they provide a stimulus to greater achievement in the fields of Insti— tute endeavour.

HANDICRAFT EXCHANGE. For quite a number of years, a Handicraft Exchange was an important project of the Women’s Institutes. This was located first, in the W.I. Office, then at the Tourist Bureau, and later, again at the Office. Early Copies of the “News” reveal that the Exchange was organizegLin 1924 ;. that Mr. Joe R. Smith, Designer and Hooker of Rugs, Margate was in charge of the Exchange for the year 1929 when over $1700. was realized from the handicraft submitted; that in 1930 the W.I. Handicraft Ex- change was opened in the Tourist Bureau under the supervision of Mrs. J. M. MacFadyen, Sec. of the Tourist Assn., continuing there for several years. Miss Mary G. MacDonald, Supervisor 1939-49, pro- moted the craft, and sale of rugs, crib quilts, and knitted mitts, the work of W.I. members. This project was discontinued in 1947. A re- cent first project of its kind has been the Handcraft Centre at Ken- sington, sponsored by the Women’s Institutes of the surrounding areas. The Tourist Bureau, established by the Kensington Board of Trade, is operated in conjunction with the Centre, and in 1962, the summer of the opening, this joint project was managed by two W.I. members. Proven to be a worthwhile outlet for the handcraft of W.I.

members and others, it is continuing during the Tourist Season of 1963.

“Across the field of yesterday

He sometimes comes to me

A little lad just back from play

The lad I used to be.

And yet he smiles so wistfully

Once he has crept within

I wonder if he hopes to see

The man I might have been.” Selected

=£< * * =21 *

RURAL SCHOOLS. Perhaps it is in their work for the Rural schools of Prince Edward Island that the Women’s Institutes have raised for themselves their most shining monument.

“In the past, little attention was given to the schools — any old building would do. These things are now changed”. (A speaker at a W.I. Convention, 1931). And changes continued over the years. School grounds were enlarged, beautified, and fenced, greatly aided by the contributions of seeds, plants, and information provided by Dr. J. A. Clarke of the Dom. Experimental Station, Charlottetown. Flagpoles with their flags were raised. School signs, traffic signs and community place names were posted. Swings and other play equip- ment provided.

The transformation inside the schools has been outstanding. School interiors were renovated and made attractive with paint. Black chalk boards were replaced with eye-saving green hyloplate. The tin dipper and uncovered water bucket were replaced with sani- tary fountains and individual drinking cups.

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