The Intelligencer March 1, 1917 (page 2)
“Farewell Concert At The City Hall. That the good work accomplished in their behalf by the ladies of the Khaki Club is ever high in the estimation of the men of the 235th Battalion, was evidenced last evening at the entertainment at the City Hall, when the battalion gave an excellent program, rendered by some of the battalion’s talent.
The entertainment was in the nature of a farewell to the citizens, before the battalion leaves for Ottawa. The concert was doubly appreciated, because it afforded the men an opportunity to show the esteem in which they held the ladies of the Khaki Club. …
Col. Scobell in the chairman’s address, remarked that this was the farewell concert before the battalion left the city, and he felt sure that those present were all glad to be together in his last gathering, before they left for Ottawa. The men of the battalion would leave Belleville with a great deal of regret. It has been to the Officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the 235th Battalion, a very pleasant four months, spent in this city, and the Colonel was sure that though the battalion is leaving in body, it will still be with the people of Belleville in spirit.
Although the battalion will have good quarters in Ottawa, the speaker did not think that they could compare with the quarters in Belleville. There is also a Khaki Club in Ottawa, but it was not up to the standard of the Belleville Khaki Club. The ladies of the local Club have been more than kind to the men, in order to add to their comfort and enjoyment. The Colonel stated that many a boy had written home to his mother or sweetheart, and told them of the great care taken of them by the Khaki Club. …
Colonel Scobell in making the presentation stated that in order to make the 235th Battalion’s stay in Belleville pleasant, the ladies of the Khaki Club had left no stone unturned. Their hard-working President, Miss Falkiner, is known everywhere for her good work for the soldiers. The Sergeants and men, continued the colonel, had chipped in a few cents in order to give some present to the ladies, not for their value, but as a token of remembrance. Col. Scobell here presented Miss Falkiner with a beautiful umbrella as a token of the good she had accomplished in providing comfort and enjoyment for the men of the 235th Battalion.
Miss Falkiner in replying thanked the men for their thoughtfulness. It was a real pleasure to her, and she wished the men good luck wherever they went, and when they reach the other side, may they be aware that they have many friends in Belleville. Umbrellas were also presented to Miss M. M. Campbell, Secretary, Mrs. A. R. Symons, and Miss Eva Panter. Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. W. J. Brown, two energetic members of the Khaki Club were presented with hand bags.”
The Intelligencer March 1, 1917 (page 2)
“Missing for Eight Months. In the bombardment of Zillebeke, it is believed that Pte. George Dixon, of the C.M.R. lost his life. He enlisted at Belleville in September, 1915, and in February 1916, was in France. He was reported missing in June, and since then his wife, living at 21 Trafalgar ave., Toronto, tried in vain to learn further of him.
He came from England and worked on the G. T. R. as fireman. Two brothers are fighting in France, and he is survived by his wife and two children. Pte. Dixon was a brother of Pte. Fred Dixon, who is at the front, and who previous to his enlistment was an employee of the Intelligencer Office.”
[Note: Private George Dixon died on June 2, 1916 and is commemorated on Page 78 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer March 1, 1917 (page 5)
“The Red Cross Concert given at Wellman’s Corners on Tuesday, Feb. 27th, was a decided success. Captain Hodge and Pte. Daly, two returned soldiers, gave interesting addresses on their experiences during several months’ service at the front. Miss Ruby Fiske, dramatic soprano, delighted the audience with several selections.”
First World War Belleville 