Sessional Papers

RETURN

In reference to the expenses of transport of Emigrants over the Red River Route, during the summer of 1871.

[In obedience to the Order of the House of Commons of 22nd April, 1872.]

Memorandum.

OTTAWA, 21st May, 1872.

Annexed is a statement shewing the number of emigrants conveyed over the Red River Route, between Lake Superior and Fort Garry, during the summer of 1871.

No teams or men were maintained at Prince Arthur's Landing last year, exclusively for the conveyance of emigrants. The number of teams on the Thunder Bay road varied from 15 to 30 and they had to be kept up for the carriage of stores to the works in progress, and the transport of troops as well as for the use of emigrants. The average cost of each team with driver, including passage from Collingwood and all expenses, was $4.00 per day.

On the navigable sections, between the westerly terminus of the Thunder Bay road and the north-west angle of the Lake of the Woods (310 miles) a number of boats and steam-launches were maintained for the conveyance of emigrants, stores for the works and the transport of troops, but there was no separate organization for emigrants. When they made their appearence they were taken forward by the men on the works.

In regard to the Lake of the Woods road, that is, the road extending from the northwest angle to Fort Garry, the mode of conveyance was by carts drawn by horses or oxen. The hire of a man with two such carts averaged 8 shillings sterling per day. The man was supplied with rations, but he had to find his own cattle in provender. If the carts had to be kept waiting at the north-west angle, which was frequently the case when emigrants were expected, they were then allowed only 5 shilings sterling per day, that is, for a man with two carts and two horses or oxen.

Last year, the number of emigrants being small, no fair criterion was afforded of what the cost per head would be for greater numbers; but in the present state of the route if as many as one thousand emigrants should offer, they could be taken through at $25.00 per head; two thousand would cost, about $15.00 per head, and four thousand might be taken at $10.00 per head that is, from Prince Arther's Landing to Fort Garry.

When the spring opened last year, the route with the exception of the Thunder Bay and Fort Garry roads, was in a very primitive condition; during the past summer the portages were opened and dams built to improve the navigation. By the 1st of August of the present year, there will be 9 steam launches and two large steamers on the navigable sections. Barges are being provided for the conveyance of horses and heavy articles and waggons and teams have been purchased for the Fort Garry road.

When the means of transport now being prepared are in operation, farmers will be able to take their horses and heavy implements over the route without difficuty or any great delay. During the past winter, comfortable buildings were put up for the accommo

dation of emigrants at Shebandowan, Kashabonne, Height of Land, and Fort Francis. Material is in readiness for sheds and houses which will shortly be put up at the NorthWest Angle, and between that point and Fort Garry there are houses and sheds at convenient intervals.

Respectfully submitted,
(Signed,)

S. J. DAWSON.

F. Braun, Esq., Sscretary.

Department of Public Works, Ottawa.

Persons. No. of

RED RIVER ROUTE

RETURN shewing number of Emigrants passed over the route from