The years 1905 and 1906 will probably go down in history as being one of the greatest periods of advancement and development that the Canadian Northwest has ever known. During the past two years the marvelous extent of railway construction into this country has been the means of tapping the fertile sections of the great Saskatchewan Valley and opening up and making possible for settlement large tracts of the choicest farming lands.

One of the recently constructed lines into the fertile, west is the Canadian Northern Railway, which last year extended their system through to Edmonton.

Almost faster, however, came the railway towns which sprang up along the line, each one striving, seemingly, to outdo the other in progress and up to dateness.

Fast has been the progress of many of these towns.

Humboldt undoubtedly takes the lead. Before the rails had bean laid this far, a little over a year ago, building operations had commenced and since that time the town has steadily grown, until today Humboldt stands as a fitting example of a typical western town. Besides being a divisional point on the railway Humboldt is backed up by one of the finest wheat growing districts that one could possibly wish for. The country is also well adapted for ranching and mixed farming, there being plenty of grazing land and an abundance of water.

General Stores
Some idea of the volume of business transacted here will be gleamed from the fact that there are five general stores doing business, all of whom are in a flourishing condition. The merchants keep their stores well stocked with general merchandise and settlers have no difficulty in securing a full equipment before going onto their homesteads.

Hotels
No new town in the Northwest has better hotel accommodations than Humboldt. The local hostelries are up to date and modern in every particular and guests are treated with all courtesy.

Banks
A town is very often judged by the number of financial institutions doing business therein, and it is worthy of note that Humboldt can boast of two chartered banks - the Union Bank of Canada and the Canadian Bank of Commerce, both institutions doing a flourishing business.

Elevators
Last fall the farmers in this district who had grain to market were placed at a great inconvenience owing to the fact that there was no elevator here, but we have assurance that before the summer is gone Humboldt will have at least two elevators, the sites having been already purchased for their erection thereon.

Flour Mill
Something that is greatly needed here is a flour mill. The town authorities are now in correspondence with several parties in connection with the establishment of a flour mill here and it is expected that before many weeks pass arrangements will be completed for the erection of a first-class up to date mill.

Water
One of the first questions that a new comer will often ask regarding a town is the nature of its water supply, and until very recently some apprehensions were entertained as to the possibility of securing good supply of water in Humboldt. But a few days ago, it was proven beyond a doubt that there is an unlimited supply of water to be had here, when the well drilling machine which has been drilling for water at the new creamery site struck water at a depth of 175 feet. There is every evidence that the supply is unlimited, as already the water has risen to a depth of over a hundred feet.

Board of Trade
An organization that is assisting materially in the development of the town is the Board of Trade, which was formed on the 7th of February of this year. This body has shown great discretion and judgment in all its deliberations, and already good results have been obtained through its efforts. The board are working together in a harmonious and co-operative manner and the important work they have so far done in the interests of the town and district is only a forecast of what will result from their efforts in the future.

New Settlers
At times it would almost seem that the bulk of western immigration had only one place in mind and that was Humboldt as ever since the spring rush commenced train after train of settlers and their effects have rolled into the local yards, and it is interesting to watch the work of unloading household effects, horses, cattle, etc.

If space permitted, we might go on and write many columns more about Humboldt, but we can only give here a few important details of information that will give the outsider an idea of what has taken place in Humboldt since the advent of the Canadian Northern Railway. The facts here stated will go to show that Humboldt is destined to be one of the most important towns between Dauphin and Edmonton. It has all the advantages that go to support a large town, and with the establishment of creameries, flour mills, elevators and other important institutions, there will be a greater attraction for outside capitalists, who will find here every opportunity for investment.