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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