Barr Colony - Letter to the Editor

The Barr Colony in Newspaper Reports

A letter to the editor
The Times, London, September 22, 1902
page 8

The Canadian Wheat Belt

To the Editor of the Times

    Sir, – Might not English newspapers do more than they are now doing to keep that magnificent area of wheat land in Western Canada thoroughly British by encouraging the emigration of English people to their own territories? Millions of acres of the finest agricultural land in the world are now being offered by the Canadian Government (160 acres a head, free) to all bona fide settlers, and yet English people are looking on while Americans (who generally know a good thing when they see it) are rushing over the border by thousands to seize the opportunity and, of course, the future reward.

It grieves me to see what is now a fine British province being settled so largely by Americans and foreigners. I am not a capitalist, or I would soon take out a few thousand of good British blood to settle upon these fine farming lands – I mean take some of those who are now treading on each other's heels in the old country, scrambling for a living. But why do not they go on their own account? Are they afraid they would be going from civilization to barbarism in a wild, unknown land?

Twenty-two years ago I left England, and made what to me was largely a plunge in the dark. I have never regretted the step I then took, for I have learned to love Canada and her people, and hope to return again before very long. In the meantime, if my 20 years of experience in Canadian life can throw any light upon the step other people may now be contemplating, I will gladly do what I can to help them by answering any questions to the best of my ability, provided those who ask them will enclose stamped and addressed envelope to my private address, Alexandra-park-road, Wood-green, N.

To-day there is plenty of the choicest land to be had for next to nothing. Five years hence it may be in the hands of aliens. Now is the time if English people are going at all. Why not make up parties of, say, 100 each and go out and settle by townships in company together? Why not a large party for next March? I am willing to do all I can to help.

Yours very faithfully,

(Rev.) George E. Lloyd, Wood-green, N.,
Deputation Secretary (for Canada), Colonial
and Continental Church Society, 9, Serjeant’s
Inn, Fleet Street, London, Sept. 20.

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