ABSTRACT
Taking the older organization first, I shall give a short history of its inception and progress :-" The Irish Home Industries Association" was founded by the Countess of Aberdeen, and in so doing she performed a great service to our island. 'l'he interest which she took in promoting the welfare of om people was. markedly displayed during the whole of the time when she occupied the position of" Vice-queen" in our island,. and the impetus given by her to Irish Industries is still felt. She spared neither labour nor expense in the cause, and as the result of many enquiries made by her, she cam~ to the conclusion that some steps should be taken to form a permanent association for the promotion of Irish industries, especially those known as " Home and Cottage Industries." Before she left Ireland she sketched out the plan of such an Association, aud obtained the co-operation and support of many persons of influence, and having formed a. Council during the autumn of the year 1886 (after herdeparture), an Executive Committee was chosen by the votes of this Council and began operations in January~ 1887.
