An officer would be in charge with three or four assistants, each fall; different young men. would arriver, as an act of rotation. As the winter boats passed from Georgetown to Pictou, they would hold conversation from ship to shore. We had the “Stanley” and “Minto”, two efficient ice breakers. Later, the “Earl Grey” arrived, any one wishing to go to the mainland had to drive forty miles by sleigh to Georgetown, and proceed on the winter boats. Later, when the train came to Murray Harbour, and the Borden ferry was in operation, the winter boats were disposed of. In the olden days, people wishing to travel, went by vessel to Pictou, as coasting vessels were always available, as well as a large fleet of fishing vessels. The merchants were compelled to hire a man with a vessel to bring supplies. They would go to Halifax, Magdalens and St. Pierre for this service.

In the ancient days of “Iron Men and Wooden Ships”, the older men sailed to portsall over the world. How we enjoyed their fascinating and exciting tales of the sea! Many fished on the banks of Newfoundland. The rails and ties for the railroad were all brought into Murray River on these vessels. This was an amazing feat in those primitive days.

At one time, we had a small steamer called the “Electra”. Captain William McLaren of Georgetown was its pilot. On Mondays, the “Electra” would leave Georgetown and Montague and ply up through Murray Har— bour, Murray River, Clow’s Wharf, anchor at the beach and pick up pas— sengers and freight for Pictou. .On Tuesdays, she would return, disembark the passengers and freight at Beach Point, and return to Georgetown for the night. On Wednesdays, she should ply on her way to Charlottetown and return on Thursdays. Fridays, she would make the trip to Pictou and return again Saturday. After the “Electra”, we had another new steamer, the “Enterprise”, but by that time, the train was running to Murray Harbour, consequently, the steamer did not make the trip to Charlotte- town. How delighted we would be to see our dear relatives and friends who had travelled afar to a strange land to seek their fortunes, to marry and have their families, as the young birds leave their nests.” This was such a joyous homecoming, and there were many smiles and tears in this great reunion of loved ones. Sometimes, cousins would meet cousins they had never seen before. To the children of the “States” it was most excit- ing! To see all these loved ones was overwhelming !! Wonderful hospitality was extended to all, and in every home one was offered a “cup 0’ tea!”

Fresh fruits are so plentiful on this beautiful island, it was a great treat to go out and pick wild strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, rasp— berries and other luscious fruits.

A large excellent Wharf with deep water beneath it was an asset to Beach Point in those days, however, the government has built a new wharf at Irving’s Lane,‘ the old wharf at the beach was deteriorated where

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