together and discuss their mutual problems, then a solution might be found within the group, that would not be recognized individually. On February 19, 1897, the first Ontario Women’s Institute was formed with 101 women participating. Her idea gathered immediate support, spreading across the country until thousands of communities were organized under the motto of

“Home and Country".

Government departments were contacted for support, and the members of the Department of Agriculture, recognizing the potential of such a movement, permitted the organization to pro- ceed under this Department. On April 2, 1913, Mrs. Ethel Dunbrack organized the first Women’s Institute on Prince Edward Island and Miss Katherine James was appointed Supervisor of the Institutes under the Department of Agriculture.

The “Creed” used by all Women’s Institute members around the world is as follows:

Keep us, 0 ford from pettiness, let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.

[et us be done with fault-finding and leave off self—seeking.

ll/lag we put away all pretence and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.

May we never be hasty in judgement, and always generous.

(lilach us to put into action our better impulses straight- forward and unafraid.

[at us take time for all things; make us grow calm, serene, gentle.

grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in the big things of life we are one.

find may we strive to touch and to know the great human heart common to us all, and O Lord Sod, let us not forget to be kind.

With the above Creed to work by, and a strong list of objectives, the Institute broadened its out— look and was soon recognized as the most important service organization in our country. The objectives proposed — to raise the standards and develop a greater appreciation of homemaking — to develop leadership among members; - to have an organization that would be the social centre of a community; - to develop a better understanding of the economic problems and show the importance of the farming industry to the area; — and to promote International understanding of

goodwill.

To be a member of this organization one must have attained the age of sixteen years. A member may also belong to more than one Institute, but has voting privileges with only one group. Membership dues of $.25 were to be paid at the annual meeting.

Meetings are required to be held monthly and a group must hold at least six meetings a year to retain its standing, with a minimum of five members to constitute a quorum. Annual meetings

must be held to re-elect Officers and these shall include — President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditors and Directors. Various other members may be appointed to fill the position as Convenor of a particular phase of work, such as Convenor of Agriculture or Convenor of

Home Economics.

All meetings are conducted according to Parliamentary Law and it requires a two—thirds vote on any issue before a motion may be considered accepted. In 1920, the Prince Edward Island Women’s Institutes were associated with the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada, together

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