The following appeared in the town’s newspaper of June 9, 1917

Dr Joseph Horne, Glasgow, a native of Beith who had made his way in the city, paid Beith the compliment of a visit on Tuesday. He has a large practice in the New City Road district, and is a very popular man.

Rev John Strathearn, the son of Joseph Strathearn, late of Gateside, has been appointed assistant to the minister of Alloa and Tullibudy. This is one of the prizes of the church in the way of assistantships. Rev I Grant Sutherland vacated this office on becoming minister of this parish.

The King’s birthday honours were made known on Monday and amongst those who have received royal recognition is Mr Robert Graham, the son of the late James Graham, foreman tanner, Beith. The new Knight spent his early life in Beith, and married the grand-daughter of Mr George Menzies, postmaster here. The young man was of an energetic and ambitious turn of mind and in Glasgow found scope for his energies. He was attached to the staff of the North British Daily Mail for a time, and on leaving journalistic work, he started business as a wholesale newsagent in which he succeeded almost at once. He was a member of Glasgow Corporation for 30 years. During the period of his civil life he filled almost every office except Lord Provost, and a few years ago he took part in the movement for the extension of the city, which resulted in the consolidation of “Greater Glasgow.” In recognition of his significant service to the City of Glasgow Mr Graham’s name was inscribed upon the Honorary Burgess Roll of the city. In the Clyde Navigation Trust and the university court and in other bodies he found congenial fields for the exercise of his business capacity. We add our congratulations to the many which have been received by Sir Robert Graham.

After hearing for the fourth time the Royal Proclamation on the saving of food, the members of Beith EU Congregational Church unanimously passed a resolution protesting against the waste of food stuffs in the brewing of beer. Copies of the resolution have been sent to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The ladies of Barrmill Work Party beg to thank the inhabitants of Barrmill and district for the liberal support which they extended to the probibition meeting on concert on behalf of their funds, the proceeds amounting to £11-6s-10d less £1-9s of expenses.

Bandsman James Kennedy, formerly of Beith and now serving with the Canadians, having obtained three months leave of absence, landed at Halifax on 21st May. His main purpose will be to see his motherless children in Winnipeg.

It gives us infinite pleasure to announce that Second-Lieutenant Charles Higgins, mentioned for the second time in despatches a fortnight ago, has been decorated with the Military Cross for gallantry in the field. In the name of the public in Beith we congratulate him on the great honour won and the credit which it reflects on his native town.

Lieut. Alex McGaughy, Canadians, is home on leave from France. Private J L Burns, A & SH, a Lochwinnoch lad whose mother, Mrs C Fairhurst, resides in Crummock Street, Beith, is on leave having served in France for a year. Private Robert Dickie, son of Mr George Dickie, Barrmill, was home last week. This youth has been on active service for over two years, and been wounded four times. This is the stuff of which soldiers are made. Private James Smith, Signal Service, is on leave from the Curraugh, where life is not all a bed of roses. Private Francis Ferguson, A & SH, Bunswynd is home on leave. His father John Ferguson is with the forces in France. Band-boy James Cumming, KOSB, a plucky boy of tender years is on leave in Gateside.