The Intelligencer November 10, 1914 (page 1)

“Over one hundred men sat down to the supper tables at the Canadian Club meeting, held last night in the Y.M.C.A. A substantial luncheon was served by the ladies of the auxiliary committee. Mrs. M.P. Duff sang “It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary,” and the men took up the chorus. Miss Jessie Maclean presided at the piano. While the tables were being cleared the members sang “O, Canada.” The dining hall was festooned with British flags and the national colors. …

The guest of the evening was Chancellor McCrimmon, of McMaster University …  His subject was: “Why the British are at War” …  A large map of Europe was used by the speaker in giving a geographical survey of the countries involved in the war. A large up-to-date relief map was also in view in the parlors, thus making the whole address educative as well as entertaining.”

The Intelligencer November 9, 1914 (pages 3, 7)

“Thousands cheered us as we proceeded to the wharf to disembark; bands played the Maple Leaf and Tipperary, our war songs, when we paraded through the streets of the city of Devonport. The people showered us with all kinds of things; the children grasping our hands, the girls and women hugged us–in fact nearly tore us to pieces; buttons, badges, etc., were taken and kept as souvenirs.

On all sides we could hear: “We’re so glad you’ve come”; “We have a brother, father, or cousin at the front”; “We hope you get back safe”; “Good luck to you,” etc.

And the boys–well, folks, they are all fine, and are patiently waiting for the day when we shall meet the Germans. Their only fear is that the war will be over before they get there. But I guess we will get there soon enough.

Was in conversation with one of the men who is home from the front recovering from a sabre slash. …  He has been in Africa and India, and says, “Boys, the Boer War was a picnic to this one. I saw men go stark mad from witnessing the terrible carnage. It’s worse than hell. It’s beyond me. It’s simply artillery duels and cavalry charges, and the slaughter is terrible. …  Yours very truly, Spafford.”

The Intelligencer November 4, 1914 (page 1)

“The British War Office is giving out orders for army flannel shirts to the extent of 800,000. The manufacturers of shirts in Canada, some thirty-five, have formed themselves co-operatively to take care of this business in this country. …  M.W.B. Deacon of the Deacon Shirt Company, of this city, has been made a member of the executive committee of five who are handling this work.

This will mean that the Deacon Shirt Company who have already been working on shirt orders for the Dominion Government, will secure an order from the British War Office for from 25,000 to 30,000 shirts.”

The Intelligencer November 3, 1914 (page 1)

“Thirty-nine young men who enlisted with the Fifteenth Regiment of this city, and thirty-nine who enlisted with the 49th Regiment of Hastings County left today for Kingston, as members of the second overseas contingent. …  The boys were given what they deserve–a hearty send-off, being cheered lustily along the line of march from the Armouries to the railway station, where they embarked. A large number accompanied the brave boys to the station and the 15th Regiment Band, playing stirring martial music, led the parade.”

The Intelligencer November 2, 1914 (page 1)

“A cable was received this morning from Capt. E.D. O’Flynn, who is absent with the Over Seas Contingent. He states that the boys are all well, that they are now at Bulford Camp, Salisbury Plains, England.

He says the Belleville boys won the tug of war and the light weight boxing championship on the voyage over, and that the boys were well and happy and ready to do the best they can for the honor of Canada and in defence of the Empire.”

The Intelligencer November 2, 1914 (page 1)

“It was estimated that upwards of two thousand persons were on Saturday evening crowded into the armouries. The occasion was the entertainment under the auspices of the Red Cross Society. The various booths, elaborately decorated, and the midway were sources of great attraction. It being Hallowe’en night; many present were costumed and their dress attracted much attention. …

Upon the stage erected several numbers were given, including drills by the girls of the High School and the boys and girls of the Ontario School for the Deaf. The latter if possible excelled themselves and their marching and club swinging was of especial interest.”

The Intelligencer October 28, 2014 (page 7)

“The ladies of the Red Cross Committee of the Belleville Patriotic Society this morning received this communication from Dr. Chas. A. Hodgetts, the Red Cross Commissioner for Canada. Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 26, 1914.

Having learned that the good people of Belleville were making a special effort on behalf of the Red Cross Fund, I take the opportunity before leaving for England, to write you a few lines in explanation of what my duties will be as Canadian Red Cross Commissioner. The special function of the Red Cross is the giving or aid to the sick and wounded only, and in no way does the Red Cross dispense comforts to the healthy soldier. …   it will be necessary to follow up all of our loyal Canadians who may suffer from illness or become wounded in battle, no matter where they may be located.”

The Intelligencer October 27, 1914 (page 2)

“The Red Cross …  In addition to the Hallowe’en Festival, which is to be held in the Armouries, the ladies have undertaken a Flag Day. This is one of the means most of the Red Cross workers have used to raise money, and has proven a very popular one. The flag is very dear to the British heart and every one is anxious to possess and wear one especially at this time.”

The Intelligencer October 27, 1914 (page 3)

“Letter from a Soldier Boy. Davenport, England, October 15, 1914. Dear Mother, Father, Sister and Brother: I am dropping you a few lines to let you know that we have arrived in the Old Country at last. Everything is fine, and we also had a fine voyage across the sea. I am sending you a couple of souvenirs of the transport, Saxonia, the ship we came across on. We have had very good luck with our horses, that is, considering the way they were packed in. Out of 633 horses we only lost 13 horses.

I was not the least bit seasick coming across and there were lots of the boys pretty sick. …   As far as war news is concerned, all we know is that the Allied armies are having the best of it, and the navy has got the German navy bottled up in the Kiel Canal and the North Sea. …  Well, I think I will close for this time, hoping you are well. I remain. Your loving son and brother, Gunner George E. Cronk.”

The Intelligencer October 22, 1914 (page 2)

“Belleville Recruiting Second Contingent. Canada’s Second contribution to the Overseas forces who will fight for the Empire is now in process of enrollment, and lists have been opened at the Belleville Armouries for volunteers from Belleville and vicinity.

On Tuesday evening 10 men applied and were accepted, after being examined by Dr. MacColl, surgeon of the local regiment. Last night eight more were added to the list. Nearly everyone who enlisted and was accepted, were Englishmen, who are anxious to serve the Mother Country. Recruiting will proceed actively each evening, and officers will be present at the Armouries to receive applications and give all information.”

The Intelligencer October 21, 1914(page 2)

“War Reveals Waste of Food. Apprehensive over food shortage, the London press is advising the English people to save and utilize every article of food value, including the brawn coating of grain. Why? The outer coat of grain holds the precious mineral elements which means so much in vital building and upkeep of body, brain and nerves. And yet the modern miller throws out about four-fifths of these priceless food elements just to make the flour look white and pretty!

Isn’t it astounding that it took war to wake people up to such a fearful waste! Nearly twenty years ago the crying need of a food which would fill the lack caused by demineralized white flour products led to the making of Grape-Nuts. …  ‘There’s a Reason’ for Grape-Nuts—sold by Grocers everywhere.”

The Intelligencer October 17, 1914 (page 2)

“The Fifteenth Regiment, under command of Col. Marsh, had a march out last night headed by the Regimental Band. The turnout was a most creditable one, over 200 being in line. After a march up Front street the Regiment returned to the Armouries, where the commanding officer addressed the men, congratulating them upon the turnout. He advised all to turn out and be ready in case of emergency, which might arise at any time.”