The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 1)
“Wants Church People To Motor on Sunday. Toronto. ‘I want it to be understood,’ said Dr. Hastings, yesterday, ‘that no order has been issued to hold only one church service on Sunday. … We are simply making a request of them, just as people were asked to observe a gasless Sunday. And by the way,’ he added, ‘I have asked the Dominion Fuel Controller to call off the gasless Sunday so that people can use their motor cars for health-giving trips on Sunday next. The reason that I have strongly advised churches to hold only one service on Sunday, and that one in the evening if possible, is to permit people to be as much in the open air as possible on that day.’ ”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 1)
“Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens Men and Women Wanted. There is a great need for willing workers, men and women who have the time and the Christian spirit of helpfulness to go into homes where the prevailing epidemic has laid low every member of the family and left no one to do even the most necessary household tasks. Women volunteer nurses are needed and there is also much that men can do to help their unfortunate neighbors.
An association has been formed with headquarters at the Y.M.C.A. building. P. F. Brockell, Secretary, to register willing workers and receive requests for assistance from families hit hard by the epidemic. Let us all do our bit—this is national service and Christian service. Enlist now!!”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 4)
“Germ Distributors. It is against the law to spit on the sidewalks, besides being a disgusting and dangerous habit—dangerous to the health of citizens who have to breathe the germ-laden air polluted by people careless or ignorant. In view of the epidemic now raging special care should be taken to enforce the anti-spitting bylaw. A few police court examples would have a salutary effect and citizens should co-operate with the police in the detection of offenders.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 5)
“When Canada Promises to Pay. When you loan money to Canada you know beyond all possible question your money is safe—the security for the loan indisputable.
Like the Victory Loan 1917, it will be welcomed by all loyal Canadians.
Get ready to do your share in buying Victory Bonds.
Issued by Canada’s Victory Loan Committee in co-operation with the Minister of Finance of the Dominion of Canada.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 5)
“Prevent the ‘Flu’ by wearing Dr. Chase’s Menthol Bag.
Since 1510 influenza has periodically swept over the known world. The last big epidemic in this country was in 1889, when almost every person in every home was brought down. But the present form, known as Spanish ‘Flu’ because it started in Spain, seems to be a most fatal variety on account of the quickness with which it develops into bronchial pneumonia. Hence the wisdom of preventing infection by every means possible, and our suggestion is to ‘Wear a Menthol Bag.’
We have arranged for the manufacture of thousands of these Menthol Bags, and while they last shall give them away to the first persons who send in the coupon printed below.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 6)
“Medical Man Urges Use of Face Mask. Toronto. The use of the face mask in combating the spread of influenza epidemic is advocated by Dr. Murray McFarlane, 190 Bloor street, who has just returned from a trip to the various centres in the United States, where the disease is prevalent. This mask, which is in the form of a handkerchief, is made of gauze or cheesecloth, and is placed over the nose and mouth and fastened at the back of the head. …
‘The Government should take immediate steps to allow the free use of alcohol during the present conditions,’ declares the doctor. ‘In the pneumonia stage, a little bit of whiskey is the best thing in the world for the patient. While I am a strong prohibitionist, I believe that at this time the regulations should be somewhat relaxed, and the use of alcohol freely allowed, as it is an excellent stimulant during the depressive stages of the disease.’ ”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Gasoline Ban Lifted. The Dominion Fuel Controller has lifted the ban on Sunday gasoline using and motor car owners can take out their cars tomorrow as usual.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Post Office Staff Ill. The prevailing epidemic of influenza has stricken no less than six employees of the local post office. Post master Gillen appreciated much the services of Mrs. D. M. Waters, who kindly consented to assist at the office.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“No Quorum. As was expected no meeting of the Board of Education was held last night. Only two members and the Secretary-Treasurer put in an appearance.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Pte. Hall Missing. Mrs. Archie Hall has received word that her husband, Pte. Archie Hall, who left with the Bugle Band of the 59th Battalion, is reported missing and believed to be wounded. Previous to enlisting he was employed as fireman on the G. T. R. His wife and child are now in Brockville.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Steamer Laid Up. Spanish influenza struck the crew of the steamer Belleville, plying between Montreal and Toronto, so hard that the vessel was forced to tie up at Kingston. Only three members of the crew were able to carry on. The vessel was in Belleville port on Tuesday.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Remember the Children. There are now twenty-one cases of measles at the Children’s Shelter among the thirty-four children quartered there. Captain Ruston, Inspector for the Children’s Aid Society, yesterday brought two children from Cloyne and through the kindness of the Marchmont Home Authorities they were placed in that institution until the Shelter is free of the epidemic of measles. There are no serious cases and Captain Ruston would appreciate donations of fruit and other delicacies which will be appreciated by the children during the convalescent period.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Had Won Military Medal. Mrs. Bernadette Hill, of Deseronto, this week received the sad message of the death of her son, Corp. Joe Hill who was killed in action on September 30. Corp. Hill enlisted in the 26th Battery at Kingston on August 8th, 1915 and after training was completed sailed on the R.M.S. Metagama from Halifax for England and from there sailed in January to France, where he has been almost continually till the time of his death.
He was through all the big battles of the past two years, including Passchendaele and the Somme, having had only twenty days’ leave in all this time. Corp. Hill was a soldier of the first order and had won the Military Medal which his proud, but sorrowing mother now has in her possession. He was soon to have received his commission as Lieutenant. A brother, James, is in the American Cavalry in France.”
[Note: Corporal Joseph Bernard Hill died on September 30, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 429 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Help the Doctors. The city physicians are rushed off their feet by the many calls upon their services night and day on account of the influenza epidemic. The medical men are human like the rest of us and there is a limit to their endurance. The public can materially assist the doctors by showing consideration in the present emergency and not calling in the doctors unless absolutely necessary.
Whenever possible calls for the services of a physician to the homes should be made in the morning so that the calls can be grouped to the best advantage and the day mapped out in advance. When the doctor makes a call and leaves instructions he should not be called in again right away unless in emergency as there are many others awaiting his care and attention. A little thoughtfulness in this emergency will go far to assist the doctors and render them more efficient.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Pte. A. E. Wessels Wounded. Mr. Walter Wessels residing at 71 Lewis Street, city, was yesterday in receipt of the following telegram from the Director of Records. ‘Sincerely regret to inform you that 3055,761 Pte. Alfred Earle Wessels, infantry, officially reported seriously ill at 20 General Hospital, Danges, Camiers, October 15th. Gunshot Wound in Right Thigh.’
Pte. Wessels is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wessels and enlisted and went overseas with a draft from Kingston. Previous to enlistment he was employed as a painter at Finnegan’s Carriage Co., of this city. ‘Alf’ as he was familiarly called was a popular young man and his many friends in this city will hope for his speedy recovery.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Volunteer Nurses And Workers To Fight Influenza Epidemic. In compliance with a request from Mr. A. McGie, Chairman of The Belleville Board of Health, an emergency meeting of the ladies to consider ways and means of organizing the city for volunteers in nursing and performing other duties in combatting the influenza epidemic, a meeting was held in the Y.M.C.A. parlors last evening and was well attended. A number of ladies of the city, who are prominent in all philanthropic work were present and a few gentlemen.
Mr. McGie was chairman and stated the object of the meeting. He said that it had been discovered that there were a number of homes in Belleville where every member was sick from the prevailing epidemic and with no person to do anything for them. Volunteers were necessary not only for nursing but doing household work. Already some had volunteered their services.
Dr. Clinton, of this city, who is a member of the Provincial Board of Health, referred to the fact that in various parts of the Province associations known as the Ontario Emergency Volunteer Auxiliary were being formed and something similar should be done in Belleville. He was prepared to do what he could and no doubt the physicians of the city would help all they could.
It was decided to organize the city for work on the line of volunteer help and the following officers were selected. President—Mr. A. McGie. Secretary—P. F. Brockell. Assistant Secretary—Miss Fraleck. Executive Committee—D. V. Sinclair, Dr. Clinton, J. O. Herity and A. G. Davis.
At the Y.M. C.A. building a register will be kept of the names of all people who require help also the names of those volunteering. Doctors and others having to do with the sick are requested to report cases where help of any description is needed.
A meeting of the Executive to perfect organization will be held at the Y.M.C.A. this evening.”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 7)
“Called By Death. ‘Mrs. R. L. Delong. Mrs. R. L. Delong passed away last evening in the city from an attack of pneumonia. Deceased, who was 19 years of age was a daughter of Mr. L. A. Wartman, of Collins Bay, where she was born. She resided at 18 Dunbar Street, city. Mrs. Delong was a member of Holloway Street Methodist Church. Her husband but no family survives. The body will be taken to Cataraqui for interment.’
‘Davidena S. McLeod. Davidena Sarah McLeod, aged 8 years died yesterday afternoon at the family residence station street. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald McLeod and was a lovable child. She was a pupil of Queen Victoria School and a member of the Salvation Army Sunday School, near the G. T. R. Station.’
‘Queena Gardner. Miss Queena Gardner, a nurse-in-training at the hospital here, passed away yesterday from an attack of pneumonia, following the influenza. Deceased was about 21 years of age and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gardner residing near Bayside, Sidney Township. Miss Gardner was a young lady who was well known in the city and vicinity and was highly esteemed. She was a member of the Methodist Church. The remains were taken to Trenton and prepared for burial.’ ”
The Intelligencer October 19, 1918 (page 8)
“No Church Services on Sunday. The Belleville Ministerial Association at a meeting held this week expressed itself in hearty accord with the Board of Health in closing all places of public assembly during the prevailing epidemic. Its members are seeking to serve in every way they can the afflicted homes and to do all in their power to stay the progress of the disease.
The Ministerial Association expresses confidence that the approaching Sabbath day will be observed in a religious way by all Christian people in our city. In the absence of public worship it is hoped there will be some form of family worship in every home. Where no fuller form is possible the reading of a portion of scripture and repeating of the Lord’s Prayer in an attitude of devotion is recommended. We believe great blessing will come to us as a people if this time of stress produces a revival of family religion. C. T. Scott, president, D. C. Ramsay, secretary.”
First World War Belleville 