The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 1)
“Suggest Lifting Ban on Liquors. Ottawa. On account of the wide prevalence of influenza the suggestion is being made to the Government to remove, as a purely temporary measure, the ban on liquors. Whiskey is used extensively in the treatment of pneumonia with which many of the influenza cases become complicated, and in Ontario, for example, it can be secured only from a Provincial Government vendor acting upon a prescription from a physician. The prescription costs $2 and the liquor from $2 upwards per imperial quart. … The matter has not yet been considered by the Cabinet.”
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 3)
“Ross Ketcheson Was Killed in Action. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ketcheson, of Madoc, have received the following letters from France giving particulars of the death of their son, Ross Ketcheson, who went overseas with the 80th Battalion from Belleville, and was killed in action last month:
‘In the Field, France, Sept. 9, 1918. Dear Mrs. Ketcheson:—Being a chum of Ross ever since the battalion came to France, I take the liberty of writing to you. I was right handy when Ross got fatally wounded. We were all together at the time and under heavy shell fire. We kept close to one another because of that reason, for we never know when our time may come. His death was instant, I am glad to say, and he suffered no pain.
The boys of the running section which Ross was in, are very much cut up over it. Every body liked him very much. We took his body out with us and the boys in the section have given him a good burial with a wreath. They don’t know the exact location, but will find out and let you know. I have a few of his trinkets that he packed around with him, which I am forwarding at the same time as this letter. One is a paper knife, also three badges. My home is in Toronto and if I am spared at the end I will call and see you.
The boys send their sympathy. We shall never forget what a good comrade he was with us all. A boy and a soldier to be proud of. I will close now, assuring you that his grave will be well looked after while we are in France. I remain, Yours sincerely, Albert Shred, No. 161251, Runners, 102 Canadian Battalion, France.’
‘France, Sept. 9, 1918. Dear Mrs. Ketcheson:—Just a few lines to tell you how sorry we are to lose Ross and to sympathize with you. He was an ideal comrade and friend; always bright and happy. It was a pleasure to have him with us. He was always ready to do anything asked him, whether work or play, and we all miss him very much. His body was brought down to our transport lines, and you will be notified of his grave location. I was over to see it, but of course, I can not tell you until we are away from here, just where it is. All the officers and men thought a great deal of him.
Hoping that it will bring you comfort in your bereavement in knowing that your son was one of the best, I remain, Yours truly, J. A. Hall, Cpl., 101167, 102 Batt., Runners, France.’ ”
[Note: Private Ross Stanley Ketcheson died on September 2, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 441 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 3)
“Pleasure Clubs’ Coal Restricted. Regulations to restrict the fuel consumption of private country clubs, golf, yacht and canoe clubs, have just been approved by order-in-council, at the instance of Mr. C. A. Magrath, Fuel Controller. During the period from December 15, 1918, to March 15, 1919, no country club, golf, yacht or canoe club is to burn or use fuel of any description or to use power derived from any such fuel for purposes of heating and cooking. There is no restriction, however, on the use of peat by any such club when such wood or peat is available.”
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 3)
“Veterans’ Grievances Will be Investigated. The Belleville Branch of the G. W. V. A. had one of the largest meetings since its inception on Monday night at their spacious club rooms in the Corby building. Many matters of importance to returned soldiers and dependents were taken up and discussed and the reports show many cases of pension, separation allowance that have been adjusted satisfactorily by this organization.
A most important Committee was appointed consisting of Comrades Ponton, Harris, Carter, and Edmonson, to investigate all complaints and grievances with reference to pensions in this district. This committee invite all returned soldiers whether members of the Great War Veterans’ Association or not, or any dependents of soldiers, to interview any member of the Committee, when the case or cases will be thoroughly investigated and sent to the representative of the Great War Veterans’ Association in Ottawa to take up personally with the Board of Pension Commissioners. …
After the meeting refreshments were served and all the Comrades present entered into the spirit of the Association. The Great War Veterans of this city are greatly indebted to the Corby Company Limited for the magnificent gift and privilege of allowing them to use this beautiful building gratis.”
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 7)
“Why Worry About Sugar. Grape:Nuts is not only nearly solid nourishment, but is rich in sugar developed from its own grains in the making. This feature, absent in the usual prepared cereal, not only saves the use of sugar but provides food material especially adapted to the cooler weather of autumn.
‘There’s a Reason’ for Grape:Nuts. Canada Food Board License No. 2-026.”
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 7)
“Lindsay in Grip of Flu. Medical Health Officer McAlpine of Lindsay has ordered all schools and moving picture houses closed for the balance of the week, owing to the Spanish influenza in the town.”
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 7)
“Soldiers Arrive Home. A number of Belleville soldiers who have been overseas for some time arrived home at an early hour yesterday morning. They were Privates George Ashworth, Nelson J. Babcock, M. Brown, William Hayes, James M. Morton, Isaac Murdoff, Wm. Goulabia, B. Latour and Corp. George Belcher. A number from the vicinity of Belleville were among the party.”
The Intelligencer October 10, 1918 (page 7)
“Killed in Action. The sad news was received this morning by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Clarke, 77 Mill street, in an official telegram from military headquarters at Ottawa, that their son Clement Carl Clarke (8193) had been killed in action on September 27. This young soldier went overseas with the Originals in 1914 as a member of the 2nd Battalion and passed through some of the hardest battles of the war. He had many friends here who regret deeply his death and great sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents.”
[Note: Private Clement Carl Clarke died on September 27, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 385 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
First World War Belleville 