In its long and chequered history the Canteen had many homes. Dugouts and shelters, within easy range of the front line, were occupied on many occasions. Barns, stables, even a pig-sty, did duty in various places when the Battalion was in rest. But, whatever its surroundings might be, it always proved a source of much comfort to the men. There were many rumours of the “row of houses” which was being built in Halifax, for few people were well acquainted with current prices. But actually, the profit was never more than 5 per cent. Out of this profit all expenses had to be paid; the whole of the balance was then spent on the men of the Battalion, who were the chief customers. When the demobilisation of the Battalion was complete, the surplus funds were handed over to the Old Comrades’ Association. The Canteen staff had many duties besides those of buying and selling. The Battalion library, which was run almost continuously for about three and a half years, was in its charge. When billets were available, reading and recreation rooms were organised. Sports material was looked after. Concerts, whist drives, and other social functions were catered for. In all these activities, the efforts of Sergt. Smith were ably seconded by his faithful henchmen, “Jack” Baines and “Johnny” Jackson. The Battalion was particularly fortunate in having so many good friends at home. Chief among these should be mentioned Mr. W. E. Denison and the _Halifax Courier_ Fund. Books, periodicals, whist drive prizes, lamps, and countless other articles, which helped to make life happier for the men at the “Front,” were provided by them. The Battalion had several different Seconds-in-Command and all took great interest in, and spent much time over, the Canteen. But it had only one Sergt. F. Smith. To him was mainly due the reputation of the 4th Battalion Canteen as the most successful institution of its kind in the 49th Division. Everyone was delighted when the Meritorious Service Medal rewarded his great services. STOTT BROTHERS LIMITED, Printers, Mount Street Works, Halifax. [Illustration: ~Flanders.~] [Illustration: FIFTH AND THIRD ARMY AREAS. 1916–1917 --·--·--Approximate Front Line 1.7.16.] FOOTNOTES: [1] The following Officers mobilised with the Battalion on August 4th:-- Lieut.-Col. H. S. Atkinson, T.D. (C.O.). Major E. P. Chambers (Second in Command). Capt. H. A. S. Stanton (Adjutant). Capt. A. T. Griffiths, R.A.M.C. (Medical Officer). Lieut. T. Fielding (Quartermaster). Captains W. A. Laxton, D. V. Fleming, J. Walker, V. A. Milligan, D. B. Winter, R. H. Goldthorp, C. E. Kirby.[2] Lieutenants E. P. Learoyd, E. E. Sykes,[2] A. H. Helliwell, A. L. Mowat, A. H. Richardson, D. A. Sutcliffe, M. P. Andrews, W. F. Denning.[2] Second-Lieutenants J. T. Riley, C. Hirst, S. Balme.