CO885-(1-2) — Page 100

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Number of Pensioners in Canada,

3,000.

Difficulty in settling the men.

Toronto Penetanguishene

228

70

Amherstberg

100

Niagara

70

London

132

600

Enrolling Pensioners had the effect of reducing the regular force.

Success of the measure.

Canada.

It having been ascertained that about 3,000 Pen" sioners resided in Canada, of whom more than a third were fit for enrolment, arrangements were made about two years ago for their being placed under the same system of payment and organization as in this country, with the view of making them available for service as a local force; particularly in the vicinity of the garrison towns, where they were most likely to be wanted. The principal difficulty was the tendency of these men to wander in searchi of land or employment. To prevent this the induce- ment was held out of a free grant of two acres of land on the Ordnance Reserves adjacent to most of the principal towns, with a sufficient advance from pension to erect a cottage. Many of the Pensioners accepted this offer; and already there have been enrolled about 600 men at the places noted on margin; with a prospect of an increase to 800 or 1,000 in the course of the ensuing year.

The enrolment of this force immediately led to the reduction of four companies of the Canadian Rifles, with their officers; as well as to the abolition of the permanent staff at the forts of Penetanguishene and Amherstberg, where the garrisons were with- drawn and replaced by Pensioners, who are only paid for the few days in the year that they are out at drill

or on duty..

The only place at which the system has been in full operation is Amherstberg, where the carnings of the Pensioners have been most satisfactory. They averaged last year as follows, for each man :

At the latter station the Pensioners relieved a wing of the 6th Foot, which had been sent there during the difficulties in the settlement of the Oregon question.

At the Falkland Islands a few men were wanted for protection, and a sergeant's party was accord- ingly detached there. At both these places the men have cottages and a few acres of land, but no per-

manent pay except when called out on duty.

Reserves not having been given at once caused retardation in the scheme.

£ J. d.

Wages

20 5 0

Agricultural produce Dairy produce

15 10 0

6 15

42 10

0

O currency.

in addition to a cottage of three rooms, rent free; and a pension averaging about 10d. a-day.

Unfortunately difficulties have been raised to the giving up of the Reserves, which has retarded the settlement of the Pensioners; but on these being removed, the arrangements will probably be carried Ꭰ

TILT TI

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

C.O.

Reference -

885

1 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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