Harrogate Herald - 16th May 1917

W H Breare letter

We have a linotype machine standing idle, because we have lost the man who worked it before he was called up for the Army. That same man is now Gunner W Wiley, of the RGA, stationed with a battery in Scotland. He went there after a fortnight at Ripon. Wiley came in to see me this morning, and I was glad to hear him say he was "never better" and enjoying the life. His comrades include H Gill, who was formerly employed at Mr A Preston's picture frame shop in Oxford Street; A Bell, of New Park, who worked at Standing's; and Wood, Oatlands Mount, formerly employed at the Post Office, West Park; Robson, another Harrogate lad, was with Wiley in another battery. Wiley's military experience has certainly improved his physical appearance. He is as straight as a die, and looks the picture of health. It is gratifying when the boys take to it like that, isn't it? his linotype machine is still idle, for it is impossible to get a new hand. That machine standing idle is costing us £300 a year; still we do not grumble. We have all to do our bit, in our various ways.