PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

found very skeptical indeed as to the feasi- bility of the scheme. Others ridiculed the idea, and not only predicted disaster, but did what they could to bring it about. Ultimate- ly, late in the following autumn, this same Englishman who had watched the Christmas distribution of St. George’s Society and who afterward appears on the charter list as G. B. Brooks, secured the co-operation of three practical Englishmen—G. Carette, J. Lomas and C. Buckner. After two or more meet- ings they agreed, come what might, to be members of the proposed society. They in- duced others to join them, until eight charter members were obtained, and Court Albion was founded.

The summer of 1874 had gone and the cold weather was approaching. The majority of these fellow-countrymen were out of em- ployment, and freely exchanged ideas at the little grocery store of Brooks & Lomas on Crawford street, Don Mount, now comer Elliott and Hamilton streets. These men were, from the circumstances of their po- sition, alive to any project which would im- prove their condition, and the suggestion to organize a society for beneficiary purposes readily secured their approval and co-op- eration. The first or preliminary meeting was held in the little grocery store on the evening of the 12th day of December, 1874. The only persons present were G. F. Carette, George Brooks, Charles Buckner, Samuel Buckner, Edward Smith, Nathaniel Patrick, George Patrick and James Lomas—in all eight Englishmen, the founders of the so- ciety. Mr. Carette, being the oldest man present, was elected to the chair. J. Lomas was elected treasurer, and G. Brooks secre- tary. All those present, save Brooks, Smith and Lomas, were out of employment, and consequently ready and anxious for a union

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of interests. The details of the organiza- tion were discussed; and, to use the words of Brooks, “they took an ambitious view of matters,” and it was determined to make it not only a benevolent society, but also a gath- ering point around which all Englishmen could rally. Before this preliminary meeting closed, it was unanimously resolved to form a society to be hereafter known as the Sons of England, its aims and objects being left over for the next meeting. Each of the eight men present deposited a membership fee, and adopted an obligation of secrecy, which was administered to all present, by the chairman, he. himself subscribing to the obligation in the usual manner. Of the founders seven were born in Middlesex, England, while the eighth, Brooks, was born in Nottingham.

The second meeting was held on the 22nd day of December, 1874, in the parlor of Mal- lindine’s Hotel, Kingston Road, at which all of the eight members were present. After the reading of the minutes, and the obligation of Thomas West, the first candidate, it was decided unanimously to elect officers by open vote for the half year ending June, 1875, with the following results: President, G. F. Carette; vice-president, N. Patrick; secre- tary, G. Brooks; and treasurer, J. Lomas Guards were also appointed, C. and S. Buckner, while West, Patrick and Smith formed a committee to look after the sick and distressed. It will thus be seen that the en- tire original membership of eight, together with West—admitted at the second meeting —were required to fill the constituted offices. There was no installation ceremony, neither any special obligation, as they all felt them- selves bound to faithfully carry out their self-imposed trust. The business transacted at this meeting was the selection of a com-