100 Years Ago: Employers Must Report Eligibles, Patriotic Cafeteria at Y.M.C.A., Penalties for Failure to Register

The Intelligencer April 23, 1918 (page 5)

“Employers Must Report Eligibles. Ottawa. In view of the impending call to the colors of all unmarried men and widowers between the ages of 20 and 22, particular attention is directed to the duties of employers as laid down by the military service regulations. The regulations stipulate that ‘it shall be the duty’ of every employer to make enquiries to see if he has in his employ any man who has failed to respond to a call. An employee is required to answer any questions put to him by his employer for this purpose. …

Every employer who knowingly ‘employs or retains in his service any man who has deserted or who is absent without leave from the Canadian expeditionary force’ is liable to imprisonment of not exceeding six months or to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.

Further, every person is liable to a penalty of not less than $50 and not more than $500 who knowingly ‘employs or engages in his service, or continues in his service for a period of seven days any man who belongs to any class or sub-class which has been called out and who has not reported.’ ”

The Intelligencer April 23, 1918 (page 7)

“Patriotic Cafeteria. The cafeteria conducted by St. Julien Chapter, I.O.D.E. in the Y.M.C.A. parlors yesterday afternoon was largely attended and a goodly sum raised for patriotic purposes. The menu was very tasty and daintily served and the home-made cooking sale was very successful.”

The Intelligencer April 23, 1918 (page 7)

“Drastic Penalties For Failure to Register. Any person failing to register on the day set apart by the Dominion Government for the registration of everyone between 16 and 60 will expose himself to serious penalties and disabilities. He may be fined or imprisoned, or at the discretion of the court he may be both fined and sentenced to imprisonment.

He will forfeit any right he might otherwise have had to vote at a Dominion election. He will be disentitled to receive any wages or salary, to obtain board or lodging at any hotel, restaurant or boarding house, or to purchase a ticket for or travel upon any railroad or steamboat.”