282 TRINIDAD : THKN AND NOW. 



the articles entrusted to their care ; it is open on week 

 days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 



One of the first objects of the assistants after en- 



rolling those who wish to become members is to im- 

 press on them the desirability, in fact the necessity of 

 sending to the sale room only good saleable articles, 

 and that all needle work should be executed with 

 the best material, because, beautiful work such 

 as is expected from and is sold at this institution, 

 ought not be depreciated by the employment of infe- 

 rior material in its construction, if this be done — 

 and I believe it now is — strangers and our own people 

 purchasing will be able to recommend the work of 

 this institution to their friends across the sea and be 

 the means of attracting many orders from abroad. 



I remember an incident which once occurred in 

 my hearing there during one of the busy tourist sea- 

 sons. A number of purchasers were patronising it, 

 some purchasing very generously. A lady and a 

 gentleman — I apply the term in the real not the con- 

 ventional sense — evidently husband and wife, were 

 large purchasers, or rather the lady was. When she 

 had completed them, she in a wondering undertone, 

 addressed her husband thus : — cc Why these atten- 

 dants are real gentlewomen. ' ' Yes, my dear madam, 

 they were, are, and I believe always have been " real 

 gentlewomen." You unconsciously conferred a well 

 deserved compliment Then ; but you will also con- 

 fer a great favour on this worthy institution Now by 

 extolling its merits and recommending it to the pat- 

 ronage of such intending visitors to our beauteous 



