OUR ISLAND _ STORY ~ 123“. -

These were the results of work and care, accompanied by goOd weather, freedom from great storms and serious diseases. A short- age of the potato crop in the United States and the Central Pro- vinces of Canada, with large industrial populations to be fed at any cost, caused a strong demand for the essential edible daily served at every table .of the rich and the poor, and exceptionally high prices accompanied the demand. The result is that many P. E. Island farmers who were in debt and doubtful of the future are now out of’debt and happy and confident. Branch banks have been established in every part of the country, and there are constantly increasing and improving facilities for work in the fields, households and works-hops. There has, it is true, been a deplor- able loss of population by this Island, but there has, at the same - time been— despite the. adverse fiscal conditions that prevail-- an increase of production and an increase of comfort and wealth.

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