Another coupon book issued was for the consumption of gasoline and petroleum products. This led to curtailing the use of autos unless absolutely necessary. If a necessity, then the driver should remember to ‘shut off the motor’ when going down-hill, so that extra gas would be saved. The reliable horse still had its duty in the farmyard!

The following is the Red Cross list of items received from the Stanley Bridge District during the World War 11 years.

- 106 pairs socks — 37 sweaters-sleeveless and long sleeved - 1 sleeping bag - 12 scarves — 27 pairs gloves - 132 quilts

— 8 children’s dresses — 2 pairs leggings and caps

- 1 cap ~ 15 pairs two-way mitts

Besides the above more than 100 pairs of socks were sent to the local personnel serving in the Forces around the world.

The major decisions of members were those dealing with money. This was not a once a year project, but every month some money was raised to add to the funds, which in turn was used to assist the local school or war projects. However, although the war and its implications were foremost in everyone's mind, the sick at home were never forgotten, as flowers and treats were given with the well—wishes of the Institute members.

Numerous boxes were packed and sent overseas. On one occasion eleven boxes were sent and the minutes record the contents of each box as: 3 chocolate bars, 1 can of meat, 1 package of razor blades, 1 package of cigarettes, 1 package of tobacco, 2 cakes of soap and 1 pair of socks. The cost of the articles $6.66 and the cost of postage $5.16. Letters of appreciation indicated how grateful the soldiers were to receive these parcels.

Although a War was in progress, local activities were not forgotten, as our Institute gave liberal- ly to Dr. Creelman’s pleas for more funds to build an extension to the Provincial Sanitarium, so the mounting number of patients could be treated. The Provincial Women’s Institutes had been responsible for the construction of this edifice in the first place, so, war or no war, our members were bound not to neglect those who were ill at home.

Between 1939 and 1944, $45.00 was donated to this cause, and in 1945, $100.00 was donated. In 1945, members supported the first Tuberculosis Mobile X-Ray unit, and urged all in the community to take advantage of this service. The first unit visited the community in September, 1945, and Mrs. W.I. Green was asked, on behalf of the Women’s Institute, to serve supper to the technicians. Patch tests had been used in the school two years before this, and were favourably received.

The greatest deprivation the members must have suffered through was from February to June 1942, when lunches were voted out at meetings. After five months, this motion was rescinded

to the delight of the members, after all, every social evening should end with a good cup of tea,

Members were always conscious of the “little things which create differences”, within the dis- trict, and worked to improve this quality. In July, 1939, an 8 quart freezer was bought for $9.00, “which could be used by the members, rink and societies only”. More than careful atten- tion was paid to this purchase, as each borrower’s name was recorded, and the borrower was

expected to return the freezer promptly to where it was stored. Byltoday’s standards a $9.00 investment would be considered trivial, however the practice of thrift and avmdance of waste

has always been a hallmark of rural women. Good record keeping avoids misunderstandings and fosters trust and friendship. In short, the whole meaning of responSIbllity is to be account-

able in all matters, even to borrowing an ice-cream freezer.

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