| Transcript |
- 12 VICTORIA ILLUSTRATED.
Park and Spring Ridge, a very populous part of the outer city. The company furnishes may electric lights, and is at present supplying
2,500 incandescent lights; these will soon he increased to 7,000 incandescent and a large number of arc lights, by the addition of
a 550-horse power engine,which is now en route from Galt. The company is now putting up a large addition to the present power-house.
In addition to Mr. Higgins, the president, T. J. Jones acts as vice-president, and Major C. T. Dupont as secretary and treasurer.
STEAMBOATS.
By steamboats of exceptional elegance and speed, the city has daily connection with the Canadian Pacific Railway at Vancouver ; the
Northern Pacific at Tacoma, and the Union Pacific at Portland ; while a regular service is also maintained with San Francisco and all
other coast points to the south ; Alaska and the northern way ports ; Chin; and Japan ; the sound cities ; the West Coast ; and the
islands of the Gulf of Georgia.
RAILROADS.
Only one railway at present enters the city, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo road, connecting Victoria with Nanaimo and Wellington, the chief
centres of the coal mining district. A number of projects are, however receiving attention, having for their object connection with the
transcontinental systems to the north and southeither by a railway ferry, to transfer cars across the Straits, which narrow to nine miles
in width at one point, or by a bridge over Seymour Narrows, or, in other words, by rail and ferry to the south and all rail to the north,
to connect with the transcontinental lines. Mean-while the magnificent steamer service in connection with the Canadian Pacific, Northern
Pacific and Union Pacific Railways practically makes Victoria the terminus of these lines, and places her upon the some footing and with
the same transcontinental freight and passenger rates as are enjoyed by the cities having, rails laid to their doors. The Esquimalt &
Nanaimo Railway will he continued within the next few years to Comox and the Northern end of the Island, and will open up a large area of
agricultural, timber and mineral lands.
CLIMATE.
The climate compares very favorably with that of California. It is temperate at all seasons, the summer heat being softened by the breezes
from mountain or sea. It is never oppressive, and the hottest days of the year are invariably followed by cool and delightful evenings.
The Winter's rains, for snow is almost unknown, when properly provided for, are neither unhealthy nor unpleasant ; and the longevity of
Victorians testifies to the health-preserving qualities of the climate. To those who do not understand the cause of the mild winters in
this section, it may be
VIEW ON GOVERNMENT STREET, LOOKING NORTH
|
|---|
