Government figures show that during the past two years, 86,000 settlers came from the United States to Canada. Analysis indicates that two-thirds of such migrants from the United States are farm settlers. As most of the more recently developed mixed-farming areas are tributary to the Canadian National lines, it is fair to assume that at least fifty per cent. of these farm settlers settled along our railways, or allowing 2 to each family, 14,250 families, during that period.
Records show that on an average each American family takes up a half section, and is ultimately worth at least $750 a year revenue to the railway. Therefore, the settlements of the past two years may be computed to have a potential value in annual revenue to our line of from ten to twelve million dollars.
With references to colonization in Eastern Canada it may be said that progress is being made along the former National Transcontinental lines. In the Abitibi District, that portion thrown open to colonization by the Quebec authorities, stretching from the Megiscan River 125 miles to the Ontario boundary, Government Agents now report a population of some 15,000 souls. Over three thousand families settled in the district last year, which is a satisfactory indication that a farming community is being built up along this line.
Agricultural exhibitions have been held at Amos and Makamik, giving evidence of the interest that is being taken in the raising of live-stock and agriculture generally. In this connection it is of interest to note that a representative of the Quebec Agricultural Department estimated the value of the crops produced in the Abitibi District in 1921 at $1,100,000, consisting in the main of oats, potatoes and garden vegetables.
As the Industrial and Resources Department of the railway becomes better known it is being called upon to give information on the whole field of Canadian National resources and the activities and conditions of the country generally, and in this respect it is well equipped to meet the situation, having men of experience with technical training and wide knowledge of the country. It is also provided with perhaps the best working library of its kind in the country, dealing with the mineral and forest resources, agriculture, water powers, trade and commerce, fisheries, general statistics and other information on Canada.
T. H. BEST PRINTING CO. LIMITED, TORONTO
FOOTNOTES:
[1] This mention of a tune unexpectedly produced striking proofs of the correctness of the idea the allusion was meant to convey, of the carefulness with which personal reminiscences are read, and of my own shortcoming as a musical remembrancer. In this chapter as first published “Belmont” was given as the name of the tune my father changed. Immediately Mr. John A. Hyslop of Toronto, wrote to The Star Weekly a kind letter in which he said: Pollokshaws was not the only place where certain tunes were so associated with certain psalms, but the idea was peculiar to Scotland generally. I think, however, that Mr. Hanna is mistaken when he refers to his father attempting the daring innovation of singing the fortieth psalm to some other tune than “Belmont”. This tune is not well suited for “I Waited for the Lord My God”. Throughout Scotland generally this fine old psalm was always sung to “Balerma”, while “Belmont” is usually associated with “By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill”.
The turn of the year also brought this letter from Alberta, which is printed as a delightful example of how old associations may be revived, as well as of the depth in the Scottish character to which the ancient melodies have attained:—
Lougheed, December 27th, 1923.
P. O. Box 63,