lighthouse built on Prince Edward Island, and went into service six years after the light at Point Prim, that guided shipping on the east- ern approach to Charlottetown Harbour. The Blockhouse Point light stands 42 feet tall and included living quarters for the keeper and his family. The structure is basically unchanged from the day it was built.

Vere was a man of few words and seldom took part in the de- bates. However, he attended faithfully and took part in the voting. He seemed to have two issues on his mind: relief for the tenant farmers, and better mail service between the Island and the mainland. He was one of several members who regularly took a turn acting as Chair- man of the Committee of the Whole House and was acting in that capacity in 1841 when the House voted for a steamship connection to the mainland.

Then as was the custom, the chairman reported back to the House on the actions of the committee. The Journal of the House of As- sembly records that on Saturday, April 3, 1841, he gave his report. The preamble to the motion indicates that the Assembly, in a mo- tion passed a month earlier, had called on the Governor to charter a steamship to carry mail to and from the Island, but the Governor had not been able to find a suitable vessel.

(Mr. Beck):--“Resolved, therefore, that it is expedient to authorize his Excellency to accept the services of the best and most efficient Steam boat that may be attainable for the purpose of carrying the Government Mails of this Island during the summer of the present year, and so long therein as the navigation shall remain open; and in the event of no Boat being had before the 21st day of April, capable of performing the services required ... that His Excellency then be humbly requested to dispense with the condition of running between Charlottetown and Miramichi, and accept the offer for any Steamboat that to His Excellency may be considered sufficient for the aforesaid purposes, twice a week, between Charlottetown and Pictou, or once a fortnight between Pictou and Georgetown, at any sum not exceeding 350 pounds ...”

The motion was passed unanimously.