The Intelligencer December 24, 1917 (page 1)
“Santa Claus Fund Children’s Shelter. Help the Kiddies to Have a Happy Christmas by Contributing to the Children’s Shelter Fund—A Worthy Object Blessed by the Christmas Spirit.
Dear Reader,—The children and staff will be delighted to welcome you tomorrow (Christmas Day) from 3 to 6 p.m. Father Christmas will visit the Shelter at 3.30 by special arrangement. Come and see old Santa distribute the good things to the children. The children and staff join in wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. May the King of Peace reign in all your hearts. Yours sincerely, Thos. D. Ruston.”
The Intelligencer December 24, 1917 (page 2)
“Sergeant Harris Returned Home. There was great joy at an early hour on Sunday morning at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Harris, 152 James street, when their only son, Sergeant Albert E. Harris, walked in, having just arrived home from England. When the war broke out the young man enlisted and went overseas with the 34th Battery, being a bombardier.
He was instructor for some time at Shorncliffe, but he spent 26 months in France and on the 10th of May last was severely wounded in the right knee. Since that time he has been in a hospital. Sergt. Harris merited promotion but his modesty thus far has prevented public recognition of his gallant deeds.
Albert even today bears upon his face evidences of the injuries he received from a bursting shell—upon his forehead, nose, lip and eyelids are embedded pieces of shrapnel. After remaining home for a few days he will report at the convalescent hospital at Kingston. His many friends in Belleville will extend him a hearty welcome home.”
The Intelligencer December 24, 1917 (page 2)
“Died from Wounds. Buried in Belleville. That the late Private Thomas Yateman, of this city, had many friends here was evidenced on Saturday afternoon when his remains were laid at rest in Belleville cemetery. A large concourse of citizens followed the remains to their last resting place and members of the War Veterans in uniform and civilian clothes were present in large numbers.
From the family residence, Mill street, the cortege proceeded to Christ Church, where the impressive burial service of the Anglican Church was conducted by the Rector, Rev. Dr. Blagrave, who also officiated at the interment. The ‘Last Post’ was sounded at the grave. The floral tributes were many and beautiful in design. The bearers were returned soldier heroes, namely, Sergt. Reynard, Sergt. Tett, Sergt.-Major Spafford, Corp. Stiles, Bomb. Blaylock, Driver Saunders and Gunner Newton.”
The Intelligencer December 24, 1917 (page 4)
“A Happy Christmas to Our Readers. The Intelligencer wishes every one of its many readers a very happy Christmas, and may the homes where the blighting hand of war has left its mark in empty chairs and sorrowful memories of cross-marked mounds in distant lands be blessed with the consolation of the Man of Sorrows who was also acquainted with grief, but Whose touch always brings healing to the world’s sorrows. May the dawn of peace bless the world before another Christmas season comes around. … Let us all seek that true happiness in the Christ spirit of making others happy, and may the Christmas spirit warm every home with the blessings of unselfishness and service.”
First World War Belleville 