Winnipeg Immigration Agent – Annual Report for 1889

“[W]e have the satisfaction of knowing that a very large increase of the better class of foreign immigrants have found their way to our Province and Territories, than in any previous year, the Germans alone outnumbering the total arrivals from Great Britain, while a large influx of Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Belgians and other foreigners have been added. These people have settled in their different colonies, and judging from the fact that they are still arriving, they must be pleased with the prospect before them, and will encourage others to follow.“

Above image: Immigration promotion poster, 1880s.

As noted in previous articles, Canadian immigration agents were obliged to provide annual reports to their headquarters, outlining their activities of the past season and providing related commentary. This particular example is from Thomas Bennett, the immigration agent at Winnipeg, for 1889.

By way of background, approximately 91,600 immigrants arrived in Canada during that year—at a time when Canada’s population was less than five million. This works out to just under 2% of the population. Substantial though this was, it pales compared to the peak years of 1906-1913.

A transcription of his report follows the image below.

Transcript of handwritten report:

Sir,

I have the honour to submit to you, my annual report for the year ending December 31st 1889.

In comparing the arrival of immigrants with that of former years, I find a falling off in the number from Great Britain, owing I believe, to the flattering inducements, offered, by the Argentine Republic, to the tenant farmers, through the strenuous efforts of their Agents, and thus causing a diversion of the emigration from the British Isles, to the warmer climate of that Republic, which, otherwise would have found its way to the broad and fertile prairies of Manitoba and the Northwest.

But, while we may regret to acknowledge this to be the case, we have the satisfaction of knowing that a very large increase of the better class of foreign immigrants have found their way to our Province and Territories, than in any previous year, the Germans alone outnumbering the total arrivals from Great Britain, while a large influx of Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Belgians and other foreigners have been added. These people have settled in their different colonies, and judging from the fact that they are still arriving, they must be pleased with the prospect before them, and will encourage others to follow.

A large number of Icelanders have also come to Manitoba, during the present season, and have been placed in the colonies at Gimli, Glenboro, and otherwise distributed through the country. Although they have not brought much wealth with them, they are a most industrious class of people, learning our language quickly, adapting themselves readily to the laws and institutions of our country, and becoming useful settlers in a very short time.

The numbers arriving from Ontario were as usual very large, and the amount of live stock and effects brought is suprisingly great. This is, to a certain extent, I believe, the result of visits made by our settlers, who, through favourable excusion rates afforded by the different lines of railway, which will eventually add materially to their traffic account, were enabled to re-visit the homes they had left behind and speak for and in the interests of our great country. If the same low rates were extended to the people located in the more eastern provinces, it would tend to bring those who are desirous of a change, to this portion of the Dominion, instead of allowing them to drift into the neighbouring republic. Nor, can a stronger proof be given nor a more encouraging test of this Province and Territories, than that the citizens of the garden province of our Dominion, should prefer to leave their old and comfortable homes and institutions and commence anew here, with perfect confidence in their future success.

– Crops –

The past season has been one of extreme drought, and in some districts the farmers have suffered severely, while in other parts they had excellent crops. But, judging from reports of the farmers and samples of grain which have been sent me from every district between Winnipeg and Calgary, there is ample evidence, that even in a very dry season, by cultivation and careful summer fallow of the land intended for growth of grain, excellent crops may be produced. In many instances a farmer would have a good crop while his neighbour might have an exceedingly poor one, climatic influence being equal, proves that in this country as in all others, the successful farmer is the one who does not expect a good return without careful cultivation.

– Labour –

The labouring class of immigrants with rare exceptions, had little difficulty in finding employment, either with farmers or on the new lines of Railway in course of construction, and, I am glad to be able to state, that no sooner were these operations discontinued, than work in the woods was offered, and all who were willing have found employment for the winter.

Female help is still scarce, and a large majority of servants, are obtained from the Scandinavian and Icelandic arrivals, who give excellent satisfaction, obtaining very good wages in return for their services.

The lads or young men who came or were sent out to learn farming, were fairly good and gave satisfaction to their employers, except a few who should never have been allowed to come, being both mentally and physically unfit for this country. In view of this, I would urge that a very careful inspection be made before an authorized officer on the other side, who would prevent any such subjects coming to this country who were not likely to be either able or willing to work when they reached here. This point cannot be too strongly eurged upon the different societies, who are sending these boys out, and that none be sent out merely for the sake of getting rid of them, as one really bad boy injures the reputation of many good ones, and casts an uncharitable reflection upon the kind assistance and good intentions of these Home Societies.

– Correspondence –

Many letters of inquiry, regarding climate soil, land regulations, wages etc. have been received from Great Britain during the past season, besides numerous letters from people in the Western States, and territories, asking for pamphlets and general information about this country, to all of which I have replied. One inquiry in particular I may mention was from Washington Territory from a man who had returned from a trip over the line of the C.P.R. from Victoria B.C. to Winnipeg and who was so much impressed with what he saw, that he requested me to give him the fullest information as to land regulations etc. and if satisfactory he could come and could bring with him at least one hundred more. I have written, also sent him a supply of pamphlets and hope to have a favourable report from him soon. I would here mention that the supply of printed matter, in the English language at my disposal this season has been very meagre, those I had being of 1886 and I would therefore strongly recommend that a supply, of the latest possible date, be placed in the office of every Agency, for the purpose of distribution and that these pamphlets be well written and are fully compiled, with attractive illustrations, giving the most practical information of each Province in the Dominion, obtained from reliable sources. This method, I believe would result beneficially, and if these publications were placed in the hands of intending emigrants who would in turn pass them over to their friends, the cost would be amply repaid. This is proven by the great amount of advertising done by the Americansm over their lines of Railway, and at the different points thereon, in every train and on every steamship line, in all available places. I believe it would be possible to double our immigration yearly, as compared with the present figures, especially when we consider the extent of our Railway system and the facilities afforded immigrants in order to reach any part of the country in which they desire to settle.

I regret to say that the building used here for the reception of immigrants, since the old sheds were burned is not at all suitable, and is utterly inadequate for the purpose required, there being no reasonable capacity to accomodate but a small portion of the number of arrivals, nor can it afford proper sanitary protection to the occupants, and I trust the Government will see the necessity of erecting new buildings, suitable to the requirements of this important station, also that the work may be pushed through so as to be available early next season.

Table “A” shows classified list of arrivals and departures at this Agency, during the current year.

Table “B” shows number of applications received for help, which number might fairly be doubled.

Table “C” shows number of people provided with employment (see note).

Table “D” shows average rate of wages paid during the year, and Table “E” gives list of retail prices of the the ordinary articles of doof and raiment¹ required by the working classes here.

I trust the foregoing will be found satisfactory, and hope another year, with improved facilities to be able to make a better showing. (appended herewith is Mr Owens report on Scandinavian immigration and Mr ?’s report on repatriation.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obed. servant

(signed) T. Bennett
Dom. Gov’t. Img. Agent

1. An archaic word for “clothing”. ↩︎