The Intelligencer February 24, 1917 (page 1)
“The Patriotic Fund Is Now Over $80,000. If the Thermometer at the Patriotic Fund Headquarters, corner of Bridge and Front streets, was a weather indicator, the food problem would be quickly solved, as its present reading shows tropical conditions. During the morning climbed steadily up to the $75,000 mark, but was not satisfied to stay there, and started its journey to the Blue Sky, which is now the limit set for the Patriotic Subscriptions. So, good Citizens of Belleville, get aboard the ‘Blue Sky Limited’ bound for Self-respect, Clear-conscience, and all points right up to Patriotism. …
A great many of the good citizens of Belleville, feeling that they had not done sufficiently by the Fund, have walked into Headquarters and asked to have their subscriptions enlarged. That is the spirit. …
One noticeable thing about the voluntary subscribers is that they are nearly all women. The women of Belleville, throughout this campaign have done nobly. They have encouraged the canvassers and have subscribed liberally, far more so than the men in proportion to their incomes. They can do just one more thing to make their work complete. Get after the men. Make them do their share. Every girl has a brother or a sweetheart (presumably). See that he has done his share. Wives see that your husbands have done likewise. If the men have not done the right thing make them go down to Headquarters tonight and subscribe.
The list of subscribers are now being prepared and will be published IN A FEW DAYS. How will YOUR NAME look? There is still a chance to make your subscription measure up to your standing in the community. Come down, OR MAIL YOUR AMOUNT to the Patriotic Fund Committee, Belleville. …
Don’t forget the big auction sale tonight at 8 o’clock at the headquarters, cor. Bridge and Front streets, and bring something along to be auctioned. Capt. McCorkell, who has recently returned from the Front, where he took part in such tremendous battles as Courcelette, the taking of Regina Trench, etc., brought into Headquarters a pair of German Carrier Pigeons, which were captured in the Regina Trench, where they had been shelled for four days. They will be auctioned off with other valuable articles. Capt. McCorkell had received many offers for these rare birds, but refused them all. This is a most generous contribution, and from one who has ALREADY GIVEN SO MUCH.”
The Intelligencer February 24, 1917 (page 1)
“Grand Recruiting Rally and Sacred Band Concert. 254th Battalion, C. E. F. in Griffin’s Opera House, on Sunday evening, the 25th. The speaker of the evening will be Lieut.-General Sir Sam Hughes, ex-Minister of Militia. Owing to the enormous demand for seating accommodation, children under 16 years of age will not be admitted unless accompanied by parents or guardians. …
Gen. Hughes’ speech at the Opera House tomorrow night, should act as a stimulant to recruiting throughout this city, which lately has not been very brisk. Being connected with the militia affairs for some time, he evidently knows and will tell the audience what measures will be put into force, if the young manhood of the country do not come forward and enlist as they should.
The 254th Band of thirty-six pieces, will be present at the meeting, and will render suitable selections throughout the evening. … Recruits are being sought for the 254th Bugle Band, now under organization.”
The Intelligencer February 24, 1917 (page 3)
“Death of Private Edward Wardhaugh. The following letter, received by Mrs. May Wardhaugh, of this city is but another of those heart-rending experiences that so many of our fathers, mothers and friends have been called upon to bear. The sympathies of many friends will be extended. Ottawa, Feb. 21, 1917.
Dear Mrs. Wardhaugh:—I desire to express to you my very sincere sympathy in the recent decease of No. 410,654, Pte. Edward Wardhaugh, who in sacrificing his life at the front in action with the enemy, has rendered the highest services of a worthy citizen.
The heavy loss which you and the Nation have sustained would indeed be depressing were it not redeemed by the knowledge that the brave comrade for whom we mourn, performed his duties fearlessly and well as became a good soldier, and gave his life for the great cause of Human Liberty and the defence of the Empire.
Again extending to you in your bereavement my condolence and heartfelt sympathy, I am, Yours faithfully, A. E. KEMP, Minister of Militia and Defence, for Canada. Mrs. May Wardhaugh, 156 ½ Church Street, Belleville, Ont.”
[Note: Private Edward Wardhaugh died on November 18, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 178 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer February 24, 1917 (page 5)
“Women Refused Passage. Halifax. A number of women and children about to sail for England were removed from an Atlantic liner here this morning under the regulation which prevents this class of passengers going to the British Isles at this time. They were repaid their passage money.
Several of the women with their children had come from Vancouver while one man and his family traveled from Australia. Most of the women come from Ontario and Quebec and had sold their homes. The disembarked passengers were wandering about Halifax today in rather a disconsolate fashion.”
The Intelligencer February 24, 1917 (page 6)
“To City, Town and Village Dwellers in Ontario ‘A vegetable garden for every home.’ In this year of supreme effort Britain and her armies must have ample supplies of food, and Canada is the great source upon which they rely. Greater production is a vital necessity. Everyone with a few square feet of ground can contribute to victory by growing vegetables. …
The Ontario Department of Agriculture will help you. … Send for Literature. … Write for Poultry Bulletin. …
To the Boys and Girls of Ontario. Boys, here is a splendid chance to help in the war. Grow vegetables this summer. What a fine way to spend some of your spare time. Ask your parents for the use of the ground, and their help; they will gladly give it, knowing how valuable the experience will be to you—and to the Country.”
The Intelligencer February 24, 1917 (page 6)
“Grand Recruiting Meeting and Sacred Band Concert at Griffin’s Family Theatre Under the Auspices of 254th Battalion C. E. F. Sunday Evening, February 25th.
Lieut.-General, Sir Sam Hughes, Ex-minister of Militia for Canada, will address the meeting.
On account of the large crowd expected from outlying points children under 16 years of age will not be admitted. Doors Open 8.15 P.M.”
First World War Belleville 