Debates of the Newfoundland Legislative Council, 1933

Legislative Council, April 10, 1933 551 Monday, April 10, 1933166 This being the day appointed by Proclamation for the meeting of the Legislature: At 3 p.m. the House met. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt. C.B.E; F. McNamara; John Davey; R. B. Job; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; N. Andrews; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. At 3:05 p.m. the Hon. the President, the Hon. Samuel Milley and the Hon.

Frank McNamara, Members of the Legislative Council nominated and appointed by His Excellency the Governor as Commissioners, having taken their seats, the Hon.

The President commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod attendant on the Council to pr oceed to the Honourable House of Assembly and inform the Members thereof that His Excellency the Governor =s Commissioners desired their immediate attendance in the Council Chamber to hear the Commission read, and they being come thereto the following Commission was read by the Clerk of the Legislative Council: COMMISSION By His Excellency Admiral Sir David Murra y Anderson, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St.

George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Colony of Newfoundland. (Sgd.) D. Murray Anderson, Governor (Sgd.) Brian Dunfield, Deputy Minister of Justice To Honourable Michael P. Gibbs, K.C., Honourable Frank McNamara, and Honourable Samuel Milley. Greeting:

WHEREAS I have deemed it expedient that the First Session of the Twenty-eighth General Assembly should be opened for the despatch of business on Monday, the Tenth day of this instant month, whereof I have given notice in my Proclamation dated the Twenty-eighth day of March last; and

WHEREAS it is not convenient that the purposes for which I have called the said General Assembly together should be declared on the sa id day, nor until the Members of the House of Assembly have proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, you, the Hon. Michael P. Gibbs, K.C., Hon. Frank McNamara, and Hon. Samuel Milley, are hereby authorized and directed to signify to the Members of the said House of Assembly on the Tenth day of this instant month, that it is my pleasure that they should proceed to the choice of some proper person to be their Speaker, and present such person on the following day for my approbation.

Given under my Hand and Seal, at the Government House, St. John =s, this sixth day of April, 166 The following were the members of the Legislative C ouncil for this session: M. P. Gibbs (President); S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook; F. H. Steer; C. P. Ayre; John Davey; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; Capt. I. R. Randell; W. S. Monroe; N. Andrews; Sir John Bennett; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley, D. A. Ryan, G. A. Bartlett.

Legislative Council, April 10, 1933 552 A.D. 1933. By His Excellency=s Command, (Sgd.) J. C. Puddester, Secretary of State.

The Honourable the President of the Legisla tive Council, addressing both Houses of the Legislature, then said: Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council: Gentlemen of the Honourable House of Assembly: It is not convenient for His Excellency the Governor to declare the reasons for his calling this General Assembly on this day, it being necessary that a Speaker of the House of Assembly should be first chosen: You, Gentlemen of the House of Assembly, repair to the place where you are to sit, and there proceed to the appointment of some proper pers on to be your Speaker, and present such person whom you shall choose here to-morrow at three o =clock, for His Excellency=s approbation.

The House of Assembly then withdrew. On motion made the House adjourned until to-morrow, Tuesday, April 11th, at two forty-five o=clock p.m.

Legislative Council, April 11, 1933 553 Tuesday, April 11, 1933167 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt. C.B.E; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O =Dea; Harold Macpherson; Capt. I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. At three o=clock p.m.

His Excellency the Governor , Admiral Sir David Murray Anderson, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Or der of the Bath, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, having arrived at the Council Chamber, and being seated on the Throne, commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, through the Hon. the President of the Legislative Council, to let the House of Assembly know: AIt is His Excellency the Governor =s pleasure that they attend him immediately in this House.@ Who being come thereto: J.

Alexander Winter, K.C., Barrister-at-Law, Member for the District of Burgeo and La Poile, having been presented by the Honourable the Prime Minister as Speaker Elect, and the choice approved, and the usual privileges claimed and granted, his Excellency the Governor was pleased to speak ... 168 The House of Assembly having withdrawn, His Excellency was pleased to retire. The Commissions appointing the Honourable Nathan Andrews, the Honourable Walter S. Monroe, D.C.L., LL.D., the Honourable Sir John R. Bennett, K.B.E., the Honourable John S. Currie and the Honourable William J.

Halley as Membe rs of the Legislative Council under the King =s Warrant and Royal Sign Manual, were read by the Clerk. The Honourables Nathan Andrews, Walter S. Monroe, D.C.L., LL.D., Sir John R. Bennett, K.B.E., John S. Currie and William J. Halley were introduced by the Honourable F. McNamara and Honourable S. Milley, and the new Members were welcomed by the Honourable the President, and took their seats accordingly. On motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, seconded by the Hon. Sir T. K.

Cook, the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted: 167 Extracts taken from The Evening Telegram, April 12, 1933. 168 See the House of Assembly debates for this date for the Speech from the Throne.

Legislative Council, April 11, 1933 554 RESOLVED that the Legislative Council deeply regret the demise, since the last Session, of their highly esteemed colleague, the Honourable George Shea. Mr. Shea, during the whole time he occupied a seat in the Legislature, was distingui shed by his devotion to the best interests of Newfoundland and the Members of the Council by his death have been deprived not only of a valued legislator but a much esteemed friend. The Council desire to express their deep sympathy with the bereaved family of their late fellow Member.

RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Mrs. Shea. Hon. Mr. McNamara moving the resolutions, said: Mr. President, Since we met here last Session, I very much regret that we have to m ourn the passing of one of the oldest and most esteemed members of this Chamber, in the person of Hon. Geo. Shea, who died in September last. Our late member belonged to one of Newfoundland=s most illustrious families. His father, the late Hon. Edward Dalton Shea, was for many years Colonial Secretary of the Island and for a lengthy period President of this branch of our Legisl ature, a position, Mr.

President, you so ably and acceptably fill at present. Sir Ambrose Shea, uncle of our late member, was an outstanding Newfoundlander and prominently connected with our governmental affairs, and was elected for St. John=s West in 1855, and became the first Speaker of the Assembly under Responsible Government. In 1864, in company with the late Sir F. B. T. Carter, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, he visited Quebec at the invitation of the Canadian Government and attended the Conference which discussed Federal Union of the Maritime Provinces, and if possible the inclusion of Newfoundland.

It is well known that conditions were poor in Newfoundland in the 60's owing to a succession of failures of the fisheries, and an election for th e confederation of this country with Canada was held in 1869. Sir A. Shea led the Confederate ticket, and as we are all aware was decisively defeated in this contest. Since then confederation has never been seriously considered by the people of this country.

In 1883 Sir Ambrose represented Newfoundland at the International Fisheries Exhibition in London, and our exhibit of fish made such an impression at the time, that a message was sent to the Prime Minister of the day stating th at Newfoundland fish was judged No. 1 B Norway fish was judged No. 2.

The testimonial of superiority was given us 50 years ago, and it is very evident from all we can learn about our fishing industry at present, that we do not hold the proud position we held in the foreign markets a half century ago, and I very much fear that we are not paying the same attention to pack and cure as our competitors, and it will be imperative to alter our present ideas of processing fish if we hope to recover the business we are now losing to our rivals.

We find that Sir Ambrose was knighted by Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria in 1883, and in 1886 was appointed Governor of Newfoundland, but resigned this appointment due to local jealousy and narrow-mindedness prevailing at the time, and was afterwards appointed Governor of the Bahamas, and it is on record that he was one of the most progressive Governors they ever had in these Islands, and prosperity and contentment reigned during his term of office. Our late member, Hon. Mr.

Shea, entered politics in 1886 and represented the Ferryland District for a number of years; and in the e pochal tie election in 1908 and in 1909, he and his colleagues were returned for St. John=s East.

Legislative Council, April 11, 1933 555 You will probably remember, Mr. President, that you and I contested this District at the time on the People=s Party Ticket, and were fortunate in being defeated at both these contests. Mr. Shea was also a member of the Bond Executive, and on another occasion acted as Prime Minister in the Squires Government during the absence of the Premier from the Colony. In 1903 Mr. Shea had the honour and distinction of being the first Mayor elected for the city of St. John=s. Latterly he was cashier of the Government Savings Bank, a position he occupied at the time of his death.

It will be of interest to note that th e Shea family was continuously represented in our government affairs from 1855 to last year, a period of 77 years, or slightly over three quarters of a century B a record in the public service difficult to equal or even approach. Mr. Shea was an exemplary citizen of quiet, retiring disposition. He cultivated many friends but made no enemies, and I am sure we all regret his passing. I now wish to move the following resolutions ... Hon.

Sir Tasker Cook seconded the resolution, and the President before putting the motion also paid tribute to the memory of the deceased. 169 The Hon. the President reported His Excellency =s Speech, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, and by the consent of the House, the reading of the same by the Clerk was dispensed with, and the Speech was taken as read. A copy of the speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor was read, after which Sir John Bennett moved for the appointment of a committee to draft an Address in Reply, Sir John extending a welcome to His Excellency the Governor and Lady Anderson.

Reviewing the Speech from the Throne, paragraph by paragraph, Sir J ohn first referred to the Ottawa Conference and expressed the hope that the suggestions and promises will not be long without fulfilment. The poor returns from the codfishery could not altogether be laid on our own shoulders, because of the slump in other food commodities it was no wonder that the price of fish would go down. Sir John expressed regret that the decline in our exports of iron ore had so badly affected Conception Bay.

Germany, our chief customer, is not in a position to make purchases on her former scale, but he hoped that a market for some 500,000 [tons] would be found in Britain to make up for the deficiency. The one bright feature in the mining industry was that Buchans had not only maintained its output but had increased it. He hoped that th is showing would continue. The pulp and paper industry he was glad to note is continuing at its usual capacity.

Another bright spot B the reports from the sealing ships were indeed encouraging and those who this year had the courage to invest in the enterprise deserved the highest praise. He hoped the success of the sealing industry would be followed by success in the codfishery. Sir John also referred to the unemployment situation and the efforts of the L.D.A., 170 and said 169 AHon. Sir Tasker Cook , seconding the resolution, said that the late Mr. Shea was well known to every member of the Council, as a man with a wide knowledge of the country =s business.

His connection with the Allan Steamship Line, as their agent for many years, had brought him in contact, intimately, with the trade of the Colony. @ Daily News, April 12, 1933. 170 Land Development Association.

Legislative Council, April 11, 1933 556 it was gratifying to know that the people are realiz ing that they cannot be forever turning to the government, and are endeavouring to help themselves. He was glad to know that the people have satisfied themselves that the powers that be are doing all possible to help them. Sir John referred to the blueberry industry and expressed the hope that every effort would be made to revive it.

In the Government=s efforts to cut down expenditure to balance the budget some were hard hit, notably the teachers, war pensioners and th e education vote, but desperate diseases required desperate remedies, and the Government had no other option, and in spite of all the reductions Great Britain and Canada had to come to our assistance in meeting part of our loan interest. How the next loan installment will be provided, time only will reveal.

Referring to the work of the Royal Commission, Sir John said that when its report is finished the country will have an unbiased report B one that had never been gi ven in her history. We will then know where we stand. Referring to the para graph in the speech dealing with the fishery regulations, Sir John said he was reminded that 50 years ago Newfoundland codfish was superior to that of our competitors, but he regretted to say that this is not so now.

Captain Oldford, who has just returned from the Mediterranean, reported to the Government that Icelandic codfish is selling in Greece at a price 4 shillings higher than that obtained for Labrador fish. If this extra price were realized for Newfoundland fish it would mean an extra $1,000,000 to Newfoundland, and this would give a tremendous impetus to supplying in the Spring. Regarding the separation of the Agriculture and Mines Department from the Marine and Fisheries Department, he expressed the conviction that it would tend to greater efficiency.

He also thought that the proposed creation of a Department of Labour was very desirable. Referring to Labrador, Sir John questioned if it will yet prove to be our sheet anchor. He hoped that the alleged finding of gold there will be a silver lining, if not a gold one. Regarding the disposal of the territory he said that Newf oundland must at all costs retain the coastline B the hinterland may be another matter. Regarding th e barter of wood for co al, Sir John thought the Government had adopted a wise policy, as the cutting had provided considerable employment.

Concluding, Sir John paid a tribute to the work of Premier MacDonald and Sir John Simon on behalf of world peace. Hon. J. S. Currie, seconding the motion for the appoint ment of a committee to draft the Address in Reply, spoke briefly. He desired to associate himself with the cordial words of welcome to the Governor and his gracious Lady. Sir David Murray Anderson comes with a record of brilliant service in the Navy, and there was every assurance that he would not only perform his duties Ato the best of his ability,@ but would maintain the very best traditions of the high position to which he had been called.

As the representative of our belove d Sovereign he was assured of the loyalty and respect of all Newfoundlanders, but the fact that he was a sailor would make him particularly welcome by a seafaring people and would win him a warm spot in their hearts. We could have the fullest confidence, he thought, that the Governor would not be content with the mere performance of his official duties, but would take a deep interest in the welfare of the country and its people.

Sir John Bennett having referred very fully to the matters dealt with in the Speech from the Throne, and as these several matters will come before the Legislative Council, there will be ample time to discuss them. In consequence, Hon. Mr. Currie said he would not deal with them in detail.

Legislative Council, April 11, 1933 557 As was to have been expected, he continued, the Speech from the Throne dealt mainly with the financial and economic situation. Newfoundland is passing through difficult times, but bad as the situation is, it is infinitely better than in some other countries. Within the past few weeks he had had the opportunity of seeing conditions in Canada and the United States and he could honestly say things were better here. In the United Stated conditions were appalling, and it was difficult to say what the end there would be. Here the situation was acute but far from hopeless.

The country had marvelous recuperative powers, and the slightest advance in the value of our main product would bring back prosperity. At the last session of the Legislature the financial experts anticipated a balanced budget for the current fiscal year; but it soon became apparent that this hope would not be realized. The tremendous shrinkage in the price of foreign commodities made it impossible to collect the expected revenue under our system of ad valorem duties. One of the first duties of the new Government, therefore, was to undertake a drastic reduction in expenditure.

It required courage to do this, but the Government did not hesitate and approximately a million dollars was lopped off the expenditures. Despite this, however, the Speech from the Throne indicates that the year will witness a further deficit. There was nothing to indicate how it was proposed to deal with this deficit, but it was assumed the Government were waiting for the report of the Commission now investigating the country=s position, before readying any decision. He e xpressed the hope that when the financial measures came before the Council they would be given ample time to consider them.

The cure for the present depression, he thought, was to be found in the spirit exhibited by those who had outfitted for the sealfishery. AIf we can get the same spirit of adventure,@ Hon. Mr. Currie said, Ainto [more] branches of business, then the cure was certain.@ As to the cure of codfish, he thought that Newfoundlanders should recognize that they were preparing an

article of food, and not merely an

article of commerce. Fish must be put up in a form that will be fit for human consumption if we are to [sell] for better prices. On motion of the Hon. Sir John R. Bennett, K.B.E., seconded by the Hon. Mr. Currie: Ordered: that a Select Committee be appointed to draft an Address to His Excellency the Governor in Reply to his Gracious Speech at the opening of the present Session of the Legislature. Ordered: That the Hon. Sir John R. Bennett, Hons. Messrs. Currie, Sinnott, Job and Capt. Randell be a Committee for that purpose.

The Hon. the President informed the H ouse that he had received the following communication from Government House: Government House St. John =s, Newfoundland 7 January, 1933. Sir, I have the honour by direction of the Administrator of the Government to inform you that His Excellency has granted leave of absence from the Legislative Council to the Honourable D. A. Ryan for the coming Session of the Legislature. I have the honour to be,

Legislative Council, April 11, 1933 558 Sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) Geo. R. Cake, for Private Secretary. The Honourable the President, Legislative Council Government House St. John =s, Newfoundland 8 March, 1933 Sir, I have the honour by direction of the Governor to inform you that His Excellency has granted a leave of absence to the Honourable G. A. Bartlett for a month or six weeks.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) Hugh Robinson Private Secretary The Honourable the President, Legislative Council On motion made the House adjourned until Wednesday, the 19th day of April instant, at 3:30 p.m. 171 171 AHon. F. MacNamara moving the adjournment of the house, congratulated the five new members on their appointment, and the President putting the motion joined in the congratulations, and also on behalf of the Council, extended a hearty welcome to His Excellency the Governor and Lady Anderson.@

Legislative Council, April 19, 1933 559 Wednesday, April 19, 1933 Present: The Honourable M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President. The Hon. the President declared the House adjourned until to-morrow, Thursday, the 20th instant, at 3:30 p.m., for want of a quorum.

Legislative Council, April 20, 1933 560 Thursday, April 20, 1933 Present: The Honourable M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President. The Hon. the President declared the House adjourned until to-morrow, Friday, the 21st instant, at 3:30 p.m., for want of a quorum.

Legislative Council, April 21, 1933 561 Friday, April 21, 1933 Present: The Honourable M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President. The Hon. the President declared the House adjourned until Tuesday, the 25th instant, at 3:30 p.m., for want of a quorum.

Legislative Council, April 25, 1933 562 Tuesday, April 25, 1933172 Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. The Minutes of Tuesday, April 11, Wednesday , April 19, Thursday, April 20, and Friday, April 21, were read and confirmed. The Hon. Sir John R.

Bennett, from the Select Committee appointed to prepare an Address in Reply to the Speech of His Excellency the Gover nor, reported a Draft of the same, which was received and read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President: The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Law Respecting to Innkeepers@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 22 Geo. V,

Chapter 13, entitled AAn Act Relating to the Memorial University College, St. John=s=@; AAn Act to Amend the Judicature Act@; and AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years,@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter, Speaker, House of Assembly, April 20, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bill sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Law Respecting Innkeepers@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 22 Geo. V,

Chapter 13, entitled >An Act Relating to the Memorial University College, St. John =s=@; AAn Act to Amend the Judicature Act@; and AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years,@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the Hous e that the following communication had been received from Government House: The Governor has the honour to communicate to the Honourable Legislative Council the appointment of the Commissioners of Internal Economy of the Legislature in accordance with the 172 Extracts taken from The Evening Telegram, April 26, 1933.

Legislative Council, April 25, 1933 563 provisions of

Section 4,

Chapter 7, Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) as set forth in the accompanying certified copy of a Minute of the Honourable Executive Council approved on the 4th of April, 1933. Government House, St. John =s, Newfoundland, 11th April, 1933. Certified Copy of Minute of the Honourable Executive Council Approved By His Excellency the Governor on the 4th April, 1933 April 4, 1933 Under the provisions of

Chapter 7,

Section 4, Consolidated Statutes, AOf the Internal Economy of the Legislature,@ it was ordered that the following shall be the Commission of Internal Economy of the Legislature, namely: Honourable the President of the Legislative Council Honourable F. McNamara Honourable Sir John R. Bennett, K.B.E. The Speaker of the House of Assembly The Secretary of State The Minister of Justice Mr. K. M. Brown Certified true copy. (Sgd.) Arthur Mews, Deputy Secretary of State. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to the Department of Labour@ and AAn Act Relating to the Department of Agriculture and Mines @ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter, Speaker, House of Assembly, April 21, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to the Department of Labour@ and AAn Act Relating to the Department of Agriculture and Mines @ were read a first time and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the Hous e that the following communication had been received by the Clerk:

Legislative Council, April 25, 1933 564 82 Cochrane Street, 14th April Dear Mr. Puddester, Will you kindly convey to the Members of the Legislative Council our gratitude to them for their sympathy in our recent bereavement. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) Margaret A. Shea. The Hon. Mr. McNamara tabled: Report of the Board of Liquor Control for the Year Ending June 30, 1932. Report of the Department of the Assessor for the Year Ending December 31, 1932. Report of the Operations of the Newfoundland Railway for the Year Ending June 30, 1932. Moving adjournment, the Leader of the House, Hon. Mr.

McNamara, extended a welcome to Hon. Capt. Kean after an arduous trip to the icefields, voicing the regret of the House that he had not met with the usual success. Hon. Mr. McNamara expressed the hope that the Hon. Captain Kean would live to realize his ambition of making his total kill a million. Hon. Capt. Kean replying, pointed out that it was the first time in 44 years that he brought in such a small trip in numbers, and though disappointed, he had gained experience which will help in the next ten years to reach the million mark. He said he was not at all discouraged by the result of this trip.

The move he made had the approval of some of the most experienced seal hunters in the country, but he believed they had reason since to change their minds. He had one of the finest crews it was ever his job to command, and he was sorry for their sake as well as that of the country, that the results were not better. On motion made the House adjourned until to-morrow, Wednesday, the 26th instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, April 26, 1933 565 Wednesday, April 26, 1933173 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Tuesday, April 25th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Sir John R.

Bennett, the Address in Reply was read a second time, and Ordered: To be read a third time on to-morrow. A Bill relating to innkeepers was given second reading. Hon. F. McNamara explained that under the common law the innkeeper was liable for the value of goods belonging to the guest, and the present Act was for the purpose of limiting the liability to a sum not exceeding $150. The Bill gives the innkeeper the right to sell by public auction any goods or chattels left in the place in the event of the guest being indebted for board or lodging, but not before the goods are six weeks in custody.

It also provides for the keeping of a registry by the innkeeper. The Bill affords protection to innkeepers who very often under the old act are victimized. The Bill to permit the export of pitprops by or for the railway during the present and coming fiscal years also passed second reading. The Bill to amend the Judicature Act passed second reading. This Act deals with the Resealing of British, Dominion and Colonial probates and letters of administration, and brings our law in line with most of the Empire by providing that we can extend the privilege of resealing to any Empire court.

A Bill to prevent the Memorial College lands being taken for street or other purposes by the municipality passed second reading. A Bill relating to the Department of Labour was given second reading. Hon. F. McNamara explaining the purpose of the Bill, pointed out that in the case of a strike or lockout it will be found invaluable to have a department head acting for the government in disputes that may arise from time to time in the labour market. Hon. K. M. Brown, who will be in charge of this department, is intimately acquainted with labour conditions in Newfoundland.

Within the past year two strikes were averted and three wage disputes amicably settled, Mr. 173 Extracts taken from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, April 27 and 28, 1933.

Legislative Council, April 26, 1933 566 Brown taking a prominent

part in the deliberations leading up to these adjustments. He believed that without the tact and good judgement displayed by Mr. Brown in these disputes, that the government and the country would likely have witnessed the cessation or possibly the shut down of one or more of our large labour giving enterprises. This new department will cost about $5,000 to maintain, which is a very small amount compared with the good it can do in preventing strikes or lockouts, and no doubt this office will justify itself and save its expenses many times over in the course of time.

A Bill relating to the Department of Agriculture and Mines came up for second reading. Hon. F. McNamara pointed out that the country could not possibly hope to secure efficient service with this department associated with the Fisheries Department. The Agriculture and Mines Department calls for the full time attention of a permanent head, and the same thing applies to our Marine and Fisheries Department. Big developmen ts are expected in our Agriculture and Mines Department this year, and it will call for all the efforts of the Minister and his assistants to handle the large business anticipated.

With the contemplated new legislation in connection with our fisheries, and with the renewed effort that will be made this year to improve the cure of our staple product with a view to winning back our markets, we can look forward to activity in the Marine and Fisheries Department this season that will tax the capacity of the Minister and his staff to the fullest extent. With regard to cost the following figures ar e interesting: last year the amalgamated Agriculture and Mines and Marine and Fisheries Department cost the country $513,207.

This year the cost will be reduced $288,511, showing a saving of $224,696 with the divided departments. The total salaries under amalgamation were $65,912 or $5,418 per month. Separated, the total salaries are: Agriculture and Mines, $13,513, Marine and Fisheries, $36,520, a total of $50,033 or $4,170 per month. These figures show a saving of $1,248 per month, or $14,979 per annum in salaries alone. Ordered: to be committed on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to an Election in the District of Port de Grave in the Present Year@ and AAn Act to Amend the Postal Telegraphs Act,@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter, Speaker, House of Assembly, April 26, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to an Election in the District of Port de Grave in the Present Year@ was read a first time, and

Legislative Council, April 26, 1933 567 On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara and with the unanimous consent of the House, the House went into Committee on the said Bill. Hon. Mr. Milley in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was then read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same.

Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without Amendment. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Postal Telegraphs Act@ was read a first time, and Ordered to be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Respecting an Amendment to

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies=@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 18, Geo. V,

Chapter 11, entitled >An Act to Govern the Granting of Lands and Rights in Labrador=@; AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 111 of the Consolidated Statutes, 1916, entitled >Of the Registration of Deeds and Other Documents=@ and AAn Act in Relation to the Acceptance of Offices of Emolument under the Crown by Certain Members of the Present House of Assembly, @ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter, Speaker, House of Assembly, April 25, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, “An Act Respecting an Amendment to

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies=@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 18, Geo. V,

Chapter 11, entitled >An Act to Govern the Granting of Lands and Rights in Labrador=@; AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 111 of the Consolidated Statutes, 1916, entitled >Of the Registration of Deeds and Other Documents=@; and AAn Act in Relation to the Acceptance of Offices of Emolument under the Crown by Certain Members of the Present House of Assembly@ were read a first time, and Ordered: to be read a second time on to-morrow. In connection with the last named Bill, Hon. Frank Pike intimated that he was against the measure, though he would not strenuously oppose it. He expressed the opinion that the term,

Legislative Council, April 26, 1933 568 Amember elect,@ which was used in the Bill, was not correct inasmuch that having been elected and gazetted they were automatically members, and the fact that they had not taken the oath did not debar them from sitting in the House. His ch ief objection to the measure was that under the Disabilities Act the members had vacated their seats as they had continued in an office of emolument for longer than the six month period, and that in passing a Bill of this kind the House was taking away from the people the rights which were primarily theirs.

He objected also to the principle of passing an indemnifying measure where the statutes had been violated. Hon. Harold Macpherson was in concurrence with the principle which Mr. Pike had laid down, but he would not press for an election because of the cost to the country. He maintained, however, that the provisions of the Disabilities Bill, if they meant anything should be respected. Hon. R. B. Job, who the previous day had moved that the Bill be deferred, said he had done so merely to provide an opportunity for consideration, but that he himself was not opposed to it. Hon. Capt.

Kean thought that there was a material distinction between the case of the election in Port de Grave and the case of the Ministers of Labour and Fisheries, but he, too, thought that the Disabilities Bill should be respected. Hon. J. S. Currie , while agreeing with the principl e enunciated, pointed out that the circumstances which necessitated the Bill were unus ual. Ordinarily an election was held in November, but circumstances last year necessitated it taking place in June, and there was no possible expectation that the Legislature would meet within the six months period.

As a matter of fact it met even later than anticipated because of the e nquiry into our financial affairs by the Royal Commission, and the position was simply this, that the ministers in question either had to hold their offices or leave the departments without responsible heads. Under the circumstances he thought the Government were justified in requesting the gentlemen to retain their positions and in approaching this Legislature to justify this action. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bill entitled AAn Act Further to Amend >The Tourist Commission Act, 1927’@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, April 25, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend >The Tourist Commission Act, 1927’@ was read a first time, and Ordered: to be read a second time on to-morrow.

Messages were received from the House of Assembly stating that they had passed Bills relating to Agricultural Societies and the Keepi ng of Dogs, and asking the concurrence of the Council. These Bills were read a first time.

Legislative Council, April 26, 1933 569 On motion made the House adjourned until to-morrow, the 27th day of April instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, April 27, 1933 570 Thursday, April 27, 1933174 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Wednesday, April 26th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day and on motion of Hon. Sir J. R.

Bennett, Ordered: That the Address in Reply do now pass, and Ordered: That the said Address be engrossed and presented to His Excellency the Governor by a deputation of the Whole House. To His Excellency Admiral Sir David Murra y Anderson, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Colony of Newfoundland.

May It Please Your Excellency: We, the Legislative Council of Newfoundland in Session convened, beg leave to thank Your Excellency for the Gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of the Legislature. (Sgd.) M. P. Gibbs, President, Council Chamber, April 25, 1933. Pursuant to the Order of the Day and on moti on of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Law Relating to the Innkeepers.@ Hon. Sir M. G. Winter in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment.

Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years.@ 174 Extract taken from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, April 28, 1933.

Legislative Council, April 27, 1933 571 Hon. Sir T. K. Cook in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Judicature Act.@ Hon. Mr. Steer in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment.

Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 13, entitled >An Act Relating to the Memorial University College, St. John=s.=@ Hon. Mr. Davey in the Chair. Sir John Bennett asked what was the area or boundaries of the land apportioned to the College, as the Bill provided that the land was not to be used for a street or for any other purpose whatsoever. The Committee rose, reported progress, and was given leave to sit again to-morrow when the information sought will be given. After some time the House resumed.

The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again on to-morrow. Ordered: That the Report be received. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to the Department of Labour.@ Hon. Mr. Job in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went

Legislative Council, April 27, 1933 572 into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to the Department of Agriculture and Mines.@ Hon. Capt. Kean in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 35, Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Postal and Telegraph Services =@; AAn Act Respecting An Amendm ent to

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies=@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 18, Geo V,

Chapter 11, entitled >An Act to Govern the Granting of Lands and Rights in Labrador=@; AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 111 of th e Consolidated Statutes, 1916, entitled >Of the Registration of Deeds and Other Documents=@; AAn Act in Relation to the Acceptance of Offices of Emolument Under the Crown by Certain Members of the Present House of Assembly@; and AAn Act Further to Amend >The Tourist Commission Act, 1927’@ were read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to Agricultural Societies@ and AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V, (First Session)

Chapter 11, entitled >An Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs=@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, April 26, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bills sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Agricultural Societies@ and AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V, (First Session) entitled >An Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs=@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. On motion made the House adjourned until to-morrow, the 28th day of April instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, April 28, 1933 573 Friday, April 28, 1933175 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; John Davey; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. The Minutes of Thursday, April 27th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Law Relating to the Innkeepers@; AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years@; AAn Act to Amend the Judicature Act@; AAn Act Relating to the Department of Labour@; and AAn Act Relating to the Department of Agriculture and Mines@ were read a third time and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bills be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment.

Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 13, entitled >An Act Relating to the Memorial University College, St. John=s.=@ The Hon. Mr. Davey in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 35, Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Postal and Telegraph Services.=@ The Hon. Mr. Sinnott in the Chair. In committee of the Whole House on the Bill relating to the Postal Telegraph Service, Hon. Sir Tasker Cook objected to the franking privileges being granted to members of the Assembly all the year through. He thought the privilege might be abused. Hon. Mr. McNamara pointed out that the Bill permits franking only for official purposes. 175 Extracts taken from The Evening Telegram, April 29, 1933.

Legislative Council, April 28, 1933 574 Last year he had opposed the franking privileges, but since [then] he had learned of the huge volume of correspondence which members received, and he had altered his opinion. The time alone which it occupies to answer this correspondence was a great tax on a member=s business. Hon. Sir Tasker Cook suggested that a limit should be put to the amount of mail to be franked, and this could be done by issuing to the member a designated number of stamps. Hon. Mr.

Monroe said he sympathized with the members of Parliament in their volume of correspondence, and he did not see why the privilege should not be for all the year around, as the correspondence is all the year around. He, however, objected to the wording Apublic business@ as being capable of wide meaning, and might even include newspaper clippings of a political nature. He suggested a more restricted term such as Aon members= district matters.@ Hon. Capt. Kean said he believed the franking privilege was as old as the Legislature.

His objection to the Bill was that it made chalk of one and cheese of another in not granting the privileges to the Legislative Council. He was pr epared to support the Bill if the privilege was extended to the Legislative Council. Hon. Capt. Randell agreed with Hon. Mr. Monroe=s contention that the wording Aon public business@ should be restricted so that the privilege could not be abused. Considering the reductions made in the salaries of the members of the Assembly, he though it only fair that they should have the privilege all the year around. Hon. F. McNamara in reply to Hon. Capt.

Kean, said he did not think it was in keeping with the dignity of the Legislative Council to enact th at the privileges should extend to that body. In regard to the House of Assembly, he pointed out that the L.D.A., only formed one year, had been given the privilege, and he did not see why the House of Assembly which had been in existence for 100 years should be deprived of the privilege. Hon. R. B. Job said the main thing was to provide against abuse of the privilege. He was in accord with the suggestion made by Sir Tasker Cook. After some time the House resumed.

The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress, and asked leave to sit again on to-morrow. Ordered: That the Report be received. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act Respecting an Amendment to

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies.=@ The Hon. Mr. O=Dea in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 18, Geo. V,

Chapter 11,

Legislative Council, April 28, 1933 575 entitled >An Act to Govern the Granting of Lands and Rights in Labrador.=@ The Hon. Mr. Macpherson in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 111 of the Consolidated Statutes, 1916, entitled >Of the Registration of Deeds and Other Documents.=@ The Hon. Mr. Monroe in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act in Relation to the Acceptance of Offices of Emolument Under the Crown by Certain Members of the Present House of Assembly.@ The Hon. Sir J. R.

Bennett in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. On motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was then read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act Further to Amend >The Tourist Commission Act, 1927.=@ The Hon. Mr. Pike in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow.

Legislative Council, April 28, 1933 576 Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Agricultural Societies@ and AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V, (First Session)

Chapter 11, entitled ‘An Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs=@ were read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. In reference to the Agricultural Societies Bill, Hon. F. McNamara said that this was an earnest attempt on the part of the Government to assist agriculture. He pointed out that 50,000 barrels of potatoes were imported annually, as well as large quantities of other produce which could be raised locally. He hoped that with the new agricultural societies and the L.D.A. local production would increase and the imports decrease. In reference to the Dog Act, Hon. H.

Macpherson pointed out that in the 1931 Act provision had been made for keeping pedigreed Newfoundland dogs, but instructions sent to magistrates by the Department of Agriculture destroyed the effect of the Act, and allowed other than pedigree dogs to be kept. He said there was a great demand for pedigreed Newfoundland dogs, and hundreds could be sold at $50 each if good ones could be secured. On motion made the House adjourned until Tu esday, the 2nd day of May instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, May 1, 1933 577 Monday, May 1, 1933176 At 3:40 the House met. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. At 3:45 p.m.

His Excellency the Governor, Admiral Sir David Murray Anderson, having arrived at the Council Chamber, and being seated on the Throne, commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, through the Honourable the Presid ent of the Legislative Council, to let the Honourable House of Assembly know: AIt is His Excellency=s pleasure they attend him immediately in this House.@ Who, being come thereto with their Speaker, His Excellency was pleased to give his assent to the following Bills, entitled, respectively:

An Act Relating to an Election in the District of Port de Grave in the Present Year.

An Act Relating to the Department of Agriculture and Mines.

An Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years.

An Act Relating to the Department of Labour.

An Act to Amend the Law Respecting the Innkeepers.

An Act to Amend the Judicature Act.

An Act in Relation to the Acceptance of Offices of Emolument under the Crown by Certain Members of the Present House of Assembly. After His Excellency had retired, the Hon. K. M. Brown and John Stone and Mr. Ernest Gear were sworn in by a Commission appointed for that purpose, consisting of the President of the Council, Hon. M. P. Gibbs, Hon. S. Milley, and Hon. F. McNamara. On motion made the House adjourned until to -morrow, Tuesday, the second day of May instant, at 3:30 p.m. 176 Extract taken from The Daily News, May 2, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 2, 1933 578 Tuesday, May 2, 1933177 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Friday, April 28th, and of Monday, May 1st, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 13, entitled >An Act Relating to the Memorial University College, St. John=s=@; AAn Act Respecting an Amendment to

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies=@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 18, Geo. V,

Chapter 11, entitled >An Act to Govern the Granting of Lands and Rights in Labrador=@; AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 111 of the Consolidated Statutes, 1916, entitled >Of the Registration of Deeds and Other Documents =@; and AAn Act Further to Amend >The Tourist Commission Act, 1927’@ were read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bills be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 35, Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Postal and Telegraph Services.’@ The Hon. Mr. Sinnott in the Chair. Hon. Mr. Monroe moved an amendment to the

section dealing with the franking privileges of the House of Assembly by striking out the words Aon public business@ and substituting therefor Apertaining to district matters only.@ Hon. Sir Marmaduke Winter said he was sorry that the

section should be interfered with. The matter had been given grave consideration by the other Chamber. It concerned the members only, and amending the

section appeared to him like a reflection on them. Hon. Mr. Ayre thought that the

section as it stood opened the door to the abuse which prevailed in the past. He recalled that in the debate on the subject in the Chamber last year, instances were given of the privilege having been abused time and time again, even to the extent of sending out bills. He believed nine-tenths of the members of the present House would not abuse the 177 Extracts taken from The Evening Telegram and The Daily News, May 3, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 2, 1933 579 privilege, but if one day someone did abuse the privilege it would become contagious. He favoured a specific allowance of money to cover postage. Hon. Mr. Currie thought that the amendment suggested by Mr. Monroe was in line with the wishes of the members of the Lower House themselves, who obviously desired to have the privilege restricted to letters of a purely official character. The fact that a law might be abused did not necessarily mean that it was wrong. Some of the best laws on the Statute Books are constantly violated. Hon. Mr.

Job pointed out that all were agreed on granting the privilege, and the only desire was to prevent its abuse. He thought this could be done by an allocation of stamps. Sir John Bennett thought it would be a real hardship if members who were conscientiously looking after their districts had to pay postage on their correspondence. He felt that the privilege should be circumscribed, and therefore seconded the amendment made by Mr. Monroe. Sir Tasker Cook felt that his suggestion at the previous session of an allocation of stamps would meet the situation, was agreeable to the amendment made by Hon. Mr. Monroe. The

section with the amendment was then r ead and passed and the Bill was set for third reading on to-morrow. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill with some amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. Ordered: That the said Bill as amended be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Agricultural Societies.@ The Hon. Mr. Milley in the Chair. The Council then went into Committee on the Bill relating to Agricultural Societies.

The question of the powers conferred upon these societies was raised by Hon. Mr. Bennett, who pointed out that they were given full charters of incorporation and yet there was no financial provision in the Bill. He saw some danger in these agricultural societies incurring financial obligations which they may not be able to meet. The Hon. President explained that under the Companies Act, provision was made for such organizations and thought there was nothing in the Bill before the House to which there could be any objection. Hon. Mr.

Cook supported the measure, pointed out th at there were already agricultural societies in existence, and that the measure mere ly encouraged the establishment of others which would give people an opportunity of getting together and discussing their problems, and perhaps providing themselves with various breeds of cattle, steers, etc. He saw no danger in the Bill. Hon. Mr. Currie understood that the object of the Bill was to stimulate the development of the community spirit, and anything of that nature should be encouraged.

Legislative Council, May 2, 1933 580 After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V, (First Session), entitled >An Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs.=@ The Hon. Mr. Currie in the Chair. The Council then went into Committee on the Act relating to the Keeping of Dogs.178 Hon. Capt.

Randell thought that the time of the House should not be wasted in the passing of laws which would prove of no avail. There were already too many laws on the Statute Book. Furthermore, he thought that there was no possibility that the people on the Labrador would know what was happening and yet ignorance of the law did not excuse them. The Hon. Leader for the Government, Mr. McNamara, thought the Bill was specific enough and reminded the Hon. Member that it was not the duty of the Government to see that the people were acquainted with every law that was placed on the Statute Book.

He thought that there might be something in the contention of the Hon. Gentleman that there were too many laws. Hon. Capt. Kean agreed that there were too many laws on the Statute Book and cited one or two relating to the sealing industry as samples thereof. Hon. Mr. Macpherson concurred and pointed out that there was no advantage in passing laws if they were to be nullified by the action of the various departments, again citing the Dog Act of 1931 whose provisions were nullified by the instructions issued by the Department of Agriculture and Mines. After some time the House resumed.

The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to the Newfoundland Hotel@ and AAn Act Relating to Forest Fires@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A.

Winter 178 The Bill provided for the extension of the Dog Act to Labrador.

Legislative Council, May 2, 1933 581 Speaker, House of Assembly, May 1, 1933. On motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara th e Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to the Newfoundland Hotel@ and AAn Act Relating to Forest Fires@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. On motion made the House adjourned until Friday, the 5th of May instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, May 5, 1933 582 Friday, May 5, 1933179 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Tuesday, May 2nd, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 35, Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Postal and Telegraph Services =@ was read a third time, and pa ssed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same with some amendment and requesting concurrence therein. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to Agricultural Societies@ and AAn Act to Amend the Act 22 Geo. V (First Session)

Chapter 11, entitled >An Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs=@ were read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: that the said Bills be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to the Newfoundland Hotel @ and AAn Act Relating to Forest Fires@ were read a second time, and Ordered: to be Committed on to-morrow.

The Newfoundland Hotel Bill which places the hotel under the management of a Board of Directors, gives the Controller of the Treasury ge neral supervision over its financial affairs, and provides that its surpluses or deficits shall be pa id into or out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, was read a second time. Moving the second reading Hon. Mr. McNamara gave a brief history of the building since its erection in 1926 by Messrs. T. E. Rousseau of Quebec for the Newfoundland Hotel Facilities, Ltd. The contract price of the building and equipment was $707,000.

The inevitable extras brought the total cost to over $1,000,000. This without the site, which was furnished free by the government of the day. Part of the financing of the Company was the issue of $450,000 in first mortgage 6 per cent 179 Extract from The Daily News, May 6, 1933, p. 5.

Legislative Council, May 5, 1933 583 bonds guaranteed as to principal and interest by the Government of Newfoundland. The Facilities Company paid a total of $3,500 as interest and sinking fund on the bonds B the Government being called upon to make good the deficits as payments fell due. The builders, Rousseau and Company went into insolvency in 1927, and the Royal Bank of Canada, as agents for the Montreal Trust Company, who held the Hotel Company=s bonds as security for advances made to Rousseau called upon the Government to make good their guarant ee.

In November 1930, the Montreal Trust Company started foreclosure proceedings and the Facilities Company went into liquidation. The hotel was advertised for sale in the New York Times, the Financial Post, and our local dailies, and no offer being received, the Supreme Court appointed Rt. Hon. Sir William F. Lloyd, Registrar of the Supreme Court, as liquidator. The Government subsequently bought in the building to protect its interests. The liquidator comp leted his duties on November 30, 1931, and the hotel passed into complete control of the Government from that date. Mr. B. B.

Stafford has been in charge of the hotel since the retirement of Mr. Quick in September 1930. Last September the Government a ppointed a board of directors to control the affairs of the hotel. And it may be of interest to add that the directors are giving their time and service without fee or emolument and with the sole wish and desire of putting this enterprise on a paying basis. It has been the policy of the dir ectors since their appointment to curtail operating expenses so as to decrease the deficit to the lowest possible figure consistent with the hotel =s standard of efficiency and service.

Since their taking office in September, economies have been effected, resulting in operating cost as follows: Expenses: 1931 1932 October............................................................................................$7,773.21 5,399.75 November..........................................................................................6,961.59 5,123.64 December ..........................................................................................6,192.21 5,153.78 1932 1933 January ..............................................................................................5,787.38 4,706.72 ------------------------------ $26,714.39 $20,383.89 These figures showing a saving of $6,330.50 for the four months operations under the new control.

Other economies and curtailments are under consideration which it is hoped will further improve the hotel=s position. The hotel, therefore, to some extent, as a parallel with the Railway, and has to be operated as a public utility, since the necessity of the Bill before us which I now move the second reading. The Bill relating to Forest Fires also was gi ven a second reading. The Bill prevents the lighting of fires for land clearing near any woods without a permit.

It also gives power to the Chief Ranger, Magistrates, Justices of the Peace and constables, in case of a forest fire, to call upon people in the vicinity to assist in extinguishing same, and this to be done without payment. Refusal to obey such a summons is punishable by a fine of not less than five and not more than one hundred dollars. Explaining the Bill, Hon. Mr. McNamara pointed out that the original Forest Fires Act was

Legislative Council, May 5, 1933 584 passed in 1905 when three wardens were appointed. During the intervening 28 years approximately 15,000 fires have been extinguished, with the a nnual number of wardens averaging 33. During recent years there has been a strong belief that many of the fires were of incendiary origin, that they were deliberately started for the purpose of getting work, and last year a stop was put to payment. As a result, the annual expenditure dropped from $20,000 to $200. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to the Customs,@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 3, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to the Customs@ was read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. On motion made the House adjourned until Wednesday, the 10th day of May instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, May 10, 1933 585 Wednesday, May 10, 1933180 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; F. McNamara; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Friday, May 5th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to the Newfoundland Hotel.@ Hon. Mr.

Steer in the Chair. Hon. Mr. Job had been glad to hear from the Leader for the Government of the efforts that had been made towards the reduction of expenditure in the operation of the hotel. This was very creditable and he hoped that still further reduction would take place, and the hotel reach a paying basis. He had been living at the hotel for two years and could testify to the fact that its efficiency had not suffered by the reduced expenditure. It was very pleasing to live at the hotel and the courtesy of the staff had been wonderful.

He hoped the time would shortly [come] when the directors would be able to balance the budget. It was gratifying to notice that the directors were patriotic and not receiving any remuneration for their work. It was not very reasonable, however, to expect people to do work of this kind for a long time without remuneration, and there was nothing in the Bill to say how long they should or should not perform these duties without fees. Hon. Mr. McNamara said it was not the intention to pay the directors any fees until the hotel had been placed on a paying basis.

In reply to another question he stated that the present indebtedness was $20,000 and it was anticipated that for the next few months the loss would be from $500 to $700 a month. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to Forest Fires.@ Hon. Mr.

Milley in the Chair. 180 Extracts taken from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, May 11, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 10, 1933 586 Hon. Mr. Ayre , referring to

Section 7, which compels residents of the community to extinguish any fires in their neighbourhood, said this was a new feature where the responsibility of the individual for the welfare of the community was recognized. He regarded it as a very helpful sign, for if Newfoundland is to come back it will not be through governments, but through the efforts of the individual and the binding together of the community for the common good. Hon. Mr. Pike expressed his agreement with the section, but thought that provision should be made to compensate those who had their clothes destroyed in fire fighting. An amendment was made to

Section 4 extending the time during which permits for lighting fires must be obtained from October to December. The

section now reads: AEvery person setting, between the 15th day of April and the 1st day of December, any fire to clear land for agricultural and building purposes, shall first obtain the written pe rmission of the Minister, or of any person authorized by the Minister to issue burning permits.@ An obvious blunder having occurred in the copy of an amendment which had been made in the Lower House, the Committee rose until further enquiries were made. The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress, and asked leave to sit again.

Ordered: That the Report be received. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to the Customs @ was read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. Hon. Mr. McNamara, explaining the provisions of the Bill said: AThe law relating to the Customs Act does not deal with tariff or taxes as one may suppose, but with the modes and arrangements for the collection of customary duties.

This Bill before us comprises the old Customs Act of 1916 with amendments passed between the years 1916 and 1932, and will contain such new amendments as are now proposed for this year. The 1916 Act itself was apparently the accu mulation of many acts since 1898, and was poorly framed, without system and difficult to understand, and the necessity for the present consolidation was felt for some time. I venture to state that no one except the Deputy Minister of Customs really knew where to find the different items in it without a good deal of labour and study.

Accordingly the Act has been carefully studied and gone over B the sections assorted and brought under proper headings, after which the wordi ng of the different sections was altered and revised whenever found necessary. This task involved a good deal of legal and detail work and as a result it is felt that the new

Legislative Council, May 10, 1933 587 act will not be confusing but on the contrary simplified and much easier to follow and interpret. There are 274 sections in this Act, covering 81 pages but the number of material amendments is not great.@ Sub-sections 2, 3, 4, 5, of

Section 99 are interesting and are framed to prevent the practices of rum-runners which enter ports on the West Coast, ostensibly in distress, to get their orders, go out and subsequently land their spirits on our coasts. The system in vogue in Canada has now been adopted. Under this system the ship bringing spirits must land them, after which they can be entered outwards only for export to some sp ecific port or place, and only in a vessel of 200 tons or over. This would prevent the spirits going out again in small rum-runners of 20 or 30 tons and in packets.

A rum-runner entering, say, Port aux Basques, would have to ship all goods overland to St. John=s and ship them out again by steamer to St. Pierre before he could again obtain possession of them. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legi slative Council that they have passed the amendments sent down in and upon the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 35 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Postal and Telegraph Services =@ without amendment. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly May 9, 1933. On motion made the House adjourned until Monday, the 15th day of May instant, at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Council, May 15, 1933 588 Monday, May 15, 1933181 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kr., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. C ook, Kt.; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. The Minutes of Wednesday, May 10th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to the Newfoundland Hotel @ was read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Forest Fires.@ Hon. Mr. Milley in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill with some amendment.

Ordered: That the report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill, as amended, be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to the Customs.@ Hon. Mr. Milley in the Chair. Hon. Mr. Job drew attention to

Section 126 relating to drawbacks on material allowed in for manufacture and re-exported. Hitherto it has been difficult to secure such a drawback, with the result that it was frequently impossible for the locally manufactured goods to compete with those of other countries. He understood that the Government has adopted the policy of allowing 98 per cent rebate of the duty actually paid and he hoped this was true. Hon. Mr. McNamara thought this was the case, but would make definite enquiries. In reference to

Section 45, Hon. J. R. Bennett pointed out a case where goods from another country purchased in the U.S.A., in U.S. currency, in bond, where the importer not alone had to pay 181 Extracts from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, May 16, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 15, 1933 589 the duty on the American exchange but also had to pay on the American rate of duty. Hon. Captain Kean raised the question of goods coming by way of Port aux Basques for such places as Greenspond and having to be sent here for examination, thus costing the owner additional transportation. He could not see why goods did not go direct to the places of destination and there be examined, particularly where there was a Customs warehouse in the town. He thought it was manifestly unfair and the practice should be amended. Hon.

Sir John Bennett recalled that this matter had come up several times while he was in office, and that the reason given by the Customs was that it was more convenient to bring goods on here to St. John=s. In connection with the sections dealing w ith the re-exportation of liquor, and which are placed in the Act for the purposes of preventing smuggling and rum-running on the coast, and which further provide that liquor landed from a schooner shall only be re-exported through St. John=s and in a vessel of not less than 200 tons, Hon. Mr.

Pike thought that this was discriminating against the outports and that re-exportation should be permitted in vessels of 100 tons. These would not be rum-runners because that work was generally done by smaller schooners. Hon. Sir John Bennett was of the opinion that permitting liquor to be stored in this country for re-export was a mistake and should be discontinued altogether. The small amount of money which the country got as revenue wasn=t worth the trouble. It gave the country a bad name and has been a source of annoyance and worry to the police ever since the bond stores have been established here.

Last year during the riots these bond stores were a serious menace to the town and he thought the whole thing should be canceled. Hon. Captain Kean pointed out that the sections under discussion were hard on the smuggler and that was what was wanted. Dealing with the penalty clauses, the Hon. C. P. Ayre said the new Act, which provides for confiscation, was a move in the right direction. During recent years there have been numerous cases where an importer was allowed to get off by paying additional duty or some nominal sum.

He ran no risk in seeking to evade duties, because if he were found out he would only lose what he would legally have to pay. Under the new Act he will not only have to pay duty but will lost all his goods as well. Reading through the Bill he was struck with its great fairness, but recognized the difficulty of enforcing the sections fearlessly. There would have to be a great deal of public opinion behind the Act and the best of men in the Customs Department. After some time the House resumed.

The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress, and asked leave to sit again. Ordered: That the Report be received. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bill entitled AAn Act to Confirm Certain Temporary Loans,@ in which they request the concurrence of the

Legislative Council, May 15, 1933 590 Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 10, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Confirm Certain Temporary Loans@ was read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act in Relation to the Ratification of a Guarantee of Certain Borrowings by the St. John=s Municipal Council@ and AAn Act to Ratify Certain Agreements Relating to Mining Concessions in Labrador,@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 11, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act in Relation to the Ratification of a Guarantee of Certain Borrowings by the St.

John =s Municipal Council@ and AAn Act to Ratify Certain Agreements Relating to Mining Concessions in Labrador@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to Corporations and Institutions Guaranteed or Subsidized by the Government@ and AAn Act in Relation to the Amendment of the Loan Act 1932 (22 Geo. V,

Chapter 32)@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 12, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act Relating to Corporations and Institutions Guaranteed or Subsidized by the Government @ and AAn Act in Relation to the Amendment of the Loan Act 1932 (22 Geo. V,

Chapter 32)@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow.

Legislative Council, May 15, 1933 591 The Hon. the President informed the House that His Excellency the Governor would receive the Address in Reply to his Speech at the openi ng of the present Session of the Legislature on Wednesday, the 17th day of May instant, at 3 p.m. On motion made the House adjourned until Wedne sday, the 17th day of May instant, at 3 o =clock p.m.

Legislative Council, May 17, 1933 592 Wednesday, May 17, 1933182 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; Sir T. K. Cook, Kt.; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; F. Pike; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Monday, May 15th, were read and confirmed.

At 3 p.m. the House proceeded to Government House with the Address in Reply to the Speech of His Excellency the Governor. At 3:30 p.m. the House having returned, the Hon. the President reported that His Excellency had been pleased to receive the said Address in Reply and return an answer thereto in the following words: Mr. President and Honourable Members of the Legislative Council: I thank you for your Address in Reply to the Speech with which your present Session was opened. (Sgd.) D. Murray Anderson, Admiral, Governor. Government House, St. John =s, Newfoundland 17 May, 1933.

Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Forest Fires@ was read a third time, as amended, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same with some amendment and requesting concurrence therein. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Confirm Certain Temporary Loans@; AAn Act in Relation to the Ratification of a Guarantee of Certain Borrowings of the St. John=s Municipal Council@; AAn Act to Ratify Certain Agreements Relating to Mining Concessions in Labrador @; AAn Act Relating to Corporations and Institutions Guaranteed or Subsidized by the Government @; and AAn Act in Relation to the Amendment of the Loan Act 1932 (22 Geo. V,

Chapter 32)@ were read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. 182 Extract taken from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, May 18, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 17, 1933 593 Hon. F. McNamara , Leader for the Government, explained the purpose of the Bill to confirm certain temporary loans. [He] said these loans were originally raised in 1931 and 1932 under

Section 8 of the Audit Act and, in some cases, when not repaid, were further renewed by temporary loans under the Audit Act. But loans under this Act are limited to six months. In 1931 one of the bank=s solicitors raised the question as to whether a loan could lawfully be raised under the Audit Act for the purpose of paying off a temporary loan formerly raised under the same Act, and to satisfy him an amendment of the Audit Act was made at the 1932 session.

He was still not satisfied with the amendment, and a slight further amendment is proposed this year which will now satisfy him, although the Justice Department did not agree with him that last year=s amendment failed to cover the point. The present Bill gives a statutory basis to these loans so they will now become demand loans resting on this Act, instead of six mont h loans resting on the powers of the Governor-in- Council under the Audit Act.

The loans, amounting to $5,925,000, are as follows: Bank of Montreal, $2,993,500; Bank of Nova Scotia, $1,608,825; Royal Bank of Cana da, $1,035,275; Canadian Bank of Commerce, $287,400. The other Bill, amending the Loan Act of 1932, merely provides that an amount in excess of $180,000, which was set aside to purchase bonds, be devoted to cover deficits. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to the Customs.@ Hon. Mr. Milley in the Chair.

After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Act 22 Geo. V,

Chapter 12 (The Health and Public Welfare Act, 1931)@; AAn Act Further to Amend the Crown Lands Act, 1930”; and AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 216 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Employment of Men Engaged in Logging,=@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 16, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend

Legislative Council, May 17, 1933 594 the Act 22 Geo. V,

Chapter 12 (The Health and Public Welfare Act, 1931) @; AAn Act Further to Amend the Crown Lands Act, 1930”; and AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 216 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Employment of Men Engaged in Logging, =@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr. President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Act 20, Geo. V,

Chapter 9, entitled >An Act to Provide for the Creation of a Public Utilities Commission and for the Investigation of Prices and Rates Charged to the Public =@; AAn Act Relating to Justices of the Peace @; and AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Respecting th e Encouragement of Shipbuilding, @ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 15, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Act 20, Geo. V,

Chapter 9, entitled >An Act to Provide for the Creation of a Public Utilities Commission and for the Investigation of Prices and Rates Charged to the Public=@; AAn Act Relating to Justices of the Peace @; and AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Respecting the Encouragement of Shipbuilding@ were read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. On motion made the House adjourned until Thursday, the 18th day of May instant, at 3:30 o=clock p.m.

Legislative Council, May 18, 1933 595 Thursday, May 18, 1933183 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O =Dea; Harold Macpherson; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Wednesday, May 17th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to the Customs@ was read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Confirm Certain Temporary Loans.@ Hon. Sir M. G. Winter in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment.

Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act in Relation to the Ratification of a Guarantee of Certain Borrowings of the St. John=s Municipal Council.@ Hon. Mr. Steer in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Ratify Certain Agreements Relating to Mining Concessions in Labrador.@ 183 Extracts taken from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, May 19, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 18, 1933 596 Hon. Mr. Milley in the Chair. The Committee of the Whole on the Bill to ratify certain agreements in relation to mining concessions in Labrador, passed the same with some amendments. The Bill provided that the agreement shall be deemed to have been broken by the licensee, if the licensee shall have failed to commence actual prospecting and exploring in the area before the 1st of July, 1933. The date is now amended to read before the 30th day of September. There was a brief discussion over the difference in the contract with Capt. Bondurant and Mr.

Cyril Duley, and the other licensees. It was pointed out that the former had, during the period of agreement (3 years), to spend not less than $15,000,

whereas the other licensees had to expend $5,000 within one year, a further $5,000 within two years, and another $5,000 within the three years. Hon. Mr. Job pointed out that giving one set of terms to one party and another set of terms to others was a bad principle to adopt. Hon. F. McNamara explained that Bondurant had been the pioneer in the discovery and had entered into a special contract with the government.

The other areas were taken up more or less as a speculation, and provision had to be made to have a specific amount expended on prospecting in the first year, otherwise the areas could be held for at least two years without any expenditure. In the case of Bondurant, he had already made an expenditure of $50,000. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill some amendments. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Corporations and Institutions Guaranteed or Subsidized by the Government.@ Hon. Mr. Davey in the Chair. There was some discussion regarding the scope of the Bill. It was pointed out that it might be awkward if firms such as were getting a bounty on the export of fish came within the scope of the Act. The committee was given leave to sit again. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress, and asked leave to sit again.

Ordered: That the Report be received.

Legislative Council, May 18, 1933 597 Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act in Relation to the Amendment of the Loan Act 1932 (22 Geo. V,

Chapter 32).@ Hon. Mr. Ayre in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the second reading of Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Act 22 Geo. V,

Chapter 12 (The Health and Public Welfare Act, 1931)@ and AAn Act Further to Amend The Crown Lands Act 1930” were deferred. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 216 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Employment of Men Engaged in Logging =@; AAn Act to Amend the Act 20, Geo. V,

Chapter 9, entitled >An Act to Provide for the Creation of a Public Utilities Commission and for the Investigation of Prices and Rates Charged to the Public=@; AAn Act Relating to Justices of the Peace@; and AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Respecting the Encouragement of Shipbuilding@ were read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. In relation to the Bill to amend the law respecting the encouragement of shipbuilding, Hon. Mr. McNamara pointed out that there is to be no bount y allowed for rebuilding old vessels as occurred in the old Act.

The bounty paid for rebuilding old vessels was found to be a mistake and it is decided [to] discontinue it, although old equipment, provided it is in good condition, may be used on a newly-built ship. There is a clause in this Act allowing a refund in duty and sales tax on motor engines and accessories used in a motor boat co mpletely built and equipped and certified by the Chief Inspector. According to the Bill, vessels are classified as A, B, and C. The A vessels receive a bounty of $30 per ton, same as last year. The B vessels receive a bounty of $25 per ton, same as last year.

The C vessels receive a bounty of $20 per ton, a reduction of $5 which will be no hardship on the builder. There is another clause in the sc hedule to the Act saying that vessels built for the seal fishery claiming the bounty must not be less than 100 tons nor more than 150 tons gross. With regard to the Bill relating to JPs, [Hon. Mr. McNamara] said the object of this Act is to use more discrimination in appointing JPs and to secure a better class of citizen for this position. Under the old system anyone with a political pull and a little influence was appointed a JP regardless of qualifications or standing.

There is a clause in the Act appointing a quota for each district, and means will be taken to prevent the appointment of JPs in a haphazard way. There is also a proviso for removal of a JP for misconduct or serious offense B heretofore this was not provided for. There

Legislative Council, May 18, 1933 598 is also a

section providing for temporary appointments in the case of emergency. On motion made the House adjourned until Friday, the 19th day of May instant, at 3 o=clock p.m.

Legislative Council, May 19, 1933 599 Friday, May 19, 1933184 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; Sir M. G. Winter, Kt., C.B.E.; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; J. V. O=Dea; Harold Macpherson; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie. The Minutes of Thursday, May 18th, were read and confirmed. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Confirm Certain Temporary Loans@; AAn Act in Relation to the Ratification of a Guarantee of Certain Borrowings of the St. John=s Municipal Council@ and AAn Act in Relation to the Amendment of the Loan Act, 1932 (22 Geo. V, Cap 32)” were read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bills be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Ratify Certain Agreements Re lating to Mining Concessions in Labrador @ was read a third time, as amended, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same with some amendment and requesting concurrence therein. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Corporations and Institutions Guaranteed or Subsidized by the Government.@ Hon. Mr.

Davey in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill with some amendments. Ordered: That the Report be received. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was then read a third time, as amended, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House 184 Extracts taken from The Evening Telegram, May 20, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 19, 1933 600 had passed the same with some amendments and requesting concurrence therein. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend

Chapter 216 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of the Employment of Men Engaged in Logging.=@ Hon. Capt. Kean in the Chair. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was then read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 20, Geo. V,

Chapter 9, entitled >An Act to Provide for the Creation of a Public Utilities Commission and for Investigation of Prices and Rates Charged to the Public.=@ Hon. Mr. Job in the Chair. Hon. Mr. Job thought it unfair that certain comm odities should be singled out for investigation. Hon. Mr. McNamara replied that there had been a lot of agitation regarding the prices of coal and salt and there was a feeling at large that there is a coal combine B at least all dealers charged the same price, and if there was nothing wrong about the prices there would not likely be an agitation about them.

He pointed out that the Bill was an amendment of the previous act. The Commission under the previous act held an investigation into the Browning-Harvey biscuit business and if they had a right to go into this company =s business they had a right to go into others. He pointed out that the Commission under the previous act had only power to report; the present Bill gives the Commission power to fix maximum prices. Hon. Mr. Job said we would not be surprised if they put prices up. Hon. Mr. Davey: And did not the price of biscuits go up? Hon. F. McNamara: I know that the biscuit companies are operating at a loss.

Hon. Mr. Monroe: If there is one business that has been beaten to pieces by competition it is the biscuit business. Hon. Capt. Kean said he was disappointed because other commodities were not included in the Bill. An

article that had been overlooked was fresh beef, on which there appeared to be enormous profits made. Hon. Mr. Ayre pointed out that a lot of statements had been made concerning the price of salt, coal and other articles which were only half-truths and a Bill such as was before them would afford an opportunity of getting at the truth. It would be absurd to include everything in the scope of the Bill. What the Government should do was to encourage competition, which was the great evener

Legislative Council, May 19, 1933 601 of prices and a great safeguard for the public. If the Government was going to protect the public it would also have to protect the seller. There were people who, obtaining credit, started business, began price cutting and then wound up in the insolvency court. He would not be surprised sometime to see a Bill brought in to prevent underselling. He thought a sound basis for the Government [would be] to leave business alone and let prices be regulated by competition. Hon. Mr.

Macpherson, referring to the method of fixing fire insurance rates, pointed out that whilst in Halifax he enquired into rates there. He found that the rate was half what it was for the lowest Water Street rate. Hon. Mr. Davey said the insurance companies were making big profits and not contributing proportionately to the revenue, and they were ta king the money out of the country. When taxed, they passed the buck to the policy-holder.

Regarding the price of biscuits, he pointed out that we had been getting good English biscuits, but when the local manufacturers shifted the competition they increased the price 5 cents. Hon. F. McNamara said [there was] no hardship in the Bill. If nobody was overcharging nothing would be done. Whether or not there was profiteering, everybody will admit that the price of coal is extremely high. Hon. Mr. Currie agreed with the position raised by Hon. Mr. Job, though he thought salt, which was a vital necessity in the prosecution of our major industry, was on a different footing than coal.

He thought there should be more publicity, and when the Commission enquired into the price of any commodity the finding should be made public. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received, and Ordered: That the said Bill be read a third time on to-morrow. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Justices of the Peace.@ Hon. Mr. Macpherson in the Chair. After some time the House resumed.

The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That the Report be received. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was then read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. On motion of Hon. Capt. Randell, the Committee stage of the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Respecting the Encouragement of Shipbuilding@ was deferred.

Legislative Council, May 19, 1933 602 Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bills sent up entitled, respectively, AAn Act to Amend the Act 22 Geo. V,

Chapter 12 (The Health and Public Welfare Act, 1931)@ and AAn Act Further to Amend the Crown Lands Act, 1930” were read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. Hon. Sir John Bennett questioned how the Secretary of State, Minister of Justice, Minister of Public Works and the Controller of the Treasury named in the [Health] Bill as the Bureau could find time necessary to such an important matter. He referred to the address recently given by Dr. Mosdell, and the appalling state of public health which the address disclosed.

He pointed out that the proper way to administer public health affairs was by the appointment of an outstanding man B one versed in all branches of public health. Such a man should have powers like the head of a public department. He thought it time that one or the other branches of the Legislature should see that something tangible was done. The Hon. the President informed the House that the following Message had been received from the House of Assembly: Mr.

President, The House of Assembly acquaint the Legisl ative Council that they have passed the Bills entitled, respectively, AAn Act Further to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 25, entitled >An Act Respecting the Export of Marine Shells from Labrador and the Islands Adjacent Thereto=@ and AAn Act Relating to Alcoholic Liquors,@ in which they request the concurrence of the Legislative Council. (Sgd.) J. A. Winter Speaker, House of Assembly, May 18, 1933. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 25, entitled >An Act Respecting the Export of Marine Shells from Labrador and the Islands Adjacent Thereto=@ was read a first time. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, and with unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was then read a second time, Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Relating to Alcoholic Liquors@ was read a first time, and Ordered: To be read a second time on to-morrow. On motion made the House adjourned until Monday, the 22nd day of May instant, at 3 o=clock p.m.

Legislative Council, May 22, 1933 603 Monday, May 22, 1933185 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The Honourables: M. P. Gibbs, K.C., President; S. Milley; J. J. Murphy; F. McNamara; F. H. Steer; John Davey; C. P. Ayre; R. B. Job; A. Kean; E. F. Sinnott; H. Macpherson; I. R. Randell; N. Andrews; W. S. Monroe; Sir John Bennett, K.B.E.; John S. Currie; W. J. Halley. The Minutes of Friday, May 19th, were read and confirmed. On motion of Hon. Mr. Job, the third reading of the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 20, Geo. V,

Chapter 9, entitled >An Act to Provide for the Creation of a Public Utilities Commission and for the Investigation of Prices and Rates Charged to the Public=@ was deferred.186 Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Law Respecting the Encouragement of Shipbuilding.@ Hon. Mr. Steer in the Chair. Hon. Capt. Randell raised the question of the sizes of timber to be used in the framing of the ships.

Neither in the old Act nor the present amendment were the sizes definitely stated, and he thought this omission would be remedied, as it is essential that the ships be strongly built. He had no desire to press the matter, and thought a suggestion made to the Minister of Marine and Fisheries might result in the Act being amended next session. He told of an enquiry into the loss of a sealer on which he had sat, where no one seemed to know the cause of the trouble, but he was satisfied that it was too light construction.

He suggested certain sizes for timbers to be used in the various classes of ships running from five to seven inches. 187 Hon. Mr. Monroe entirely agreed with the position taken by Captain Randell. He thought that surveyors, whose duty it is to inspect the ships in their various stages of construction, may have a regular

schedule which they apply even if it is not definitely in the Act. But this did not alter the fact, and the sizes should be included in the Bill; it would be a mistake to let the measure go through now without including the necessary amendments. 185 Extracts taken from The Daily News and The Evening Telegram, May 23, 1933. 186 “The Bill ... was deferred on motion of Hon. Mr. Job, who said that there had been sufficient discussion on the Bill to indicate that it should be modified. He asked that it be re-committed.” 187 AHon. Capt.

Randell pointed out that whilst the Bill gave specifications of the size of the planking to be used in vessels claiming the bounty, there were no specifications of sizes for timbering except in the case of motor vessels for the seal fishery. As fishing vessels carry no plimsol mark and were not restricted as regards loading, he thought they should be built as strongly as possible.@ Evening Telegram, May 23, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 22, 1933 604 Hon. Captain Randell, referring to the responsibility of the surveyors, said that they were but human, and if they found a ship in frame and the timbers were not quite up to the standard, they would probably not be inclined to force the builder to take the frame apart again. Such a possibility would be avoided if the Act were to particularize the size of the framing that had to be used. Hon. Captain Kean was heartily in accord with the poi nt raised by Captain Randell.

He reminded the House that in 1929 he opposed the Bill providing the bounty, and he had lived to see the position which he then maintained being accepted by those who formerly supported the bounty. He thought that because of the financial position of the country we were not justified in giving a bounty which, in his opinion, would not encourage shipbuilding. Our vessels were becoming a thing of the past, and as long as the fishermen did not find them a paying venture, they would not rebuild even for the sake of the bounty.

As proof of that he showed that while from 1925 to 1930 the average vessels built were from 77 to 42 tons, during the past three years only nine vessels had been built with an average of 31 tons. He pointed out that the fishermen were abandoning their schooners and settling on the [Labrador] coast, and that they were using the steamers more than ever, and furthermore he thought it was unfair that the fishermen should be taxed to provide a few people with vessels.

The building of more schooners for the seal fishery would be a mistake; the past season had proved that the weaker vessels could not compete at all with the larger steamers.188 Dealing with the seal fishery he was still of the opinion that there were millions of old seals to be got, even though the young ones might be fewer. With regard to the Gulf fishery, he thought that as far as the young seals were concerned they were nearly extinct. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress, and asked leave to sit again.

Ordered: That the Report be received. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up, entitled AAn Act to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 12 (The Health and Public Welfare Act, 1931).@ Hon. Mr. Job in the Chair. The Health and Public Welfare Bill, which went to committee stage, was also deferred. Hon. Mr. Currie questioned one or two sections which relieved logging contractors of the responsibility of providing bedding for the men, or of providing someone to look after the camps. On the face of it, it did not seem fair that the Company should be relieved of this responsibility, and the loggers, who were not largely paid, burdened with it.

If there was some reason for this amendment he would 188 AThe hard-pressed fishermen who did not own vessels were taxed to pay the bounty and he did not think this fair. Holding out a bounty for motor vessels to prosecute the seal fishery was absurd as long as the steam fleet was in existence.@ Evening Telegram, May 22, 1933.

Legislative Council, May 22, 1933 605 not object. Hon. Mr. Macpherson said he thought the amendment wa s due to the fact that winter logging had almost entirely disappeared, and there was no need of such clothing in the summer. The Leader of the House promised to make enquiries and the committee reported progress. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported that the Committee had considered the matter to them referred, had made some progress, and asked leave to sit again. Ordered: That the Report be received. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled AAn Act Further to Amend the Crown Lands Act, 1930.@ Hon. Sir J. R. Bennett in the Chair. Before the Bill passed, Hon. Mr. Job pointed out that a tremendous reversal of government policy had been adopted under

Section 10, wh erein it was now permissible to export unmanufactured wood B pitprops and pulpwood B from Labrador. He was not opposed to the export but he would like to know what revenue the government expected to get from it. Hon. the Leader of the Government said the permission was granted in order to provide employment during the depression. The permission could be rescinded at any time. After some time the House resumed. The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment. Ordered: That they Report be received. On motion of Hon. Mr.

McNamara, and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was read a third time, and passed, and The Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr. McNamara, the House went into Committee on the Bill sent up entitled, AAn Act Further to Amend the Act 22, Geo. V,

Chapter 25, entitled, >An Act Respecting the Export of Marine Shells from Labrador and the Islands Adjacent Thereto.=@ Hon. Capt. Kean in the Chair. After some time the House resumed.

Legislative Council, May 22, 1933 606 The Chairman reported the Bill without amendment.189 Ordered: That the Report be received. On motion of Hon. Mr. McNamara, and with the unanimous consent of the House, the said Bill was read a third time, and passed, and the Hon. the President signed the same. Ordered: That the said Bill be sent to the House of Assembly with a Message that this House had passed the same without amendment. Pursuant to the Order of the Day, and on motion of the Hon. Mr.

McNamara, the Bill sent up, entitled, AAn Act Relating to Alcoholic Liquors@ was read a second time, and Ordered: To be committed on to-morrow. The Alcoholic Liquors Act came up for a second reading and the amendments were explained by Hon. Mr. McNamara. Hon. Mr. Currie objected to one or two sections, which he said he could not support in their present form. One gave the Governor-in-Council pow er to establish beer and wine stores where desired throughout the country, without any request from the people themselves, and permitted sales by restaurants.

He thought that these should not be allowed to sell after 8 p.m. Under the Bill too much power was given to the Chairman. In explaining the Bill, Hon. Mr. McNamara pointed out that this Act is, in the main, a consolidation of the 1924 and 1929 Acts. The original Act of 1924 was very confused and illogical in construction, and the various sections in the Act before us have now been assigned and arranged under proper headings.

Section 2, page 1 B The definition of Awine@ has been amended with the assistance of the Government Analyst, and this amendment is merely technical. In Sub-section 12, page 14 B The number of persons necessary to carry a petition for the establishment of an outport branch has been reduced from 5,000 to 3,000, as the former figure was considered an almost impossible one. In Sub-section 21, page 6 B AVehicle@ has b