The Intelligencer March 25, 1916 (page 1)

“Patriotic Concert in University Church. An interesting patriotic concert took place last evening in the University Church, College Hill. …

The concert was presided over by Dr. Baker, president of Albert College, who stated the concert was under the auspices of the Pink Branch of the Rainbow Club. …  Gifts are being made by us, of money, life and sympathy, and we will keep on giving until this war is over. …  I hope soon we will have peace not simply victory but peace, abiding peace, where we will have no more war. …

The happy evening was brought to a close by the singing of ‘God Save The King,’ with everyone feeling delighted with the success of the concert from which a good sum was realized.”

The Intelligencer March 25, 1916 (page 2)

“Three Handsome Presents to The 80th Battalion. A pleasant ceremony for all concerned was that which took place in the Armouries on Friday morning at 11 o’clock. Advantage was taken of the presence of Col. Ogilvie of Kingston, the Assistant Adjutant General, to make three presentations to the 80th Battalion.

The first was the formal presentation to the Military Y.M.C.A. of the 80th Overseas Battalion of a handsome Columbia Grafonola, the gift of the Khaki Club. The presentation was made on behalf of the Khaki Club by Col. Ogilvie, who said it was given to the men of the Battalion by the good ladies of the club, that they may know when they go overseas and into the trenches that there are folks in Belleville who recall busy but very happy days spent in making things pleasant for them here.

Col. Ketcheson, Officer Commanding the 80th Battalion, accepted the instrument and expressed appreciation of it and the countless kindnesses the men had received through the efforts of the Khaki Club since the battalion came here. He felt, he said, that the good conduct and discipline that has been evident in Belleville, was due in no small degree to the influence thrown around the men by the atmosphere that prevails at the Khaki Club and by those associated with it.

The instrument is a handsome one in quarter cut oak finish, bearing a polished brass shield on which is engraved ‘Presented by the Khaki Club of Belleville, Canada, to the 80th Overseas Battalion, Military Y.M.C.A. For Auld Lang Syne. 1916.’ The shield is very artistic and the engraving expertly executed.

The second presentation was of a Vanaphone, a miniature grip-size gramophone, that will do all the work of the big machine and that may be packed away in a grip as its name suggests, along with a supply of records and taken where ever it is to be used.

This handy little instrument was the personal gift of Miss Falkiner, President of the Khaki Club, who …  said that whatever had been done for the men since they came here had been a pleasure for those who did it. She wished the men to know that the good wishes of the Khaki Club would go with them when they left and that the ladies had every confidence that when the time came for action the 80th would give a good account of itself. These remarks were the occasion for three cheers and a tiger first for the Khaki Club …  then for Miss Falkiner, its energetic President.

The club is providing a supply of records still to be secured. …  For the presentation the machines were placed on a flag covered table and were tied with bows of royal purple, the Khaki Club color.

The third presentation was a double cut too. Col. Ogilvie presented the Military Y.M.C.A.’s shield for indoor baseball to the league winners—the brass band. It was accepted by Lieutenant Stares, Bandmaster. To the players the battalion gave pocket flash lights, twelve in number. …  Capt. Watson led in three cheers and a tiger for Mr. Sharpe of the Military Y.M.C.A., who had the games in charge.”

The Intelligencer March 25, 1916 (page 7)

“Death of a Soldier. Marmora platoon of the 155th Battalion this week lost one of its members through death, in the person of Private Archie Bowen, who died from an attack of pneumonia. Deceased was 22 years of age, and was married two months ago to Miss Pearl Burns of Marmora. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. David Bowen of Marmora and was popular with the members of his platoon and all residents of the village.”

[Note: Private Archibald Garfield Bowen died on March 13, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 57 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer March 24, 1916 (page 2)

“Lieut. Schuster of the 224th Forestry Battalion, accompanied by Lieutenants Butler and Caldwell and Mr. Stone, who superintended the construction of the new Government dock here, made a very successful recruiting visit to the northern towns.

By kind permission of Conductor Vandervoort of the Canadian Northern Railway, the fast train leaving Trenton on Monday morning was named ‘The Foresters’ Special,’ on which they proceeded to Bancroft. Recruiting meetings were held there and a committee formed of the most prominent business men in town, from which there will be good results.

They proceeded from Bancroft to Maynooth and were loyally entertained there by prominent citizens. A committee was also formed which promises good results.

The Graphite Mines were visited and Mr. Foster, manager there called the men from the pits and they were addressed by Lieuts. Schuster and Butler.

They returned via slow train on Thursday and at every station the men were addressed from the rear platform of the last coach by Lieuts. Schuster and Butler.”

The Intelligencer March 24, 1916 (page 2)

“Battalion Bowling League Opens. Promptly at 6:30 last night on the Y.M.C.A. alleys, Captain Watson in the absence of Col. Ketcheson formally opened the Battalion Bowling leagues with a well delivered ball that accounted for almost all the pins on the alley.

Two leagues have been formed, number one including A. Co., B. Co., Brass Band, Machine Gun Section, and Signallers; number 2 including the Headquarters Orderly Room, the Pay Office, the Stretcher Bearers, and the Bugle Band. Excepting this week when two matches a night are being played, there will be a match every night excepting Saturdays for the next five weeks.

Prizes are being offered for the winning team, for the highest score made during the league and for the man making the highest average during the league.”

The Intelligencer March 24, 1916 (page 2)

“Lt.-Col. Ketcheson Presents Shield to Women’s Rifle Club. Through the kindness and interest of Lt.-Col. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the 80th Overseas Battalion, the Women’s Rifle Club of Belleville is in possession of a handsome shield for annual competition between the members.

The shield which is of no mean proportions measures about sixteen inches high by twelve in width. The back is of ebony surmounted on which is a fancy medallion of oxidized silver. The field of the medallion bears the figure in relief of a marksman prepared to shoot. Above the figure is engraved ‘Presented to the Women’s Rifle Club for annual competition.’ Below this superimposed medallion is a fancy oxidized silver ribbon on which is inscribed ‘By Lt.-Col. W.C. Ketcheson.’

Encircling the border of the ebony back are ten miniature sterling silver shields upon which will be engraved the name of each year’s winner. Altogether it is a very handsome and artistic trophy and one calculated to produce the keenest of rivalry among the members of the club.

The presentation is made to show Col. Ketcheson’s interest in this unique pastime of the ladies who have made the stay of the men of the 80th Battalion in Belleville so pleasant.

The following letter, which shows that while the commanding officer does not get to the Khaki Club very often, he is well aware of the splendid work it is doing, and places the right estimate on it and the multitude of interests that these ladies have; accompanies the trophy:—

Belleville, Ont. Miss M.B. Falkiner, President, Women’s Rifle Club, Belleville. Dear Madam,—I have great pleasure in presenting through you to the Women’s Rifle Club of Belleville, this shield to be held as a club trophy and shot for annually, each year’s winner’s name to be engraved on one of the small shields.

This shield is presented as a small token of my appreciation of the noble work which is being done by the members of the Club for the 80th Overseas Battalion and for the cause of King and country generally. Yours sincerely, (Signed) W.G. Ketcheson, Lt.-Col. of 80th Batt. C.E.F.”

The Intelligencer March 21, 1916 (page 3)

“Military Shoes For Officers and Privates. The utmost in workmanship and quality of leather has been put into our MILITARY BOOTS. Will you allow us to demonstrate that we are fully alive to the requirements of a soldier? Our Genuine CROME TAN MILITARY BOOT. You will find a good, smart-fitting, clean-cut, comfortable and waterproof Boot, designed according to military regulations. Our expert fitting will please you. Priced at $5.00 and $6.00. The J.J. Haines Shoe Houses. Belleville, Napanee, Trenton, Smith’s Falls.”

 

The Intelligencer March 17, 1916 (page 2)

“Officers Entertained. Last evening the Sergeants of the 80th O.S. Battalion, entertained their officers and officers and sergeants of the 155th O.S. Battalion to a smoking concert. That the same was a success goes without saying, for it seems a happy by-word that anything the 80th does is sure to be right.

The Colonel, upon his arrival, was given a great ovation, and the presence of Major Hamilton was acclaimed in like manner. A long, varied and entertaining programme was furnished by the Sergeants of the 80th, assisted by their own efficient orchestra, whose selections were so well chosen and effectively portrayed.

The Colonel, in his usual cheery and genial spirit, presided over the evening’s entertainment, which was only brought to a close on account of time.

That similar events will occur more frequently, was the wish of all present, but the Sergeants of the 80th Battalion have something up their sleeve and are looking for a trip across the herring pond pretty soon; in the mean time, further interesting episodes can be expected from the Sergeants of the 80th.

Many thanks are extended to Messrs. Deacon Bros. for the loan of decorations, to Messrs. Tickell Bros. for tables, flags, etc., and to the caterer, chef and assistants for their unsparing efforts in making the event an unqualified success.”

The Intelligencer March 17, 1916 (page 2)

“St. Patrick’s Day Moderately Observed. The 17th of March is a day that is dear to the hearts of all sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle. It is known as St. Patrick’s Day and today it was fittingly commemorated not only in Ireland, but the world over.

Owing to the fact that at present Great Britain is involved in a great struggle in which not only Englishmen and Scotchmen, but Irishmen are bitterly engaged, there was not that enthusiasm and buoyancy of spirit exhibited as in former years.

Nevertheless, the day was not by any means forgotten. Shamrock was much in evidence and eagerly sought after by those who desired to wear a button-hole bouquet of the beautiful green plant. At St. Michael’s church this morning an appropriate service was held in connection with the usual Lenten service.”

The Intelligencer March 16, 1916 (page 2)

“Received cablegram. Mrs. David Waters of Hillcrest avenue, received this morning a cablegram from her daughter, Miss Grace Waters, that the Scandinavian had arrived safely in England, and all the Belleville young ladies aboard as nurses were in good health.”

The Intelligencer March 16, 1916 (page 2)

“The meeting of the Red Cross and Women’s Patriotic  Association …  was held on the 11th inst. in the Liberal Club rooms and was well attended. The President, Mrs. Lazier, presided. …

The Secretary read a letter that had been written to Mrs. Lazier by Nursing Sister Jessie A. Maurice, Moore Barracks Hospital, Shorncliffe, who had spent Christmas in an isolation hospital attending several of the Canadian soldiers who were either suffering (or were suspects) from cerebro-spinal meningitis, saying how grateful she was to have the Christmas packages sent by our association to distribute to them and how appreciative they were, and that we would have been amply repaid for all our work if we had heard their expressions of gratitude. …

Mrs. O’Flynn reported that 7,000 pairs of socks had been sent by the Association since the work first started. …

A committee was formed to interview the pastors of the different churches, and with their consent Sunday, March 25th, would be Red Cross Sunday in all the churches.”

 

The Intelligencer March 13, 1916 (page 7)

“Music and Drama. ‘The White Feather,’ dealing with the present European conflict and described as the greatest secret service war play ever written, will be seen here at Griffin’s Opera House next Friday night.

The play contains all the ingredients and thrills necessary to satisfy the most blase theatregoer, including German submarines and English warships; four German spies and two English secret service agents; a new recruit; an irrascible M.P. and his daughter, who, of course, is in love with the secret service hero; a basket full of white feathers for cowards who do not enlist; a wireless outfit concealed in the drawing room where the scene of the play is laid; a wonderful dictograph; an always-to-be-forgotten pipe; a code book of signals which falls into the wrong hand; carrier pigeons; a cane-shaped gun which works wonders at the proper time; a couple of revolvers and a powerful modern searchlight, all add to the tremendous success and countless thrills of this big secret service war drama, making it the sensation of three continents—England, America and Australia.

This is the play which goes to the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto, next week, for its third week’s engagement in this theatre in one year.”

[Note: Dictograph = a telephone with a very sensitive transmitter, used for secretly listening to or obtaining a record of conversation]

The Intelligencer March 9, 1916 (page 2)

“While bad weather outdoors usually increases the crowds at indoor attractions, the Khaki Club is one of the attractions that doesn’t have to depend on poor weather for a turnout. Rather, they hope for good weather all the time for it means they can with some degree of comfort handle the housefull they always have.

Last night’s uncertain nature just meant that numbers of the soldiers could not get near enough to the big room to hear the excellent programme arranged by Mrs. Lewis, whom the men will be glad to hear, has offered to come any time she can help. But that is the kind of a contract that every helper of the Khaki Club signs ‘to assist in any way, at any time, on the shortest of notice.’ …

While the programme is being carried out one finds both the writing and reading rooms filled by men who take advantage of the attractions downstairs, which give them a place at the tables, where many daily papers from all Ontario are found, and where the special stationery bearing the name of the club and the Battalion crest is found in abundance.

Some have one interest and some another, but all enjoy themselves thoroughly and at the close of the evening find their way to the tables where there are provisions aplenty for the first to partake or the last.”

The Intelligencer March 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Honors to a Belleville Soldier. An item which appeared in The Intelligencer yesterday announced that Lieut. F.B. Day of the Canadian A.M.C., had been appointed temporary captain. This refers to Gunner Day, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Day of Belleville, who left here in the first Canadian Contingent with the 34th Battery.

For 12 months Gunner Day was on the firing line and was made Bombardier, which position he filled for some time. He was recently given 7 days’ leave of absence, during which time the appointment of temporary captain was given him. His many friends in Belleville will wish for Gunner Day every success in his new appointment, which no doubt he justly deserved.”

[Note: Canadian A.M.C. = Canadian Army Medical Corps]

The Intelligencer March 7, 1916 (page 2)

“A recruiting depot for the Forestry (224) Battalion has been opened at 40 Bridge St. A window display consisting of axes, chains, shovels, peavies, etc. such as used by shantymen and bushmen is attracting much attention. The success of the Forestry Battalion in this district is assured.”

The Intelligencer March 7, 1916 (page 2)

“Mr. Schuster, officer in charge of the 224th Overseas Canadian Foresters Battalion, is mailing the following letter to the various lumber manufacturers in this district. The letter is self-explanatory:

224th Overseas Canadian Forestry Battalion, Belleville, Ont., Mar. 6th, 1916. Dear Sirs,—I beg to advise you that I have been authorized by the Minister of Militia to recruit and command the 224th Overseas Canadian Forestry Battalion.

This battalion is being formed at the very urgent request of the British War Office for the purpose of getting out timber in the British Isles and France for use at the front. The War Office find it necessary to do this owing to the fact that ocean tonnage is becoming so scarce it is impossible to secure timber from this country.

Recruiting officers of this battalion will call at your camps, starting next week, and naturally we will expect you to give them every assistance possible towards securing the proper men, in order that this regiment may be a credit to the lumbermen of Canada.

We are forwarding you under separate cover some posters, dodgers, etc., and would be greatly obliged if you would have the posters put up in conspicuous places and the dodgers distributed amongst the men. Yours very truly, Alexander McDougall, Lieut.-Colonel. W.E. Schuster, Officer in charge at Belleville, Ont.”

[Note: dodger = a small handbill]

The Intelligencer March 6, 1916 (page 4)

“A Forestry Battalion. (224th Overseas Battalion). The requirements of the War Department, not only of England, but also of the Allies, for lumber, and the excessive rates of freights from this continent to the old land induced the war officials in England to ask the Canadian Government to organize a battalion of 1,500 men who have had experience in what is known in Canada as shantying, whose primary duty will be to cut down trees in, for the present, Scotland, to be used for war purposes.

This request has been complied with, and General Hughes, with his usual promptness, has undertaken the task and hopes within six or eight weeks to have this Canadian corps at work in the forests of Scotland. …

The General has placed the raising and organizing of this corps in the hands of men who have had experience and know the character of men required for the work. While their primary work will be to cut down the forest, they will be equipped for military duty, if required, so that if called into action they will be able to handle the rifle and bayonet as well and as effectively as the axe. …

Our fellow citizen, W.E. Schuster, Esq., President of the Schuster Lumber Company, Ltd., who has during his whole life been connected with the lumber business, has been added to the staff. …  A recruiting office will be opened at once in Belleville, and we doubt not the ranks will soon be filled.”

The Intelligencer March 4, 1916 (page 1)

“Boys From School To Do General Farm Laborers’ Work. Toronto. March 4. To fill the depleted ranks of farm labor in Ontario on account of the war, no fewer than 15,000 male students of fifteen years and upwards attending schools and collegiate institutes will be available this summer for farm work. …  The boys in view are those who are fifteen years and older, and outside the universities it is estimated there are 36,000 in this category.

It is likely that the lads will be able to go in for this work about the beginning of May until October. Making allowance for the usual school vacation period, it means the boys who are thus employed will lose two or three months’ education, but it is stated that by an arrangement their academic standing will not be allowed to suffer.”

The Intelligencer March 4, 1916 (page 2)

“My dear Mrs. Collyer:—I have a very full heart this evening for between the hour of eleven and one last evening I lost three of my good men. Your son, I regret to say being one of them. The sad part of this is that, your dear boy was just going into the trenches for the first time.

He was walking up the communication trench in company with a dozen more comrades to take over his duties. It was about eleven o’clock. The medical officer and myself were following the party closely, when to my surprise I heard one of the men say, Collyer is shot! The Dr. and I were at his side in a moment, but within a few moments the dear boy had passed to a land that knows no pain. The bullet was a stray one, and hit him in the side, back of the shoulder and took a downward course. He was buried today in a little plot, a suitable cross there marks the spot.

As your son’s commanding officer, I desire to offer my deep appreciation of your son’s devotion to duty. May He who holds us all in the hollow of his love, help you to bear this great sorrow which has entered into your life. Believe me, Yours Very sincerely, Lt.-Col. J.H. Gunn.

Ottawa, Ont., W. Collyer, Belleville. Replying your telegram 22nd inst. deeply regret 412097 Pte. Frank Collyer 24th, formerly 39th Battalion, officially reported, Feb. 19th killed in action, Feb. 10, 1916. Adj. General.”

[Note: Private Frank Arthur Collyer died on February 10, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 69 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer March 4, 1916 (page 3)

“It was a happy thought struck Lt.-Col. Adams, when he decided to send the splendid band of the 155th to play in the various centres where detachments are being recruited and drilled.

On Thursday night the band played in Marlbank, and, although the roads were heavy owing to a recent fall of snow, the spacious hall was packed with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. It is probably the first time a band of the quality of the 155th Band had ever visited Marlbank, and needless to say received a great welcome. The people were delighted beyond measure and the band made a name for themselves in Marlbank.

On Friday the band visited Tweed, and was greeted at the auditorium by another packed house, every seat being sold and standing room at a premium. …

Besides providing an entertainment seldom experienced by the people in the outlying districts, good results are expected in recruiting. …  At intermission, Lt.-Col. Adams addressed the audience, thanking them for their attendance, and called upon the eligible to rally to the colors of the 155th Battalion. …

One of the features of each performance was a boxing bout by youngsters aged twelve, called the ‘Midget Mascots’ of the 155th Battalion. They created great excitement and won well merited applause by their clever work.”