The Intelligencer April 19, 1917 (page 1)

“Excellent System of Handling the Wounded. Canadian Headquarters in France (via London). Now that the lists of casualties from the actions of the last week are beginning to appear in the Canadian press, it may bring solace to the sad hearts to know how carefully the wounded were handled and how reverently the dead were buried.

Hospital arrangements were made to handle far more than the number actually wounded. Extra ambulances were provided at the front and many supplementary dressing stations were opened. There was little congestion anywhere. Over two thousand of the wounded on the first day were so lightly hit that they were able to walk back to the stations without aid.

Despite the extraordinary condition of the ground over which the advance was made, the stretcher bearers found and brought out practically all the wounded before nightfall each day. In only a few cases, where the wounded lay in deep shell holes and had not sufficient strength to make their presence known to the search parties, did they remain in the field over night.”

The Intelligencer April 19, 1917 (page 2)

“To All Men of Military Age in Belleville. Owing to the Overseas units in Canada being rushed to England as quickly as transportation permits we will shortly find our Country without any Defence Force.

With a view to being prepared for any emergency that may arise, our Government has issued a call for 50,000 men to replace these men sent Overseas.

You can carry on your regular work and still prepare yourself for any emergency that may arise. For the present, each man will drill three nights a week, and it is expected to complete your training at camp starting about the 1^st of June.

Won’t you let us hear from you at once. Our offices are in the Corby Building, and we will be pleased to give you any further information on the subject. Come and see us and ease your conscience. E. D. O’Flynn, Major, C., 15^th Regt., C.D.F.”

The Intelligencer April 18, 1917 (page 2)

“Ed. Clarke in Hospital. The following telegram was received by Mr. and Mrs. E. Clarke, 103 Cedar St.: Ottawa, Ont., 17^th. Edward Clark, 103 Cedar St., Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you Pte. William Edward Clarke, infantry, officially reported admitted to the 3^rd General Hospital, Boulogne, April 10, 1917. Concussion back. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge Records.”

The Intelligencer April 18, 1917 (page 2)

“Admitted to Hospital. The following despatch was received in this city: Ottawa, Ont., April 17^th. Mrs. H. Empey, 78 Gordon St., Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you that 220267 Private Grover Empey, infantry, officially reported admitted to Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, April 10^th, 1917, gunshot wound in hand, severe, will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Records.”

The Intelligencer April 18, 1917 (page 4)

“Meatless Days. Existing conditions in Canada and the United States warrant the immediate voluntary adoption of one or two meatless days a week by people not engaged in hard manual labor.

Beef, pork and other flesh foods are advancing in cost because the supply is unequal to the demand, and because grain prices favor the direct conversion of the grain into human food rather than into food for live stock. There is not enough meat in the world to go around and the men who are fighting our battles at the front require a great deal more of it than men who sit in offices and generally follow sedentary occupations. …

In a time when the price of everything mounts considerations of economy are important. It may therefore be repeated that 11 cents spent on oatmeal, 12 cents on skimmed milk, 25 cents on beans, 35 cents on whole milk, or 50 cents on cheese will provide the human body with as much energy as a dollar’s worth of steak.”

The Intelligencer April 18, 1917 (page 7)

“Private Luscombe Severely Wounded. The following telegram was received this morning, explains itself: Mrs. John Luscombe, 93 West Moira Street, Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you, 412073, Pte. William Oliver Luscombe, infantry, admitted to 14 General Hospital, Wimereux, France, April 10^th, 1917. Gunshot wound in side, severe. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Records.

Pte. Luscombe referred to, was a Sergeant in the 39^th Battalion, and left Belleville with that battalion. He went to the front with the 14^th Battalion. His many friends in this city will hope that his wounds are not necessarily of a fatal nature.”

The Intelligencer April 17, 1917 (pages 1, 2)

“254^th Minstrel Show One Grand Success. Minstrel shows may come and Minstrel Shows may go, but the memory of the 254^th Battalion Minstrel Show of 1917 will live forever. …  A great deal was expected by the audience, because of rosy-hued advance notices; but the entertainment far exceeded the most optimistic expectations.

Smoothness and ease was the rule throughout. No nervousness, that is so customary in amateur productions, was shown by a single performer, and Belleville today is showering congratulations upon the different members of the Company for their faultless work, and upon the management for securing Miss Marguerite Snow. …  Theatrical Belleville, present en masse, sat back in pleasurable anticipation, and it was not to be disappointed. The appearance of this delightful star was rather unexpected. In consequence of her many interesting screen appearances in Belleville, the popular little actress appeared in an absolutely new role; that is, as herself.

As Miss Marguerite Snow, we must confess that Miss Snow rivalled the many delightful heroines that she has created, and with her few short words of sincere good wishes for her host of admirers in Belleville, and the patriotic reference to the cause that had made her put aside her arduous duties in Trenton, where she is appearing, supported by many of the world’s greatest film Artists, for the Canadian National Features Limited, to come to Belleville, and accept the most exacting duty that any true thespian can be called upon to fulfill and that is to be one’s self. …  The next appearance of Miss Snow, on the screen, will be followed with interest by Bellevillians. …

Congratulations are due to every member of the company and to them through their excellent leader Lieut. R. Hinchey who conducted the music throughout in his thorough capable manner.”

The Intelligencer April 17, 1917 (page 2)

“Bellevillian Wounded. The following telegram from the Officer of Records, conveys the intelligence that another brave Bellevillian has been wounded.

Ottawa, April 13. Mrs. J. Hammett, 81 St. Charles Street, Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you 306481 Signaller Theophilus Geo. Hammett, artillery, officially reported admitted to No. 3 General Hospital, Boulogne, April 6^th, 1917; gunshot wound in back, slight. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Records.”

The Intelligencer April 14, 1917 (pages 1, 7, 8)

“At a regular fortnightly meeting of the Civic Committee held last evening considerable business was transacted and passed to the Council. …  Major O’Flynn addressed the committee in reference to the grant being made for the 15^th Battalion, which he had been placed in command of. He would request a grant of $500, which had been made to other Battalions by the city. The government does give a certain amount, but it is not for advertising purposes, which is necessary. …

Ald. Platt.—We should have a statement as to how the money is expended. Major O’Flynn—The statement will be furnished. If I get a grant first at Belleville, he would ask for grants from Trenton, Picton and other places. …

Ald. Woodley—Major O’Flynn did his bit for his King and Country and we should help him in this matter. It was recommended that a grant of $500 towards securing recruits be made to Major O’Flynn and the latter to make a statement when asked to do so.”

The Intelligencer April 14, 1917 (page 3)

“Soldier Gets a Post Office. Corp. Ernest A. V. Carr has been recommended by Mr. W. B. Northrup, M. P. for East Hastings, to fill the vacant postmastership at Corbyville. Corporal Carr is a Belleville boy, who until a few days ago was an inmate of the Military Hospital in Toronto. …  Corporal Carr lost both legs while fighting with the Canadians in the salient at St. Eloi, and he has to be taken around in an invalid’s chair.

The plucky young corporal, who is only 24 years of age, had a narrow escape from death when the high explosive landed in his immediate vicinity. Both legs were so badly crushed and splintered that the next day, June 10, 1916, amputation was considered necessary. The corporal’s system was shattered by the shock. When he returned to Canada young Carr brought back with him to Mrs. G. N. Barnett, of Belleville, a mud-bespattered flag belonging to her son, who was killed in action on the salient.

Corporal Carr has the distinction of having signed on for active service four days after the declaration of war. On August 8, 1914, he offered himself for service, and proceeded to Valcartier, whence he crossed to England and eventually to Salisbury as a member of the 2^nd Battalion. With this unit he took the field early in 1915, and for more than a year held down a portion of the line in the salient where the Canadians suffered so severely. On being wounded on June 9^th, 1916, he was removed to the General Hospital at Boulogne. …

Prior to enlisting Carr was employed as a railway fireman. He also served for a time in the militia as a member of a battery of artillery.”

The Intelligencer April 14, 1917 (page 7)

“Has Done His Bit. Percy Beaumont, son of Mrs. Peter Vineff, fell in the battle on the 26^th day of March last, while participating in an infantry engagement. Percy was just 20 years of age, and left with the 80^th Battalion about a year ago.

He was among the first to offer himself for service, but owing to the smallness of his stature he met with considerable discouragement in enlisting, but he stuck to his guns and was accepted and he developed into a splendid wide-awake soldier. Percy was generally liked by his associates and all who knew him as he possessed an agreeable disposition and was a good boy to work.”

[Note: Private Percy Beaumont died on March 26, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 198 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer April 14, 1917 (page 9)

“Detailed Compilation Shows Liberal Spirit of Belleville Contributors—Nearly Nine Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars Already Turned In. …  These subscriptions, combined with the liberal donations by our City Council, are worthy of the patriotic spirit of our people. …  If there are any names which are not shown on the lists, or which are shown incorrectly, the committee would be pleased if the parties would advise them of the error.”

The Intelligencer April 14, 1917 (page 12)

“Here Is Your Opportunity. Serve at Home! Thousands of trained troops are marking time in Canada, while the need for men is vital in France. The Minister of Militia and Defence appeals to you to enlist in the Canadian Defence Force in order that the men of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces held in Canada may be released.

For full particulars enquire at Armories of the Regiments listed below.

Belleville, 15^th Regiment (Argyll Light Infantry).”

The Intelligencer April 13, 1917 (page 2)

“Word was received this morning, over the wire, from Miss Marguerite Snow, famous throughout the world as the star of the ‘Million Dollar Mystery,’ and other great motion picture plays, that she has kindly consented to appear in person at the 254^th Battalion Minstrel Show at Griffin’s Opera House on next Monday evening, April 16^th.

This will be an event in the theatrical annals of Belleville, and without doubt the theatre will be packed to the doors. It is very rarely that Miss Snow has consented to appear in person, and it is only the patriotic nature of the entertainment that is inducing her to appear now.”

The Intelligencer April 12, 1917 (pages 1, 2)

“Under the auspices of the Citizens’ Welfare League of Belleville, a public meeting was held in the City Hall last evening, the object being to discuss Dominion prohibition, and endorse a petition which will be presented to the Dominion Parliament and Senate, asking that a Dominion Prohibition Act be passed.

When the meeting opened seven men, about twenty women, and a few children were present, but later in the evening a few more came in. Dr. Yeomans was voted to the chair, after some moving pictures had been shown. Dr. Yeomans, in opening the meeting, said he was sorry that the attendance was not larger. …

The temperance people of Ontario were cheered by the result of the vote given in Belleville for local option. The temperance people were pleased at the Provincial Act passed in Ontario, but the importation of liquor from Quebec to this Province was regretted. …  The Dr. referred to the ration of rum being meted out to the soldiers at the front, and stated it had been demonstrated that it was not necessary, but that it did deteriorate a soldier’s power in warfare. …

Mr. David V. Sinclair followed in his usual brusque and vaporing style, by regretting the smallness of the attendance and telling the clergymen of the city that it would have been ‘better for them to be present with their flocks than attending other meetings,’ and ending by declaring that ‘it was a shame, but a fact, that we belong to the greatest nation of drunkards in the world.’

Rev. Mr. Littlewell of Toronto, was the last speaker. …  Let us clean things up so that when the boys come back from the front, there will be no temptation in store for them in regard to the liquor traffic. …  A motion prevailed authorizing the chairman to sign the petition on behalf of those present.”

The Intelligencer April 12, 1917 (page 5)

“We Want 50 Women To Work in Our Canning Factory in Napanee! Packing Pork and Beans for the British War Office. Good Wages. We Will Pay from $8.40 to $9.00 Per Week for Beginners. No Experience Necessary. Appy to—Wm. Davies Co., Limited, Napanee.”

The Intelligencer April 12, 1917 (page 7)

“Munition Making Myth. The able-bodied male who makes munitions in Canada is no longer entitled to the belief that he is thereby doing his bit. The experience of Great Britain and France indicated the littleness of his claim many months ago, and what women workers have now done in this Dominion knocks the props from under him. …  Almost every operation in a modern munition plant can be done by an intelligent woman or partly disabled men. There are a large enough number of women in Canada ready and willing to take their place at the munition bench, and where men must be used, the returned soldier can fill that want. …

It’s up to some of these imitation patriots to get out and make something approaching a real sacrifice by getting into khaki. This is not an indictment of those men doing extra skilled and special work in the making of munitions. …  The National Register should supply the means of filling any gaps that might be made in munition factories if all able-bodied eligible males were dismissed to-morrow. The Khaki Call.”

The Intelligencer April 11, 1917 (pages 1, 2)

“The city of Belleville was today visited by the most disastrous fire which has occurred in its history entailing a loss roughly estimated at $300,000. The large evaporating plant of Mr. R. J. Graham of this city situation in rear of his fine block on the east side of Front street, and extending from the latter street to Pinnacle street is a mass of ruins, nothing remaining but the bare walls and smoking embers.

Not only did the evaporator fall a prey to the devouring element, but a tin shop, cold storage building and the building on Front street termed the chemical warehouse were also burned. …  Mr. Graham will by reason of the conflagration, be a heavy loser. There were in the destroyed premises upwards of $200,000 worth of dried vegetables in tins and cases ready for shipment to India, being an order from the British Government. It totalled some 20 cars. …

At night recently there had not been any person about the premises, and there were no fires. During the day time, a number of hands were employed in preparing goods for shipment. In the tin shop, there were a large number of manufactured tins of various sizes for the dried goods. These were destroyed, also a large quantity of resin and machinery. …

During the day, hundreds and even thousands of citizens were upon the scene, and there were many expressions of regret at the destruction of the plant, which has been the means of livelihoods for so many families in the city.

This is the fourth evaporator that Mr. Graham has had destroyed by fire, since the war commenced and all were apparently incendiary in their origin. Many from the surrounding country learning of the fire, drove to the city to view the ruins.”

The Intelligencer April 11, 1917 (page 2)

“254^th Minstrel Show to Be the Event of the Season. The Minstrels are with us once again. Belleville has seen many Amateur Minstrel Shows, and Belleville has enjoyed many Amateur Minstrel shows, but the 254^th Minstrel Show of 1917 will be a pleasant surprise to the music lovers, and the fun lovers of this city. In the first place it can hardly be called an Amateur Minstrels, because of the host of professional talent being used this year. However, we may, with safety, call it Local Talent.

The show is putting in a week of one night stands before opening in Belleville, therefore, the people here will see the most finished Local Talent Minstrel show that has ever been put upon the boards.

The opening performance ‘on the road’ took place last night in Stirling and the audience which packed the Opera House roared its enthusiasm throughout the two hours of constant enjoyment. …  Geo. Dulmage and Ab. Wheeler, the inimitable pair of comedians are still ‘on the job’ with a batch of new comedy that will ‘knock ’em off their seats,’ …  Tommy Redway’s juggling act was a knockout, and Stirling voted last night that Tommy was worth the price of admission alone. Five other big acts fill out the bill which winds up with the uproarious screaming comedy after peace ‘Wanted: Musicians.’

Be at Griffin’s Opera House on Monday evening April 16^th and see for yourself, but get your seats early, as it is a case of first come, first served, and the plan opens at Doyle’s Drug Store tomorrow, Thursday, at 9 o’clock.”

The Intelligencer April 11, 1917 (page 6)

“Release a Man to Fight in France by Enlisting in the Canadian Defence Force. The men of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces held in Canada as an adequate safeguard, are needed NOW in France for what Sir Robert Borden says is ‘the most critical period of the war.’

To release them Canada calls for men, physically fit, who for any reason cannot go Overseas, but are willing to serve at home.

Enlistment in the Canadian Defence Force is for One Year—or for the period of the war and six months after if required. Clothing, equipment and rations provided as in the C. E. F. Pay the same as that for Militia on active service, with Separation Allowance for married men.”

The Intelligencer April 11, 1917 (page 7)

“While reports from all over Canada show an increasingly heavy drain upon the regular Y. M. C. A. membership and the staffs, through enlistment, the National Council have felt that an official announcement of their hearty approval and co-operation in this movement should be made. …

the situation demands that the Y. M. C. A. ‘which is highly patriotic in thought and purpose, should take action in regard to the selection of his employed force to enlistment and National Service.’ They strongly recommend therefore to the Board of Directors of Canadian Associations ‘that every facility be given to the unmarried and eligible men on their staffs, who feel that they should enlist and that each Board confer with its employed men with a view to discovering the most effective way in which all may best serve the Empire in this time of need.’”

The Intelligencer April 11, 1917 (page 7)

“From H. P. Cluff. France, Feb. 1, 1917. My Dear Mrs. Kennedy:—I wish you to accept my sincerest sympathy in your recent bereavement. Your husband, Percy, was in the company of which I held the command, for two days only, before he was admitted to hospital. In that short time I marked him as a quiet, well mannered young chap, and further, I personally know that his loss is keenly felt by all the boys with whom he came over and was well known.

He came here to do his bit, as becomes the manhood of our country in this crisis. Of that fact you may well be proud. Faithfully yours, H. P. Cluff, 21^st Canadian.”

“From C. F. Wallbridge. Bramshot, Eng., Jan. 7, 1917. Dear Mrs. Kennedy:—It is with great regret we notice that your husband has made the supreme sacrifice. Percy was a member of the company I had the honor of commanding and was one of my best boys, and consequently I feel a personal loss as well.

He was always cheerful and willing, always on the job, as the expression goes. Please accept on behalf of myself and associates our sincere sympathy in your great loss. His memory will remain with us always. One crowded hour of a glorious life is worth an age without a name. Yours sincerely, C. F. Wallbridge, Major, ‘C’ Co. 155^th Battalion.”

From George F. Darling. France, Jan. 1^st. Dear Mrs. Kennedy:—It is with the most sincere sorrow and regret that I am writing these few lines concerning poor Percy. He was sent to Hospital on December 15^th. He had a very bad cold and I think had pneumonia. I was unable to find just what Hospital he was sent to, so didn’t have a chance to see him after he left here. We received word to-night that he had passed away.

Percy was a particular friend of mine ever since I have known him, and I can say a better or truer friend never existed. On the way up here from the Base, he and I sat in the train, talking until after midnight, and shook hands to stick with each other as long as we could. We slept together and chummed together since we came to France.

I am sure, Mrs. Kennedy, he is in a better place now, and where there is no worry or trouble. I think likely there will be a military funeral. I am sure he had the best of care and everything possible done for him, for the Hospitals here are good. I may write again and give you more particulars. Anything I can do for you, Mrs. Kennedy, I would only be too pleased to do. Just drop me a card. Please accept my sincere sympathy in your sorrow and trouble, Sincerely, Pte. Geo. H. Darling, No. 636,487, 21^st Bn., Canadians.”

The Intelligencer April 10, 1917 (page 1)

“Canadians Completely Occupy Famous Vimy Ridge. General Haig’s Troops Capture 9,000 Men and 40 Guns.”

The Intelligencer April 10, 1917 (page 4)

“A Brilliant Leap. Words can scarcely express the satisfaction felt in all entente countries, and particularly in Great Britain, at the latest, and most definite, step taken by the United States Government, i.e. the swinging of America, with all her resources into line with the Allied cause.

True, for the past two and a half years our neighbor has rendered material assistance in the manufacture of war supplies, granting of heavy loans, and in ways not publicly expressed; but the crucial step has been withheld …  because of a desire to shield her people from the horrors that inevitably follow the unsheathing of the sword. …  That the greatest republic on earth will give a glowing account of herself is accepted by all who are in harmony with a righteous cause.”

The Intelligencer April 9, 1917 (page 7)

“Unveiling of Tablet to a Departed Hero. At Christ Church during the Easter morning service, a beautiful brass tablet, placed in position to commemorate Horace Yeomans Carrol, who was killed somewhere in France, on October 21^st, 1916, was unveiled. The Rector Rev. Dr. Blagrave, officiated. The service was brief, but impressive. …

The inscription upon the tablet is as follows: Pro Patria. In loving memory of Horace Yeomans Carroll of the 77^th Battalion, Ottawa. Who gave his life for Canada and liberty at Regina Trench Somewhere in France October 21^st 1916. Erected by his mother and brother Lieut. J. C. Carroll. ‘For all our beauty and peace and joy We will owe to our lads, like you.’

Several in khaki clad participated in the unveiling service, namely, Col. Barrager, Capts. Geen and Wallace, and bandmaster, Lieut. Hinchey.”

[Note: Lieutenant Horace Yeomans Carroll died on October 21, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 64 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer April 7, 1917 (page 5)

“Little Chance of Beating The Fund Now. Ottawa. It will be a hard matter for anyone in future to defraud the Canadian Patriotic Fund by making false statements as to the number of children dependent on them when applying for relief.

Circulars have been sent from headquarters here to all soldiers’ dependents who are drawing from the fund, asking them to forward marriage certificates, and in the case where allowances are drawn for children, birth certificates must also be furnished. …

In order not to make this demand too hard on the soldiers’ families here, the officials state that in the case where a child was born in Ontario, and the mothers can furnish the date and place of birth, they need have no further worry over the matter if they will send these particulars in, as the fund officials will communicate with the Registrar-General and secure the necessary date from him.

It is pointed out by the officials that, far from being a hardship on soldiers’ families, this necessity of furnishing certificates is a good thing for them, as, should they be faced with the necessity of applying for pensions they must furnish certificates in any case.”

The Intelligencer April 7, 1917 (page 6)

“Assistant Principal Presented with Watch. On Wednesday afternoon the pupils of Queen Alexandra School assembled in the Assembly Room of the school for the purpose of saying good-bye to Mr. Bullock, the Assistant Principal of the school, who has enlisted with the Cobourg Heavy Battery for overseas service.

An address was read by Master Ralph Smith, and a wrist watch was presented by Miss Madeline Duesberrry. Mr. Bullock replied in a most appropriate manner, expressing regret that he was severing his connections with the school at present.

The address was as follows: Dear Mr. Bullock:—The staff and pupils of Queen Alexandra School, wish to express their regrets at your departure from us at Easter. You will be missed not only by your class and at the morning assemblage, but by the boys on the playgrounds as well.

We are proud of the fact that a member of our staff is going to take part in the great struggle. Our best wishes for your success will go with you, and we shall look forward to the time when you will return and take up your work among us again. …  Thursday afternoon before the closing of the school for the Easter holidays, a social time was spent in the assembly room by the girls and boys of the fourth class. Mr. Bullock and the members of the staff were present. The pupils rendered a number of choruses, after which taffy generously provided by the girls, was partaken of.”

The Intelligencer April 7, 1917 (page 10)

“To the farmers of Ontario Your farm help problem!

The Ontario Government appreciates the patriotic efforts of the farmers of Ontario, who are making a noble contribution to the cause of victory by responding earnestly to the appeal for increased production. It realizes that these efforts are limited only by the shortage of farm help, and it desires to afford every possible assistance in order to increase the number of workers on the land this season.

If you want to apply for farm help, all you have to do is to fill in the application below, cut it out and mail it to Ontario Government Public Employment Bureau.”