The Intelligencer November 21, 1918 (page 1)
“Hastings Victory Loan Workers Celebrate Glorious Victory. The glories of Hastings County participation in the Victory were told by the workers over the banquet table last evening at the Hotel Quinte when members of the organization which rolled up such a magnificent total of subscriptions related incidents grave and gay in the fight to reach and pass the high objectives set. The meeting was in charge of Mr. W. B. Deacon, chairman of the Victory Loan organization for Hastings last year and this year.
Mr. H. F. Ketcheson acted as Vice-Chairman, in his usual efficient and jolly manner. Mr. W. L. Doyle was Master of Ceremonies and director of entertainment features, consequently there was something doing every minute, and many rollicking songs of a patriotic nature were sung by the assembly between the courses. Prof. Hunt at the piano, and Mr. Sam Anglin, soloist, added greatly to the success of the evening with entertaining selections. The menu was worthy of the best traditions of the Hotel Quinte and was thoroughly enjoyed.
Mr. W. B. Deacon briefly sketched the campaign in Hastings County, the difficulties and discouragements, and the victories achieved. It was the banner county of Eastern Ontario for subscriptions. … The city won an honor flag, and the county and every township did likewise while many crowns were won for exceptional records. The County Honor Flag would be presented to the County Council on December 4, and flung to the breeze over the Court House. As Chairman of the County Victory Loan organization he was proud of the workers and the results achieved.
Mr. W. B. Evans, the official organizer for Hastings County told of the preliminary steps taken to organize. … The campaign in Hastings county opened under ominous clouds. There had been abnormal rains making country roads almost impassable, the Trenton explosion shook the investing spirit out of that pocket looked upon as a gold mine ordinarily, then came the flu, and many of the canvassers sick and the lookout blue all round. However, objective was raised and passed, more money was subscribed than last year as the result of hard and patient endeavor, with the northern districts on top. Mr. Evans paid a glowing tribute to the efficiency, optimism and pluck of the County Chairman, Mr. W. B. Deacon, who radiated confidence and good cheer and inspired the workers to greater and greater efforts. …
Mayor Platt said that he was proud of Billy Deacon, Mr. Evans and the entire noble band of workers who had accomplished the seeming impossibility. The Mayor spoke eloquently of the glorious record of Canada during the past four years and the necessity of putting our best efforts to the task of reconstruction where there were other great victories to win in the development along the best lines of our social life, economic life, political life, and national life. Dr. Platt suggested the erection of a monument to the memory of our fallen heroes. …
The aggressive energy of the Victory Loan workers convinced Mr. D. V. Sinclair that the same energy applied to the development of Belleville and district would work wonders. With the finest city and district in Ontario great things could be accomplished along progressive lines if united effort was exerted, high ideals set and the same energy displayed as had made such a striking success of the Victory Loan, said Mr. Sinclair. A true vision of things as they should be was needed and the determination to make the vision a reality. …
Major R. D. Ponton told of his experiences in canvassing the local aviation camps where $40,000 had been subscribed by the soldiers of the sky, most of it in small subscriptions on the installment plan, mortgaging their slender allowances to help Canada. The local aviation camps led all other camps in Canada of the R. A. F. in Victory Loan subscriptions.
As the evening was now well advanced it was thought advisable not to call upon any more speakers and the gathering dispersed after singing the National Anthem.”
The Intelligencer November 21, 1918 (page 7)
“Dies of Injuries. On Monday, a valuable bull dog (the property of Dr. D. H. Ackerill, V.S., of this city, was run over by an auto at the corner of Front and Bridge Sts. and yesterday died as the result of injuries sustained. The dog with its owner marched proudly at the head of the celebration held in the city on the day the armistice was signed.”
The Intelligencer November 21, 1918 (page 7)
“Delayed Payments, A correspondent of The Intelligencer asks why Patriotic Fund checks are being received later than usual. Formerly, says the correspondent, the checks were ready for distribution not later than the twelfth of each month but for the past two or three months the checks were paid out about the 20th. Inquiry made by The Intelligencer elicited the fact that patriotic fund checks have been delayed at Ottawa on account of illness among the staff on account of the epidemic.”
The Intelligencer November 21, 1918 (page 7)
“An Appeal for Help! Father seriously ill in the hospital, mother and eight children at home recovering from the effects of the influenza, the oldest child only fifteen years of age—such is the condition of a family in Belleville as reported to The Intelligencer. An allowance of two dollars per week for groceries was given by a local organization toward the support of the family but we understand even this has been discontinued.
It is only necessary to bring these facts to the attention of the good citizens of Belleville to awaken active sympathy and practical assistance and The Intelligencer will be pleased to accept subscriptions for this purpose and see that the money is placed in good hands for the benefit of the family in distress.”
First World War Belleville 