The Intelligencer December 15, 1917 (page 2)

“Gunner Denyes Wounded. Mr. H. K. Denyes, of this city, has just received word that his son, Gunner Earle Stuart Denyes who was with the Heavy Artillery at the great drive at Cambrai had been taken to the Hospital at Boulogne wounded. He was Lieutenant with the 254^th Battalion before joining the battery.”

The Intelligencer December 15, 1917 (page 14)

“Christmas Message to Canadian Mothers. Ottawa. The following Christmas message to Canadian mothers from Major-General S. C. Mewburn, C.M.G., Minister of Militia and Defence, was issued to-night:

‘Mothers of Canadian soldiers: As the Christmas season, dedicated by the immemorial custom of our race to domestic joys and the happiness of children, approaches, the thoughts of your countrymen turn to you. Many family circles are incomplete, and at many firesides there is the sadness of irreparable loss. The sacrifices which our country has made upon the altar of freedom and of justice are in the largest measure your offering, sanctified by your suffering, ennobled by your tears. To you, then, I say that that sacrifice has not been in vain, for it has contributed to the sure and certain victory of right over might, of liberty over intolerable oppression, of things lovely and of good report over things abominable and unspeakably evil. …  To you the nation offers its homage, gratitude and respect. …

Canadian mothers, may this Christmas time bring happiness to your homes and peace to hearts that are sad; but may it also bring a high resolve that we will face every privation and exert every effort in order that this our most righteous cause, the cause of all the free peoples of the world, in which our honor and our interest are equally engaged, may be brought to a glorious conclusion. ‘S. C. Mewburn.’ “

The Intelligencer December 14, 1917 (page 2)

“Sir Mackenzie Bowell Honored in Death. Last Sad Rites for Belleville’s First Citizen Attended By Large Concourse of Friends From Near and Far—Public Service In Bridge Street Methodist Church.

Business was virtually suspended in the city between the hours of two and four o’clock while hundreds of citizens and many from outside points, far and near, attended the last sad rites of one whose friends were legion and who in his ninety-fourth year could look back upon a well-spent life of public service.

The funeral was held under the auspices of the Masonic Order being in charge of the officers of Belleville Lodge, No. 123, G.R.C., A.F. and A.M. of which Sir Mackenzie was a member. The officers and members of Benjamin Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 274 and L.O.L. 2519 of Belleville also attended in a body.

The funeral procession was very long including the Masonic and Orange Lodges and many vehicles containing relatives and friends, representatives of the city council and other civic organizations, including the educational departments, the schools closing down for the afternoon out of respect for the deceased who for many years took an active interest in civic educational affairs being for several years Chairman of the Board of Public School Trustees.

After a short service at the home, conducted by Rev. Dr. Scott, a public service was held at Bridge Street Methodist Church. …  The large church edifice was filled to the doors by a reverent assembly who with sad hearts but kindly memories followed with interest the solemn ceremony. …

The body was then taken from the sacred edifice and conveyed to Belleville cemetery and laid away in the tomb to await the resurrection morn. …  As the cortege passed the Ontario School for the Deaf, the pupils were lined up on either side of the road through which it passed in a respectful tribute to the life and memory of deceased.”

The Intelligencer December 14, 1917 (page 6)

“Intelligencer Appreciated Overseas. Folkestone, Kent, Nov. 25, 1917. Belleville Intelligencer, Belleville, Ont. Dear Sirs,—Many thanks for the Belleville Intelligencer, which is now coming in on each mail. As it happened, just as your papers reached us we had an increased demand for them from two different hospitals in this area and, within the last week, several Belleville boys, and boys from towns near Belleville, have come into the hut and read the papers we have hung on the wall on the ‘Belleville hook.’

The papers are distributed to the men in hospital by our hospital visitors, who are nearly all the wives and mothers of Canadian officers living in this area, and as each visitor comes regularly for her bundle of Canadian papers, your Belleville boys will read their home news often. Yours very truly, (Mrs. G. W.) E. F. MacKeen, Newspaper Depot, Y.M.C.A. Hut.”

The Intelligencer December 14, 1917 (page 7)

“Belleville War Workers Commended. The following letter was received by the Secretary of the West Belleville War Workers from the Canadian War Contingent Association, London, England, and shows to what extent the effort made by the West Belleville ladies is appreciated in England.

London, Nov. 27, 1917. Dear Madam:—I have just received your letter of October 24^th, in which you advise me that you have shipped to our care six trench boxes.

I am directed to convey through you our grateful thanks for this promised gift, and we will see that their contents, so far as possible, are distributed among Canadians who are not likely to receive too much at Christmas. Your list of contents of the parcels shows what a fine consignment it is. With grateful thanks, Sincerely yours, Eleanor McLaren-Brown, Hon. Sec., Ladies Committee, C.W.C.A.”

 

 

The Intelligencer December 12, 1917 (page 2)

“Death Notices. BOWELL—In Belleville, on December 10, 1917. Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell, in his 94^th year.

The funeral will take place from his late residence, 194 William street, on Thursday, December 13^th, at 2 P.M., to Bridge St. Methodist Church. Interment Belleville Cemetery. (Kindly omit flowers.)

The Intelligencer December 12, 1917 (page 2)

“Funeral Notice. The Brethren and Officers of the Belleville Lodge, No. 123, G.R.C., A. F. and A. M., are requested to meet at No. 194 William St., on Thursday 13^th inst., 1.45 P.M., for the purpose of attending the funeral of our late brother, the Honorable Sir Mackenzie Bowell.

Sister Lodges will kindly accept this notice. By order of the W. M. D. Barragar, Secretary.”

The Intelligencer December 12, 1917 (page 2)

“Proclamation. The Business men of Belleville are requested to close their places of business from two o’clock p.m. to four o’clock p.m. on Thursday, December 13^th, out of respect to the memory of the late Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell. H. F. Ketcheson, Mayor.”

The Intelligencer December 8, 1917 (page 1)

“Makes Supreme Sacrifice. Mr. A. Deibert residing at 29 Everett Street, in this city, this morning received a message from the Record Office conveying the sad intelligence that his son, Martin Deibert, had been killed in action.

The young man enlisted and went overseas in June of this year with the Cobourg Heavy Battery. Previous to enlistment he was employed at Mr. Allan McFee’s jewellery store, learning watch making. Martin was a deservedly popular young man, and his death will be sincerely regretted by a host of friends. The heartfelt sympathy of all citizens will be extended to the bereaved family.”

[Note: Gunner Martin Mark Deibert died on November 21, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 226 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer December 8, 1917 (page 1)

“Welcomed Home. On Thursday evening, December 6^th, about thirty-five neighbors and friends gathered at the home of Mr. R. Gibson, Harriett Street, to welcome home Mr. Gibson, who has served nearly two years for king and country.

The evening was very enjoyably spent in music and conversation. A dainty lunch was served, after which Mr. Gibson, in a few well chosen words, thanked all present for the hearty welcome he had received. After singing ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,’ and ‘God Save The King’, a pleasant evening was brought to a close.”

The Intelligencer December 8, 1917 (page 7)

“Successful Concert By I.O.D.E. Society. Under the auspices of the Daughters of the Empire of Belleville, a grand concert was held in the City Hall last night, which was a great success in every particular. The spacious hall was filled to overflowing, and the varied programme presented was thoroughly enjoyed.

The object was to assist the fund for the sailors of the British and Canadian navy and mercantile marine. All who took part in the programme acquitted themselves in a most pleasing manner.”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1917 (page 5)

“Give your soldier this Military Razor. It was made especially for him. The AutoStrop Razor in its New Military Kit is the real soldier’s razor. Why?

Because it is compact and takes up so little room, because it is light and adds so little weight, because it is complete with its trench mirror all ready to be hung up on the nearest nail—but especially because it is the famous AutoStrop Razor, the only razor that is self-maintaining. It is the only razor that Sharpens its own blades Automatically.

Kits in two styles: Black or Khaki Leather. AutoStrop Safety Razor Co., Ltd., Toronto, Canada.”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1917 (page 7)

“Penny Bag Collections for November. The interest in the Red Cross Penny Bag collections is, we are pleased to state, still increasing. …  Some of our patrons have expressed surprise at the apparent falling off of the collections in Murney Ward, while heretofore frequently the world held first place in its givings. We therefore feel that some explanation is due and the fact noted that Murney, or perhaps more correctly speaking, the west side of the river, is in reality giving more than double its former amount, though not through the channels of the original society—the Woman’s Red Cross and Patriotic Association.

Last spring a new organization for patriotic work was started on the west side. This society adopted the same means of collecting funds which had already been in use all over the city by the Woman’s Red Cross and Patriotic Association for a year and a half, that of placing little bags for coppers in the various homes. Unfortunately this has led to a good deal of confusion, and some (we feel sure) unintentional misstatements and misunderstanding, the idea having been spread that the Red Cross Penny Bags are not being used now on the west side.

This is not so. We still desire to have every family in Belleville, whether east, west, north or south Belleville participate in our original plan and give what coppers can be spared for comforts, hospital supplies, and wool for socks, sent by the Woman’s Red Cross and Patriotic Association to our brave soldiers at the front.”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1917 (page 9)

“Sailors’ Day Is Saturday, Dec. 8. If we are to have a mercantile marine in keeping with the important position among the nations Canada has won for herself of late, there must be men and materials upon which to build.

One of the functions of the Navy League is to encourage naval brigades for boys and young men in which they can receive practical and theoretical instruction in seamanship. This the League has done to an extent not generally appreciated. They have provided many men for the Navy and Mercantile Marine and have many others in training.

But other things are required if we are to help these pioneers in naval propaganda. The men they have provided to protect the High Seas and to carry our commerce must have an assurance that while they are facing the perils of the deep their needy dependents at home are not being neglected. …  Pension funds for the soldiers there are in abundance; the sailor is almost forgotten—yet his is the task that must first be accomplished before the final downfall of the Hun is assured.

It is known that the dependents of the crews of many torpedoed vessels are in dire necessity. Immediate relief is imperative. …  Calls without number have been made upon philanthropical Canadians, but there have been none more urgent than the one on behalf of the man at sea and his helpless dependents. Give liberally on Sailors’ Day, Saturday, Dec. 8^th.”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1917 (page 10)

“ ‘Lend us a hand, Mate!’ Help the man who never quits—Sailors’ Day, Dec. 8.

Millions have been given to the Soldier—practically nothing to the Sailor—The Daughters of the Empire are assisting the Navy League by taking subscriptions on Sailors’ Day, December 8^th.

Be Fair! Be Generous! Be Quick!”

 

The Intelligencer December 4, 1917 (page 3)

“Why Many Officers Have to Return to Canada—Rigid Medical Examination. London. Not a few Canadian officers who have never been part and parcel of some unit and done service at the front are preparing to return to Canada sooner or later. Officers in this position who are above the rank of lieutenant, and who wish to stay on, must revert to lieutenants. This, however, is not the sole requisite. No man over thirty-four years of age may revert. And lastly, no man may stay on unless he passes the medical examination for general service.

Needless to say, the age and physical restrictions will weed out many who would otherwise have stepped down in rank. People of Canada should bear this in mind when officers return. If these officers are over 34, and not A1 medically, they have simply been sent home whether they wanted to go or not. And physical defects quite unapparent to the public will cause the Medical Board to turn down an officer.”

The Intelligencer December 4, 1917 (page 3)

“Help the Sailors! The strong, right arm of human civilization—the unconquerable sailor of the British Navy and Mercantile Marine—He stands before you and asks your help on Sailors’ Day, December 8^th. Why does he do this?

Because millions have been given to the Army by public and private subscriptions—worthily so—but practically nothing to the Navy and Mercantile Marine.

Won’t you be generous on Sailors’ Day, Dec. 8^th.”

The Intelligencer December 4, 1917 (page 7)

“No Xmas Parcels Can Go to Britain. Britain Bans Everything Except to Soldiers. Ottawa. The British Government has declined to permit entry from Canada into the United Kingdom of Christmas parcels for civilians. …

The Canadian High Commissioner cabled: ‘Department declines permit entry Christmas parcels for civilians. Will allow important parcels strictly limited weight and size for Canadian Expeditionary Force.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1917 (page 1)

“The success of the Victory Loan was beyond the hopes of the most optimistic worker. When the final returns are compiled it is expected that there will be more than $2,250,000 reported from the county. The original objective was $805,000, and the city of Belleville has nearly passed the fifth objective. No place in Canada has reported a better showing than Belleville. …

Mr. F. Buckley of Murney Street, was the lucky winner of the Victory Bond at Griffin’s on Saturday night. The theatre was packed and the choice of fate was a popular one. Next Saturday night another bond will be given away at the popular playhouse.

The workers of Belleville will be entertained at a supper at the Quinte tonight by Mr. W. B. Deacon, the County Chairman and the Victory Loan Organization Staff.

The publicity end of the campaign has been most successful, thanks to the co-operation of all the good people of the county. The press should be particularly thanked for the whole-hearted way in which they have turned in to help the cause. …  The merchants have also been most generous in lending their space in the newspapers, and display in windows.

The Griffin Amusement Co., through their popular representative here, Mr. Geo. Forhan, has been most generous in supplying publicity, by the introduction of slides, the playing of the ‘Miss Canada’ film, and in allowing the use of their stage for appeals from the members of the different theatrical companies that have played here. …

The most remarkable thing about the Publicity Campaign is the fact that it did not cost one cent.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 1)

“Grand Final Rally for Victory Loan. The last hours of the Victory Loan Campaign finds the interest at white heat. Will Hastings County pass the Two Million Mark? That is the question which can only be answered by the good people of Hastings themselves. Belleville must do its duty to the last minute of the campaign. …  Everyone connected with headquarters is going at lightning pace, and every citizen should pile in tonight and help the Victory Loan over the last hurdle. …

Some parts of the county have come along surprisingly strong in the past few days. Mr. F. H. Cotton, of the Nichols Chemical Co., Sulphide, has reported more than $22,000. That is going some for a village of that size. Congratulations Mr. Cotton.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 7)

“Killed in Action. Mr. John D. Nickle of Malone, has received a wire from Ottawa announcing the death in action of his son, Pte. Robert Nickle, who enlisted in the 155^th Battalion at Marmora and went overseas in March of 1917.”

[Note: Private Robert John Nickle died on November 3, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 301 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 7)

“Seriously Ill. Sergt. McGlashon, caretaker of the Armouries, in this city, to-day received the following telegram which refers to his son, Sergt. McGlashon, who left here with the 39^th Battalion:

James McGlashon, Armouries. Sincerely regret to inform you 312076 Sergt. Arthur Edward McGlashon, infantry, officially reported seriously ill, 1^st Canadian General Hospital, Etaples, Nov. 28^th, 1917, gunshot wound left thigh, compound fracture also jaw broken. Director of Records.

The many friends of the brave Sergt. in this city, will hope for his recovery, and return home.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 8)

“Last Chance to Buy Victory Bonds! To-morrow, Saturday, Dec. 1^st, is the Last Day to Buy Victory Bonds. If you haven’t bought your BOND, or want another one, call at 12 Campbell St. Before 12 o’clock tomorrow night.

If you can’t get down town phone 800 and a salesman will call on you and explain Victory Bonds. Positively Your Last Chance.

This space kindly donated by C. W. Lindsay, Limited.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 9)

“M.H.C. Seeks Early Veterans of War. Every returned soldier who received his discharge before the present machinery of the Military Hospitals Commission for vocational training had reached its present stage of development, is being notified by the Commission that he is eligible for industrial education at the expense of the Government, if his wounds were of such a nature as to prevent him from returning to his old occupation.

Many men who suffered such injuries took what work offered, when they returned to civilian life. Their old jobs were out of the question, but the shortage of labor made employment easy to secure. This, however, will not be the case when the close competition after the war sets in and it is the aim of the Commission to see that every man has skill in some occupation which will secure him a living.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 10)

“At 12 o’clock to-night the Victory Loan Campaign Closes. When the clock has struck that hour the fighting men of Canada who are forcing back the Hun in France and Flanders will be waiting to hear what you have done.

And what have you done? Is your name enrolled among the thousands who have responded to the call? Have you sacrificed some chosen desire so that you could put money into Victory Bonds? Are you standing behind a soldier?

Rush into the fight while the Door of Opportunity is open. Cancel every other engagement; sweep away every lingering doubt; only a few hours remain.

The one task before you is to BUY VICTORY BONDS BEFORE MIDNIGHT.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1917 (page 12)

“Christmas Dainties Made in the Kitchen. Good Recipes For Home-Made Confections, Pure and Wholesome, Endorsed by the Food Controller’s Office.

Christmas—the season of mirth and jollity, with holly and evergreen in our homes, with a table that in its festive air bespeaks the season, with the happiness of youth even in homes that have known the ravages of war—how will it be this year.

A little less exuberance, holly and evergreens as before, a table with the lavishness of other years somewhat modified, but still the same joy abounding among the boys and girls in Canadian homes in city and country.

With the people of France, Italy, Belgium and Serbia on rations, with the boys and girls in Great Britain knowing less and less of confectionery and more and more of plain and restricted diet, it is not likely that there will be such a lavish supply of sweetmeats in Canada this Christmas as in other years.

No Christmas Candy? Does it mean that there will be no Christmas candy? May we not send any to the men at the front? Must the boys and girls at home have a candyless Christmas? We are asked only to use a little ingenuity in the combination of fruits and nuts, and of sweetmeats made from honey, molasses, maple sugar and raisins. We can eat all the candies we want with a clear conscience if we eat those made from other things than cane or beet sugar. Chocolate is quite permissible and the varieties of candies which can be made without the use of cane or beet sugar, are numerous.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1917 (page 2)

“Belleville Can Make It Two Million Dollars. With only one more day left in which it will be possible to buy Victory bonds the rush to get in on the offering is increasing hourly. The staff at headquarters is rushing day and night getting out the reports and receiving the returns, and writing applications. For that reason it will be necessary to keep the headquarters open until 12 o’clock Saturday night to accommodate the late comers, and clear up the big Saturday returns. …

Last night the Citizens’ Celebration Committee met at the office of Mr. Arthur Jones, manager of the Molson’s Bank, and it was decided to invest the money which is held in trust by the Bank in Victory bonds. The amount is $800.00. This is a most satisfactory thing to do. The money will be helping to end the war, and after the war is over the Citizens’ Celebration Committee will once more become active with a nice little nest egg with which to greet our men upon their return home from the victorious battlefields in conquered Germany.

The interest taken this week in the contest for the Victory bond in Griffin’s Opera House was such that Mr.Griffin has decided to make another bond which will be given away. Upon both these occasions if the lucky number is in the house, no matter who brings it, the owner will be given a $50.00 Victory bond.

The northern parts of the county are coming along in great style. While some places were expected to only give about $2,000 they have come across with $25,000. Oh, there’s nothing wrong with the good old County of Hastings. Let everyone get together and give ONE MORE GREAT BIG BOOST FOR THE VICTORY LOAN AND TOMORROW NIGHT IT WILL REGISTER $2,000,000.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1917 (page 7)

“Wounded and Missing. Mr. A. Davy of Bancroft, has received the sad news that his son, William, had been severely wounded and was missing. He was a signaller, and has been overseas for a year and a half.”

[Note: Gunner William Henry Davy died on November 6, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 226 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 30, 1917 (page 7)

“Welcomed Home. Pte. Donald Walker of L’Amable, Hastings County, was given an enthusiastic welcome by the citizens of Bancroft when he arrived home on Friday last. ‘Don’ was in the trenches for nearly three years, and in May last was severely wounded when he lost the sight of one of his eyes.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1917 (page 11)

“You Must Decide Now! Here’s the situation—You are either going to buy Victory Bonds or you are not. If you are going to buy—why wait longer? You’ve read or heard all of the reasons. Every effort that is humanly possible has been put forth to make you buy. So, men and women—HURRY!

The lists close midnight to-morrow, but don’t wait for the last day’s rush. Wire—phone—or take your subscription to the local Victory Loan Headquarters to-day.

Be A Shareholder In Victory!”