suffering from severe wounds and shell shock. Captain Harper was the commanding officer of A Company of the 80th Battalion, and was a deservedly popular officer, not only with the members of the company he presided over, but with all members of the battalion.”