Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 193, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1917 — SOLO SHOTGUN FOR TEN DOLLARS [ARTICLE]

SOLO SHOTGUN FOR TEN DOLLARS

And Filed on Western Canada Land. Now Worth $50,000.

Lawrence Bros, of Vera, Saskatchewan, are looked upon as being amongst the most progressive farmers In Western Canada. They have had their “ups-and-downs,” and know what it is to be in tight pinches. They persevered, and are now in an excellent financial ppsition. Their story is an interesting one. Coming in from the states they traveled overland from Calgary across the Battle river, the Red Deer river, through the Eagle Hills and on to Battleford. On the way their horses were stolen, but this did not dishearten them. They had some money, with which they bought more horses, and some provisions. When they reached Battleford they had only money enough io pay their ferriage over the Saskatchewan river, and this they had to borrow. It was In 1906 that they filed on homesteads, having to sell a shotgun for ten dollars in order to get sufficient money to do so. Frank Lawrence says: “Since that time we have acquired altogether a section and a half of land, In addition to renting another three quarters of a section. If we had to sell out now we could probably realize about $50,000, and have made all this since we came here. We get crops in this district of from 30 to 35 bushels of wheat to the acre arid oats from 40 to 80 bushels to the acre. Stock here pays well. We have 1,700 sheep, 70 cattle and 60 horses, of which a number are registered Clydes.” Similar successes might be given of the experiences of hundreds of farmers throughout Western Canada, who have done comparatively as well. Why should they not dress well, live well, have comfortable homes, with all modem equipments, electric light, steam heat, pure ventilation, and automobiles. Speaking of automobiles it will be a revelation to the reader to learn that during the first half of 1917, 16,000 automobile licenses were Issued in Alberta, twice as many as in the whole of 1916. In Saskatchewan. 21,000 licenses were Issued up to the first of May, 1917, In its monthly bulletin for June the Canadian Bank of Commerce makes special reference to this phase and to the general prosperity of the "West In the following: 7 “Generally speaking the western farmer is, in many respects, in a much better position than hitherto to increase his production. Two years of high prices for his products have enabled him, even with a normal crop, to liquidate a substantial .proportion of his liabilities and' at the same time to buy Improved farm machinery. His prosperity is reflected in the demand for building materials motor cars and other equipment. It is no doubt true that some extravagance Is evidenced by the astonishing demand for motor cars, but It must be remembered that many of these cars will make for efficiency on the farm and economize both time and labor.” —Advertisement.