CLVIII ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



In conclusion, allow me briefly to repeat that the wealth and repu- 

 tation of Bristol in several bygone centuries, were due to the merchants 

 of those times taking the fullest advantage of our geographical position 

 as a convenient and economical centre for the distribution of commerce ; 

 and all the more enlightened citizens of to-day realize that from this same 

 source the prosperity of the future will be found. I have explained that 

 our corporation has ungrudgingly spent its money to bring the port up 

 to date, and at the same time has reduced all port charges to a very low 

 level. The wisdom of this enlightened policy is shown in the rapid 

 development and growth of our business, the last year of which was the 

 largest the port has yet known. 



This year we are making such alterations to the lock of the Avon- 

 mouth dock as will enable us to take in longer vessels. This is being done 

 to accommodate the Canadian business, for which several new steamers 

 of great size are being built. 



We have had reports from our own engineers and from experts who 

 have been called in to advise, that it is possible to accommodate in the 

 port of Bristol the largest vessels yet built or that have been suggested, 

 and when the citizens screw up their courage for the expenditure, ours 

 will become the natural port for the transatlantic trade, it being several 

 hours nearer to America than either Liverpool or Southampton ; whilst 

 the Bristol Channel is easier to navigate and freer from fog than either 

 the St. George's or the English channels. 



Bristol is old, but yet young, and I hope that she who,had the honour 

 of fitting out the ship " Matthew," will yet in the centuries to come, have 

 and hold the premier position in the trade with the great continent which 

 John Cabot discovered. 



I hope I have pointed out some items of sufficient interest to cause 

 our Canadian friends, when they turn their attention to the " Olde 

 Countrie," not to give the old city of Bristol the cold shoulder, and I will 

 promise you that when you come to Bristol, if you make youi'selves 

 known, you will be well received. 



