20 MAY 1949, Page 22

LIFE IN CANADA

SIR,—Mr. Speakman raises two points in his letter in the Spectator of May 6th which might deter the Englishman from emigrating- Canada. Firstly, the fact that Canada's natural resources will not last for ever. Secondly, that the cultural life of the country is undeveloped.

On the first point, I would say that the expectation of life of Canada's natural resources is possibly greater than that of any country in a civilised state at the present time. One tenth of the population of the'U.S.A. live in a country of comparable size and resources. I do not feel the prospec- tive immigrant need be much troubled by this.

On the second. point, while agreeing with Mr. Speakman that there is a deplorable lack of good music, good theatre, art exhibitions, etc. in Canada, I• would like to voice my conviction that this is soon to be remedied. In Ottawa last summer a serious attempt to lay the basis for a national theatre was being made, and on the two occasions on which I was able to visit it large audiences applauded excellent acting and pro- duction enthusiastically, despite, by cinema standards, uncomfortable conditions. Interest in and demand for good music also seemed ,widespread. I believe that the next twenty years will see great growth in Canadian national culture, and perhaps, though financially this would be risky, young immigrants from this country may play a part in fostering and