The Intelligencer December 3, 1915 (page 1)

“Tearing Down a Doctor’s Sign. Magistrate Masson, this morning in Belleville Police Court, fined each of the British enthusiasts who were charged with destroying Dr. Kimmel’s sign-board, five dollars to cover the expenses of the court, and to provide a new sign. Total, $13. The defendants pleaded that they saw what they took to be an Iron Cross plainly printed on this board; this coupled with the fact that the doctor’s name sounds German, proved too great a shock for the patriotic young men, one of whom at least has volunteered for overseas service.

Dr. Kimmel stated that the cross, instead of being the symbol of Teutonic bravery, was a Maltese cross, and in fact, was not placed there at his directions at all, but just put on as a decoration by the painter, Mr. McKenna.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1915 (page 1)

“Fire Breaks Out at Military Quarters. At a few minutes before 6 o’clock last evening fire broke out in what is known as the officers quarters at Belleville, being part of the old Armouries and situated on Church street. Of late the building had been used as a hospital for the 39th Battalion also for the 80th Battalion. Apartments in the building were also utilized by the 34th Battery, and as headquarters of the 49th Hastings Regiment.

The fire originated in the basement, supposedly from the furnace and before it was extinguished considerable damage was sustained to the interior of the building. At the outbreak of the fire there were seven members of the 80th Battalion in the building, who were on the sick list, but not seriously ill. They were taken into quarters in the new Armouries.

Stored in the building were 19,000 rounds of ammunition, which was removed as quickly as possible to a place of safety by members of the 80th Battalion, who rendered valuable services in various ways. …

The fire brigade, under the superintendency of Chief Brown worked vigorously and succeeded in subduing the flames after a rather stubborn fight, and despite the fact that at times the smoke was suffocating. The flames were confined to the basement and ground floor. The damage done will amount to several hundred dollars. The building, being the property of the Dominion Government, was not insured.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1915 (page 3)

“Patriotic Tea. One of the most successful teas of the season was held at the Quinte tea room by the Women’s Rifle Club on the afternoon of the 2nd of December. The colors of the Club, toy rifles and cannons and numerous candelabra formed very effective decorations.

Miss Higgs, Mr. Wheatley, Miss McDonnell and Miss Walton contributed four numbers to the programme and the orchestra of the 80th played the remainder of the afternoon. The sum of $103.00 was realized which will be added to the Khaki Club fund.”

The Intelligencer December 2, 1915 (page 2)

“County Patriotic Fund Discussed. At the County Council session yesterday afternoon considerable information was elicited in reference to the disposition of the Patriotic Fund in Hastings County. Mr. Vermilyea stated that he personally visited all homes in Thurlow Township where husbands or sons had enlisted, and the township had made every provision for those left behind.

Mr. Clare stated that in Hungerford Township families of soldiers at the front were being well looked after.

Dr. Harper said that in Madoc village a relief committee had been formed and every case was investigated. This to some extent takes the responsibility off the Reeve. The patriotic fund might possibly in some cases have been abused.

Mr. Moore said that from the township of Elzevir one man who went to the front had been killed and his widow was receiving $20 from the patriotic fund.

Mr. Coulter, Reeve of Stirling, stated that the families of those who had gone to the front were being well looked after. There was a patriotic fund raised in the village which is used judiciously. There were a number of peculiar cases which the county organization had to deal with and some claims were unjust. He instanced one case where a mother made claims for assistance on account of her son being at the front, while her husband was at home and in possession of a good farm.

Mr. Montgomery said the township of Rawdon had an organization and received no aid from the county fund. The township sent $1,900 to the National Patriotic Fund and has drawn only about $500 out of it. We have forty at the front from the township, and only a small proportion are receiving aid. The patriotic fund has no doubt been robbed.

Mr. Rollins, Reeve of Tweed, said that those in Tweed who had husbands or sons at the front were living better today than before the war. All were well provided for.

Warden Ketcheson said the township of Sidney was organized for patriotic purposes and also for the distributing of the patriotic fund. The money is being judiciously handled in the township.”

The Intelligencer December 1, 1915 (page 4)

“Enlisting! When you put a telephone in your home you enlist our staff of skilled workers in the service of your wife and family. To lighten the labors of the household, to keep the family in touch with their friends and to protect them in emergencies, the telephone is alert and ever ready, day and night. A telephone in the home is a boon at any time, but during the inclement fall and winter weather it is invaluable. Ask to-day for rates and information.

Enlist in the great army of enthusiastic home-telephone users. Every Bell Telephone is a Long Distance Station. The Bell Telephone Co. of Canada.

The Intelligencer December 1, 1915 (page 7)

“Letters From Belleville Boys At the Front. Mrs. Chas. Priory, 36 Catherine street, Belleville, has received the following letter from Lance-Corp. H.G. Seaman, who is now at the front: Dear Madam:—I now take the liberty of addressing these few lines to you as per your wish. I feel very grateful to you for the benefit derived from the warmth of a pair of nice warm socks, which I had presented to me from our Commander, in which it stated that the said socks were not an issue but a presentation, and on putting them on I found a note bearing the date of June 17, 1915, and wishing the recipient to kindly remember you.

Well, dear Madam, I can assure you that I feel very grateful to you and your society for such a kind action and will always remember your kindness, for I can assure you that such things are very much appreciated out here in the trenches on these cold nights. …

I might state that so far we have only had one man hit since we started some 2 months ago in the trenches; and now again thanking you for such a nice gift. Yours thankfully, Lance.-Corp. H.G. Seaman.”

The Intelligencer November 27, 1915 (page 1)

“Patriotic Efforts Prove Successful. Under the able leadership of Mrs. Dr. J.A. Faulkner of Foxboro, who is at the head of the Red Cross movement of Thurlow township a most successful function took place at Foxboro on Thursday afternoon and evening of this week. During the afternoon a bazaar was held in Gowsell’s hall which was well patronized and a goodly sum was realized from articles offered for sale.

In the early part of the evening tea was served in the Presbyterian church, after which a platform meeting was held in the Methodist church ably presided over by Mr. John Elliott, manager of the Standard Bank in Belleville. A programme was rendered which was thoroughly enjoyed and the addresses given were all that could have been desired. They were not only of a patriotic nature, but tended much to assist in recruiting. …  The proceeds from all sources amounted to upwards of $2,000.”

The Intelligencer November 27, 1915 (page 2)

“Coming to Scott’s Theatre. The official motion pictures of Canada’s Fighting Forces in Europe, which for the first time was shown to the public at the Russell Theater, Ottawa, last week. These films are the only ones of their kind and have the authorization of the Canadian Government. They picture the exploits of the Canadian divisions leaving Canada, crossing the Atlantic, arriving in England. Our troops being reviewed by H.M. the King, Lord Kitchener, General Sam Hughes, Premier Borden and staffs. They also show the arrival of the Canadian wounded from the front; the Canadian hospitals in England.

Sergeant Wells, who was for four months a prisoner of war in Germany will lecture on the films as they are shown and during an interval will tell how the Canadians saved the day at Ypres, the battle in which he lost his arm. Also of his experiences in the prison camps in Germany. …

All true Canadians should see these films and give the boys who are now in the trenches, their hearty applause. These pictures will be shown in Scott’s Theatre, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, November 29, 30 and December 1st. Matinee Daily at 2.30. Prices, evening, 25¢, 35¢, and 50¢. All seats reserved. Matinees’ general admission 25¢.”

 

The Intelligencer November 26, 1915 (page 6)

“The Call for Smokes. The Thing Most Needed for Soldiers Is Often Lacking. This is what one of the men in the Royal Field Artillery, who himself has fought with the guns ever since the retreat from Mons, wrote to a friend: ‘What we want almost more than anything else, are cigarettes and tobacco for our pipes. It isn’t simply a fancy—but a real need. They are a big comfort. It’s something fine when you are with the guns to have some whiffs of tobacco smoke. It eases your mind. You forget about hard things. It stops you thinking hard. At home you don’t—you can’t—enjoy a smoke like you do out here. It keeps you going every day if you get a supply. But when you only get a small packet of cigarettes a week and no tobacco, it’s like offering a sardine to a starving man. I’ve often smoked rolled leaves because there was nothing else.’

Another soldier writes that it is at night in the trenches that a smoke is most precious. ‘So long as you can get a light without letting the Germans know it, a pipe in the dark is delicious and consoling. The night gets on your nerves, the least noise makes you start. It’s because you’ve nothing to do. You must smoke, chew—do something.’

There is no doubt at all that smoking is of the greatest comfort to these brave men who are risking their lives for us every hour of the day. The Over-Seas Club established their Tobacco Fund in the early stages of the war and in eleven months have been able to send, through the generosity of the Canadian public, $50,000 worth of smokes to the front. This seems a large amount, but the tragic note is that it is only sufficient to supply about five packages to each of the 40,000 Canadian soldiers at the front. Just fancy that, five packages for a healthy man in eleven long weary months. Now that the Second Canadian Contingent is at the front, the shortage has become greater.”

The Intelligencer November 25, 1915 (page 2)

“Furlough for Wounded Sergeant. Sergeant John Lavin of Charlotte street, Belleville, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade was severely wounded at Ypres on 23rd April while rescuing a wounded officer. His little daughter died in the summer while he was fighting. The letters announcing her sickness and death were both lost and he only recently learned in a convalescent camp in England of his bereavement.

Colonel Ponton took the matter up with the Militia Department and has received for the wounded man two months’ furlough at his home as soon as he is fit to proceed to Canada. Permission was cabled by Adjutant General to Colonel Ponton last night, and gladdened the hearts of Mrs. Lavin and the little ones.”

The Intelligencer November 25, 1915 (page 2)

“The 80th Battalion is to have a tag day on Saturday, November 27. A number of young ladies of several societies organized in this city, have consented to take charge of it. Every person who is on the street will be tagged by a young lady, and will, of course, be expected to purchase a tag. There will be no limit to the price, every person giving as much as his conscience will allow him to. The money will be devoted in behalf of the men entirely, and a good response is urgently requested.

Now that the 80th are here, it is up to the citizens to do their bit and try to meet the requirements of the men, and to facilitate matters as much as possible. The people of Belleville have always responded to other worthy causes nobly, and we are sure they will do this.”

 

The Intelligencer November 24, 1915 (page 2)

“Absent, Yet Not Forgetting. Colonel Ponton has received from the Belleville Old Boys’ Association of Toronto a cheque for $25. to be applied in sending Christmas presents to the Belleville boys now doing duty for the Empire in France and Belgium, and will hand this sum over to the two organizations which have this specially meritorious work in hand.

The letter accompanying the cheque, full of loyal love for their old city is signed W.S. Morden, President, W.J. Wilson, Treasurer, and T.A. Stevenson, Secretary, and the gift will be doubly appreciated by the men who are thus remembered in the midst of the hardships and jeopardy which they are enduring for all of us during this severe winter campaign of life and death. Hats off to the Toronto-Belleville Old Boys!”

The Intelligencer November 22, 1915 (page 3)

“An important order-in-council is announced, by which authority is given for recruits of the C.E.F. to be attested by an officer appointed to command a battalion or other similar unit of the force, provided that he at the time holds a rank not lower than that of field officer.

This is an important announcement, inasmuch as it provides an alternative to the former method, whereby only justices of the peace could swear in men for overseas service. It is expected that the order will greatly facilitate attestation work and simplify the task of those who are engaged in raising men for the battalions recently authorized.”

The Intelligencer November 22, 1915 (page 3)

“Sunday Concert Great Success. Under the auspices of the 80th Battalion oversea Band, a concert was given in Griffin’s Opera House last evening, which proved to be a great success. The spacious building was inadequate to accommodate all who desired to attend, hundreds being turned away. …

Twelve Russians who are connected with the Battalion rendered in their native tongue some selections which the vast audience thoroughly enjoyed. They also under the able instruction of Sergt. Kuprow gave a fine exhibition of the Russian drill and bayonet charge, showing their mode of attacking the enemy from in front and behind. This was a feature which all present thoroughly enjoyed. …

Lieut.-Col. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the 80th Battalion, gave a brief but inspiring address. …  What we want now said the speaker were young men to enlist in the Battalion and also money. …  We are defending Canada by sending our men away to fight at the front. Get some backbone and help us was the keystone of the Colonel’s closing remarks. …

The pleasing entertainment closed with the National Anthem by the band. The proceeds of the silver collection amounted to upwards of $70, which will be applied to Battalion purposes.”

The Intelligencer November 22, 1915 (page 4)

“Canada’s War Loan. In our advertising columns today will be found particulars concerning the issue of $50,000,000 five per cent bonds, Canada’s war loan, about which a good deal has been said and written lately. We have a peculiar pleasure in congratulating the Government upon the issue of this domestic loan, as The Intelligencer has always advocated the borrowing of money at home instead of raising it in England or the United States. …

There is every reason to believe the loan will be very popular, and that the sum will be easily subscribed. Here is a golden opportunity for men to come to the assistance of the nation and, what is equally important to themselves, profit by it. …  The proceeds of the loan, it is announced by the Minister of Finance, will be used for war purposes only.”

 

The Intelligencer November 20, 1915 (page 5)

“Cordial Reception to Returned Hero. Despite the inclement weather yesterday afternoon there was a hearty welcome extended to Trooper Murray Patterson, of the 8th C.M.R., one of the most popular Belleville young men, who enlisted at the call of duty and was wounded at the front.

He arrived here at 2.18 per. C.P.R. and was met at the station by many of his friends and the 80th Battalion, which is stationed here. The band of the battalion was present and at the station rendered a number of popular and patriotic selections.

Upon arrival of the train, Trooper Patterson was escorted to an automobile and the procession moved off, being headed by the members of the 80th Battalion. The route of the march was by way of Dundas street, up Front street, to Pinnacle street, and thence up Victoria Avenue to Mr. D.V. Sinclair’s residence, where the returned hero will remain for a few days previous to proceeding to Winnipeg where his parents are at present.

When the soldiers reached the residence, they formed companies on both sides of the avenue and as the car with the returned soldier passed through the aisles of infantrymen, cheers rang out along the lines. The band of the battalion assembled upon the lawn and played a suitable selection as the officers of the 80th Battalion were introduced to Trooper Patterson, as he stood upon the porch of the house, which was appropriately decorated with flags. His reception by friends and comrades was a great surprise to him and was highly appreciated.”

The Intelligencer November 17, 1915 (page 3)

“Saturday Bargains at Lattimer’s Drug Store. The Pollyana’s Tea Room. We have given the Pollyana’s the use of our Ice Cream Parlor and they have turned it into a beautiful Tea Room where they serve Tea, Coffee, Cake, etc., every afternoon from 4 to 6 o’clock. The entire proceeds go to the Red Cross funds. Come and help the young ladies in their patriotic work by patronizing their Tea Room. Music every afternoon.”