The conference was a remarkable one in many ways. It created a precedent, insofar that it was the first time in the history of the Company that managers of the many H.B.C. stores were gathered together for consultation, advice and mutual benefit.

I feel that this conference will prove the forerunner of an era of singular prosperity to the Company and of increased efficiency throughout the Company's stores.

Humorous Extracts from Some Official Letters
Written in all seriousness and not in the least intended to be humorous
By C. C. SINCLAIR

In an official letter from an outpost manager the activities of the opposition were reported upon as follows:

"The opposition ain't raisin' no 'ell."

By which it was assumed that the outpost manager was holding his own.

"Dear Brother and Fellow Superior:

"I have spent a lonely and dissolute (meaning desolate) winter, owing to the loss of two good hunters and a beloved wife."

"...The canoes you sent up last fall arrived safely. Everything was in order with the exception of one or two destitute items in the displacement."

"I am very thankful for the increase of salary accorded to me by the Commissioner. Now that I have my new eyes (meaning glasses) I am able to see better, and my new teeth help me to masticate my food better, which aids the "deegestion" and keeps me in better health so that I can do more work now. Now I think I am capable of taking charge of a much larger Post than the one I am at."

"I could not make my cash agree with the books, but it agrees now, because I made an entry 'To cast to cook the account, $60.00.'"

"I am sorry that I caused you so much worry last fall when I wrote you that I was at death's door and asking you to send my successor, as I expected soon to enter the pearly gates.

"I am sorry to say I recovered soon after and the black suit I asked for to be buried in was not required. I had no mourning envelopes on hand, so I blackened the edges of an official envelope with ink, to advise you befittingly of my approaching demise."

"Hereafter I am to receive my instructions from Fort ——. I am sorry to leave you. We have differed sometimes about the orders issued from time to time, but I have endeavoured to carry out the instructions when I thought they were for the good of the post."

"Some Reputation"

In looking over an old Hudson's Bay wharf with a view to repairs, the contractor remarked: