1st December 1915
What would you suggest?
Harrogate will desire to possess some permanent
memorial of the boys who have fallen in battle or as the result of
wounds, or sickness arising out of patriotic service. Already the
subject is occupying the mind of our readers. The sad news of the
death of Harrogate soldiers comes to us as a profound shock. Their
heroic sacrifices make us wishful to perpetuate their memories. From
the indication already received we are warranted in presuming that
when the proper time arrives all Harrogate will respond to an appeal
on behalf of such a memorial. It is perhaps early, yet, to embark in
organisation; but it is not too early to consider the most
appropriate and permanent form in which our affectionate gratitude
and admiration can be expressed. There will be many opinions; but we
have faith in the wisdom and discretion of the majority of our
residents to believe that whatever form is adopted it will prove one
of permanent value, giving eloquent expression to those mingled
feelings which we all entertain at the present time, and which will
descend to our children and their children's children. The selection
of the form of memorial is not a matter that cane be hastened or
decided upon without prolonged thought and consideration. Believing
that it will facilitate the ventilation of important views, we
invite our readers to communicate to us, either for insertion in the
"Harrogate Herald", or for our own information and
guidance, suggestions as to the form which this memorial should
take. We need hardly point out that these suggestions could not call
forth anything but the most delicate discussion in a mood befitting
the gravity and importance of the subject. If criticism of any
particular scheme or schemes should become necessary, we feel sure
that correspondents will undertake this task with appropriate
consideration and courtesy. Writers of suggestions may either remain
anonymous or disclose their names and addresses. The latter course
would be the better. We hope by an exchange of ideas that something
commensurate with the heroism we shall be commemorating will be
arrived at. We would ask correspondents to be as brief as is
consistent with the matter they have to present.
Recognition
The Volunteer Training Corps having proved their
usefulness already in many ways, has at length received further
military recognition. The Central Association of Volunteer Training
Corps has received an important letter from General Sir H Sclater,
Adjutant-General of the Forces. That letter appears in the
correspondence column today, and we commend it to the attention of
our male readers. General Sclater, in his first paragraph, says :
"I think I can assure you now that we shall be very glad to
accept the patriotic offer made by the Central Association to
provide through the affiliated corps opportunities of preliminary
training for those men who enlist under Lord Derby's scheme for on
day with the colours and are passed to the Reserve before being
called up". In a further paragraph the General says : "It
would no doubt be a great help if your association could inform the
local Volunteer Corps that the War Office welcomed the proposal that
these recruits should be encouraged to take advantage of the means
of obtaining the military training furnished by the Volunteer
Training Corps, and I feel sure that the local corps will be of
great assistance". Sir Joseph E Radcliffe, Commandant of the
VTC (Ripon Division), appends a notice to General Sclater's letter.
The drills are to be held in the Drill hall from8 to 9pm Tuesdays
and Fridays until further arrangements are necessary. The first
drill is Tuesday, December 7th. Platoons are to be formed in special
sections at Starbeck, Knaresborough, Pannal, and Harrogate. The
training already received from the VTC has been of great benefit to
many men. The preliminary training gained thereby has resulted in
efficiency and early promotion. We trust that the response to this
invitation to avail themselves of the preliminary training offered
by the VTC will be generally and speedily accepted. A full response
will tend to stimulate recruiting and engender a patriotic spirit
helpful to the nation's efficiency. Military recognition of the VTC,
therefore, must result in immense future usefulness.
Our Wounded Soldiers' Xmas
We are already indebted to the Wounded Soldiers'
Entertainment Committee for the provision of much enjoyment. That
zealous and resourceful committee is by no means content, however,
with the efforts they have already put forth. The latest idea
originating with them is to see all wounded soldiers' in hospitals
in Harrogate provided with one of the best of Christmas dinners. In
accordance with this desire the committee are inviting the public of
Harrogate and its immediate district to contribute good cheer
towards the Christmas feast. The Committee asks for anything
appropriate to such a meal. Turkeys, geese, chickens, game, fruit,
dessert, anything palatable and suitable that will assist in
providing a comprehensive dinner. Those who are kind enough to
contribute are asked to send the good cheer, carriage paid, to the
Bath Hospital addressed to the Wounded Soldiers' Entertainment
Committee. The Bath Hospital is to be the base from which all other
presents intended for the hospital are to be sent. The committee are
of the opinion that the generous people of Harrogate will be glad to
contribute to this movement. They will remember whilst at dinner in
their own homes surrounded by their families and enjoying good
Christmas cheer, with deepest satisfaction, that they have
contributed to the happiness of our wounded soldiers who are denied
the pleasure of sitting down to Christmas dinner with their own kith
and kin. We shall have pleasure in acknowledging in our columns the
gifts that are kindly sent by well-wishers of the movement, and will
otherwise do all that is in our power to make the wounded Christmas
dinner and emphatic success.
A deserved compliment.
Amongst the troops located in Harrogate none have
excited more interest and admiration than the Yorkshire Dragoons. A
fine body of men, their conduct has been most exemplary and
soldier-like. At first they formed a numerous body, but have
gradually been drafted away on active service. Their places have
been filled by recruits and reserves. We have at the present time
quite a body remaining with us, much to the town's satisfaction.
During the long course of training here they have afforded much
interest to the townspeople as well to visitors. We never seem to
tire of watching their efficient movements. Then, too, we have had
the inestimable privilege of music from their band. This combination
has appeared and played with much satisfaction to their hearers on
innumerable occasions. We are glad our Wednesday Gossip has been
able to put one matter right in respect to the band. We need not
dwell upon the details as they will be found in the Gossip column.
Our motive in referring to them today is to call attention to a
movement which the Dragoons have in hand. It is a most estimable
effort. On Wednesday afternoon, December 15th, they will give a
concert in the Kursaal which the authorities have granted them, for
an expense fee, in order to raise funds to provide Christmas
comforts and cheer for the Dragoons at the front. A whist drive will
also take place at the Winter Gardens on the evening of December
15th. As Harrogate has derived a great del of pleasure from the
presence of the Dragoons in the town, we feel that we are justified
in appealing to the general public to support the Dragoons' Band at
their concert on December 15th. It seems to us that such support
will be an appropriate compliment to both the Dragoons and their
musicians. It is satisfactory to find that the members of the band,
individually, have on all occasions given their services free. If
any fee is derived, or other acknowledgement, it has gone to the
band fund for the purpose of purchasing music and other necessary
adjuncts. Will our readers make a point of kindly supporting the
concert?
8th December 1915
Our Own Boys
We are all wishful that each of our own Harrogate
and district boys at the Front should have a pleasant reminder at
Christmas in the form of a parcel. Relations at home are already
busy arranging the composite nature of these parcels. No organised
fund has been established to provide Christmas cheer to our own boys
at the front because individual efforts are so numerous that
duplication would assuredly result by the establishment of another
agency. It is important, however, that none of them should be
missed. There may be men at the front from Harrogate who have not
friends to send them a Christmas reminder. Most of our lads will be
well supplied, and we think we may leave it to their innate
generosity to look after their comrades who have no one else to
think of them. It is the general impression that all Harrogate
soldiers are in some of the regiments of Yorkshire. We would point
out, however, that Harrogate men are attached to other battalions.
In some cases there may be, here and there, just one or two who are,
as we may say, isolated from their fellow townsmen. It is important
that these should be remembered. We have at the Herald office three
large cards containing the addresses of Harrogate soldiers who are
receiving Heralds weekly. There are hundreds of them. It has
occurred to us that there may be private individuals who have no
acquaintances at the front to whom to send parcels, and that they
would like to have some addresses. Our list is open to the
inspection of any resident who desires the name and address of
soldiers to whom a parcel may be sent. We will afford such as much
information as we possess to help them to locate the right man. We
trust our readers will not hesitate to avail themselves of the
opportunity. We would point out that the 13th is the last day for
despatching parcels to the Front by transport. By post, parcels
require three days.
The Last Chance
Only four days remain in which men of military age
may voluntarily enroll themselves under Lord Derby's scheme. The
public have not had a very clear idea of the regulations governing
this movement. Men of military age who are indispensable to certain
businesses have been in doubt as to whether they should enroll or
not. The answer is that they should. Unless they do so they will
have no opportunity of putting in an appeal to be set back to a
later date on account of being indispensable to business and other
reasons. Even men who are not sure that they are physically fit
should enroll in the first instance. The other details will have to
be settled subsequently. If they do not enroll they will have no
opportunity of appeal. That has been made clear quite recently. It
must be remembered that Voluntary Service is on its trial. We shall
know after the end of this week whether it has asserted itself
satisfactorily. We do not want conscription. Everybody is anxious to
avoid it except those persistent, illogical and unreasoning people
who all along have made up their mind to thrust it upon the country.
The success of Lord Derby's scheme, we trust, will put an end to
this agitation which has so disturbed the temper of the country.
Another reason why there should be such a large response to Lord
Derby's appeal is the effect it will have upon our enemies and even
upon neutral nations. Now is the time to show the world that Britons
are united in the one determination of finishing the war in such a
way that it shall not resolve itself into a draw, perpetuating an
evil that has overburdened nations now for many years.. we want no
more competitions in armament. It must be a fight to the finish, and
the end of Germany's power for mischief.
Economy and Victory
Years of peace and plenty have unfitted us for the
rigid economy we find necessary at the present time. We are thus too
apt to pass on our individual responsibilities to others; to imagine
that we are the exceptions to the general rule. It is not so.
Widespread, individual economy is necessary if we are to find gold,
credit and the silver bullets to prosecute to an entirely successful
end this unparalleled war. "Many mickles make a muckle" it
is the little forgotten things that the people of all classes in the
British Empire need to economise. No saving is too small. We have
only to estimate what a penny per head on the population of the
British Empire means in the aggregate to realise how small savings
may amount to huge sums. The country in its entirety must economise,
and if the movement is efficiently inaugurated and supported in
every town, village and hamlet, then we shall have a mighty and
successful effort at general economy. It should be our daily thought
to consider where economies may be effected. We know that the food
we eat is the main consideration, and we must learn to do without
things which in time of peace we could consume with a clear
conscience. We can no longer afford indulgence. An effort should be
made to substitute simple, inexpensive dishes for the more
extravagant foods. Above everything, it becomes necessary to confine
ourselves to the consumption of British production and commodities -
British clothing, British everything. Unless we do this we are
running the nation into debt to neutral countries, when the balance
against us will be such that the British sovereign will be worth
considerably less than twenty shillings. Then will come weakened
credit and grave financial difficulties.
22nd December 1915
Christmas
Saturday next is Xmas Day. It is the festival of
peace and goodwill. So far as the outer world is concerned, peace
for the time being is supplanted by war - war of unparalled ferocity
and extent. Our only opportunity of profiting by the lessons which
Xmas inculcates is to strengthen the bonds of fellowship by
sympathetic observance of our duty, firstly, towards those of our
own kin and our own nationality. War has united the Empire, levelled
ranks, and aroused a spirit of helpfulness. The question we have to
bear in mind thus Xmas is : "How can we best give effect to our
spirit of unity?" There cane be no hesitation in answering this
question. Our duty, and, we trust, our pleasure, is to brighten the
lot of those whose lives are overshadowed by the grey clouds of
adversity. Ways and means are subjects for the deliberation of each
individual. We all have our family claims, but beyond these the
outstanding demand for our attention comes from our poorer
neighbours. In the latter task much can be accomplished by
combination.. there are innumerable public movements of a local
character in which we may join with emphatic effect. In wishing our
readers happiness this Xmas, we venture to remind them that one and
all may do something to spread happiness amongst our brothers and
sisters. Let us all give earnest thought to this subject and
endeavour to see how we can leave in the minds of others pleasant
reminiscences of the great Christian festival. Our first thought
will have been for our boys at the Front and on the sea. They will
not be forgotten. Next, let us so turn our attention to the poorer
people at home that we may each enjoy Xmas in the knowledge that we
have one and all done our duty. In the meantime we wish our readers
"A Happy Xmas".
A Pressing Want
One of our Harrogate soldiers at the Front writes to
say that in the absence of proper means to obtain heat he and his
comrades had been reduced to eating their breakfast bacon raw. We
are indebted to this man for the prompt intimation. The remedy is at
hand, and it only rests with our readers and the good people of
Harrogate to solve the problem. The device which will ensure the
prompt cooking of our boys' food is termed the "Radium Pocket
Stove". The cost, within the range of most people, is but 4d
each. We have obtained samples from Messrs Standing, grocers, James
Street, and we have no doubt that Messrs Farrah, Ltd., and Messrs
Wray and Company can likewise supply the article. It weighs 3½oz,
is 2¼in in diameter, and 1¼in deep. There is also a larger size at
6d. it is entirely self-contained. When closed its appearance is
similar to a small circular box of boot polish. When open it is
found to contain a paraffin wax, together with a metal stand and
tweezers for dealing with the stand when heated and replacing the
cover to extinguish the flame. It burns for 4 hours, but may be
extinguished, if required, at a less interval of time. In order that
many men may be supplied with this pocket stove we suggest that our
readers who have friends and relatives at the Front should send them
each one for trial. In the wet trenches it may be realised there is
difficulty in making a fire. This stove will stand anywhere and
perform its work expeditiously and satisfactorily. Those amongst our
readers who do not happen to have friends at the Front may perform,
at very small cost, and invaluable act by sending out these stoves.
We shall be glad to assist such readers by giving them the addresses
of Harrogate soldiers upon making application to the Herald Office
by letter or personality. The importance of hot food in the cold,
wet trenches will be obvious to everyone. Will our readers take this
matter up themselves and induce their friends to participate in the
movement for sending out these little stoves to our soldiers?
29th December 1915
The Old and the New
The expiring year has had its full share of sunshine
and shadow. We cannot expect to have the one without the other.
Shadows that have tinged Harrogate have arisen from two causes : the
loss of many worthy townsmen and friends and the anxieties which
have arisen out of the war. We have derived sunshine, however, from
Harrogate's unexampled prosperity and the kindly spirit of
generosity which has been shown towards our boys at the front.
Indeed, our main thoughts of joy have come from the pleasures of
ministry to those dear lads who are fighting far from home for the
preservation of their country and the comfort and well-being of
their friends. In looking back over the past year we find few
reasons for regret beyond the important features to which we have
referred. On the other hand there is in the prospect of the New Year
much to uplift, to encourage, and to strengthen our hearts and
develop our service. Business has been good in Harrogate, and the
town's financial position is surprisingly satisfactory. Our two
chief concerns, the Wells and Baths and the Kursaal, have done well.
The spirit of enterprise lives in us even stronger than ever. We
have but to continue as we have begun and the town's progress,
happiness, and well-being will realise still further expansion. It
seems to us the main point to keep in view is the necessity which
still exists for us to cultivate a spirit of co-operation, of
toleration, and the helpfulness which has done so much to make
Harrogate of wide repute and one of the principal world-agents for
the relief of suffering humanity. May the town and its people
continue to prosper.
The Homeless Soldier
Happily, we have no need to incite our readers to a
sense of duty, so far as our brave soldiers and sailors are
concerned. They are ever willing, yes, eager, to obey the promptings
of their generous hearts and overflowing sympathies. They have done
much, and would do more did opportunity but present itself. It is
not an appeal with which we approach them today, but with one of
those opportunities for which all Harrogate zealously seeks. This,
then, is the story : At the military front and on the seas are
soldiers who have no inducement to avail themselves of leave simply
because they have had no home to go to, neither friends nor
relatives who could afford them hospitality. A letter from a
Harrogate boy at the Front first brought to our knowledge the sad
condition of a comrade, from whom he entertained a great liking. The
case was stated in the Herald, and immediately hospitality was
offered the lonely soldier by quite a number of good monthly souls
who themselves had sons and brothers at the front. Only one
invitation could be accepted, but the other good Samaritans were
duly registered for future service. It is our hope to be able to add
to that list, because now that our soldiers have realised how
anxious are the folk at home to render every possible service, the
list of homeless and lonely soldiers will grow. To give to such boys
the advantages of a real private home is to make them realise that
the mothers of England have hearts large enough to find room for the
dear boy of some other mother long since passed away. Our desire
herein is simply to present the opportunity. We have no need to say
more.
Patience and Trust
There is no gainsaying the importance of example. We
are all more or less creatures in whom the force of initiation
remains strong at all times. What the nations seems to lack in these
dire times of war is example. The very freedom of our race tends to
independence, which, to a certain extent, begets irresponsibility.
We can only win this war by being thoroughly united and firm of
purpose. Unfortunately, amongst the many high traits of character
the British people possess there are a few weaknesses, and perhaps
the strongest of these weaknesses is the disposition to argue. We
are credited with being a nation full of reserve. We are strong in
adversity, merciful in the hour of victory. But we are inclined to
argue at all times and to "grouse", as the soldiers put
it. There is no denying the fact that we derive this unfortunate
tendency from representatives in Parliament. The dangerous question,
the mischievous argument evoke a spirit of contention which is
ill-advised in these critical times of war. The British
characteristics are not fully understood by neutral Powers or by the
enemy. And so wrong and mischievous impressions are created. These
troubles have been heaped upon us by men seeking notoriety, by
others who have some object in view not altogether worth. Some day
these purposes may be disclosed. They are known even now to those
more intimate with the workings of various inner circles. In the
interests of unity we will not attempt to deal with them but await a
later and more appropriate time. We now desire to impress on our
readers the importance of patience and trust. Unless we trust those
in authority we are not giving the responsible governors of the
country fair opportunity. Let us for once abandon the indulgence of
argument. Let us quench the desire to criticise. It must not be
forgotten that we are not in possession of the knowledge possessed
by the Government and by our military and naval authorities.
Therefore we are in no position to criticise. If there ever were a
time when it was important that every individual should govern his
tongue it is during the stress of this war. Do not let us look for
error committed by those in power. We are confronted by a big task.
It is only natural that some things have been done which were better
left undone. It is not the time to fix responsibilities or to enter
into dissension. We should be strong enough to resist all
temptations towards the follies at which we have hinted. Let us
deserve our reputation for reserve and self-control, and the
strength to bear whatever comes. If we remain united we shall win;
disunited, we never can hope to succeed. We are going to be united,
we are going to win. Let us keep these two facts in mind and all
will be well.
29th December 1915
The Old and the New
The expiring year has had its full share of sunshine
and shadow. We cannot expect to have the one without the other.
Shadows that have tinged Harrogate have arisen from two causes : the
loss of many worthy townsmen and friends and the anxieties which
have arisen out of the war. We have derived sunshine, however, from
Harrogate's unexampled prosperity and the kindly spirit of
generosity which has been shown towards our boys at the front.
Indeed, our main thoughts of joy have come from the pleasures of
ministry to those dear lads who are fighting far from home for the
preservation of their country and the comfort and well-being of
their friends. In looking back over the past year we find few
reasons for regret beyond the important features to which we have
referred. On the other hand there is in the prospect of the New Year
much to uplift, to encourage, and to strengthen our hearts and
develop our service. Business has been good in Harrogate, and the
town's financial position is surprisingly satisfactory. Our two
chief concerns, the Wells and Baths and the Kursaal, have done well.
The spirit of enterprise lives in us even stronger than ever. We
have but to continue as we have begun and the town's progress,
happiness, and well-being will realise still further expansion. It
seems to us the main point to keep in view is the necessity which
still exists for us to cultivate a spirit of co-operation, of
toleration, and the helpfulness which has done so much to make
Harrogate of wide repute and one of the principal world-agents for
the relief of suffering humanity. May the town and its people
continue to prosper.
The Homeless Soldier
Happily, we have no need to incite our readers to a
sense of duty, so far as our brave soldiers and sailors are
concerned. They are ever willing, yes, eager, to obey the promptings
of their generous hearts and overflowing sympathies. They have done
much, and would do more did opportunity but present itself. It is
not an appeal with which we approach them today, but with one of
those opportunities for which all Harrogate zealously seeks. This,
then, is the story : At the military front and on the seas are
soldiers who have no inducement to avail themselves of leave simply
because they have had no home to go to, neither friends nor
relatives who could afford them hospitality. A letter from a
Harrogate boy at the Front first brought to our knowledge the sad
condition of a comrade, from whom he entertained a great liking. The
case was stated in the Herald, and immediately hospitality was
offered the lonely soldier by quite a number of good monthly souls
who themselves had sons and brothers at the front. Only one
invitation could be accepted, but the other good Samaritans were
duly registered for future service. It is our hope to be able to add
to that list, because now that our soldiers have realised how
anxious are the folk at home to render every possible service, the
list of homeless and lonely soldiers will grow. To give to such boys
the advantages of a real private home is to make them realise that
the mothers of England have hearts large enough to find room for the
dear boy of some other mother long since passed away. Our desire
herein is simply to present the opportunity. We have no need to say
more.
Patience and Trust
There is no gainsaying the importance of example. We are all more
or less creatures in whom the force of initiation remains strong at
all times. What the nations seems to lack in these dire times of war
is example. The very freedom of our race tends to independence,
which, to a certain extent, begets irresponsibility. We can only win
this war by being thoroughly united and firm of purpose.
Unfortunately, amongst the many high traits of character the British
people possess there are a few weaknesses, and perhaps the strongest
of these weaknesses is the disposition to argue. We are credited
with being a nation full of reserve. We are strong in adversity,
merciful in the hour of victory. But we are inclined to argue at all
times and to "grouse", as the soldiers put it. There is no
denying the fact that we derive this unfortunate tendency from
representatives in Parliament. The dangerous question, the
mischievous argument evoke a spirit of contention which is
ill-advised in these critical times of war. The British
characteristics are not fully understood by neutral Powers or by the
enemy. And so wrong and mischievous impressions are created. These
troubles have been heaped upon us by men seeking notoriety, by
others who have some object in view not altogether worth. Some day
these purposes may be disclosed. They are known even now to those
more intimate with the workings of various inner circles. In the
interests of unity we will not attempt to deal with them but await a
later and more appropriate time. We now desire to impress on our
readers the importance of patience and trust. Unless we trust those
in authority we are not giving the responsible governors of the
country fair opportunity. Let us for once abandon the indulgence of
argument. Let us quench the desire to criticise. It must not be
forgotten that we are not in possession of the knowledge possessed
by the Government and by our military and naval authorities.
Therefore we are in no position to criticise. If there ever were a
time when it was important that every individual should govern his
tongue it is during the stress of this war. Do not let us look for
error committed by those in power. We are confronted by a big task.
It is only natural that some things have been done which were better
left undone. It is not the time to fix responsibilities or to enter
into dissension. We should be strong enough to resist all
temptations towards the follies at which we have hinted. Let us
deserve our reputation for reserve and self-control, and the
strength to bear whatever comes. If we remain united we shall win;
disunited, we never can hope to succeed. We are going to be united,
we are going to win. Let us keep these two facts in mind and all
will be well.
