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A realization of this fact has led to a request from women in our institutes 

 for systematic instruction in different branches of home work. As a result, there 

 are now being given in our Province, to different groups of Institutes, Demonstra- 

 tion-Lecture Courses. These aim to In-ing to the home-makers and the girls who 

 attend, the information of our Household Science Schools in an abbreviated form. 

 Anything new has to demonstrate its claim to recognition and support. Last year's 

 work has done that. A number of courses have already been given and the hearty 

 support and co-operation of the members of the classes seem to justify a continu- 

 ance of the work on more comprehensive lines. 



lia\ing had charge of two courses in Food Preparation, one in Northumberland 

 and one in I<ambto]i and Kent, I can write more definitely of them than of the 

 others. Three weeks before the work started I visited the counties, became acquainted 

 with the officers at each i^laee and made arrangements for transportation. The direc- 

 tions sent out by the Dej^artment beforehand, however, were so explicit that every- 

 thing was pretty well understood by the officers and it was comparatively easy to 

 start the work. Arrangements were made for halls or other suitable places to l)e 

 used throughout the course. In two places kitchens were used. The advertising 

 is also done I)y the local people and much of the success of the work, so far as the 

 size of the classes is concerned, depends on the way it is advertised. It should be 

 definitely stated in all press notices that anyone is welcome to attend and a personal 

 invitation is most effective with some. A secretary of one of the branches told 

 many ladies of the work by phone and asked them to join, and as a result that 

 class is the largest in the district. 



In each demonstration, special emphasis is laid on the food value of the food- 

 stuffs used, their costs as related to nutritive value, and a practical demonstration 

 given by preparing several dishes. The ladies bring note-books and pencils, and 

 many of them come early in order to copy the recipes. Many of the younger mem- 

 bers, in partiicular, write down facts given concerning the food used, and each 

 member brings a spoon or fork that she may taste the food prepared. Eating or 

 drinking always increases sociahility, even if the food be but small in amount, as it 

 invariably is when but "a taste'' for each person is reckoned on. However, it 

 seemed to produce the desired effect. It stimulates the timid to challenge the method 

 followed or to ask for further information on some point and tempts all to linger 

 at the conclusion of the afternoon's work for a visit with neighbor or friend. The 

 supplies used in the cooking demonstrations are paid for by the local Institute or 

 different ladies take turns in supplying part of them each day, thus materially 

 lessening the cost to the Institute. 



At most of the places assistants are provided, many of whom are young girls 

 who are getting the course free for the help they give. They assist with the work 

 of preparation and washing up the dishes. At many places classes are held for the 

 school girls, but in my district this has not been feasible. The attendance at the 

 classes varies somewhat, owing to unfavorable weather or unusually busy times. This 

 applies more to occasional than to course members. In two or three places in 

 Lam'bton the members have to drive or walk long distances, yet the attendance 

 maintains a good average. The smallest class has twenty-seven course members, 

 and the largest class has fifty-two. 



It is rather a remarkable fact, yet true, nevertheless, that those most proficient 

 in this branch of home work are the most interested in the demonstrations, perhaps 

 because they are finding out for the first time the reason "why" for a familiar 

 process, or perhaps because new hints or new methods are an incentive to experi- 

 menting at home. 



