2110-7-10-4

15th May, 1936.

The Rt Honble W. Mackenzie King, M.P. Laurier House, Ottawa.

Just a line to report my recent doings. In the past fortnight my wife and I have visited various parts of Western Ontario - Windsor, Chatham, Woodstock, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. In the first three we had very hot weather; in the last two it was rather cold, but with wonderful visibility. I shall never forget my view yesterday from Brock's Monument.

In all the places I made a point of having a long drive in the surrounding country. I have been enormously struck by the wholesome economics of these little cities. The are the centres of rich farming districts, and they have the industries which are the natural complement to agriculture. Moreover, these industries are largely owned by small proprietors which, socially, is far more valuable then branches of some vast mass-production show. We found the people delightful and most hospitable, and I hope we made as good an impression on them as they made on us.

I was most interested yesterday to see at Queenston the ruins of your grandfather's old printing office. Might it not be a graceful act to restore that on the occasion of the centenary next year?

2.

In ten days time we go to Hamilton, London and Kitchener, and I hope I may see you at the last named. I hope you have been resting and taking some quiet days at Kingsmere. I think you were wise not to have a foreign affairs debate in the House.

My mother and sister came back delighted with your dinner last Saturday, and deeply impressed by your kindness.

Yours ever,