Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 February 1913 — THE BANKS OF CANADA [ARTICLE]

THE BANKS OF CANADA

The closing of the year 1912 has brought out the usual bank statements accompanied by the addresses of the Presidents and General Managers of these institutions. Their reading is interesting as they show in a striking manner the prosperity of the country, and deal with economic matters in a first hand way. Those who know anything of Canadian banking methods know the stability of these institutions, and the high character of the men who are placed in charge. In discussing the land situation the Pres, ident of the Union Bank of Canada, whose branches are to be found in all parts of the Canadian West, said: — "A good deal has been Baid about speculation in land. The increase in land values has added enormously to the assets of Western business, and has to some extent formed a basis for extended credit, but this is not felt to be a drawback when the value is real and convertible. We consider that a business standing which is strengthened and enhanced by property holdings is entitled to a reasonable enlargement of credit for legitimate business operations.” It will thus be seen that the banks recognize the certain rise in the value of farm lands in Western Canada. When the facts are known of the wonderful producing qualities of farm landß in the Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, it is simple to understand the liberal stand taken by the banks. Living not far from Lashburn, Sash, Is a fanner named Clarke who in 1912 secured a crop of Marquis Wheat, yielding 76 bushels per acre. This is spoken of as a record yield, and this is doubtless true, but several cases have been brought to notice where yields, almost as large have been produced*, and in different parts of the country. During the past year there have been reported many yields of from 35 to 45 bushels of wheat to the acre. Oats, too, were a successful crop, and so was the barley crop. Wheat that would yield 40 bushels per acre, would bring on the market 70c (a fair figure) per bushel, a gross return of $28.00 per acre. Allow $12.00 per acre (an outside figure) there would be a balance of $16.00 per acre net profit. This figure should satisfy anyone having land that cost less than SIOO.OO per acre. Very much less return than this proves satisfactory to those holding lands in lowa and Illinois worth from $250 to S3OO per acre. The latest Government returns give an approximate estimate of four hundred thousand of an immigration to Canada during 1912. Of this number 200,000 will be from the United States. Most of these are of the farming class and it is ndt difficult to understand why farming lands In Canada will advance from ten to twenty per centwithin the next twelve months. Therefore investment in Western Canadian lands is not looked upon as being in the speculative class. Those fortunate enough to secure free homesteads in Canada will acquire in the intrinsic value of the land alone the beßt possible start for a future- aavertisement.