1928 - Annual Convention

              F O U R T E E N T H A N N U A L C O N V E N T I ON : J3
A f t e r all, the success of the immigration policy of Canada is mostly a
matter of development of our resources and letting the world know of the
immense wealth awaiting development. The most difficult part has been
in getting started. We are confident now that there lies before Canada an
era of marvellous, of perhaps undreamed- of prosperity, in which every
c i t i z e n is g o i n g to be proud and will be thankful that he is a Canadian,
whether Canada is his native land or the land of his adoption.
We of the A l b e r t a Women's Institutes also may have our part i n achieving
this happy era for our country by extending a warm- hearted welcome and a
helping hand to the newcomers. Lord Clarendon, Chairman of the Overseas
Settlement Committee, while in Canada, when he visited some hundi'eds
of settlers in their new Canadian homes, stated from observations he had
made, the secret of successful settlement depended upon having the women
of the home happy and contented. This then is our responsibility. Let us
strive to help the newcomers over the first difficult places, to make them
feel, and especially the women, that Canada is a real home to them. Help
them over their troubles and misunderstandings in adjusting themselves to
their new life. A little kindness, a friendly action, may make all the
difference between success and failure to them— and consider the warm
glow of happiness that may come to them through your action.
1 wonder how many of the Alberta Institutes have become " Links of
E m p i r e . " Several members of the Lundbreck Institute have received letters
i n response to our missive sent last September, and we are eagerly looking
for more. A letter from an English Institute declared it would be glad
to hear from a Canadian Institute with whom they might exchange letters
and to which they would be pleased to send their Institute magazine, " F or
Home and Country." Also many personal links may be developed i n this
delightful way. I treasure the " L i n k " that has come to me very highly, for
I feel that if that gracious lady who has written me such an interesting
and charming letter will honor me with a continuance of her correspondence
1 shall he more than delighted to write her of our country and work. I
believe these links of Empire can be of immense help in our immigration
policy. The individual inquiry or letter of information might have as little
effect as a drop of water, but such letters from our many Institutes could
be as the story- book brook that comes eventually to turn the huge wheels
of the nation's industries.
Many interesting r< ports have come to me of the work being done by
the committees on immigration in constituencies and Institutes throughout
the province. 1 think it would be interesting and profitable if I mention
soni' 1 of the outstanding work that has been done by some Institutes.
At Wetaskiwin LI families, making a total of 90 persons, were met on
their a r r i v a l , taken to the Institute rest- room and provided for. The report
adds: " Thesr people ar<- now all settled on their own land, the adults work­i
n g out and the children going to school." A note tells us, " the Russian
children are bright in school, especially in music and art." Condor Women's
Institute reports that four families, making a total of 30 individuals, were
met at the station, their goods taken to their homes, fires were made ready
and the newcomers were afterwards visited. They state that these families
appear to be doing well, and a note adds, " we find that a better knowledge
of cooking, sewing and proper housekeeping would be a great advantage."
I must add that these notes added to the report may be of material help
in d i r e c t i n g our work in immigration. The Millet Women's Institute reports
that a family of six was met, their house prepared with beds and stove ready,
and they were called on regularly, the visitor often taking some little gift
such as a cake. At Lochail a number of Hungarian people arrived. A note
adds " these people retain their own language, and are very slow to take up
Canadian ways." At A l i x three families were met and welcomed. They
were assisted with their luggage, and showers of household utensils were
arranged for them. Westlock reports four British families met and pre­sented
with hampers. When one family of newcomers was sick with typhoid
fever they were visited and helped, soups and jellies being supplied, also a
cot and mattress. The report from Drumheller suggests giving tourists " a
square deal" on an immigration policy. Airdrie reports meeting a new
family at the station and taking them to the hotel for dinner. Angus Ridge
Women's Institute reports having appointed its immigration committee.
It has welcomed newcomers, and add that it hopes it will have