The Sarnia Observer and Western Advertiser
April 13, 1854
Canadian Grand Trunk Railway
A very large emigration of masons,carpenters, quarry men, engine drivers, engine fitters and
other artisans, is taking place for this railway. Between four and five hundred have already
left England, and all the third class accomodation in the canadian Serew Company’s vessels which
leave Liverpool this and the next month has been secured by the contractors for these men. Great
numbers are seeking this employment, tempted partly by the high wages offered,(in many cases
double what they receive in England and Scotland,) and partly by the comparative cheapness of
provisions in Canada, and the certainty of every industrious man becoming a possessor of land
within a very few years. Arrangements have likewise been made for sending out large drafts of
“navvies” and other laborers in sailing vessels during the spring. Constant employment has been
guaranteed by the contractors to steady men for five years. The passage money of those who
cannot pay it, as well as of their wives and children, is defrayed for them, on condition of the
men being under stoppage of a shilling a-day each until the debt is liquidated. This is a light
infliction, inasmuch as the lowest rate of pay for inskilled labor is 4s, and it ranges up to 8s
and 10s a day for mechanics and artizans. If the conduct of these latter has been good during
twelve months after arrival, each is to receive a bonus of £2, and under similar circumstances a
laborer is to receive £1. Herepath’s Journal.
