From the News

Dated: May 7, 1915

The 97th Visit New Liskeard
All the town turned out Tuesday afternoon to welcome and honor that portion of the 97th Algonquin Rifles, of the Third Contingent, who are in training at Haileybury, when they paraded to town and gave an exhibition at the School Grounds. There were about 120 men, and some fine-looking boys they were. After marching from Haileybury, the boys were given a sumptuous dinner at the Masonic Hall. The dinner was gotten up by the Churches of the town, the following ladies having charge:-- Mesdames Murphy, DeLisle, J.J. Cameron, Sedore, Earle, Sims, Towie, J.L. Brown, N. Wickett, W. Magladery, A.H. Barker, D.H. Stewart, Capt. Waldorf, Lieut. Hill and Miss Thomas. The soldiers did justice to the excellent repast set before them, Capt. Ainsley tendering to the ladies the thanks of the boys, who emphasized his remarks and their appreciation, with many very hearty cheers.
While the dinner was in progress, songs were sung by Miss Lawrence, and Mr. Mulligan, Mrs. Wismer, accompanist. The Firemen of the town also appeared in a body, and presented Angus McLean and Will Thomas with gold medals, they being members of the Fire Team. Messrs. Eric McEwen and J.H. Lever made the presentation on behalf of the Firemen.
The soldiers were allowed half an hour when all assembled at the Presbyterian Church Grounds, formed and paraded to the School Grounds where an interesting exhibition was given. The children lined up outside the school, in their respective classes, sang “O Canada”, “Tipperary” and “God Save the King”, and gave three cheers for Colonel McKee and for “Our Tom”, as Principal Hoggarth put it. The soldiers took up the cheer and Tom got a three times three. The pupils then preceded the soldiers to Whitewood Avenue where the Company separated and continued their march to the Barracks at Haileybury.
The whole programme was carried out without a hitch, the children doing their part to perfection. If there were sore hearts, and there were no doubt many, the patriotic feeling and high courage overcame any manifestation of down-heartedness.