The British Associations visit to Montreal, 1884: Letters | Page 2

a real advance has been made in this
direction.
But whatever may be the results of the Montreal meeting, it is clear
from the programme which has been drawn up that everything possible
is being done to render the occasion one of genuine enjoyment to all
who are fortunate enough to be present. The Canadian Parliament has
voted so handsome a sum for the entertainment of the Association that
its expenses are likely to be less than at an ordinary meeting. Provision

has been made for free passages and free living for fifty of the officials,
who need not spend a penny from the time they set foot upon the
steamer until they step ashore again upon their native land. Not only so,
but a sum of $14,000 has been allotted for the reduction of members'
passages to Canada in addition to any abatement of fares allowed by
the steamship companies. The most important of these companies,
sailing not only to Quebec and Montreal, but to New York and
Newport, offer reductions averaging about 10 per, cent, on the ordinary
fares. The companies who offer these advantages are the Allan, the
Dominion, the Beaver, White Star, Cunard, National, Anchor, Guion,
Inman, Monarch, and Union lines; so that intending visitors have ample
choice of route. On the other side, again, all the railway companies
have shown the greatest liberality. The Government railways are free to
all who produce members' vouchers. The Canada Pacific Line will
from July 1 up to the date of the departure of the special free excursion
to the Rocky Mountains, grant to visiting members free passes over its
lines to the northward (Rocky Mountains, Lake Superior, &c.) and
intermediate points. This company also offers to one hundred and fifty
members of the Association a free special excursion to the Rocky
Mountains, by way of Georgian Bay, Thursday Bay, and Winnipeg,
providing that those places passed during the night on the outward
journey will be repassed during the day on the return. The only thing
members will have to pay for will be meals, which will be provided at a
rate not exceeding 2s. Arrangements, moreover, will be made for trips
and excursions from Toronto, across Lake Ontario to Niagara, under
the direction of local committees to be formed in both places, giving to
all members an opportunity of visiting the Falls. Various other
excursions have been liberally arranged for by the company, so that
visitors will have ample opportunity of seeing most that is worth seeing
in Canada for practically nothing. The Canada Atlantic Railway has
also arranged for several free excursions, while the Grand Trunk, the
North Shore, the Central Vermont, and other railways in the States
offer tickets to members at something like half the usual rates; thus
those who proceed to New York may visit various parts of the States
before proceeding northwards to Canada at extremely cheap rates. At
all the Canadian cities to be visited local committees will be organized
to receive the excursionists and to care for them during their stay. The

circular prepared for the members gives every information as to routes,
distances, fares, &c., so that they may make all their arrangements
before leaving England. The telegraph companies, not to be behindhand,
undertake to transmit messages during the meeting for members from
Montreal to all parts of Canada and the United States free of charge.
Of course, it is not to be expected that all those advantages will be
given indiscriminately to all who may apply, and doubtless the great
accession of members at the Southport meeting was partly due to the
prospective visit to Canada. But only those members elected at or
before the Southampton meeting will share in the benefit of the
$14,000 allotted for reduction of passage money, and until further
notice no new members or associates can be elected except by special
vote of the Council. This is as it should be, otherwise the meeting
would be largely one of mere "trippers," instead of genuine
representatives of British science. The Council have taken every
precaution to render the Montreal Meeting one of real work, and no
mere holiday; from respect to itself as well as to its hosts, the
Association is bound to show itself at its best. At the same time, the
Council have extended all the privileges of associates to the near
relatives of members to the number of three for each, so that members
will have no excuse for doing Canada en garcon. Of course those
applying for the privileges mentioned must produce satisfactory
evidence of their identity, and in return will receive vouchers which
will serve as passports on the other side. Those desirous of obtaining
information as to hotels and other local matters, must apply to the local
secretary, care of Mr.