Tímarit Þjóðræknisfélags Íslendinga - 01.01.1934, Page 25

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER
OF MANITORA
Jt IS MOST fitting tliat the Sixtieth Anni-
versary of the first arrival in Manitoha of the settlers
from Iceland showld be suitably celebrated. Of no group
of men and women could it ever have been said more
truthfully than of those first Icelanders who arrived in
Gimli sixty years ago, that difficulties a/nd obstacles
brouglit out the best that was in them. From the very
first day their sterling qualities impressed themselves
strongly upon all who came in contact with them.
Lord Dufferin, the first Governor-General of the
Dominion to visit Western Canada in 1887, addressed
the Icelandic settlers, and on his return to Ottawa from
his Western trip spoke in praise of their intelligence amd
industry and especially of their qiáckness in learning the
English language.
The truth of Lord Dufferin’s tribute has been proved
by the experience of every year since that time. The
progress which the people of Icelandic origin in Mani-
toba have made in the business life, in the professional
life and in the public life of the Province is wéll known.
It may be truly said that they possess all the character-
istics and qualities that go to the making of good citizens.
May I on behalf of the Government, as tvell as myself
personally, express our very best. wishes for the future
welfare and happiness of all the Icelandic people in
Manitoba.
(Sgd.) JOHN RRACKEN,
Premier of Manitoba.
Office of the Premier, Manitoba.
Winnipeg, Feb. 8th, 1935.