The following information was recorded in the town’s newspaper of 8 July 1916.

Mr William C Wilson JP, Ingleside, Beith, has received information that his youngest son, Private Harry G Wilson, 6^th Cameron Highlanders, has been wounded severely in the head, and was admitted to hospital at the clearing station in France on 27^th June. The latest information is that he is still seriously ill. Mr and Mrs Wilson are naturally anxious about the welfare of their son, and Mr Wilson has applied for an official permit to cross to France and see his boy.

Private David Calderwood, Argyll & Southern Highlanders, Wardrop Street, Beith, has arrived in hospital in Birmingham, suffering from severe burns about the head and legs.

Among soldiers on leave in Beith this week were Private James Berry, Canadian contingent; Sapper James Kennedy, Royal Engineers; Private James Smith, Scots Guards and Gunner Robert Smith, R.G.A.

We regret very much to announce that Gunner Hugh Smith, Royal Field Artillery, only son of Mr William Smith, silk printer, Janefield Place, was killed in France this week. Gunner Smith, who joined the army less than a year ago, wsas 19 years of age and in civil life was a designer at the West of Scotland Work, where he attained to great proficiency in his work. He was a particularly well behave lad, and very popular with his comrades. It is sad to think that he left for the fighting line less that one month ago. His uncle, David Smith, on the other hand, has been at the front since the war began and has passed through many engagements without practically a scratch. We express the sympathy of the whole community to the bereaved parents in the great loss they have sustained.

The scholars of Head Street Sabbath School had their annual trip last Saturday to Broadstonehall Farm. The outward journey was accomplished on foot under pleasant conditions and the children had enjoyed themselves about an hour on the grass when the weather broke down. Thereupon Mr Kirkwood kindly threw open his commodious barn where the company were allowed to romp about and participate in games in comparative comfort. Milk, tea and buns were plentifully supplied at the interval. In a field near the barn races were indulged in and prizes awarded to the successful participants. Rain continued throughout the rest of the proceedings but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the children. The want of sunshine was the only drawback to the day’s enjoyment, but the many kindesses of Mr and Mrs Kirkwood and family gave almost ample compensation.

Spiers School, Beith, was closed for the holidays last Thursday. As was the case last year, the closing ceremony was somewhat curtailed. Dr Third, the headmaster, in the course of his report mentioned that upwards of 150 Old Spierians and masters had offered their services for the country in her time of crisis and that several had made the supreme sacrifice. The results of the Government examinations were very satisfactory considering the exciting times in which study had to be carried out. The prizes were gracefully presented by Mrs Third. A Stewart Memorial prize to commemorate an old Spierian, Major Stewart, who gave his life for his country in July 1915, and awarded by the suffrages of fellow pupils, for conspicuous excellence in study, sport, and character, went to James D Fulton. Two Old Spierian prizes were awarded. The Bruce Lockhart prize for classics to David B Baxter and the Dr Third prize for mathematics and science to Ellen J Nicolson. An extensive list of prizes were thereafter awarded.

In Beith Picturedrom and Electric Theatre Neptune’s daughter, a mythical extravaganza in four parts, and Exploits of Elaine were being shown. Admission prices were 2d, 3d, 4d and 6d.