The Intelligencer November 8, 1917 (page 1)
“Returned Soldiers. Many Now Occupying Good Positions in Public Service. In the early stages of the war, when every effort was being made to encourage the young men of Canada to make the sacrifices necessary to enable them to ‘sign up’ to defend the Empire, their homes and loved ones against the blood-thirsty and fiendish attack of the Hun, Mr. Porter, the member for West Hastings, in his public speeches declared that in so far as his power would go preference would be given to returned soldiers in filling any positions becoming vacant in the public service in the Riding which he represented.
Since then a large number of vacancies have taken place, some by death, others by officials taking up arms in our common defence. It is greatly to Mr. Porter’s credit and shows the warm spot in his heart for our returned heroes when we are able to say that in every instance where such a vacancy has occurred in West Hastings it has been filled by the temporary or permanent appointment of a returned soldier upon his recommendation.
A great many such appointments have been so made in the Inland Revenue Department, The Customs Department, The Post Office Department both in the City and County, The British Munition Works, The Trent Canal, and other Public Works and contracts. … Some of these vacant positions have also been given to female relatives of soldiers, and all without any distinction of political affiliations.
Our soldier boys, both returned and overseas, know they have a staunch friend in Mr. Porter. … They are not likely to forget Mr. Porter when they can do him a service, nor will their female friends who have the right to vote overlook these acts of justice done for their boys and husbands.
It is also worthy of note that the twelve or fourteen extra clerks necessary to handle the Christmas rush at the Post Office will be sons of soldiers as the result of Mr. Porter’s recommendation.”
The Intelligencer November 8, 1917 (page 1)
“Nine O’Clock Monday! Monday morning at 9 o’clock all the bells and whistles in this city are expected to herald the opening of Canada’s Victory Loan.
The clamor is to signify that all the people in this part of Canada, in company with all other Canadians,—are taking up joyfully, optimistically and with determination, the task of making this loan a success.
There are sure to be some among us who will sit back and say: ‘Oh, a hundred and fifty million dollar loan is out of my class—over my head, how can I help?’ Don’t be one of these people. Don’t hand back. Don’t imagine YOUR contribution too small to help Canada. Five dollars down will, we are told, buy a Victory Bond.
Be ready for this campaign! Watch the Government’s advertising from now on—and make ready to render your share of this patriotic yet profitable service to your country.”
The Intelligencer November 8, 1917 (page 2)
“Another Enlister. Mr. Robert F. Brown, aged 22 years and married, applied at the Post Office to-day and obtained active service papers. Mr. Brown resides on Foster Avenue, and of late has been in the employ of the F. S. Anderson Company of this city. This is the sixth person who has taken out active service papers.
Many claim exemption. Up to 2 o’clock this afternoon 525 eligibles under the Militia Act, had made application at the Belleville Post Office for exemption papers and six active service papers. Some 1,900 have been examined by the Medical Military Board here, the great majority of whom are in Class A.”
The Intelligencer November 8, 1917 (page 7)
“Well Liked By Everyone. The following communication refers to Private Charles Barnett, who left Belleville with the 80th Battalion, and whose life has been given for King and Country:
Canadian Ordnance Office, October 24, 1917, Liphook, Hants, England. Mrs. Annie Barnett, 17 Everett St., Belleville, Ont. Dear Mrs. Barnett:—I am returning the enclosed letter. It was opened for the purpose of identifying the sender. On behalf of the members of this detachment I desire to extend to you our deepest sympathy in your irreparable loss. Your husband was well liked by everyone of us, and I always found him to be a trustworthy and willing worker, and of the highest character. Yours faithfully, A. G. Self, Sub. Condr.”
First World War Belleville 