The homes were heated by wood fires, and lighted by kerosene lamps; this too was to change. Rural electrification, a program promoted by government in the next decade, brought hydro electric power to most places, and shortly after. oil replaced wood for fuel in the homes. These two developments have had a profound effect on the pattern of rural life.

In the meantime, the world returned to conflict once again. In 1939 the Second World War erupted in Europe and Canada declared war with the Allies against Germany. The following years witnessed the greatest struggle mankind has ever known.

()n the home front emergency measures were brought in; food prices were frozen. This did not give the farmers much of a chance to recover from the poor years through which they had just passed. Later, food was rationed; a coupon system was used whereby families were supplied with coupons according to the number of people per household. Items like tea, sugar. molasses, and many others could be bought each month only in accordance with coupons issued.

To give some idea of the restrictions that were placed on people by emergency measures, the following is a quotation from the Char— lottetown Guardian, May 29th., 1943:

All men eligible for military duty and not employed in a war supporting industry are ordered to report to the Employment and Selective Services in Charlottetown.

In answer to the call of their country, our boys went forth once again to serve in the army, navy and air force in all theatres of war. While most escaped none the worse for their experience, some paid the supreme sacrifice, and others were wounded seriously. The names of those from the Kelly’s Cross area who served in wartime can be found on the following pages.

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