The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 2)

“Acknowledged Gifts. Shortly before the High School closed for the summer holidays in June, the pupils held a gift shower, for the purpose of sending a parcel to each former High School boy, who had enlisted and were overseas.

Yesterday letters were received from H.W. Knight and Ray Tuite, acknowledging receipt of the gifts, and thanking the pupils for their thoughtfulness towards the old boys of the B.H.S.”

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 2)

“Former Belleville Man. In the casualty list yesterday appeared the name of Major Wm. A. Casey, who was killed in action, and whose next of kin was given as England. Deceased is well known in Belleville, where he resided for some time, and was the son of a well known deceased lady, namely Mrs. Casey, who resided on Charles street.

The late Major was 29 years of age, and unmarried. He enlisted in Vancouver, B.C., as a private, and was twice wounded. Upon returning for active service after his second wounding, he received a commission and was promoted to a Major. The Major was a nephew of General J.L. Biggar and Mr. W.H. Biggar, K.C., of the G.T.R. legal department, and also a nephew of Mrs. R.A. Bull of Belleville. His death will be regretted by all who knew him.”

[Note: Major William Archer Casey died on September 8, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 65 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 5)

“He Fights Who Pays! Have you yet subscribed to Canada’s Second War Loan? If not, do so to-day. By lending now you help your country in the hour of need. Timely assistance is double valuable. Participation on the remarkably attractive terms offered makes duty a privilege. Turn your Dollars into Soldiers. One hundred and upwards buys a bond. …  Wood, Gundy & Co.”

The Intelligencer September 14, 1916 (page 7)

“A Shattered Label. A letter received from the front by Mrs. George Belcher, of 82 East Moira street, from her son, Pte. Ed. Lowe, contained an interesting souvenir, in the form of a label of the Graham Co. Ltd., which was found in the trenches. The label has been pierced three or four times by shrapnel.

In regard to the label, Mr. Lowe writes:—’I am sending you a label of the Graham Co. Limited, that I found in the trenches the last time we were in and I want to tell you that the old can that I took it off had sure got some shaking up from the heavy bombardment that we were in. It had got hit four or five times by pieces of shrapnel. I thought it would be a good souvenir for you. You can show it to Mr.Graham if you like as he might be glad to see it.’ “

The Intelligencer September 13, 1916 (page 1)

“Lieut. John G. Murray Missing. Mr. J.W. Murray, Manager of the local Dominion Bank, received this morning the following telegram: Ottawa, Sept. 11, 1916. John W. Murray, Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you Lieut. John Gordon Murray, infantry, officially reported missing since September 6th. Officer in charge, Military Office.

Lt. Murray is the eldest son of Mr. J.W. Murray, and enlisted at Vancouver with the Connaught Rangers. Since being at the front he has twice been wounded, and after recovering returned to active service. His many friends here will join with The Intelligencer in the wish that he may still be safe.”

The Intelligencer September 13, 1916 (page 4)

“Canada’s War Loan. A loan of $100,000,000 is being asked for by the Dominion Government. The expectation was that the amount called for would be larger, and, in fact, there is little doubt but that double the stipulated amount could be easily obtained. …

By all the evidences the people of Canada have at their command at the present time an unusually large amount of surplus capital. The war checked some forms of enterprise, notably in the line of construction. It did not check the accumulation of savings or profits. …

The Minister wisely decided that nothing should stand in the way of the moral and material gain the success of the loan would imply. The quick taking of the amount is to be desired from patriotic and public reasons. It is belief as well as trust that the subscriptions will quickly reach if not exceed the total amount.”

The Intelligencer September 13, 1916 (page 7)

“Belleville Fair. Sept. 14th & 15th and ‘Let’s All Go’!! Attraction Extraordinary for the Two Days. The Machine Gun Section of Our Own 155 Battalion, C.E.F. Will give a Demonstration of the Machine Gun as used by the Canadian Army in actual warfare, using live ammunition. …

A half holiday has been declared in the Schools, to enable the children to witness this interesting spectacle. God Save the King.”

 

 

The Intelligencer September 12, 1916 (page 1)

“3000 Soldiers Will Trek to Belleville. Members of the 154th, 155th and 156th Battalions at Barriefield Will Take Part in the March—Soldier-Boys Will Be Royally Welcomed at This City.

Mayor Ketcheson and Mr. E.G. Porter, K.C., M.P., of this city, were in Kingston yesterday, and had an interview with Col. Hemming, D.O.C. for the military district of Eastern Ontario, in reference to the proposed trek of the battalions, which are in camp at Barriefield. The result of the visit was that 3,000 of the men in khaki will visit Belleville within a few days. Unless anything unforeseen occurs on Wednesday the 20th inst., the three battalions, including the 155th, will leave Barriefield camp for a route march to Belleville. It is expected that the men will reach here late Friday night or early Saturday morning, and will bivouac at Zwick’s Island during their stay here of two days.

It is expected that the citizens will do all in their power for the entertainment and comfort of the soldier boys, and there is not the slightest doubt but they will do so. The coming of the boys is eagerly looked forward to by all citizens, and a royal welcome will be accorded them.”

The Intelligencer September 12, 1916 (page 7)

“Dealing with Deserters. Several deserters have been severely punished since the camp opened. In every case they were taken before a civil magistrate who showed no sympathy with the man who deserted the flag under the present strenuous circumstances. Many of the men punished were not merely absentees, but real deserters, who never thought of returning to military life and would never have seen the camp again, but for the fact that they were brought back under escort.

The men who go absent, and have no thought of forsaking a military career until the war is over, but who are afraid to return because of the consequences of absence without leave, the camp authorities are willing to consider generously, and instead of punishing these men are willing to restore them to their units.”

The Intelligencer September 11, 1916 (page 2)

“Memorial Service. At Holloway Street Methodist church in this city, yesterday morning a memorial service was held for the late Pte. Morley Rutter, who was killed in action at the front some weeks ago. A large number were present at the service, which was most impressive.

The pastor, Rev. J.N. Clarry, conducted the service and preached a most appropriate sermon, speaking pathetically and eloquently of the young man who had sacrificed his life for King and country. The choir rendered especial selections for the occasion. The late Pte. Rutter was a member of Holloway street church, and a young man who was esteemed by all who knew him.”

[Note: Private Morley Rutter died on July 25, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 158 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 9, 1916 (page 3)

“Will Tour for Recruits. Two Officers of the 155th Battalion to Give Exhibitions. Now that the School of Machine Gunnery has been discontinued, Lieut. McGie is able to devote more time to the training of the machine gun section of the 155th Battalion as a unit.

Through careful choosing and the support of the various company commanders in allowing him the best men, Lieut. McGie has now thirty very efficient soldiers in his section.

There is now a plan being considered that Lieut. Allen, in charge of the bayonet fighting and physical training of the battalion, and Lieut. McGie, commanding the machine gun section, should do a little recruiting with the men.

If the present plans are passed as recommended these two officers with the machine gun section will visit every fair in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. They will take machine guns, etc., and give exhibitions of what is done in the army, and at the close of each exhibition a call will be made for recruits. It should certainly be a most successful plan.”

The Intelligencer September 8, 1916 (page 3)

“Good band of 155th. Too much credit cannot be given the band of the 155th Battalion for its work at the concert on Tuesday evening and its general work as a battalion band. Bandmaster Hinchey has received many words of congratulation on his work, and the band is now equal to, if not better, than any that has ever been at Barriefield.”

The Intelligencer September 8, 1916 (page 5)

“Recruiting in 3rd Military District. It Is Good Only Where Battalions Have Been Organized. Major G.I. Campbell, chief recruiting officer for No. 3 military district in conversation with a press representative stated that where battalions were organized and actively enlisting men recruiting was as good as it was a year ago. Where, however, no battalions were organized it was practically dead. On the front, from Belleville east, where there were no battalions actively recruiting, very few recruits are being secured.

Asked if more battalions would be organized in this district, Major Campbell replied in the affirmative, but he thought it would be some little time yet before they were authorized, not until, in fact, the battalions now in training were ready to go overseas.

The major stated that details for the national registration scheme were being worked out, and that he expected announcement in a short time.”

The Intelligencer September 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Buried with Honors. Yesterday afternoon the remains of the late Private John Y. Beaton of the 155th Battalion, who met an untimely death at Kingston, were interred in St. James cemetery here. A number were in attendance at the obsequies. Rev. Father Hyland of St. Michael’s church officiated at the church and grave. A number of floral tributes and mass cards were contributed by relatives and friends.

An escort and firing party of the 155th Battalion were present, being in charge of Sergt. Lynn. At the grave a volley was fired and the last post sounded by the bugler. The bearers were six comrades in arms, namely, Privates W. Reese, L. Sullivan, J. Cronan, W. Heffernan, C. and P. Babcock.”

The Intelligencer September 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Expression of Thanks. Somewhere at the Front, August 21st, 1916. Editor Intelligencer. Dear Sir:—Will you please express my thanks through the columns of your paper, to the good ladies of Belleville, who sent the parcels of socks? Last night, when I got into camp, my feet were wet, for it had been raining all day. I was glad to get such good socks.

We are all getting along nicely, and we all feel sure of a victorious peace. Yours very truly, Gunner Alphonse Bochateg. No. 40126. 1st Batt. 1st Brigade, Divisional Artillery. British Expeditionary Force.”

“Contribution Is Acknowledged. London, July 27th, 1916. Miss Minnie Fleming, 68 1/2 Cedar Street, Belleville, Ont. Dear Madam,—In a consignment recently received through Miss Falkiner was a case containing 31 packs of cards, 60 games, and 1 mouthorgan contributed by some of the Belleville school children. I am directed to convey through you most grateful thanks for this very welcome contribution.

The children possibly would be pleased to know that we are asked for large numbers of games, mouthorgans and cards by the men at the front. By sending such things as the children collected, they can rest assured that their kindness and thoughtfulness will help to cheer many a Canadian ‘somewhere in France.’ With grateful thanks, Sincerely yours, Eleanor McLaren Brown, Hon. Sec., Ladies Committee, C.W.C.A.”

The Intelligencer September 7, 1916 (page 3)

“Red Cross Penny Bag Collection for August. While for the month of August Murney Ward again leads the wards in the amount given, Baldwin Ward really belongs the palm. It is the only ward showing an increase over its givings during the three preceding months since this method was adopted for adding to the Red Cross funds used in providing comforts for our brave soldiers at the front, who are suffering and enduring hardships, that we may enjoy the comforts, peace and happiness of our homes and holidays.

Those in charge of the Red Cross Penny Bag collections, regret to announce a decrease in every ward, but Baldwin Ward, and a total decrease of more than twenty dollars on the money collection in July. We are convinced that this is because of no lack of interest or desire to help on the part of our citizens, but on account of the absence from the city of so many of our collectors and givers.

Can we not in this month make up this deficit, and rise again beyond the two hundred. Every Penny Helps; and there can be no easier way of giving, than by dropping an occasional penny into the Red Cross Penny Bags.

Following are the receipts according to wards: Murney Ward $34.05; Sampson Ward $31.67; Baldwin Ward $28.80; Ketcheson Ward $26.39; Bleecker Ward $18.71; Coleman Ward $16.90; Foster Ward $13.62. Total $170.14.”

 

The Intelligencer September 5, 1916 (page 2)

“Mr. Editor,—You know, and so does everyone else, that all take a deep interest in the welfare of our dear boys who are now in the trenches in France, and that it is the duty of everyone to do all that’s possible to render their lives as happy and comfortable as possible and prevent those they have left behind suffering from want. To accomplish these ends, money is an important element.

At the patriotic meeting held in this city some time ago, the people responded nobly to the extent, I learn of about $40,000. Rumor on the streets, however, just now is current that some of those who subscribed have neglected to pay up, forgetfulness, no doubt.

You newspaper men are supposed to know everything. Can you inform the public whether these rumors are true? Your obedient servant, ONE WHO HAS PAID. Belleville, Sept. 4, 1916.

Note.—No, no. ‘One Who Has Paid,’ we have no information on the subject to give you. Surely the rumors are not true? Go and inquire of the Treasurer, Mr. Robert Tannahill, manager of the Bank of Montreal in this city. He knows, and can give you the information sought.

All we have to say in the matter is, that if there are any delinquents, and they neglect to toe the mark, relegate them in the Division Court, and unless we mistake the temperament of Judge Wills, he will make them ‘fork over.’ ”

The Intelligencer September 5, 1916 (page 2)

“Killed by Freight Train. While attempting to board a freight train, two and a half miles east of Kingston, Pte. John Y. Beaton, a Belleville member of the 155th Battalion, was thrown under the wheels and met an almost instant death.

The unfortunate young man, resided up to time of his enlistment, with his mother at 421 Bleecker Avenue, and was an employee on the local G.T.R. section staff. He was born in North East Mabou, N.S., coming to this city about six years ago.”

[Note: Private John Beaton died on September 2, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 52 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 5, 1916 (page 3)

“Apprehended Soldiers. Three absentees from the 155th Battalion and one deserter from the 146th Battalion were gathered in by the local police during Sunday and yesterday. They were sent to Barriefield this morning.”

The Intelligencer September 2, 1916 (page 6)

“Millions of Dollars Given—Millions of Belgians Fed—Yet Millions More Are Needed. Nothing else has ever so roused the indignation and practical sympathy of the English-speaking world as the fate of Belgium.

At the first call for help some of the leading business men of neutral United States organized the Belgian Relief Committee, arranging with the British Government to co-operate, and with the Germans to keep their hands off—and the work of feeding the starving Belgians began.

Since then many million dollars have been contributed to the Belgian Relief Fund, chiefly in the British Empire and the United States, about half of it coming from Belgians living in these countries.”

The Intelligencer September 2, 1916 (page 7)

“Stop Liquor Sale on Dining Cars. Travel by train as a means of securing liquid refreshment of more than 2 1-2 per cent, proof in strength will not avail after prohibition goes into effect next month. …

Recently Chairman Flavelle communicated with the responsible officers of all the railways doing business in Ontario in order to learn their attitude in respect to the Ontario Temperance Act. …  all of the railways communicated with, have, it is stated declared their intention of eliminating the sale of liquor in dining cars in the province after the law goes into effect.”

The Intelligencer September 1, 1916 (page 5)

“From Pte. J.V. Ross. Dear wife and family: I saw our dear son’s grave, it was the same as they left him last April, with flowers all around him and the grave kept nice, you couldn’t make any improvements on it. I went during the night, it is about eleven hundred yards from the German front line.

Saw his major, he is a fine man, gave me two guides, one was Mr. Summers the man who buried Leo, and the other was Mr. Chipman, one of the men who was on the gun with him. They, Jimmy McDonald, Davy Thomas, Curly Sharpe (Curly’s twin), Jack Turile, young Day, young Harris, and all of Leo’s friends who were with him. They showed me the place that the gun was in when he got hit.

I picked some wild flowers that were growing on the grave. I will send them in this letter. Our colonel gave me a pass to go to the grave, every one of the officers are gentlemen. It isn’t any trouble for them to do anything for their men. Well I have seen what I came to see and I don’t care how soon the war comes to a close.

I saw Percy River’s grave, it was in good shape, he came from Vancouver. I wish you would write to his father and tell him it was alright and kept in good shape.

Met Jimmy Donohue last night going by the trenches, he looks fine and hasn’t been touched yet. J.W. Ross (455895) Canadian Entrenching Batt’n, 3rd Division, France B.E.F.”