den 22 juni 1939
t '
Sid. 7.
BRIT1SH COLUMBIA
Has Vast Potentialities
A survey of British Columbia s Natural Resources shows it to be in a very sound position in regard to current activities, and well able to sustain an extensive programme of Development and Expansion.
TIMBER
Its Logging and Lumbering Industry represents a capitai investment of $350,000,000 and provides employment for 30,000 workers. For the last ten years, returns from this source have averaged over $63,000,000 a year.
At the present time, the stand of Mature Mercbantable Timber is estimated at 254,000,000,000 board feet, besides which there are areas of vigorous young growfh aggregating over 32,-000,000 acres. At present, the annua! cut averages about 3,000.000,000 board feet.
INING
Since its inception, the Mining Industry of British Columbia has produced to the value of over $1,500,000,000, and has paid over $200,000,000 in Dividends.
Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, Zink and Coal all contribute to its Mineral Wealth, and its steadily-increasing Gold Production is creating a lively interest in the world’s financial centres.
So far, the Mineral Content can only be conjectured, but signs are everywhere apparent that the present volume of output will be well maintained.
AGRICULTURE
Of its millions of acres which are capable of successful intensive farming, less than twenty-five per cent is actually under cultivation. A notable expansion of Mixed and Dairy-farming is clearly indicated by the steady influx of settlers from other parts who are abandoning specia-lized farming for something more stable and permanent.
For the last ten years, returns from Agriculture have averaged over $46,000,000 a year, and the average value per acre of occupied farm land in British Columbia is $58, the highest in Canada.
FISHING
British Columbia s Fishing Industry represents a Capital investment of $23,000,000 and finds employment for 18,000 people.
For the last ten years, returns from this source have averaged over $17,000,000, with ample room for expansion and small fear of depletion, with the present regulations and the protection which is given to the Province’s Tidal Fisheries.
With its ample reserves of Natural Resources, and its attractive Living and Labour Conditions, British Columbia offers a promising field for Investment and Enterprise, and cordially invites Enquiry.
The Department of Trade and Industry
PARL1AMENT BUILDINGS,
Victoria, B. C.
Hon. W. J. Asselstine, Minister.