The Intelligencer July 25, 1918 (page 5)

“Invalided Home. Driver Flay Caron, son of Mr. and Mrs. Caron, residing on Lewis street, city, has arrived home. Driver Caron enlisted with a western battery and was for some months on active service. He was severely wounded, having been in a hospital for some time.”

The Intelligencer July 25, 1918 (page 5)

“Won His Promotion. Staff Sergt. Major Wrightmyer, who resides at 36 Wharf street, city, has arrived back from France. He left Belleville in May 1917 with the 155^th Battalion as a Private, and won his promotion on the battlefield, where he was severely wounded in the right foot. The Sergt.-Major is only 18 years old.”

The Intelligencer July 25, 1918 (page 5)

“Local Mail Carriers Strike of Short Duration. The strike of the Belleville mail carriers was of short duration but long enough to cause some inconvenience and a rush of citizens to the general delivery at the Post Office. Yesterday it was unanimously decided to strike this morning and it went into effect. Shortly after the carriers were out they returned to their duties owing to the receipt of the following telegram:

Toronto, July 25. R. C. Andrews, Belleville. We are informed in the course of the conference that the Government has already decided that temporary employees of the Post Office department should participate in the bonus voted in the supplementary estimates. The Government is willing upon the men returning at once to their duties to accede to the proposal of a subcommittee of the Cabinet being appointed, which will confer with representatives of the men, hear, look into and discuss with them their representation relative to the matter of wages or salary and report to the cabinet, which will at once consider and decide upon that report.

We find this is the best that can be obtained and under the circumstances consider it acceptable and recommend that the men accept it and return to work in the morning. Alex. McMordie, Federated Secretary.”

The Intelligencer July 24, 1918 (page 1)

“Belleville Mail Carriers May Go On Strike. Belleville mail carriers may follow the example of fellow carriers in Toronto and other cities and go out on strike. After the delivery of this morning’s mail a meeting of the carriers was held and the unanimous opinion was in favor of a strike tomorrow morning if the matter is not settled.”

The Intelligencer July 24, 1918 (page 2)

“Mrs. T. Morris, 94 Station St., Belleville, received the following letter from her son: France, June 27, 1918. Dear Mother and Father,—Just a line to say that I am well. Hope you at home are the same. I haven’t yet received this week’s letter so haven’t much to say until I do. We are having pretty fair weather here lately. When I get your parcel and J. Cocklyn’s I will let you know immediately.

The Belleville boys in my Company got a pair of knitted socks from the knitting circle yesterday—all but me again. I never bothered to tell you that before I was never among the list to get anything from Belleville. They all got 2 and 3 parcels donated by Belleville and Ontario at Xmas but I never got anything only what I got from you. I don’t mind though but it seems rotten to live in Belleville and come over with the boys from there and be left out like that but I hate to complain. I am none the worse for it but you can understand what I mean.

Well, you will have heard about the big Italian victory. We received it with joy. I expect mail from you in a few days …  so for now I will close. I remain, Your affectionate son, Walter. No. 636568, 10^th Platt., 3^rd Co. Canadians, France.”

The Intelligencer July 24, 1918 (page 5)

“Women’s Home League. The Women’s Home League of the Salvation Army, was addressed by Mrs. Major (Dr.) McCall. The ladies are busy preparing for a further special effort on behalf of the boys ‘over there.’ The next sale of work will be held in the Citadel on August 21^st. All are planning to have a big display. Adjt. Trickey read some additional letters from those who have received comforts recently.”

 

The Intelligencer July 22, 1918 (page 5)

“A Long Sleep. On Friday last fifty patients arrived at the Ontario Military Hospital Cobourg, direct from overseas, they being brought here by an escort from Halifax. One of the shell shocked patients has been asleep for over two years and is still in that state.”

The Intelligencer July 22, 1918 (page 5)

“Delivery by Aeroplane. Last Friday Mr. J. D. Collip, florist of this city, received an order for a wreath from the officers of the aviation camp at Deseronto, and requested same to be in readiness within a short time for delivery by aeroplane. Mr. Collip made the design and drove his car to the landing place near the Belleville cemetery and delivered the wreath to an aviator who alighted with his plane. The order, the making of the design, and the delivery at the camp was all accomplished in a record time.”

The Intelligencer July 22, 1918 (page 5)

“Memorial Service. Yesterday morning at the Tabernacle Methodist Church, Rev. Capt. J. Garbutt of Oshawa, rendered a strong stirring address on ‘The Work of the Military Chaplains Overseas.’ As an evidence of appreciation of the congregation the response to the appeal for the Army and Navy Fund was largely in excess of the amount asked for. Mrs. Laidman of Barrie and Mrs. Duff rendered an appreciated duet.

In the evening an impressive memorial service was held, conducted by the pastor, at which tender and timely tributes were paid to the memory of Flight Lieut. Frederick, Sergt. C. Asseltine and Pte. V. Asseltine. Rev. Thomas Wallace of Sidney spoke in a very appreciative manner of the character of Flight Lieut. Frederick, as a former pastor of the family. The Royal Templars were present in a body and also the Alpha Brotherhood as an expression of timely sympathy with Mr. Frederick and family.

Mrs. Laidman sang a very appropriate solo in splendid voice and with pleasing acceptance. The pastor delivered a timely address.”

[Note: Second Lieutenant Leonard Martin Frederick died on July 8, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 587 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

[Note: Sergeant Charles Nelson Asselstine died on February 28, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 193 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

[Note: Private Vincent Asselstine died on July 10, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 361 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer July 20, 1918 (page 5)

“Memorial Service. At the Tabernacle Methodist Church Mrs. Laidman of Barrie will sing at both services tomorrow. A memorial service will be held in the evening for Flight-Lieut. Frederick, Sergt. Chas. Asseltine, and Pte. Vincent Asseltine.”

The Intelligencer July 20, 1918 (page 5)

“Nursing Sister Decorated. Nursing Sister Helena McCallum, of Deloro, Marmora Township, has been decorated with the Royal Red Cross. She is a graduate of St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, went overseas early in the war, and served in Salonica and now in France.”

The Intelligencer July 20, 1918 (page 5)

“Successful Barn Dances. There have been two very successful barn dances held at Mr. Shelley Anderson’s on the front of Thurlow. Very large crowds turned out for both and everyone had a delightful evening. The proceeds were very gratifying. There was $128 for the Thurlow Red Cross from the first and $100 to be divided between Thurlow Red Cross and the Belleville Branch of the Canadian War Contingent Association from the last.

A very great deal of credit is due both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson for all their work in connection with these entertainments. Besides a pleasant evening for all there was a large sum raised for a good cause.”

The Intelligencer July 20, 1918 (page 6)

“Overseas Boxes. A new lot of Overseas Boxes just received, 5 sizes, 13¢ and 15¢ each. Chas. S. Clapp.”

The Intelligencer July 20, 1918 (page 6)

“Patriotic Youths. Some of our small boy citizens are doing their bit by making and selling lemonade. They have formed themselves into a club and are known as the ‘Boys Belgian Relief Club.’ So far they have made by their efforts $7.10 and handed it to Mrs. J. F. Dolan, treasurer, for the Belgian Relief to be sent for the poor Belgian refugees who are so much in need of any help that can be given them. These boys are to be commended and should be encouraged by every one.—And it is good lemonade, too.—Try it.”

The Intelligencer July 19, 1918 (page 2)

“Letters from Overseas. From Pte. P. G. Palmer. Dear Mother:—I can hardly believe that it is June 3^rd once more and try to bring my scattered sense together where I was three years ago, but impossible. Canada seems very far away at present. The name makes me feel as if I had had an exciting dream and just to have left a faint recollection that there was a place named Belleville mixed up in it somewhere. If I live to see next November it will be my fourth birthday in the army which almost seems beyond imagination.

Still it would take a good many years in this country to make me like it. We are not having a bad time at present and are still in the same place from which I last wrote. I have not met any of the Belleville boys of late, but had a letter from Vernon the other day, in which he says he is well and getting on fine. There are not many of the old original boys of the 33^rd left now, and it seems a bit lonely at times to see all the new faces filling in the old places, but the battery still keeps up its old name.

I don’t think this will be a very interesting letter to you, mother, but news is scarce, so can not make a letter very long. We have had no Canadian mail for a long time and the parcels do not come through at all. They must be piled up somewhere. I hope you and sisters are all well. I am in the best of health. Kindest regards to all my friends. Your loving son, P. G. Palmer.”

The Intelligencer July 19, 1918 (page 5)

“Pte. Renfrew Injured. Mrs. George Renfrew of Hybla, Hastings County, has just received a letter from her husband, Pte. George Renfrew, 21^st Battalion, saying that he was on his way to the trenches, with his transport wagon when he fell and the wagon passed over his leg. He is in the Military Hospital at Basingstoke, Hants. and is getting along splendidly. His father, Sgt. H. Renfrew, also lives at Hybla.”

 

The Intelligencer July 18, 1918 (page 5)

“Successful Garden Party. The garden party under the auspices of the Young Women’s Christian Temperance Union held on the lawn of Mrs. John Williams, was a decided success. Many things were contributed to make it such. Even the weatherman who has been so uncertain of late, favored the function, for not a drop of rain came till just all was over and everything cleared away.

The spacious grounds and house were tastefully decorated with flags and bunting, loaned for the occasion. The ‘Y’ with their many friends, did splendid work in furnishing and attending the booths for war cooking, useful and fancy articles, candy and flowers and the fish pond. The ice cream stand was liberally patronized and high tea was served on the lawn from six o’clock to seven-thirty.

The Victrola loaned by the courtesy of the Lindsay Co., added greatly to the pleasure of the event and little Miss Muriel Quinn of Toronto, gave several readings to the delight of all. A goodly sum was realized for the soldiers’ comforts.

The ‘Y’ hopes that the many friends will remember the collection of old cast-offs of lead, brass and electric light bulbs to be made in September, and will be kind to the children when they call.”

The Intelligencer July 18, 1918 (page 5)

“Awarded D. S. O. Medal. Displayed in the window of Mr. F. C. Clarke’s drug store on Front street is a military decoration which is much admired. It is the insignia of the Distinguished Service Order bestowed upon Major William Roy Riordan, of this city, who when the war broke out was in command of the 34^th Battery in this city.

He went overseas shortly after and has been on active service in Italy and France. At present he is in France. For gallantry displayed he was awarded the distinguished service medal and it is the first awarded to a Bellevillian.

Major Riordan forwarded the medal, which is in the shape of a Maltese cross and in the centre of the cross bar the British crown is to be seen. The coveted medal is much prized by Mrs. Riordan, mother of the gallant Major, who resides on George Street in this city. The many friends of the brave Major in the city will extend to him congratulations upon securing from His Majesty the King the decoration.”

 

The Intelligencer July 17, 1918 (page 7)

“Notice re Coal. The Schuster Company Limited announce that on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week, they will sell, only to those whose consumption for the last three years has not averaged more than six tons per year. Preference will be given to those who are without coal at the present time.

Credit will be extended to worthy persons and in other cases orders will be accepted from their employers for payment, extended over a period of three months. The price will be $11.50 delivered, weighed on city scales, unscreened. W. N. Belair. W. E. Schuster.”

The Intelligencer July 16, 1918 (page 3)

“Thurlow Red Cross Makes Large Shipment. One of the most important packings of the society was held in July in Mr. Gowsell’s Hall, Foxboro. The shipment was large and as everything is so much needed now, we hope for just as much in August. The boxes contained: 302 pairs of socks, 203 suits of pyjamas, 55 hospital suits, 176 day shirts, 214 towels, 180 wash cloths, 4 feather pillows, 16 quilts, 8 hot water bag covers, 52 personal property bags, 9 trench caps, 1 convalescent robe, old magazines, and one large barrel of canned fruit and maple syrup packed in evaporated apples. Total value $1,628.00.

These are interesting parts of letters acknowledging boxes from Thurlow Red Cross. Canadian Red Cross Headquarters, Toronto. Dear Madam:—We have much pleasure in advising you of the safe arrival of your last shipment of supplies. No doubt, you are aware that the heavy fighting going on at the present time, means many large demands upon our stores, and in order that the hospitals may be kept well supplied with every comfort for their sick and wounded it is very important that we receive a constant stream of such articles as you have so kindly forwarded us.

We shall be glad therefore if you will kindly accept and convey to all those interested our hearty thanks for their kind co-operation in the work, which is indeed greatly appreciated. Yours very truly, B. S. MacInnes, Sec. …

Bearwood Park, Dear Madam:—I have just received word from Ontario Military Hospital of the arrival of ten cases from Thurlow Red Cross with all kinds of splendid things. I want to thank them and you, their president, for their wonderful generosity. I can never tell them enough, how much their kindness has meant and I assure you everything is most keenly appreciated.

It seems to mean more to them and so much more satisfactory coming direct. Also it means so much to the Sister to have these comforts for her sick men. One box of towels I gave to the operating theatre for they were badly in need of them. Some of the things the socks and cleaning materials which are so very precious, I asked them to save for me until I get back. Cleaning material you cannot get from the army now, if the Sisters don’t buy their own they have to go without.

I am still on light duty at Bearwood Park but expect to be back to Orpington soon. Again thanking you all. I forgot to say that I had the lovely quilts, pyjamas and wash cloths distributed. I am yours gratefully, Ethel Anderson.”

The Intelligencer July 16, 1918 (page 4)

“Soldiers of the Soil. The army of patriotic Canadian boys who enrolled as Soldiers of the Soil are rendering splendid service on the farms and helping to defeat the menace of world food scarcity caused by war conditions. Very little is heard from the boys, for they are too busy to talk for publication, but glimpses of what they are accomplishing are afforded by occasional press articles. …

The work of the S.O.S. boys was so highly appreciated that in almost all districts of the province their services were quickly engaged by the farmers and some boys had to be recruited through various other organizations. The camps were organized along the same line as camps for women and girls, their direction being under the control of the Superintendent of Trades and Labor, and their catering under the immediate supervision of the Y. M. C. A. and other organizations interested in the welfare of boys.”

The Intelligencer July 16, 1918 (page 5)

“Presentation. At a recent meeting of the Nile Green Knitting Circle, at the home of Mrs. McKenna, Great St. James Street, the convenor of the circle, Mrs. Waddell, was made a life member of the Red Cross and Patriotic Association. The Secretary, Mrs. Barlow, in presenting the certificate made a brief address of appreciation, while Miss Corbett pinned the pretty enameled emblem in its proper place. Although taken completely by surprise Mrs. Waddell was able to thank the members of the circle for the honor conferred on her.”

The Intelligencer July 15, 1918 (page 5)

“Won D. C. M.

Sergt. Roy Garrison, son of Frank Garrison, of Corbyville, and nephew of ex-Mayor Ketcheson, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Sergt. Garrison went over with the first contingent and although he has been wounded several times he is still in France.”