The Intelligencer October 26, 1915 (page 1)

“Belleville to Raise $10,000 for Red Cross. Sum to be Raised by Issuing Debentures—Canvass of City so All will Have Opportunity of Subscribing to This Worthy Object. In response to the call of Mayor Panter for a public meeting to organize a campaign for the British Red Cross fund a number of influential citizens gathered last evening in the Council Chamber. …

The question was should a levy be made on the city finances or a campaign to raise money be inaugurated? …  Ald. Wallbridge suggested that it would be a good idea to make a levy on the taxes, and a canvass of the city could also be made, as there were many who are not taxpayers, especially the young men, who should assist in this matter. …  The following motion was then unanimously concurred in by all present, on the motion of Mr. Deacon:—’That the City Council raise by debentures the sum of $5,000 for the British Red Cross Society.’

A special committee composed of the Executive Committee of the Council …  was appointed to arrange details as to the plan of campaign of canvassing the city. …  The meeting then adjourned and a special meeting of the Committee was held. …

After some discussion it was decided that envelopes be printed, setting forth the object of the appeal and that the same be distributed in every business place and house in the city on Thursday afternoon of this week by boys who are members of the cadet corps in the Public and Separate schools of the city. The envelopes will be collected on Saturday afternoon by the boy cadets who left them at the houses and returned to the city building.”

The Intelligencer October 25, 1915 (page 1)

“Canadian Losses Number 15,187. 94 Officers, 1,635 Men Were Killed in Action. The Canadian losses in the war up to October 16th total 15,187, made up of 677 officers and 14,510 men. …

The official figures are:—Killed in action—Officers, 94; Men, 1,635. Died of wounds—Officers, 25; Men, 654. Died of illness—Officers, 6; Men, 172. Accidentally killed—Officers, 2; Men, 38. Prisoners of war—Officers, 56; Men, 1,251. Missing—Officers, 31; Men, 1,140. Wounded and sick—Officers, 467; Men, 9,660.”

The Intelligencer October 25, 1915 (page 7)

“Recruiting. Your King and Country Need You More Than Ever. A well-attended meeting of the Executive of the Speakers’ Patriotic League and representatives of the Ward Committees was held on Saturday evening at the armouries.

The Griffin House and the Palace Theatre having offered to allow a speaker each evening to address the audience at their respective entertainments on recruiting, a motion was passed unanimously accepting these kind offers and expressing thanks for same. A relay of speakers will be provided by the League, so as to have one for each evening at such performances. The speeches will be from five to ten minutes. …

The Griffin Opera House have also kindly offered to give the use of the Opera House for a recruiting meeting on Sunday evening, the 31 of October, at 8 p.m. when the band have kindly consented to be present. The Opera House should be filled to the last seat on the occasion. It was decided to hold the meeting to be addressed by Rt. Hon. Sir R.L. Borden and others at a date to be selected later.”

The Intelligencer October 25, 1915 (page 7)

“Memorial Service for The Late Cecil Boyer. One of Belleville’s Boys, who Laid Down His Life in France. At Christ Church yesterday morning, a memorial service for the late Cecil Bowyer, who was killed on the battlefield in France, was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Blagrave. A large congregation was present and the sympathetic way in which the rector spoke of the deceased was enough to touch the heart of any loyal Canadian. …

With regard to the young man whose life has been laid down, to whose memory we are holding services today: The late Cecil Bowyer was in church and Sunday School a conscientious worker, and his answer to his country’s call was a righteous and a noble answer. This is the high price he has paid and the country paid, and the higher the price is paid the higher the return will be. Thousands of noble lads have gone, and where their lives have gone there is a bit of Britain. No more noble a death could a man hope for in this world than to lay down his life for his friends.”

The Intelligencer October 22, 1915 (page 2)

“The Quinte Chapter Daughters of Empire. The Quinte Chapter, Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, gave a tea in the Tea-Room in the Hotel Quinte yesterday afternoon, which proved to be an enormous success, the proceeds amounting to $200.00. The Regent, Mrs. E. Guss Porter, received, assisted by Mrs. Henry Corby, Second Vice Regent.

The Tea-Room was decorated with branches of maple leaves in autumn shades. On the tea-table was a miniature ship, and the young ladies who served refreshments wore middies with black ties, in honor of Nelson. Those who so kindly assisted with the musical programme were Miss Dorothy Grant and Miss Jean Caldwell, who both sang very sweetly. Mr. Mouck very appropriately sang ‘The Death of Nelson,’ and Miss Phyllis Bogart, Mr. Mac. Waters and Mr. Kenneth Ross played piano solos. A pretty crocheted basket was raffled, Miss Jean Caldwell drawing the lucky number.

The tea was given in response to a special appeal on behalf of the British Red Cross Society, and the ladies of the Chapter feel very grateful to all who attended the tea and contributed so liberally; they especially wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins for the use of the beautiful Tea-Room.”

The Intelligencer October 20, 1915 (page 2)

“The Special Appeal For Red Cross. In response to the appeal by the British Red Cross Society, Belleville City Council has arranged to have subscription lists placed in convenient and prominent positions throughout the city. The citizens who desire to contribute to this worthy object in response to the urgent appeal made through the press, will have an opportunity to do so to-morrow, October 21st, and following days.

The City Council has headed the list with a donation of 300, and the members of the Council have each put down their names for a subscription. The city clerk has consented to receive and forward the money. It is suggested to save time, that money be left when lists are signed. Lists will be found (by permission) at the following places: City Clerk’s Office, Montreal Bank, Merchants’ Bank, Standard Bank, Dominion Bank, Bank of Commerce, Union Bank, Post Office, Station Post Office, Intelligencer Office, Ontario Office.”

The Intelligencer October 20, 1915 (page 4)

“help! The British Red Cross is sending to you and to the citizens of the Empire the appeal of our sick and wounded sailors and soldiers for assistance. The demands upon the Red Cross funds have been tremendous—sick and wounded sailors and soldiers are being cared for by thousands and tens of thousands. Canadians, too, are succored in common with heroes from every British possession. More money is needed—urgently and at once to provide medicines, hospital supplies and appliances of all kinds. ‘OUR DAY’ For Soldiers and Sailors Oct. 21.”

 

The Intelligencer October 19, 1915 (page 1)

“Bancroft Gives a Gun. Bancroft.—(Special)—the goal for which the patriotic citizens of this part of North Hastings have been striving has been reached. The machine gun fund has been swelled to the grand total of $1,026.25. A request will be made that a plate be placed on the gun to show where it came from.”

The Intelligencer October 19, 1915 (page 3)

“Ladies’ Military Boots. Black Cloth Tops—Patent Leather Vamps and Heel Foxing—Neat Military heel just like Cut—All Sizes Laced and Buttoned. Priced at $2.50. You should see them. The J.J. Haines Shoe Houses. Belleville, Napanee, Trenton, Smith’s Falls.”

The Intelligencer October 18, 1915 (page 4)

“help! Our Stricken Heroes Are Calling To YOU—They Must Not Ask In Vain—GIVE! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, the Motherland has asked her Daughter Colonies for aid for her Red Cross work. Wounded men in the hundreds of thousands, from every part of the Empire, including Canadians, are being cared for by the British Red Cross Society. The strain on their funds is enormous—so much so that they are in danger of exhaustion. …  Ontario Has Promised to Raise $500,000. …’OUR DAY’ For Sailors and Soldiers. Thursday, October 21st.”

The Intelligencer October 16, 1915 (page 2)

“The Rainbow Club Of the Patriotic and Red Cross Association. All the circles of the ‘Rainbow Club’ combined Thursday in holding a ‘shower’ for the purpose of collecting Christmas luxuries for our boys at the front.

The large lecture room and the officers’ quarters in the armouries were created into a veritable fairyland. The effect in the lecture room where the donations were received, was very unique, the scheme of the ‘Rainbow’ being carried out in the decorations. Twenty-seven tables were arranged in a large semi-circle around the room, while from a large circle hanging from the ceiling, cheesecloth in all the colors of the rainbow, radiated to the tables, each table being covered with a snowy-white cloth and having a bouquet of flowers, the color of the ray, in the centre. The convenors, appropriately gowned, presided, each at her own table, and received the gifts which were sent in by the friends of her circle.

Passing along the gallery you entered the officers’ quarters, which were beautifully decorated by the ladies in charge and used as reception and tea rooms. The tea and cake served in the latter room (from all accounts) fully repaid the ladies for the trouble taken in preparing them, and the bevy of pretty young girls who served them gave an added sweetness to their taste.

The President of the Patriotic Association, Mrs. S.S. Lazier, and Vice-President, Mrs. F.E. O’Flynn, did the honors in the reception room.

The donations far exceeded the expectations of the circles, as every table was loaded with good things for overseas; and it will not be the fault of the citizens of Belleville if our boys do not enjoy the Christmas cheer.

The members of the Rainbow Club wish to thank all who contributed to the ‘shower,’ from the youngest child who gave a package of gum or a bottle of ink, to those (of whom there were many) who gave so liberally. A few they would like to thank specially—the officers of the 15th Batt. for the use of their rooms; Tickell & Sons for the use of their tables; Robt. Orr for conveying them to their rooms and back; The Intelligencer and Ontario for the advertising; those who contributed toward the programme in the afternoon, and last, but by no means least, the 15th Regt. Band, for the beautiful music they gave during the evening.”

The Intelligencer October 15, 1915 (page 3)

“Belleville Boy Killed in Action. Mr. John T. Boyer, who resides on Myers street, Belleville, this morning received a telegram from militia headquarters, conveying the sad information that his son, Cecil Boyer, had been killed in action at the front.

Deceased, who was 19 years of age, left here over a year ago as a member of the 15th Regiment, and went to the front with the First Canadian Contingent. Cecil was a young man well known in the city, and had a large circle of friends. He was the eldest son of Mr. Boyer. Only yesterday a letter was received from him from the front, in which he expressed himself as being well, and looking forward to receiving gifts from home. He also stated that life in the trenches was as bad as had been represented by some. The sympathy of all citizens will be extended to those bereaved.”

[Note: Private James Cecil Bowyer died on October 3, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 6 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

 

The Intelligencer October 14, 1915 (page 1)

“A New War Order. Bars Closed at 8. Provincial License Commission Makes Experimental Order, Endorsed by Government and Minister of Militia, Which will be in Force Until Close of War. Commencing Monday, Nov. 1, all Ontario hotel bars must close sharp at 8 o’clock, except on Saturday evening, when, as usual they will close at 7. …

In a lengthy statement, Hon. W.H. Hearst says: ‘The great necessity for economy and thrift on the part of the people, and the necessity for fitness, not only on the part of our soldiers, but on the part of our people generally, for the great struggle in which we are engaged, will, the government feels assured, justify the action taken, and it is confident that even those who may suffer financially will be prepared to make the necessary sacrifice for the general good.’ ”

The Intelligencer October 14, 1915 (page 3)

“The Khaki Club. Ladies of Belleville Are Providing a Home For the Soldiers of 80th Battalion. The ladies who are members of the Belleville Ladies’ Rifle Club recently formed what is termed a Khaki Club, and with their usual foresight and sympathy are exerting their energies for the comfort of the non-commissioned officers and men of the 80th Battalion who will in the near future be stationed in this city. The scheme they have in view was placed before Col. W.G. Ketcheson, the commanding officer of the battalion. …  Their proposition was heartily concurred in by the Colonel.

The ladies have secured for temporary use the commodious brick building at the corner of Pinnacle and Dundas streets which was at one time known as the Canadian House. It is the intention to convert this building into quarters to be used by the non-commissioned officers and men whilst in the city. It is in every respect suited for this object.

On the ground floor are three commodious apartments, and these will be utilized as a reading and writing room, a reception room, kitchen and a dry canteen. The latter room is large and will be appropriately fitted up. It is intended by the ladies to have this part of the premises made attractive. A large counter will be installed and tea, coffee and soft drinks will be procurable, also sandwiches and other refreshments. Adjoining the canteen will be the kitchen which will be provided with all the necessary paraphernalia for furnishing refreshments.

The upper storey of the building, in which there are a number of bedrooms and two other rooms, will be suitably furnished. In the rear portion of this part of the building suitable rooms will be fitted up for the sergeant or any other person who may be placed in charge. These apartments will be so arranged that the man in charge, if married, will have every accommodation for himself and family. Commodious cloak rooms are provided as adjuncts to the bedroom.

A large airy room will be devoted as a game room, and in addition an instrument will be installed. This will no doubt prove to be one of the most attractive rooms of the club. When the building has been furnished it is the intention of the ladies to hold an open meeting, in order that citizens may visit the place and inspect the quarters.

Whilst the ladies of the club have already received some donations of furniture, etc., they are still in need of much more, and any gifts of this nature will not only be received with gratitude, but suitably acknowledged. That this will prove a great boon and comfort to the brave boys who have enlisted for overseas service there is not the slightest doubt, and the ladies who have worked so assiduously for the accomplishment of the object will in due time receive their reward in the knowledge that their praiseworthy efforts are appreciated by the soldiers.”

The Intelligencer October 13, 1915 (page 2)

“Gifts for Soldiers. Recently a shower was held at the residence of Mrs. W.J. Brown, Octavia street, the object of which was to provide some necessaries for the Belleville boys who are at the front. As the result of the shower and the gift of a number of ladies, 100 large stockings have been made, and the same are shipped immediately to our boys who are at the front.

Each stocking contains the following:—1 box cigarettes, 1 package tobacco, 1 pipe, 1 package chocolate, 1 package gum, 1 pack cards, 12 post cards, 1 pencil, 1 box oxo, 1 pair wool socks, 1 cake soap, 1 wash cloth, 1 hand towel, candy, tea tablet, writing pads, pen knives, hickory nuts.”