The following appeared in the town’s newspaper of May 19, 1917

Taking time by the forelock in view of the statement that some of the factories in Beith are likely to be utilised for the important work of aeroplane building, the cabinet makers of the district are agitating for an increase in wages. The great rise in the price of food and other commodities has also something to do with the desire for better money. Cabinet-makers have not participated in this great boom in wages which has been characteristic of most industries in the country.

Mr William Crawford, banker, New York, has kindly sent us copies of the leading American journals, articles in which are indicative of the enthusiasm which prevails in the country over the declaration of war against Germany. The United States government are leaving nothing undone by the way of preparing to take their place shoulder to shoulder with the Western Allies in the determination to put an end for ever to the aspirations of the Kaiser and his myrmidons. The arrival in Scottish waters of a flotilla of destroyers from the United States is the first practical indication here that our cousins across the Atlantic have now entered into the business of the war.

At Beith Parish Church on Sunday, 20^th May, at 12 noon, Rev I Grant Sutherland by Command, the King’s Proclamation regarding Food Economy will be read from the pulpit on Sundays, 20^th and 27^th May and 3^rd June

As was to be hoped the weather favoured the Women’s War Work Party on Saturday, and the result was that their effort was crowned with success. Mrs Robertson, who is the leading spirit of Beith Women’s War Work Party, was in the chair, and she was accompanied to the platform by Captain Cochran-Patrick of Ladyland, Mr H G Patrick of Giffen and Mr Robertson, Victoria Villa. There was a goodly array of articles sent in for sale and these were practically as disposed of, whilst the response to the flag-sellers and paraders was very generous. A total of £108 was realised from the whole proceedings. The subscriptions included £4-4s from the employees of Messrs Muir and Sons, tannery, and £1 from Mr William Crawford, New York. The parade was not quite what was expected, but served the purpose of the promoters in keeping up the interest. The cold weather of the previous weeks had made it impossible for the young ladies to think of coming out in thin theatrical costumes, so all the more credit is due to those who did venture out with the barrel organ party. They did good business and brought in between £9 and £10.

Pupils can be enrolled for shorthand, typing and bookkeeping any Monday evening from 7.00 pm in the Masonic Hall, Beith. Summer sessions commence 28^th May.

Information has been received by Mrs John Roy, Eglinton Street, Beith, that her son Gunner John Roy, was killed by shell fire on April, 6. He was a cabinetmaker to trade and was one of the original Expeditionary Force which went to France at the beginning of the war.

Private Andrew S Kerr, the youngest son of Mrs John Kerr, grocer, Main Street, Beith, was killed instantaneously during the action against the Turks in Palestine on April, 19. Private Kerr, on the outbreak of war, immediately responded to the call and in September 1914 joined the Highland Light Infantry. On being drafted to the Dardennelles in May, 1915  he was attached to the Machine Gun Corps. In that capacity he has taken part in all the many engagements which have since taken place in Gallipoli, in Egypt and Palestine. He was a young man of exceptional ability and was trained as an architect in Messrs Snodgrass’ office in the town. Andrew was only 24 years of age at the time of his death.