The Intelligencer March 21, 1916 (page 3)

“Military Shoes For Officers and Privates. The utmost in workmanship and quality of leather has been put into our MILITARY BOOTS. Will you allow us to demonstrate that we are fully alive to the requirements of a soldier? Our Genuine CROME TAN MILITARY BOOT. You will find a good, smart-fitting, clean-cut, comfortable and waterproof Boot, designed according to military regulations. Our expert fitting will please you. Priced at $5.00 and $6.00. The J.J. Haines Shoe Houses. Belleville, Napanee, Trenton, Smith’s Falls.”

 

The Intelligencer March 17, 1916 (page 2)

“Officers Entertained. Last evening the Sergeants of the 80th O.S. Battalion, entertained their officers and officers and sergeants of the 155th O.S. Battalion to a smoking concert. That the same was a success goes without saying, for it seems a happy by-word that anything the 80th does is sure to be right.

The Colonel, upon his arrival, was given a great ovation, and the presence of Major Hamilton was acclaimed in like manner. A long, varied and entertaining programme was furnished by the Sergeants of the 80th, assisted by their own efficient orchestra, whose selections were so well chosen and effectively portrayed.

The Colonel, in his usual cheery and genial spirit, presided over the evening’s entertainment, which was only brought to a close on account of time.

That similar events will occur more frequently, was the wish of all present, but the Sergeants of the 80th Battalion have something up their sleeve and are looking for a trip across the herring pond pretty soon; in the mean time, further interesting episodes can be expected from the Sergeants of the 80th.

Many thanks are extended to Messrs. Deacon Bros. for the loan of decorations, to Messrs. Tickell Bros. for tables, flags, etc., and to the caterer, chef and assistants for their unsparing efforts in making the event an unqualified success.”

The Intelligencer March 17, 1916 (page 2)

“St. Patrick’s Day Moderately Observed. The 17th of March is a day that is dear to the hearts of all sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle. It is known as St. Patrick’s Day and today it was fittingly commemorated not only in Ireland, but the world over.

Owing to the fact that at present Great Britain is involved in a great struggle in which not only Englishmen and Scotchmen, but Irishmen are bitterly engaged, there was not that enthusiasm and buoyancy of spirit exhibited as in former years.

Nevertheless, the day was not by any means forgotten. Shamrock was much in evidence and eagerly sought after by those who desired to wear a button-hole bouquet of the beautiful green plant. At St. Michael’s church this morning an appropriate service was held in connection with the usual Lenten service.”

The Intelligencer March 16, 1916 (page 2)

“Received cablegram. Mrs. David Waters of Hillcrest avenue, received this morning a cablegram from her daughter, Miss Grace Waters, that the Scandinavian had arrived safely in England, and all the Belleville young ladies aboard as nurses were in good health.”

The Intelligencer March 16, 1916 (page 2)

“The meeting of the Red Cross and Women’s Patriotic  Association …  was held on the 11th inst. in the Liberal Club rooms and was well attended. The President, Mrs. Lazier, presided. …

The Secretary read a letter that had been written to Mrs. Lazier by Nursing Sister Jessie A. Maurice, Moore Barracks Hospital, Shorncliffe, who had spent Christmas in an isolation hospital attending several of the Canadian soldiers who were either suffering (or were suspects) from cerebro-spinal meningitis, saying how grateful she was to have the Christmas packages sent by our association to distribute to them and how appreciative they were, and that we would have been amply repaid for all our work if we had heard their expressions of gratitude. …

Mrs. O’Flynn reported that 7,000 pairs of socks had been sent by the Association since the work first started. …

A committee was formed to interview the pastors of the different churches, and with their consent Sunday, March 25th, would be Red Cross Sunday in all the churches.”

 

The Intelligencer March 13, 1916 (page 7)

“Music and Drama. ‘The White Feather,’ dealing with the present European conflict and described as the greatest secret service war play ever written, will be seen here at Griffin’s Opera House next Friday night.

The play contains all the ingredients and thrills necessary to satisfy the most blase theatregoer, including German submarines and English warships; four German spies and two English secret service agents; a new recruit; an irrascible M.P. and his daughter, who, of course, is in love with the secret service hero; a basket full of white feathers for cowards who do not enlist; a wireless outfit concealed in the drawing room where the scene of the play is laid; a wonderful dictograph; an always-to-be-forgotten pipe; a code book of signals which falls into the wrong hand; carrier pigeons; a cane-shaped gun which works wonders at the proper time; a couple of revolvers and a powerful modern searchlight, all add to the tremendous success and countless thrills of this big secret service war drama, making it the sensation of three continents—England, America and Australia.

This is the play which goes to the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto, next week, for its third week’s engagement in this theatre in one year.”

[Note: Dictograph = a telephone with a very sensitive transmitter, used for secretly listening to or obtaining a record of conversation]

The Intelligencer March 9, 1916 (page 2)

“While bad weather outdoors usually increases the crowds at indoor attractions, the Khaki Club is one of the attractions that doesn’t have to depend on poor weather for a turnout. Rather, they hope for good weather all the time for it means they can with some degree of comfort handle the housefull they always have.

Last night’s uncertain nature just meant that numbers of the soldiers could not get near enough to the big room to hear the excellent programme arranged by Mrs. Lewis, whom the men will be glad to hear, has offered to come any time she can help. But that is the kind of a contract that every helper of the Khaki Club signs ‘to assist in any way, at any time, on the shortest of notice.’ …

While the programme is being carried out one finds both the writing and reading rooms filled by men who take advantage of the attractions downstairs, which give them a place at the tables, where many daily papers from all Ontario are found, and where the special stationery bearing the name of the club and the Battalion crest is found in abundance.

Some have one interest and some another, but all enjoy themselves thoroughly and at the close of the evening find their way to the tables where there are provisions aplenty for the first to partake or the last.”

The Intelligencer March 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Honors to a Belleville Soldier. An item which appeared in The Intelligencer yesterday announced that Lieut. F.B. Day of the Canadian A.M.C., had been appointed temporary captain. This refers to Gunner Day, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Day of Belleville, who left here in the first Canadian Contingent with the 34th Battery.

For 12 months Gunner Day was on the firing line and was made Bombardier, which position he filled for some time. He was recently given 7 days’ leave of absence, during which time the appointment of temporary captain was given him. His many friends in Belleville will wish for Gunner Day every success in his new appointment, which no doubt he justly deserved.”

[Note: Canadian A.M.C. = Canadian Army Medical Corps]

The Intelligencer March 7, 1916 (page 2)

“A recruiting depot for the Forestry (224) Battalion has been opened at 40 Bridge St. A window display consisting of axes, chains, shovels, peavies, etc. such as used by shantymen and bushmen is attracting much attention. The success of the Forestry Battalion in this district is assured.”

The Intelligencer March 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Mr. Schuster, officer in charge of the 224th Overseas Canadian Foresters Battalion, is mailing the following letter to the various lumber manufacturers in this district. The letter is self-explanatory:

224th Overseas Canadian Forestry Battalion, Belleville, Ont., Mar. 6th, 1916. Dear Sirs,—I beg to advise you that I have been authorized by the Minister of Militia to recruit and command the 224th Overseas Canadian Forestry Battalion.

This battalion is being formed at the very urgent request of the British War Office for the purpose of getting out timber in the British Isles and France for use at the front. The War Office find it necessary to do this owing to the fact that ocean tonnage is becoming so scarce it is impossible to secure timber from this country.

Recruiting officers of this battalion will call at your camps, starting next week, and naturally we will expect you to give them every assistance possible towards securing the proper men, in order that this regiment may be a credit to the lumbermen of Canada.

We are forwarding you under separate cover some posters, dodgers, etc., and would be greatly obliged if you would have the posters put up in conspicuous places and the dodgers distributed amongst the men. Yours very truly, Alexander McDougall, Lieut.-Colonel. W.E. Schuster, Officer in charge at Belleville, Ont.”

[Note: dodger = a small handbill]

The Intelligencer March 6, 1916 (page 4)

“A Forestry Battalion. (224th Overseas Battalion). The requirements of the War Department, not only of England, but also of the Allies, for lumber, and the excessive rates of freights from this continent to the old land induced the war officials in England to ask the Canadian Government to organize a battalion of 1,500 men who have had experience in what is known in Canada as shantying, whose primary duty will be to cut down trees in, for the present, Scotland, to be used for war purposes.

This request has been complied with, and General Hughes, with his usual promptness, has undertaken the task and hopes within six or eight weeks to have this Canadian corps at work in the forests of Scotland. …

The General has placed the raising and organizing of this corps in the hands of men who have had experience and know the character of men required for the work. While their primary work will be to cut down the forest, they will be equipped for military duty, if required, so that if called into action they will be able to handle the rifle and bayonet as well and as effectively as the axe. …

Our fellow citizen, W.E. Schuster, Esq., President of the Schuster Lumber Company, Ltd., who has during his whole life been connected with the lumber business, has been added to the staff. …  A recruiting office will be opened at once in Belleville, and we doubt not the ranks will soon be filled.”

The Intelligencer March 4, 1916 (page 1)

“Boys From School To Do General Farm Laborers’ Work. Toronto. March 4. To fill the depleted ranks of farm labor in Ontario on account of the war, no fewer than 15,000 male students of fifteen years and upwards attending schools and collegiate institutes will be available this summer for farm work. …  The boys in view are those who are fifteen years and older, and outside the universities it is estimated there are 36,000 in this category.

It is likely that the lads will be able to go in for this work about the beginning of May until October. Making allowance for the usual school vacation period, it means the boys who are thus employed will lose two or three months’ education, but it is stated that by an arrangement their academic standing will not be allowed to suffer.”

The Intelligencer March 4, 1916 (page 2)

“My dear Mrs. Collyer:—I have a very full heart this evening for between the hour of eleven and one last evening I lost three of my good men. Your son, I regret to say being one of them. The sad part of this is that, your dear boy was just going into the trenches for the first time.

He was walking up the communication trench in company with a dozen more comrades to take over his duties. It was about eleven o’clock. The medical officer and myself were following the party closely, when to my surprise I heard one of the men say, Collyer is shot! The Dr. and I were at his side in a moment, but within a few moments the dear boy had passed to a land that knows no pain. The bullet was a stray one, and hit him in the side, back of the shoulder and took a downward course. He was buried today in a little plot, a suitable cross there marks the spot.

As your son’s commanding officer, I desire to offer my deep appreciation of your son’s devotion to duty. May He who holds us all in the hollow of his love, help you to bear this great sorrow which has entered into your life. Believe me, Yours Very sincerely, Lt.-Col. J.H. Gunn.

Ottawa, Ont., W. Collyer, Belleville. Replying your telegram 22nd inst. deeply regret 412097 Pte. Frank Collyer 24th, formerly 39th Battalion, officially reported, Feb. 19th killed in action, Feb. 10, 1916. Adj. General.”

[Note: Private Frank Arthur Collyer died on February 10, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 69 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer March 4, 1916 (page 3)

“It was a happy thought struck Lt.-Col. Adams, when he decided to send the splendid band of the 155th to play in the various centres where detachments are being recruited and drilled.

On Thursday night the band played in Marlbank, and, although the roads were heavy owing to a recent fall of snow, the spacious hall was packed with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. It is probably the first time a band of the quality of the 155th Band had ever visited Marlbank, and needless to say received a great welcome. The people were delighted beyond measure and the band made a name for themselves in Marlbank.

On Friday the band visited Tweed, and was greeted at the auditorium by another packed house, every seat being sold and standing room at a premium. …

Besides providing an entertainment seldom experienced by the people in the outlying districts, good results are expected in recruiting. …  At intermission, Lt.-Col. Adams addressed the audience, thanking them for their attendance, and called upon the eligible to rally to the colors of the 155th Battalion. …

One of the features of each performance was a boxing bout by youngsters aged twelve, called the ‘Midget Mascots’ of the 155th Battalion. They created great excitement and won well merited applause by their clever work.”

The Intelligencer March 3, 1916 (page 3)

“Military Y.M.C.A. Notes. Though almost over, the battalion baseball league still commands the interest of the men of each company for though almost over it is still anybody’s league. One of the games that excited keen interest and drew a crowd of supporters was the tussle between the Band and the team from the Signallers and Machine Gun Section. The score of 25 to 35 hardly indicates just how close the game was. …  In addition to the Y.M.C.A. shield for baseball individual prizes are being given.

The battalion checker tournament that has been in progress for some weeks is now almost to a close. On account of duties it has been found difficult to get the opponents together. The semi-final was played yesterday when Gunter of the Pioneers gave way before Asquith of the Shoemakers. The final will be played between Tanner of the Brass Band and Asquith when the band returns.

Mr. Sharpe of the Military Y.M.C.A. received a shipment of five hundred of the most effective recruiting posters published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Office in England. After receiving special permission from the Commissioner of Customs to enter them duty free they were at once turned over to the 80th and 155th Battalions here …

The poster is entitled ‘Take up the sword of Justice’ and is a most striking one. In the foreground is the figure of Justice with sword upraised appealing for assistance to avenge the slaughter of innocents in the Lusitania outrage. Behind her is the sinking ship and about her the struggling non-combatants. It is a mighty appeal.”

The Intelligencer March 3, 1916 (page 7)

“Now for the Colors. Editor, The Intelligencer. Dear Sir,—Would it not be a good idea now that the hockey season is practically over for the hockey players of Belleville and other athletes, to follow the example set by players in other cities—that is, to join the colors and fight for their King and country. Needless to say, a Sportsmen’s Company could be raised from Belleville, and it would be a grand aggregation, too.

The 155th Battalion is a local unit, and has room for such a company. The boys would be under local officers. Lieut. Nurse is an officer of the 155th Battalion, and practically all the other officers are past or present athletes of this city. This company could be open to any one who has taken part in any branch of sport in Belleville and vicinity.

Toronto, Hamilton and practically every team is enlisting as a body and we have had a crack at both the Intermediate and Junior ‘mugs’—and it was good fun; but the glory and sport of putting a crack in the Kaiser’s ‘mug’ would be the best of all.

I feel confident that Colonel Adams and the officers of the local Battalion would be pleased to entertain the forming of such a company. The situation is critical, boys, and we would respectfully suggest your serious consideration of joining. Many citizens would be pleased to co-operate in the forming of this ‘Belleville Athletic Company.’ A Patriotic Fan.”

The Intelligencer March 2, 1916 (page 1)

“Father Takes Son’s Place. Mr. James Ross of this city, went to Brockville this week and made application for enlistment with the 59th Battalion, with the result that he was accepted for overseas service.

Mr. Ross is the father of Gunner Leo Ross, who left Belleville with the 34th Battery and whose life was sacrificed in France. The father since his son’s death has had an ardent desire to take his place at the front, and now he has the opportunity to do so.”

The Intelligencer March 2, 1916 (page 7)

“Khaki Club Night. Wednesday night usually finds most of the soldiers of the two battalions at the Khaki Club and last night was no exception. From about eight o’clock on there was a continual procession of men in and out of the club, and it was well they kept moving or the place would not have held them all.

The helper who had charge of the programme last evening was unable to arrange one, but that does not mean they did not have one, for that is not the way the Khaki Club does business. It was only a few hours till some one volunteered on short notice to see that a pleasant evening was provided. It was in the hands of Miss Milburn and Miss Phyllis Bogert. Though they faced the problem of providing a whole evening’s entertainment there was not a dull moment in it. Each sang a number of popular solos and played, while the men sang innumerable choruses.

Though still less informal than the pleasantly informal evenings always given, it was one of the best yet. It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. At ten o’clock the refreshments were served and as happens very often the men on guard were remembered and each was sent his share of good things.”