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THE_C_I-_IARIHI‘TETOWN_ GUARDIAN

Aucusr 24. 1934

FR OM .WT'L.AIV

Canada.

The first approximately definite datd in the history of Canada is July. 1534, when that noted navi- gatoi‘ and discoverer, Jacques Cartier, on his first voyage to America, sailed into what is now known as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. From the deck of his small sailing Wflel his attention was directed to a low lying and level landscape covered with a magnificent growth offtimber while the intervening spaces ‘showed a luxuriant growth of small fruit, grasses and flowers.

0 this land early historians tell us articr said, “The land was the fairest that it may be possible to see, full of goodly trees and beauti- ful meadows." At first sight he opined" that this was part of the unknown and recently discovered continent of America. Subsequently ii, ~ was called Isle St. Jean, the name by which it was known until it became Prince Edward Island. named after Edward, Duke of Kent, father of the then reign- invsovereign. Queen Victoria.

Primitive Times-

Of course the Island was unin- habited save by scattered bands of Indians who lived by the products which nature had so bountifully provided in forest, river and stream. ‘These original and primitive in- habitants made no eflort to culti- vate the ‘soil and the land accord- 111810’ lay waste for many years.

Tho neighboring colony, Acadia, then under the domination of France, was peopled by French. In the course of years these Acadlan possessions passed from French to British hands. Many of the French Tefllkees settled in Isle st. Jean. elm-ins farms at Fort La Jofe, st. Peters. East Point, Savage Harbour, ‘Pracadie, Malpeque and East River.

The farming methods at this time Vefe primitive. Improvement in methods of farming. cultivation and 51571131118 819W slowly but de- finitely from the primitive method by which the land yielded a bare subsistence. Science and exper- ience developed more advanced methods which are marked in red letter (15005 through the pages of

hhlwy or Prince Edward Island.

g _ oo-cberouvo Dairyingi

‘l ‘b.1892 the first co-operative

"Wm fwlory was established at ifiew Perth, the idea being to de- "IW dairyill? 511d by so doing ln- crease the fertility of the soil which W‘! b91118 depleted by ,the old method of growing grain and vege- tables for shipment abroad, Dairy-

v d!!! ‘increased through the follow.

ing ‘years until today th 32 ‘Mules l1‘! Omration. r3151? 22 lreamerics and l0 cheese factories, 7m" I “Dim! investment of over 999- 908K111! 110 managers. tors and assistants, whose sal- and wages exceed $75,000 an. _ l7. Approximately three-quart. of a million pounds of Cheese Ind two and a quarter million Nllnds of butter, of quality not “@1194 by my Other province of .thl Dominion of Canada, were manufactured last season. In ad. dluon m“? P35t°1mfln8 Plants cater t° file 01W trade and a number of “man” i“ "'95!" Pllnts are in opeéation.

e Mr! Mushy m this Pr - W10? Provides a sure and reguigi- lflmmb to over seven thousand farmers. and was the first stepping 5w m” W’ m°d°m Bflricultural

I Department of Ag.’ ulture

In the year 1901 the Depart g If Agriculture was formally 11111153. tilted-Hon. Benjamin Rogers 01' 515mm being the first Minister. ‘Under him and his successors dc.

was continuous

and satisfactory.

. n8 OTKQIIIIEHDII this D t. Edit“ _ taken a forward steepgtin thd vancem i. of everything that $154,340!‘ Dlvtfeas along agricultur.

i Livestock Inllmtry

I .

‘Iholivestock ind “ o! thg Pro- virte forms the basis oh which dug. cenilul Iiflcultural dwelopment depends. The fertility and pmducg. ivenus of Island forms provides an "mflmw of mlna. mob and coarse foddorl. which are import- ant in the. omical production‘ of live stock and livo stock pro- ducts. Aggressive and intelligent policies have built up in the var- ious branches of the live stock in- d a quality of breed, typo and

not that is not surpassed in

The history of Canada during the past four hundred years is largely a record of beginnings. Some of these developed in the process of years into systems agricultural, industrial and commercial and have merged gradually into “that may be called a national system which now consti- tlites the‘ distinctive economic history of present day

‘Agricultural Industry _ Most Important Of All _ To Prince Edward Island

Island Province Has Fittingly Been Called “ The. Denmark Of Canada", “Tlie Garden Of Tlzei Gal ”, And “The Million Acre "Farm ”.

_ By HON. THOMASJVIflcNUTT. Minister of Agriculture, in the Government of Prince Edward Island.

lnatc, the chief of which are Hol- stein. Airshire. Jersey iind Guern- sey, while Shorthoriis are the chief Beef and Dual-purpose type.

Value of Exhibition

The Provincial Exhibition at Charlottetown presents an array of high quality came that would do credit to any international show. and. as a matter of fact, many of the animals shown here have suc- cessfully competed against the keenest world competition at the larger fairs.

In keeping with progressive breeding policies, Island cattlemc-n recognized at an Early date the im- portance of disease free animals, and in 1925 the first general test for‘; the eradication of bovine tubercu- losis was conducted. Out of ap-

that time. only .59 percent. were found to be affected. In a subse- quent general test held in 1929 this was reduced to 1/5 of l per cent. It is questionable if a finer record could be shown in this respect in any similar area the world over.

Other- Livestock

Swine productlon has also under- gone in recent years a vast im- provement. Where formerly a mix- ture of breeds and types existed practically only one general bacon type and breed is to be found in the province today. The Yorkshire breed seems to recommend itself to those who are striving to conform to market standards. The present hog population of the Island is about 40,000.

The production of lambs has al- ways been an important phase of our live stock work. Island lamb, on account of its quality and flavour, has an enviable reputation. ,

The raising of horses has also been an important part of produc- tion and for years the Island ex- ported to Mainland points large numbers of light harness and draft horses. The horse population o! the province is now approximately 3'0,- 000 animals.

Excellent Field Crops

For many years this Province has been noted for the excellent qualities of its field crops. Of par- ticular interest as a cash crop in earlier years was our seed oats. The “Banner Oat Club" marketed large quantities of seed grain, a dc- mand for which at one time came even from the Western provinces. and, today, many carloads of seed oats are marketed by various agen- cies.

proximately 100,000 cattle tested atynot founded upon the production or

stress period.

Province on the map o! the World has been our Pflwwfi-“mi m“ through our certified seed. FPO!“ 1920 to 1930 there was an ever- incyggsing market for our certified seed Cobbler potatoes. not only in North America but in countries. more remotely situated. This mar- kct was developed by the P111109 Edward Island Potato Growers’ As- sociation. a farmers’ co-operallvo organization. The wonderful im- provement in the potato industry added millions of dollars to the value of'this crop.

cured a member of one of her fam- ily from a dreadful malady.

The present Church at Lennox Island, called after thEir PBWQ" saint. St. Anne, was built in 1896 by the Indians from wood 0n their own reserve. Subscrllillims "W" the Indians paid for any But-Side costs.

It is a beautiful little church. capable of seating about two hun- dred people, and contains much to operators than any other branch of interest the visitor. In the San;- farm activities. Though young it‘ tuary are low wooden stools for t_e has a. history that reads like ro- Altar boys. T089319? ‘rvllih l1 Chill‘. mance. The first litter of silver|whlch were made by the late ch19! black foxes was raised to maturity Sark. Wickci- baskets made by on Oultons Island in Alberton Har- Indian women are used for the col- bor barely forty years ago. In its lection Plflle- , wonderful epochal development it is The chair used by the Dflest 1n probably unique. It survived an un-' the confessional box was also made warranted speculative boom which by Chief Sark. would have been enough to com- Hand made wooden candle sticks pletely undo any other enterprise which were used on the old altar

in the old church are still in service. the necessities of human life. It has] A Statue 0f Sli- Aline. standing M undoubtedly tided many of ouri the right or the alter. was pur-

farmers and others as well over the chased from the league o! the Cross Fund. A statue of the Sac-

The Island had about 13,999 red Heart of Jesus was presented adult silver ioxeo in 1932, reared to the Church by Mrs- Cvles of over 20.000 pups and sold upwards Grand Ell/Bl? of 19,000 pelts from its somewhat The old church was a 10w 10s over 690 fox 18mm Approximate“; building, and the steeple still stands saoooooo of a. revenue comes to the in the cemetery- Islaiid each year from that source. There is u spacious parochial house. The old one was used by the A “M, “gm-y late Chief Sark. after he gave the We of this day and generation

chieftainship over to his son. have inherited from our forefathers 5"‘ Anne 5 Day Celebrued a legacy of untold wealth in our well tilled and productive farms and methods of procedure. They have blazed for us a trail which, if we follow, will make our Province a. still richer inheritance for our children and our children's child- ren. and place indelibly on the map of Canada the titles by which we are proud to call "The little sister of Confederation." namely “The Mil- lion Acre Farm,“ "The Garden of the Gulf," and "The Denmark of Canada?

Importance of Fox Ranchinl

Silver fox ranching is the latest important addition to Prince Ed- ward Island general live stock in- dustry. It is better than a profit-i able sideline and of late years it has been more remunerative to its

On the Sunday nearest to July 26th, St. Anne's Day, special Masses are said in the church and many people from far and near come over to the Island and Join with the Indians in commemorating their patron Saint's anniversary.

On the following Monday the Indians celebrate by holding native dances and singing songs and re- counting legends of their tribe in their own tongue.

In the old days Mass was said twice a year at Lennox Island by the priest who ministered to the wanis of the Acadians. But from ,the earliest times the Sulpilian Fathers, the Franciscan Fathers and later Father Maillard, labour- ed among the Indians.

Now Mass is said twice a month by Rev John A. MacDonald.

For many years on Sundays when no Mass was said, the Chief would preach to the people in their native tongue. Prayers were also recited in Micmac. This is still kept up on Sundays when the priest does not come over to say Mass,

Mass is sung in Latin by the Priest and the responses are sung by an Indian choir led by John Sark. John Francis a relevzitive,

I Island Micmacs

(Continued from Page 12)

The island covers about I320 acres. It's original size was 1500 acres but it is gradually wearing away.

There are four good farms. and some fine crops oi oats are to be seen.

No More Wlgwams

In the early days the wlgwam was the Micmac home, Subsequently

We are also famous for our Bent; Grass Seed. This is a new seed to; come on the market but in the past ten years lt has been successfully harvest/ad. graded and marketed to the advantage of many farmers.

Seed Potatoes

cabins 0f logs and skins of animals took their place. The Chief's cabin was large enough to hold all the tribe and council meetings were held there. Now they live ln frame houses Just the same as any Canad- ian. Council meetings are now held in the Lady Wood hall, so called because it was built with money left

plays the organ. John Sark is also the teacher and had 23 pupils last Year. He has had as many us 43. The schools used to close during January and February; but/now they close for two months in the summer. John Sark also has charge of the post office for the Island.

The field crop that has done more than anything else to put our

in trust by Lady Wood; because, it Nflilve Tflnslle Still Spoken

Harvesting the Golden Grain

FARM SCENE, PRINCE EDWARD IS AND

own language. although most of tho people can converse in lihvrzicli and English. Micmiic is not taught in the school, but there are text books by Rev. D1‘. Rind in their language. Dr. Rand was a Baptist missionary who tried vainly to convert them to his faith. Nevertheless. he perse- vered ivith ihciv language and put it into English lz-ttcrs.

Dr. Rand is reported to have said "Micmzic is one of the mes marvel- ous of all languages is icicni or modern), in its construction, its regularity niid its fullness."

The missionaries first lfm-ncd the language by ivzitciiing an Indian lad trace characters on birch bark as he uttered ilic words in Miciiizic. Subsequently Father Mziiilard iiuiiin- lated prayer books, cgifechfsms and hymn books.

John Sark hns in his possession a prayer book in Mlcmac compiled by

'Fat.hei" Pncifiquc, who also fought

the Indians in their own language.

The folk lorc of the lvlicmacs consists principally of legends.

They have a National Anthem too which John Sark very kindly sang in Micmac for his visitors.

The Micmac has a soft voice and pleasant smile. He is a born ora- tor. l-Ie loves jusiice and hates violence. He can be cunning at need, but is open-hearted and friendly in those whom lie trusts. He ls also generous. and readily shares with his fellows what he possesses. He considers it unbe- coming to take undue thought for the morrow.

There is a. tradition that one of the Black Robes, iby which name the German Jesuit Priests iverc known), shut himself up III a tent for seven days and nights in order to learn the Micmzic language. No food or “rater was allowed to be given to him. When he iliiiilly 1-:-

iioiv on he elected every three years. Only twice since that time has the cffice passed out of the 5111C fam- ily, In 1912 Joseph Bernard was made chief and in 1927 Isaac Peters, step-son of Sark, held the office. first public speech in Charlottetown.

The family also have a medal of, George III. and King Louis XIV"! which were no doubt given to the

The inc-dais are regarded with, vencratlon and are worn with the Ciiief's official costume on state occasions. This costume consists of

crntcd with many coloured beads, and fastened round the waist with’ n broad sash of red ribbon. A heart

shaped piece of cloth is sewn on

each front of the coat where the

medals of King Louis and George

III. are worn. Queen Victoria's’ medal hung around the chieftainb

neck. A light blue shirt trimmodi with beads was worn inside the

coat. A soft hat with coloured

featers completes the costume.

The late Chief was married twice, his first wife being an Indian! woman from Richibucto. The pres- ent Chief is their eldest son.

He and his brother, John, were educated at St. Dunstans College. John Sai-k passed his teacher's lic- ense in 1909. i

The Chief's second wife was a, French woman from New Bruno-i wick. i

The Indian residents of this Pro-. vince, have not been lacking in patriotism. John Sark, the present school teacher and second son of; the late Chief, enlisted in Freder- icton in the 2nd Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery at the be- . ginning of the World War. Out of the Indian population of that time, which was 292, thirty-six served at, the front; many of them enlisting in the 105th Battalion.

appeared he could converse uxtli the Indians in their own ioiigiir. This impressed the natives so nuicli that they listened eagerly to him and were converted to the Roman Catholic faith.

The Family of Snrk

Many intcrcsting facts ivei-c dis- closed aboiit the Snrk family. the head of the Prince Edward Isliiid Micmzics. The chieflaliishii) hurl been handed down from fntiicr to the oldest son. During the life nf the late Chief Sarks grandfather. however, the oldest son diccl and when the Chief passed away John Sark was only seven yczirs old and could not trike office. The tribes- mcn were at n los Such n thing had nevi-i- occurred before.

over the Island mid livid n Council at which they appoint/if] Joseph Francis, the Sark cliiids uncle. acting chief. But wiiPii the real chief became old enough to trike his rightful place Josrpii riiri not wish to give up his long time another Cl and Joseph relinqii tainship only after

it hnci been

The Miemac still speaks in his

is said. the Indian women had

agreed that the chief should from

anfvothuplrt of the Dominion.

.45 ‘

w

. ‘my

<_\|.i_.

Mambon J tho Provincial Government, pictured IMWC, us (‘fmm loft to right) Pfclfllzf‘ Mulvllllan; Hon. q, sheik“ 5mm, 1m | u, o; Pub“ wig"; a _ |-_ Ammo! 0'41"“; 5°“ "' D- "Ml-wt llw- A F. A- nnuu. no». w. o. Mackenzie, Him. nomiowwooo. Other Gave. M r- ? ' - - in W n‘

- not

Thomas MacNntt, Minister 0f Agriculture. and Hon. A, A. MacDonald, M, p,

They are very proud of this re- ' cord. A soldiers’ monument, which stands near the church. was erect- ed by the Indians. A copper plate ixinrs the names of seven who made the Supreme Sacrifice. The plate crst $300.00, the visitors were told Wllh pride. It. represents a very, big sum to these people, and indl-i cafes hoiv highly they esteem the rrcord of their soldiers. The monu- ment is made of Island cobble stones mid white stone from Nova Sootia, surmounted by a white cross. A German pun with the German eagle and coat of iii-mg engravgd on

it. stands near by, and wag ob- iained by "Father John" from the Canadian Government in recogni- tion of the great loyalty and pgt. Ylfilism difiillflycd by the Indians.

GREAT was MEMORIAL

Just north of the Colonial Build- ing, is found the City's memorial to lioi- sons who died in the Great i War; and not far away is i119 no" ‘ War Memorial which stands in mvluvry 0f two sons of the City who lost their lives in the South African conflict.

MaoPhoO, the -' ‘ m Ion.

.1‘ if

Co-operatfve Marketing of Eggs & Poul try,

Over 1,000,000 Pounds of Poultry And I2, 793,544 Dozen Eggs Mark- etedLast YearBy Island Co-operate‘ ive Association.

By J. J. LElGI-ITIZER, _ Manager. Prince Edward Island Co-operailve Egg and Poultry Asaoclatlol v

The necessity of a system of Co-operative marketing of eggs for this Province was advocated, in the year I912, by Mr. W. A. Brmvn, Chief of the Poultry Ilivisinii. Department of Agriculture. Ottawa. A survey made at that iiiiic rcvculcd facts that were most unsatisfactory as regards ilic fiitiirc progress of the poultry industry here. The production methods were antiquated, marketing and distribution wcrc done in a slip-shod manner not COIIdUCIW to profitable production or marketing of poultry products. Charter was obtained that affiliated

late Chief's great grandfather. ha" and Poultry Shela The first

a long black broad-cloth robe, dec-fnwrt “me For”, Circles were “my

After consultation with the Pro- vincial Government, it was arrang- ed that Mr. T. A. Benson be sent to this Province in the capacity oi’ Poultry Promoter, to organize pro- ducers into groups to be known as

Circle was organized in April 1913, shipping of eggs began the follow- ing month. So rapidly did the idea take with our farmers, that in a

organized and shipping eggs to ing stations established at Bummer-side and Montague.

all egg circles into the PM“! Ed- ward Island Co-Operative Egg and Poultry Association Incorporated.

The organization, whilst sm- bracing all e88 01111195. Permit‘ each circle to be operated as a d18- tinct unit with a local Board oi Directors, empowered to employ a collector w gather ezss. shin w l-hfl grading station at Charlottetown. distribute the advance price to pro- duocrs, etc, the Association Man- ogcr to provide cases, account books and other necessary supplies.

necessary to co-ordlnate the busi-

Ai: the close of the business year. after all expenses are paid and I reserve retained, the surplus funds are distributed on a pro rata basil to all members in good standing. Membership is obtained on appli- cation and payment of a nominal fee. the membership is continuous.

Amoolation Formed In March 1914, it was thought