The Sun.
London, England, 1870-11-10 00:00:00

EMIGRATION TO CANADA.

A meeting on the subject of emigration was held at
Toronto on the 17th of October. The first speaker, the
Rev. Mr. Herring, who was received with cheers,
referred to the origin of the immigration movement
with which he was connected. The Clerkenwell
Emigration Society, had helped out about 1,700 immi-
grants, and he could say, from his personal knowledge,
that with a few exceptions they were all doing well and
were prosperous. In Toronto there were a few who were
trying to kick up a row, but' these were not the parties
whom he would advise to come out. They were parties
who were very nice about the kind of situation they
would take, and grumbled because they did not
get just what they wanted, But this class
were in a very small minority, the rest were
looking forward hopefully for better times. They had
had their triais to be sure, but were rapidly forgetting
them in the midst of so much prosperity. He advised
immigrants to take up land in the free grant district,
but not at first. It would be better to learn the ways
of the country first, and earn a little money
too. He spoke of his visits to Hamilton and
London, and several parts of the country, and
wherever he went he found the people desirous of immi-
grants coming out, and he was sure that 10,000 more
could find work in Canada. He hoped the Government
would see the importance of properly assisting immigration.
He intended going to Ottawa with some others to urge
upon the Government the importance of establishing a
cheaper means for immigrants getting out to this country,
and also of making Canada more generally known through-
out England. For there was as yet a great amount of
ignorance in England with regard to Canada. He
concluded by saying that his remembrances of Canada
would be those of happiness. He had mixed with all
classes, and everywhere he had met with great kind-
ness. While some few of the immigrants were in a poor
condition, it was with great pleasure he could say that the
vast majority of those' who had come out within the last
two years to Canada were progressing in a highly satis-
factory manner, and were happy, comfortable, and
contented. Many of them had declared that if
they were offered a free passage back to England
for themselves and their families they would not aceept
it. Ho had found that immigrants who had struck
boldly into the country, or located themselves in the rising
villages, had more to shew in the way of advancement
than those who, contrary to advice, had stuck to the large
cities and towns. There was ample scope for all in Canada,
and ho believed there was a glorious future awaiting those
who came here. The meeting was addressed also by
Colonel Maude and Father Nugent, to much the same
effect as by Mr. Herring. Several immigrants spoke. The
first said he came out a brokendown tradesman, but now has
good wages ; another said he is engaged at 1 dol. 17c. a
day. It was stated that more protection was required on
the voyage for young women going out alone, and better
steerage accommodation generally; that a propsr place
of shelter at Quebec is needed, and also at Toronto ; and
that the railroad arrangements are of a very inferior class.
A suggestion made by one that a cheap lodging-house,
where immigrant families with small means might have a
room or two while seeking permanent employment and
dwellings, and other practical hints, were well worthy of
consideration.