The Intelligencer December 13, 1918 (page 5)

“Deseronto Soldier Won Military Medal. A Deseronto soldier, Pte. Sam Corby, attached to the 25^th Canadian Battalion, has been awarded the military medal for outstanding bravery in keeping the lines of communication open under very heavy shell fire on the night of Sept. 28^th, 1916, when he volunteered to act as a runner and made six trips and it was chiefly due to his bravery and determination that satisfactory communication was maintained was cited officially in the London Gazette of December 21, 1916, as follows:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of September 28, 1916, when acting as runner he volunteered and made six trips under very heavy shell fire when the runners had failed to find their way it was chiefly due to his bravery and determination that satisfactory communication was maintained.’

The following letter is self-explanatory: Department of Militia and Defence, 2^nd Military District, 149 College St. Toronto Ont. Mrs. Mary Corby, Deseronto, Ont. Dear Madam,—in accordance with the wish expressed by (No. 412205) Pte. S. Corby, 25^th Canadian Battalion, I beg to enclose herewith the military medal awarded to the above mentioned soldier by His Majesty the King. Enclose particulars of action for which this award was made. The congratulations of the Department are extended to you in the above mentioned soldier winning this coveted award. Kindly acknowledge receipt, D. B. Hrait, Lieut. For Assistant Adjt. Gen. Military District 2.

Pte. Sam Corby enlisted at Belleville in the 39^th Battalion on February 25, 1915, and his many friends are pleased to learn that he has so gallantly distinguished himself on the field of battle.”

The Intelligencer December 13, 1918 (page 9)

“It Is Your Patriotic Privilege to save and conserve. When you eat wheat be sure it is the whole wheat. Don’t waste any of it. It is all food.

Shredded Wheat is the whole wheat—nothing wasted or thrown away. It is a nourishing wholesome substitute for meat, eggs, and other expensive foods. No sugar is required—simply milk and a dash of salt.”

 

The Intelligencer December 12, 1918 (page 2)

“In Memoriam. Woodley—James Woodley, in loving and constant memory of my dear husband and our loving father who left this earth just one year ago to-day, December 12^th, 1917.

‘Gently the stars are shining, / Down on his silent grave; / Where lies our dear father sleeping, / The one we loved but could not save. / We often sit and think of him, / When we are all alone; / For memory is the only thing / That grief can call its own.’ Wife, Daughter and Sons.”

The Intelligencer December 12, 1918 (page 5)

“Soldiers’ Christmas. The ladies of Christ Church, Parish Guild and Choir Comfort Club recently mailed about 70 overseas parcels to the soldier boys of Christ Church.”

The Intelligencer December 12, 1918 (page 9)

“Canada’s Work For Wounded Soldiers. The wounded soldier does not always find it easy to return to the routine of civil life and of civil work. …  In Part Two of the film serial, ‘Canada’s Work for Wounded Soldiers,’ entitled, ‘Re-education of the Disabled,’ the habitué of the moving picture theatre will find much to interest him and make him or her think. …  In this second part of the serial, one can see returned men studying for civil service examinations, and taking lessons in motor mechanics, the operation of farm machinery, cattle judging and barn construction. …

Patrons of the Moving Picture Houses should follow up the serial ‘Canada’s Work for Wounded Soldiers.’ It is an official production endorsed by Sir James Lougheed Minister of Soldiers’ Civil Re-Establishment. It indicates the best way in which they can successfully apply their energy in solving the ‘problem of the returned soldier,’ and the co-operation of every man, woman and child in Canada is needed to end the existence of such a problem.

Part one of this series was shown at the Palace Theatre the first three days of this week and the series will be continued as received.”

 

The Intelligencer December 9, 1918 (page 1)

“Fighters Start To Return Home In Springtime. Halifax. Demobilization of Canada’s men at present somewhere on German territory will not start until spring. When it does they will come home at the rate of 20,000 a month, so that the whole operation will be finished in five months roughly. …  The boats bringing the men home will carry them in batches of 500, arranged by military districts. …  This unit of 500 was fixed on as the easiest way to handle the men in train loads on this side, but it apparently kills all hopes of the men being brought back together as members on the battalion or battery with which they served together at the front. The number 500 has been fixed as the ideal train load for 12 coaches, these averaging 42 men per coach.”

The Intelligencer December 9, 1918 (page 1)

“A message from King George, expressing the hope that Britons and Americans may be united in peace as they were in war, was read at a meeting in the Hippodrome arranged as the climax of New York’s celebration of Britain Day.

The King’s message, …  stated that ‘the people of the British Empire join with me in thanking you and those associated with you for your efforts in promoting this celebration, which will be welcomed as a proof of the true and lasting friendship of the United States. It will be a particular satisfaction to my navy and army to feel that they have won the esteem of the nation which has sent so many gallant men to suffer with them the trials of this great war, and to share in the glories of final victory.”

The Intelligencer December 9, 1918 (page 4)

“Theatre Nuisances. Now that the war is over and presumably safe for democracy, why not make it pleasant as well and remove some of the nuisances which make peace something like what Sherman said war was. This reform should include the ostracism and just punishment of people who come late to entertainments, who talk and giggle while the entertainment is going on to the discomfort of entertainers and patrons, and generally act as if they considered there was only one show going on and that the ‘holy show’ they were making of themselves. If this pestilential class can be eliminated or reformed the war will not have been in vain after all.”

 

The Intelligencer December 7, 1918 (page 1)

“Boxing Bouts At Armories Furnish Interesting Sport. At the Armories last night a smoker and boxing tournament was held under the auspices of the Great War Veterans Association of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties and it proved to be a most entertaining function. There was a good attendance and all present were well repaid. Previous to the bouts the 15^th Regimental Band gave a number of suitable selections to the delight of the spectators. …  Previous to the main bout being staged Mr. W. E. Turley of Toronto, Provincial Secretary of the Great War Veterans Association gave an address and proved that he was an orator of no mean calibre. …  Mr. Turley referred to the reconstruction period and the returning of soldiers to civil life. They did a great part in the winning of the war of destruction. A war of reconstruction is beginning, and the G. W. V. A. will be found to be assisting in this great task. …  Statues may be erected to the memory of those who have fallen, but it will be better to have a club house for the living than a stone or a memorial of brass. In conclusion Mr. Turley stirred those present by reciting in a dramatic manner that well known and stirring selection by the late Col. John McCrae, ‘In Flanders Fields.’ ”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1918 (page 7)

“Gunner Stringer Wounded. Mr. Peter Stringer, Fort Stewart, North Hastings, received word recently that his son, Gr. Geo. Stringer, had been wounded. Gr. Stringer has been at the front nearly since the outbreak of hostilities, and was wounded just at the close of hostilities. He was a former member of the 34^th Battery of this city.”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1918 (page 11)

“What is a WAR-SAVINGS STAMP? It is a stamp for which the Dominion of Canada will pay you $5.00 on January 1^st, 1924.

A War-Savings Stamp costs you $4.00 if purchased in December, 1918, or January, 1919, and the price increases one cent each month after January.

Every man, woman and child in Canada should invest in War-Savings Stamps all the money that he or she can save by STRICT ECONOMY.

W.-S. S. are on sale at Money-Order Post Offices, Banks, and other places displaying the W.-S. S. sign shown at the top of this announcement. Look for the Sign.”

 

The Intelligencer December 6, 1918 (page 1)

“His Majesty the King, who, while other thrones are crumbling, retains the love and admiration of his subjects of the British Empire.”

The Intelligencer December 6, 1918 (page 4)

“War Veterans as Employees. One of the largest concerns in Canada has issued the following notice to its foremen in reference to proper treatment of returned soldiers as employees. If all employers realized the truth of its statements there would be fewer remarks about the alleged unreliability of returned soldiers as workmen. This uncertainty is only a phase of short duration and the man who has had sufficient conscience to offer his life for the principles for which the British Empire is at war, is pretty sure to have enough conscience to do this work faithfully. Here is the notice:

‘How do you treat a returned soldier working under you? Do you consider him as an ordinary workman, let him shift for himself and look on his mistakes only as you would an ordinary employee? If so you are assuming that he is in all respects just a normal man and should be able to do the same work as quickly and as well as the average employee. If you do, you are wrong.

Most returned soldiers’ constitutions are broken down. They have been gassed, shell shocked, and tortured by wounds, and consequently, are highly strung and nervous, and will be for some time to come. What they make of themselves depends upon you. If one of these men makes a mistake and is roughly reprimanded, he is likely to shake like a leaf, get excited, etc., and be very difficult to make anything of; this is wrong. The greatest tact, care and attention that you can give these men in helping them to become useful employees is what the Company expects, and moreover,—YOU OWE IT TO THEM.

There are bound to be some exceptions, and some men will fail to make good. The success or failure of the majority, however, depends on you, and it is your privilege to help your country in this national crisis by endeavoring to make useful citizens out of the nerve-shattered men that are commencing to come back to us from the Front.”

The Intelligencer December 6, 1918 (page 6)

“Red Cross Penny Bag Collection Oct. Nov. Owing to the severe epidemic of influenza which visited our city in October it was deemed wise to omit the collection of the pennies for that month and collect for the two months at the end of November. While not double our monthly amount, still the collection just completed is a considerable increase on any individual month of the year, and we are very grateful for the added amount, as the money is still badly needed. …

Our heartfelt thanksgiving goes out at the prospect of peace which has come to us during the past month, and we hope that before long the work of the penny bags may cease. …

The Red Cross Society is still making needed hospital supplies, still doing knitting, though not so much as formerly, still sending parcels to the boys and in addition, are now making clothing for the little children, whom this awful war has rendered homeless and destitute. The materials for these things cost much money, and we must do our part to supply it. Won’t you all continue to help by saving your pennies for us, as long as the Red Cross work proves necessary?”

 

The Intelligencer December 5, 1918 (page 1)

“ ‘Canada First,’ Order Of Ontario Govt. To Movies. Toronto. Hon. T. W. McGarry, Provincial Treasurer, intends to put a stop to the existing practise of many moving picture theatres in the Province showing war films which portray almost exclusively the actions of the American army, while ignoring the part played by the British and Canadian forces. He has advised the film exchanges that unless more films depicting the part played by Great Britain and Canada in the war are shown on the screen, that he would instruct the censors to cut out much of the material such as that which has been recently shown throughout the province. …

While he was prepared to admit the part taken by the American army in the war, particularly in the last few months, the Minister said the fact that Great Britain and Canada have both been in it since its commencement must not be overlooked. ‘I do not see why the film exchanges cannot obtain material such as I have indicated, and certainly our Canadian citizens will not much longer stand for the exaltation of an army of another nation and forgetfulness of our own.’ ”

The Intelligencer December 5, 1918 (page 6)

“Rescind Many of the Food Regulations. Ottawa. Changes in the food regulations following upon the armistice of November 11^th, in so far as they affect the general public, are summarized in a Canada Food Board statement as follows:

Compulsory restrictions of the amount of flour which may be held in store by dealers, householders and others have been rescinded.

The compulsory purchase of a proportion of substitutes for wheat flour has been rescinded.

The use of substitutes by manufacturers, bakers, public restaurants and households are no longer compulsory, but in view of the necessity of conservation, and in order to prevent waste of stock of substitutes already on hand, the Food Board urges the greatest possible voluntary use of them to be continued.

Sandwiches may now be served in public eating places during the noon meal hour.

Restrictions on the quantity of bread served at public eating places are now removed.

Manufacturers may make and sell doughnuts, biscuits, crullers, Scotch shortbread or cake, and French pastry, provided they are vegetable fats only.

Manufacturers, provided they do not exceed 40 pounds of sugar in every 100 pounds of flour may make and sell seed cakes and biscuits filled with icing, so long as they do not increase the total amount of sugar used as allotted.

Restrictions on the manufacture of wheat in the form of breakfast food, alimentary paste, buckwheat and self-rising flours, etc., have been rescinded.

Conservation regulations of beef are still in force and are still important, in view of the requirements at the present time and in the future.

Conservation of butter and animal fats is still very important.

Until the end of the year the regulation of the consumption of sugar will be necessary, after which it is hoped the new crop will be available.”

The Intelligencer December 5, 1918 (page 8)

“Victory Loan Honor Flag Presented to County Council. W. B. Deacon of Belleville addressed the council, saying it was his duty and pleasure to present to the Hastings County Council the Governor-General’s flag won by the county for going beyond the objective in the recent Victory Loan Campaign. …

Mr. H. W. Ackerman said there was considerable rivalry amongst the municipalities and several honor flags were won. In some places not only were the honor flags won, but many places won crowns. The county had certainly done good work.

Warden Montgomery said the Council accepted with pride the honor flag. The canvassers worked hard and their efforts were crowned with abundant success and a glorious end had been achieved. He accepted the flag and it would be held in remembrance for the good work achieved by the county in the Victory Loan Campaign of 1918.”

 

The Intelligencer December 4, 1918 (page 1)

“45,000 Canadians Are in Hospital. Ottawa. There is no prospect of any diminution in the work of the Board of Pension Commissioners for some months to come. There are in Canada at the present time approximately 7,000 soldiers under treatment or receiving vocational training who are in receipt of pensions.

The evacuation of the numerous hospitals and convalescent homes all over Great Britain will result in a large influx of Canadian invalided soldiers whose case for pensions will have to be considered. A rough estimate places the number of Canadian soldiers at present in British hospitals alone at 45,000. It is possible of course, that many of these may be eventually deemed as fit.

With the cessation of hostilities it is expected that a large number of Canadian pensioners who have remained in the Old Country and whose pensions have been paid through the British branch of the Board of Pension Commissioners will probably evince a desire to return to their native soil. During the war many partially disabled soldiers have been transferred to the non-combatant units, such as forestry, pay corps, etc., and the claims of these men will have to be considered by the board.”

The Intelligencer December 4, 1918 (page 3)

“Urges Consumers To Save Hard Coal. A review of the coal situation coupled with a soberly worded warning that Ontario will be face to face with a serious coal shortage before spring, is issued by the Provincial Fuel Controller, R. Home Smith. …

‘The Fuel Administration, reluctant as it is to interfere with the public or to make regulations, has no option but to insist that bituminous coal and wood be substituted for the use of anthracite in every building in the Province of Ontario which is fitted with a furnace in which bituminous coal or wood can be used. This rule will apply to all buildings, but the largest saving can probably be made in public or semi-public buildings. It is therefore advisable that all occupants of such buildings should at once set their house in order.’

The Controller warns owners of office buildings, apartments, warehouses, factories, etc., to make arrangements at once to sell their coal and divert shipments not yet received. Those who do so will benefit compared to those who are forced to substitute under the regulations to be issued. …

In concluding, the Controller says: ‘Speaking generally, there is no longer any doubt that the anthracite situation in the province will be serious, and unless the public co-operate and where possible take steps to protect itself by the substitution of wood, buckwheat and bituminous coal conditions may become critical. There is, however, no reason for panic, and we will come through the winter satisfactorily, if we, one and all, save coal and co-operate in the observance of the fuel regulation, for the spirit which won the war can and will solve every peace problem.’ ”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1918 (page 1)

“Soldiers Memorial Building Proposed By War Veterans Assoc. At the City Council meeting last evening considerable business was transacted. A large deputation of the Great War Veterans’ Association was present and through Col. E. D. O’Flynn and Major A. C. McFee asked the Council to submit to the ratepayers of the city at the approaching municipal election a debenture By-law to grant $10,000 to the Association to assist in purchasing or erecting a suitable memorial to those who took part in the war. It would be a building where the members could meet and also provide temporary accommodation to any returned soldier who might be in the city.

The Council coincided in the idea and the By-law will be submitted to the electors for their approval or rejection. …  Mayor Platt said the deputation could rely upon the Council doing what was requested. You risked your lives for us and we will do what we can in return.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1918 (page 2)

“When Your Boy Comes Home you will be glad you gave the last dollar you could spare to keep him at the front and to keep him happy, well clothed and well fed.

Shredded Wheat paid its heavy toll for doing a restricted business during the war and it paid it gladly. It was a patriotic privilege. Shredded Wheat is the same breakfast cereal you have always eaten—clean, pure, wholesome and nutritious. Eat it with hot milk and a little salt. No sugar is required.”

 

The Intelligencer December 2, 1918 (page 1)

“Brave Belleville Officer Receives The Military Cross. Lieut. David V. Ketcheson, son of ex-Mayor Ketcheson, of this city, received to-day the Military Cross which was awarded to him for bravery upon the field of battle. It is beautifully engraved medal hung from blue and white ribbons. Accompanying the medal was a communication from the Government House, Toronto, also a copy of the details of service for which the coveted decoration was awarded. They were as follows: Government House, Toronto, Nov. 30. Dear Mr. Ketcheson: By request of His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor I am sending the Military Cross awarded to you to your address by registered mail. Will you kindly acknowledge the receipt of same and oblige. I also enclose copy of the details of service for which the decoration was awarded. Yours very truly, Alexander Fraser, Official Secretary.

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party; although wounded he continued in command of his men, and led the attack on the enemy trench in a most determined manner. Later, he was again, severely wounded.’

Lieut. Ketcheson is to be congratulated upon having acquitted himself so nobly in the great world war as to merit Royal recognition. He has not only brought honor to himself and his parents but also to the City of Belleville and this entire district. Belleville is proud of Lieut. David V. Ketcheson.”

The Intelligencer December 2, 1918 (page 7)

“Thanksgiving Service. A union Thanksgiving service in every sense of the word was held on Sunday afternoon in Griffin’s Opera House. Not only were Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists represented by ministers who took part, but the Salvation Army and the Y.M.C.A. were represented. During the service, which lasted from 4 to 5 o’clock, the spacious building was filled with an audience which entered heartily into the spirit of the service. Previous to the opening exercises the Salvation Army band occupying a place on the platform rendered a number of appropriate selections, which were inspiring.

Ministers occupying seats on the platform were Rev. Dr. Scott, of Bridge street church in the chair, Ven. Archdeacon Beamish, rector of St. Thomas church, Rev. A. S. Kerr, M.A., of St. Andrew’s church, Rev. J. N. Clarry, B.A., of Holloway street church, and Rev. W. H. Wallace of the Baptist church. Adjutant Goodhew and Capt. T. D. Ruston represented the Salvation Army and Mr. P. F. Brockel the Y. M. C. A. Prof. Hunt and Prof. Wheatley played the accompaniments upon the piano. …

Adjutant Goodhew gave the address and it was in keeping with the occasion. …  In his opening remarks the Adjutant said that this day had been set apart as a National Thanksgiving day. We should thank God for the many blessings which we as a people enjoy. First we should thank God for peace, a victorious peace for all the allied nations. Our dearly beloved flag still floats at the mast head. Secondly, we should thank God for power. Our Empire to-day as in years gone by was a mighty power for good. Thirdly we give thanks for patriotism which permeates all our hearts. To-day God fearing people were rallying around the God fearing leaders who would lead our Empire for a God fearing peace. Whatsoever is right must come out on top. Fourthly, we give thanks for prosperity. Let us all thank God for the prosperity we enjoy as a nation. …  May our greatest cause of thanksgiving be for the highest ideals of life. …  At the close of the address the National Anthem was sung and the benediction pronounced by Rev. Dr. Scott.”

 

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 4)

“ ‘His Master’s Voice. Records for December out To-Day. Same Price before the War—during the War—And Now The War Is Over.

Berliner Gram-o-phone Company.

The Above Machines and Records Are on Sale at Doyle’s Drug Store. You are welcome to come in any time and play any of Our Large Assortment of Records.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 7)

“Safe in England. Mrs. J. Newton, who resides at 46 Hillcrest Avenue, received the following cablegram from the Canadian Red Cross. It refers to her son who was a prisoner of Germany for the past five and one-half years:—’London. Nov. 29, 1918. Mrs. Newton, 46 Hillcrest Avenue, Belleville. R. Newton, 113457, safe in England. Canadian Red Cross.’ ”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 7)

“A Successful Dance. Under the auspices of Argyll Chapter I.O.D.E. a dance was held last night in Johnston’s Academy and it proved to be a most enjoyable function. A large number were present and enjoyed themselves in the light fantastic until an early hour this morning. A most appropriate programme of music was furnished by the Sprague orchestra under the able direction of Mr. Frank Robinson. The assembly room presented an attractive appearance, being suitably decorated for the occasion. At the midnight hour a tempting luncheon was served. The proceeds amounting to a considerable sum will be applied to worthy objects.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 7)

“National Thanksgiving. In accordance with the request of the Dominion Government tomorrow will be observed as a national thanksgiving for the blessings of peace as the result of the great and complete victory of the allied nations over the Central Powers. Special services in keeping with the occasion will be held in all churches tomorrow and a union service will be held in Griffin’s Theatre beginning at four o’clock tomorrow afternoon participated in by the clergy and civic authorities.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 7)

“Soldiers’ Monument. The heroic sacrifice of Belleville soldiers who have given their lives for the Empire will be commemorated by the erection of a soldiers’ monument and a movement has been started by the members of the 15^th Regimental Band with this end in view.

The following joint committee of citizens and bandsmen will direct the campaign and a fund will be raised by voluntary subscriptions. The committee is composed of the following gentlemen: Messrs. W. J. Carter, chairman; L. E. Walmsley, secretary; Arthur Jones, treasurer; Charles Hanna, Walter Asseltine and A. Wannacott. Various suggestions have been made as to the location of the proposed monument including the intersection of Bridge and Front street and the entrance to the park.”

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 7)

“Belleville Soldier Dies in Scotland. The sad news was received to-day by Mr. P. J. Wims that his soldier son, Tom Wims, had died in Scotland, following an attack of influenza. The young soldier was a general favorite with all who knew him, blessed as he was with a fine, cheery disposition and manly character, and great sympathy will be felt for the bereaved relatives.

The following telegram was received by Mr. Wims this morning: ‘Regret to inform you Gunner Thomas Peter Wims, artillery, officially reported died of bronco-pneumonia, following influenza at 3^rd Scottish hospital, Glasgow, November 28^th.’

Gunner Wims enlisted with the 79^th Battery at Montreal being previous to enlistment in the office of the Canada Cement Company at Montreal. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Wims and was born at Deseronto. He received his education in Belleville, matriculating from the High School here. Upon arrival in the Old Country he was transferred to the 4^th Division Trench Mortar unit.

At the time he was taken ill Gunner Wims was on leave and was visiting with relatives when he fell a victim to the influenza, pneumonia developing. Besides the sorrowing parents three brothers and four sisters survive, viz. : Will K., Manager of the Wims Store at Montreal; Alex, at home and P. J. Wims at Loyola College, Montreal; May, Grace, Jessie and Margaret at home.”

[Note: Gunner Thomas Peter Wims died on November 26, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 524 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer November 30, 1918 (page 8)

“On Monday, December 2^nd, 1918, will be offered the First Issue of Canadian Government War-Savings Stamps. Issue of 1919—Payable January 1^st, 1924. Price, $4.00 and Interest. $4.00 Grows to $5.00.

In order to make it easier to acquire War-Savings Stamps, THRIFT STAMPS are issued at 25 cents each. These do not bear interest, but 16 of them affixed to a Thrift Card will be exchanged for a W.-S. S. Issued under Authorization of National War-Savings Committee.”