Debates of the Newfoundland House of Assembly, 1933

April 10, 1933 3 Monday, April 10, 1933 His Excellency Sir John Middleton, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of Newfoundland and its Dependencies, by His Proclamation, bearing date the sixth day of May last, having dissolved the late General Assembly; and His Excellency, Admiral David Murray Anderson, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Compani on of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in- Chief in and over Our said Colony of Newfoundland and its Dependencies, by His Proclamation, bearing date the twenty-eighth day of March, Anno Domini, Nineteen Hundred and Thirty-Three, having appointed Monday, the tenth day of April for the meeting of the said General Assembly for the dispatch of business, the following are the nam es of the Members returned by the Returning Officers of the several Electoral Districts to represent the said Districts in the General Assembly: Joseph Moore, Esquire, for the District of White Bay.

Roland G. Starkes, Esquire, for the District of Green Bay. Hon. Kenneth M. Brown, for the District of Grand Falls. Norman Gray, Esquire, for the District of Twillingate. Harold J. Earle, Esquire, for the District of Fogo. Hon. William C. Winsor, for the District of Bonavista North. Herman W. Quinton, Esquire, for the District of Bonavista South. Hon. John G. Stone, for the District of Trinity North. Hon. Harold Mitchell, for the District of Trinity South. Hon. John C. Puddester, for the District of Carbonear-Bay de Verde Hon. Harry A. Winter, K.C., for the District of Harbour Grace. Ernest F.

Gear, Esquire, for the District of Port de Grave. Charles J. Furey, Esquire, and Hon. William J. Browne, for the District of Harbour Main-Bell Island. Hon. L. Edward Emerson, K.C., and Gerald G. Byrne, Esquire, for the District of St. John =s East. Hon. Frederick C. Alderdice, and Patrick F. Halley, Esquire, for the District of St. John=s West. Michael A. Shea, Esquire, for the District of Ferryland. Philip J. Lewis, Esquire, for the District of Placentia and St. Mary=s. Hon. William J. Walsh, for the District of Placentia West. Hon. Samuel J. Foote, K.C., for the District of Burin. Harris M.

Mosdell, Esquire, M.D., for the District of Fortune Bay and Hermitage. J. Alexander Winter, Esquire, K.C., for the District of Burgeo and La Poile. William H. Abbott, Esquire, for the District of St. George =s-Port au Port. F. Gordon Bradley, Esquire, K.C., for the District of Humber. George Whiteley, Esquire, for the District of St. Barbe.

April 10, 1933 4 By virtue of a Commission under the Great Seal to the Honourable Michael P. Gibbs, K.C., President of the Legislative Council, the Honourable Frank McNamara and the Honourable Samuel Milley, Members of the said Council which is as follows: Commission George The Fifth, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India. (sgd.) D. Murray Anderson, Governor (L.S.) (sgd.) Brian Dunfield, Deputy Minister of Justice To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: Know Ye that We have appointed the Hon. Michael P.

Gibbs, K.C., the Hon. Frank McNamara and the Hon. Samuel Milley, Members of Our Legislative Council, to be Commissioners, they, or either of them, to administer the Oath of Allegiance to the undermentioned persons, elected to serve in the House of Assembly for the several Districts set opposite their names, respectively, and appointed by Proclamation of Our Governor of Ou r Colony of Newfoundland to be holden in St. John =s on the Tenth day of this instant month: Joseph Moore, Esquire, White Bay. Roland G. Starkes, Esquire, Green Bay. Hon. Kenneth M. Brown, Grand Falls. Norman Gray, Esquire, Twillingate.

Harold J. Earle, Esquire, Fogo. Hon. William C. Winsor, Bonavista North. Herman W. Quinton, Esquire, Bonavista South. Hon. John G. Stone, Trinity North. Hon. Harold Mitchell, Trinity South. Hon. John C. Puddester, Carbonear-Bay de Verde Hon. Harry A. Winter, K.C., Harbour Grace. Ernest F. Gear, Esquire, Port de Grave. Charles J. Furey, Esquire, Harbour Main-Bell Island. Hon. William J. Browne, Harbour Main-Bell Island. Hon. L. Edward Emerson, K.C., St. John =s East. Gerald G. Byrne, Esquire, St. John=s East. Hon. Frederick C. Alderdice, St. John=s West. Patrick F. Halley, Esquire, St. John=s West. Michael A.

Shea, Esquire, Ferryland. Philip J. Lewis, Esquire, Placentia and St. Mary=s.

April 10, 1933 5 Hon. William J. Walsh, Placentia West. Hon. Samuel J. Foote, K.C., Burin. Harris M. Mosdell, Esquire, M.D., Fortune Bay and Hermitage. J. Alexander Winter, Esquire, K.C., Burgeo and La Poile. William H. Abbott, Esquire, St. George =s-Port au Port. F. Gordon Bradley, Esquire, K.C., Humber. George Whiteley, Esquire, St. Barbe.

Giving to them, or any of them, full power and authority to perform the matters hereinbefore mentioned, ratifying and confirming all whatsoever they, or any of them, shall do and perform in this behalf, and thereof they, or any of them, are to make due return under their hands and seals unto Our Governor of Our said Colony, with these Presents annexed. Given under the Great Seal of Our aforesaid Colony of Newfoundland.

Witness Our trusty and well-beloved ADMIRAL SIR DAVID MURRAY ANDERSON, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Our said Colony, at St. John =s, in Our said Colony, this sixth day of April, A.D. 1933, and in the Twenty-third year of Our Reign. By His Excellency=s Command, (Sgd.) J. C. Puddester, Secretary of State.

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF NEWFOUNDLAND The said Commissioners came into the Council Chamber at twelve of the clock noon on the said tenth day of April, Henry Y. Mott, Esquire, Clerk of the House of Assembly, as in duty bound attending, and the names of the Members returned for the several Districts and Divisions of Districts having been called over by the Clerk, they appeared with the exception of the Honourables John G. Stone, Kenneth M. Brown and Ernest F.

Gear, 1 Esquire, and took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance in the presence of the said Commissioners as follows: 1 AThree government parliamentary representatives were not in their seats at the opening of the Legislature on Tuesday (April 10, 1933) ... In the case of Mr. Gear, no voters= list was taken (as also occurred in the June election) in order to avoid incurring that expense, and therefore, according to the Election Act, a Bill of Indemnity is necessary.

For the Spring election such Bill was passed during the Session preceding, but in the case of the Port de Grave election no provision could be made until the Session of the Assembly. AIn the cases of Hons. K. M. Brown and J. G. Stone, new departments have been formed for which no provision exists under the Legislative Disabilities Act. The Labour Department is a new portfolio while the Fisheries Department was last year amalgamated ... with the Agriculture and Mines Department, the Fisheries portfolio ceasing to exist.

Thus the Fisheries being a new Department this Session, it will come under the same classification as that of Labour. As soon as the necessary bills are passed these representatives will take their seats.@ Daily News, April 13, 1933, p. 3.

April 10, 1933 6 Joseph Moore, Esquire, for the District of White Bay. Roland G. Starkes, Esquire, for the District of Green Bay. Norman Gray, Esquire, for the District of Twillingate. Harold J. Earle, Esquire, for the District of Fogo. Hon. William C. Winsor, for the District of Bonavista North. Herman W. Quinton, Esquire, for the District of Bonavista South. Hon. Harold Mitchell, for the District of Trinity South. Hon. John C. Puddester, for the District of Carbonear-Bay de Verde. Hon. Harry A. Winter, K.C., for the District of Harbour Grace. Ernest F. Gear, Esquire, for the District of Port de Grave.

Charles J. Furey, Esquire, for the District of Harbour Main-Bell Island. Hon. William J. Browne, for the District of Harbour Main-Bell Island. Hon. L. Edward Emerson, K.C., for the District of St. John =s East. Gerald G. Byrne, Esquire, for the District of St. John=s East. Hon. Frederick C. Alderdice, for the District of St. John=s West. Patrick F. Halley, Esquire, for the District of St. John=s West. Michael A. Shea, Esquire, for the District of Ferryland. Philip J. Lewis, Esquire, for the District of Placentia and St. Mary=s. Hon. William J. Walsh, for the District of Placentia West. Hon. Samuel J.

Foote, K.C., for the District of Burin. Harris M. Mosdell, Esquire, M.D., for the District of Fortune Bay and Hermitage. J. Alexander Winter, Esquire, K.C., for the District of Burgeo and La Poile. William H. Abbott, Esquire, for the District of St. George =s-Port au Port. F. Gordon Bradley, Esquire, K.C., for the District of Humber. George Whiteley, Esquire, for the District of St. Barbe.

At three of the clock the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the Bar and said: AGentlemen of the House of Assembly: His Excellency the Governor requests your immediate attendance in the Council Chamber.@ Accordingly, the Members of the Assembly proceeded to the Council Chamber where the following Commission was read by the Clerk of Legislative Council: By His Excellency, Admiral David Murray Anderson, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victori an Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Our said Colony of Newfoundland. (sgd.) D.

Murray Anderson, Governor (L.S.) (sgd.) Brian Dunfield, Deputy Minister of Justice To Hon. Michael P. Gibbs, K.C., Hon. Frank McNamara and Hon. Samuel Milley. Greeting:

April 10, 1933 7

Whereas I have deemed it expedient that the First Session of the Twenty-eighth General Assembly should be opened for the dispatch 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 purpos es 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 Spea ker, you, the said 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, A.D. 1933. By His Excellency=s Command (Sgd.) J.C. Puddester, Secretary of State. The Honourable Michael P.

Gibbs, K.C., President of the Legislative Council then said: AIt is not convenient for His Excellency the Governor to declare the reasons for his calling this General Assembly on this day, and it being necessary that a Speaker of the House of Assembly should be first chosen, you, Gentlemen of the House of Assembly, will repair to the place where you are to sit and there proceed to the appointment of some proper person to be your Speaker, and present such person whom you shall choose here to-morrow at three of the clock for His Excellency =s approbation.@ And the Members having returned to the Assembly Room, the Honourable the Prime Minister addressing himself to the Clerk, who standing up, pointed to him and then sat down, moved Athat James Alexander Winter, Esquire, K.C., Member elect ed for the District of Burgeo, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker,@ which motion was seconded by F.

Gordon Bradley, Esquire, K.C., Member elected for the District of Humber. No other person being proposed as Speaker, Mr. Winter was unanimously called by the House to the Chair, and was conducted to the Chair by the Members who proposed and seconded him. Whereupon Mr. Speaker, standing on the steps, addressed the House expressing his gratitude to the Honourable Members for the high honour unanimously conferred upon him. The House then adjourned until to-morrow, Tuesday afternoon, at a quarter to three of the clock.

April 11, 1933 8 Tuesday, April 11, 1933 The House met at a quarter to three of the clock in the afternoon, pursuant to adjournment.2 At three o =clock a message from His Excellency the Governor was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, commanding the immediate presence of Mr. Speaker and the House in the Council Chamber. Whereupon Mr. Speaker and the House attended His Excellency in the Council Chamber; and being returned to the Assembly Room, Mr.

Speaker informed the House that while in attendance upon His Excellency in the Council Chamber His Excellency had been pleased to approve his election as Speaker of this House, and that in the name and on behalf of the House of Assembly he had, by humble petition to His Excellency, laid claim to all their ancient rights and privileges, which His Excellency had confirmed to them in as full and ample a manner as they have been granted or allowed by His Excellency, or any of his predecessors. Mr. Speaker also expressed his respectful acknowledgements of the high honour which the House had conferred upon him. Mr.

Speaker further announced that while in the Council Chamber His Excellency had been pleased to make a Speech to both branches of th e Legislature, of which Speech, for greater accuracy, he had obtained a copy. Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill relating to Indemnity. 3 Mr. Speaker then read the Speech from the Throne, as follows: Mr. President and Honourable Members of the Legislative Council: Mr.

Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: On this the first occasion of meeting this Legislature in Session since I assumed the Office of Governor, I desire to assure you that the welfare of this most ancient Colony will be the object of my most earnest endeavour and that, fully aware of my responsibilities of my office, I will carry them out to the utmost of my ability. 2 AThe attendance was the largest for many years.

Long before the appointed hour throngs sought admission to the Assembly building and thousands congregated in the grounds and along the iron railing on Military and Bannerman Roads, seeking advantageous points to view the arrival of His Excellency the Governor and the parade of the Newfoundland Constabulary and a detachment of the Church Lads = Brigade with the Brigade band, and a guard of honour from the G.W.V.A. A... many availed of the opportunity to see the new members of the Legislature and the unusual scene ... when only two members of the Opposition sat to the right of the Speaker ... A...

Amongst the large number of visitors in the council room were the members of the Royal Commission ... Church and State and Consular Services were also represented.@ Evening Telegram, April 12, 1933. 3 A... which was the first official act of the new Legislature.@ Evening Telegram, April 12, 1933.

April 11, 1933 9 The General Election which was held in June of last year resulted in a decisive victory for my present Ministers, and this was confirmed in the result of the recent Election held in the District of Port de Grave. Shortly after the assumption of office by my Ministers, the Imperial Economic Conference was convened at Ottawa. Representative Ministers of high standing from the Mother Country, and from the various Dominions, attended the Se ssions of this Conference. Newfoundland was represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice.

It is impossible at the present time to appraise, at their full value, the results that will accrue, but there is no doubt that in the years to come the Empire will benefit largely from the work of this Conference. It is to be regretted that during the last fiscal year we have seen lower production in connection with all our industries. The codfishe ry, which is the mainstay of our country, was slightly short of the catch of the previous year, while the value was considerably lower. The exports of pulp and paper were under the figures, both in quantity and value, of the fiscal year ending in June, 1931.

The export of iron ore from Bell Isl and was less than half that of the previous fiscal year, but the production at Buchans of lead and zinc concentrates greatly exceeded the figures for the same period, both in tonnage and value. The imports during the past fiscal year amounted to $18,135,000, and the exports to $26,689,000, figures which show a considerable balance of trade in our favour. The total trade amounted to $44,824,000, as against $58,798,000 in the previous year. The difference is caused by smaller imports, lower production, and the reduction in value of all commodities.

Our Sealing Fleet up to the present has obtained a fair measure of success. It is hoped that they may be favoured with good weather and return in safety with valuable cargoes. As was the case last year, we are experienci ng, in full measure, the effects of the present world-wide economic disturbances. The great underlying cause of our difficulties lies beyond the power and jurisdiction of this Legislature. While the prices received for our fish, ore, paper, and other products, remain at the present low figures we cannot expect a return to prosperity.

The decline in the purchasing power of our peopl e has resulted in a reduction of business and accentuated unemployment. In common with the rest of the world, my Ministers have had to meet an extremely distressing situation in connection with the relief of able-bodied persons who, through the low prices received for their produce, were unable to provide the means of livelihood for themselves and their families. Upon assuming office at the end of June last, my Ministers found an accumulation of liabilities on account of relief, together with other unpai d bills, amounting to approximately $800,000.

In the Estimates for 1932-33 there was a provision of $50,000 for Casual Able-Bodied Relief B a sum entirely inadequate even to pay the liabilities al ready accumulated, and still less to meet the essential expenditure on this account in the present fiscal year. It has been a severe tax upon our resources to make these payments, and to continue the relief which is still of large proportions. My Ministers have endeavoured to see that this relief, which is to assist the destitute, be kept at as low a figure as possible. Every effort has been made to avoid imposition, but the burden is one involving heavy cost.

The financial experts had hoped that the Budget submitted to the last House of Assembly would work out satisfactorily. Unfortunately, it was found that the Estimates did not materialize. The revenue proved to be short of the estimate, while the reduction in expenditure was not sufficient

April 11, 1933 10 to produce a balanced budget. My Ministers were faced with a situation on their assumption of office which made it imperative for them to reduce still further the provision for public administration, involving serious decreases in the Education Vote, Salaries and Pensions, and in important Public Services.

It was still found, however, at the end of last December, that, in spite of these reductions, we could not meet our liabilities in respect of the interest on the Public Debt, and a sum of $1,250,000 was placed temporarily at our disposal by Great Britain and the neighbouring Dominion of Canada in order that the interest payments might be made in full. My Ministers have given much thought to the financial and economic situation B a situation which is serious because of our large public debt, and the international conditions that are outside our control.

The position is so unprecedented that we welcome the presence of the Royal Commission, consisting of the Right Honourable Baron Amulree, G.B.E., K.C., Charles A. Magrath, Esq., LL.D., and Sir William Stavert, K.B.E., which is now holding its sessions in this City with a view to reporting upon the financial situation and the prospects of the Dominion. Our people look forward with confidence to the result of its labours, and are sincerely grateful for the grave and careful consideration which the Commission is according to the difficult problems set before them. Mr.

Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: The financial statements covering the operations of the last fiscal year will be laid before you in due course; they show a large deficit on Current Account. I regret to say also that because of the continued trade depression and the necessity of continuing assistance to the unemployed, the current year will show an excess of expenditure over revenue in spite of the drastic economies which have been made by my Ministers.

Every effort is constantly being directed towards the reduction of expenditure to the minimum consistent with the efficient working of the Public Service. With regard to the next fiscal year, my Mini sters propose to await the report of the Royal Commission now sitting, before placing the Estimates and Budget proposals before you. Mr. President and Honourable Members of the Legislative Council: Mr.

Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: Action is being taken to put into practice the provisions of the Salt Codfish Act, 1931, with a view to the standardization of our most important product, dried codfish. My Ministers consider that this most valuable asset should not only be carefully safeguarded, but developed so that it will bring a richer return to the fishermen of this country. They also have adopted a policy for the general encouragement of the Fisheries, and a Bill embodying this object will be laid before you.

For purposes of retrenchment, the Departments of Agriculture and Mines and of Marine and Fisheries were combined as a Department of Lands and Fisheries, by legislation introduced at the last Session of the Legislature. My Ministers, realizing the importance or our mines and forests, as well as of our fisheries, have decided that these important matters, which are not closely related, demand separate administration.

A Bill will ther efore be laid before you under which the Department of Agriculture and Mines will be rec onstituted for the administration of our timber, mineral and agricultural products, while anothe r Bill will be introduced reconstituting the Department of Marine and Fisheries which will take in to its care that valuable asset, our fishery products.

April 11, 1933 11 The labour problem, so acute in this and othe r lands, has led my Ministers to create a Department of Labour, and a Bill for that purpose will be prepared for your consideration. Most earnest consideration has been given by my Ministers to the question of the Dependency of Labrador, and its development. It has always been held that this territory is valuable, not only because of its coast fishery, but also because of its timber areas, its water power and its mineral wealth. Confirmation has now been obtained with regard to the valuable mineral deposits there.

Actual samples brought from the interior indicate that gold ores of high value are contained in the deposits, while other valuable minerals have also been discovered. My Ministers are taking steps so that, when Spring opens and pr ospectors enter that country, the work shall proceed under proper regulation and Government administration and authority will be in effect. My Ministers regard with the highest pleasure the re-awakening of interest in the cultivation of the soil. Of late years, agriculture has b een too much neglected.

It should be our aim, particularly in the present difficult times, to produce as large a quantity of foodstuffs as we possibly can. The Land Development Association is to be congratulated on the success which its endeavours have so far won, and my Ministers are doing all in their power, by assistance from the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Education, to further this most important work. A Bill will be submitted for the confirmation of an Agreement between the Government and a firm in Wales, making provision for the carryi ng out of a barter proposition under which we can exchange pitwood for coal.

Under our present La w, the export of unmanufactured wood is not permitted. Because of the employment which the cutting of this wood has given, and the consequent saving in expenditure on able-bodied relief, my Ministers consider that it would be wise to permit the export of this wood in return for the coal. The Bill, therefore, will legalize the export of the wood which has been cut and which will go forward to Wales in the course of the next few months. A number of other measures will be brought be fore you dealing with matters of general importance, including the amendment of certain existing Statutes.

The Annual Reports of the various Departments of the Government will be submitted in due course. I trust that a satisfactory solution will be reached in the grave circumstances that seem at present to threaten international peace and goodwill. There is reason to believe that the economic trends that have been operating with such disastrous effect in the world at large have, in the main, spent themselves.

Our people, disciplined by the hardships of economic adversity, which they are bearing with fortitude, determination and courage , and possessing a heritage richly endowed by nature, may look forward with confidence to the return of prosperity. I leave you now to your deliberations with full confidence that you will faithfully discharge your duties and responsibilities in the best interests of the welfare of this country. I pray that Divine Providence will guide and bless your work.

Hon. the Prime Minister presented the following Resolution: RESOLVED: that this House desires to record an expression of its deep regret at the death of the late Hon. George Shea, for some time a Member of this House and later a Member of the Legislative Council. Whilst mourning his loss, Members of this Hous e desire to convey to his relatives deep sympathy in their bereavement.

April 11, 1933 12 This being seconded by Mr. Bradley, it was ordered that it be recorded in the Journal of the House, and that a copy of the said Resolution be forwarded to relatives of the deceased. Hon. the Prime Minister presented the following Resolution: RESOLVED: that this House desires to record an expression of its deep regret at the death of the late Sir John C. Crosbie, for some time a Me mber of this House. Whilst mourning his loss, Members of this House desire to convey to his relatives deep sympathy in their bereavement. This being seconded by Mr.

Bradley, it was ordered that it be recorded in the Journal of the House, and that a copy be forwarded to relatives of the deceased. Hon. the Prime Minister presented the following Resolution: RESOLVED: that this House desires to record an expression of its deep regret at the death of the late Mr. Joseph F. Downey, for many years a Member of this House. Whilst mourning his loss, Members of this Hous e desire to convey to his relatives deep sympathy in their bereavement. This being seconded by Mr.

Bradley, it was ordered that it be recorded in the Journal of the House, and that a copy be forwarded to relatives of the deceased. It was moved by Mr. Earle and seconded by Mr. Halley that an Address of Thanks be presented to His Excellency, the Governor, in reply to the Gracious Speech with which he had been pleased to open the present Session of the Legislature, and that a Select Committee be appointed to draft such an Address in Reply. Mr.

Earle: 4 I rise to propose that a Select Committee be appointed to draft an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, with which His Excellency the Governor has been graciously pleased to open the Legislature, and in doing so I ask the permission of the House to make a few observations upon matters referred to therein. Before making these observations, Sir, I wish to congratulate you on the great honour that has been conferred upon you in your election to the position of Speaker of this Assembly.

It is an honour which your high standing as a citizen, and your equally high standing as a member of the legal profession merits beyond dispute, and I have no doubt whatever, Sir, but that you will uphold the dignity of your position, and ad judicate on matters that come up for your decision without fear or partiality. I would like also, Sir, to express a hearty welcome to His Excellency Sir Murray Anderson and Lady Anderson.

Only a very short while has elapsed since His Excellency and Lady Anderson have been with us, but already we discern the very keen interest they are taking in the affairs of this country. 4 Mr. Earle=s speech is taken from The Daily News, April 12, 1933, p. 3.

April 11, 1933 13 Newfoundland has been continually honoured by the noble class of men who have acted here as representatives of His Majesty. Men who have won by their abilities and lofty ideals, the high positions to which they have been appointed. Of such a type we believe Sir Murray Anderson to be, a man who by his outstanding ability and achievement has risen to the highest rank in the Royal British Navy, whose glorious traditions go back for centuries.

It is over 50 years since His Majesty =s government has been pleased to honour us by appointing to represent His Majesty one chosen from the Royal Navy, and his life-long association with the sea and the perils of the deep will, I am sure, be a link of sympathy and good will with His Majesty=s subjects in the Dominion, the majority of whom strive for a living on the waters around our coasts. I am sure every honourable member of this House will join with me in wishing Sir Murray Anderson and Lady Anderson a full measure of good will and happiness.

With your permission, Sir, I will now confine myself to the observations I propose to make dealing with His Excellency=s Speech from the Throne. This session of the Legislature will without a doubt be a momentous one, probably the most momentous one since the inauguration of Responsible Government. In common with Great Britain and the Empire, Newfoundland is feeling acutely the effects of a world wide economic depression which is unparalle led in the history of the world.

In common with other countries, we are suffering from a deflation of our commodity prices below the cost of production, and as in the case of a great many othe r countries we are suffering from a burden of debt, in many cases stupidly and wantonly incurre d, the interest on which in face of the great reduction in revenue, and the small earnings of our people, it is at present extremely difficult to cope with.

In other words, Sir, we are hovering not far from the edge of a financial precipice, and much of the legislation which will come up for discussion during this session of the Legislature will, I feel sure, be directed in placing this country more firmly on its feet, and at a greater distance from that financial disaster which has for some time menaced this country. I realise, Sir, that our position to-day is a precarious one, but when compared with the situation which faced this country ten months ago, when the present Government assumed office, I have no hesitation in saying we have a lot to be thankful for.

Ten months ago national credit [was] extinct and no assistance was possible from the outside. The present Government on assuming office in June last was faced with what looked like almost insurmountable difficulties. Amongst other things it was found that the outgoing Government had left unpaid bills for dole and other items amounting approximately to $800,000. In the Estimates of 1932-33, provision of onl y $50,000 was made for able-bodied relief, which in the face of an expenditure of considerably over $1,000,000 the preceding year, was indeed a ludicrous estimate.

On the whole the situation last June certainly looked hopeless, and I take this opportunity of congratulating the Prime Minister and the memb ers of the Executive Government on the success which has been the reward of their determined and untiring efforts, an endorsation of which was lately recorded by the electors of Port de Grav e District which returned Mr. Gear as their representative in the Government ranks.

April 11, 1933 14 To enable the country to pay all possible to our creditors, the government expenditure has been cut to the bone, and a tremendous effort has been made to enable us to live within our means. That the efforts made by the Executive Government have been favourably accepted by the outside world, as being an honest and whole-hearted effort, is very evident.

Whereas ten months ago our national credit was worthless, we found at the end of December it had appreciated to a degree, that, when it was found impossible to meet our bond interest in full, both Great Britain and Canada volunteered to loan jointly sufficient to cover the obligation then due, amounting to $1,250,000.

This gave us a breathing sp ace of six months in which to more fully investigate our economic and financial possibilities, and, in view of the seriousness of our large public debt interest, we are happy to welcome the presence of a Royal Commission, consisting of Lord Amulree, C.B.E., K.C., Charles A. Macgrath, Esq., LL.D., and Sir William Stavert, K.B.E.

These Commissioners, who are gentlemen of very wide experience and proven ability, we welcome for the extensive examination that they will make of our financial and economic structure, and I believe their recommendations will be very helpful to us in regaining our financial equilibrium. His Excellency in His Speech from the Throne refers to the Imperial Economic Conference which was convened at Ottawa last year, at which representative ministers of Great Britain and the Dominions attended.

Newfoundland was very ably represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice, and the result of their endeavours will give us the benefit of a preferential tariff on our cod liver oil of 3 d. per gallon, and chilled or frozen salmon of 12 d. per gallon in Great Britain. The preference that is given us on these two commodities is, I think, undisputed evidence that the quality of our cod liver oil and salmon is considered to be of a very high standard.

What has been obtained by the careful insp ection of these commodities can no doubt be obtained by our codfish exporters when a rigid inspection is applied for export. It is hoped that the preferential tariff in Great Britain will give us an opportunity of again operating our cod liver oil factories to capacity. A production equal to 1928 will mean approximately 900 men employed and a revenue of not less than $150,000 over the value of rotted oil. The price of our frozen and chilled salmon has suffered from Russian dumping in the British market.

This, it is expected, has been overcome, and an extension of the salmon fishery on our coasts is much to be hoped for. Prompt payments are made to our fishermen for salmon which carries them along, oftentimes at a time when little else can be earned. Coming at a time when foreign countries are raising their tariff walls, this conference should result in a closer co-operation within the Empire, and this has been evidenced by a visit here in January of the Trade Commissioner from Australia.

His Excellency, Sir, further advises that the Department of Agriculture and Mines will again be reconstructed for the administration of our timber, mineral and agricultural products, and that the Department of Marine and Fisheries will again take care of that most valuable asset, our fishery products. Those departments were amalgamated by legisl ation introduced at the last session of the Legislature. I am, Mr. Speaker, very much in accord with the proposed reconstruction of the two

April 11, 1933 15 departments. The important commodities which come under the administration of those departments are not closely related and need concentrated and separate administration. The possibilities for our agriculture are very evident and one has only to examine the list of imports of commodities which can be produced from our own soil to realise not that we have sold our birthright, but that we have never taken possession of it. To illustrate, I will quote a number of these imports taken from last year=s records.

Of hay we imported 4,556 tons, eggs 219,658 doz., ch eese 411,523 lbs., fresh meats 2,091,462 lbs. (Compare this with rocky Iceland which last year exported 34,762 cuts of fresh mutton). Oats 38,542 bushels, cabbage 472,316 lbs, turnips, carrots, parsnip 12,391 bushels, potatoes (exclusive of seed potatoes) 171,875 bushels, onions and tomatoes $52,635, milk 2,533,131 lbs., butter 536,398 lbs., a value totaling $962,958. Mr. Speaker, all of us have gone out into the neighbouring country, many of us have crossed the country by rail and toured around the bays.

A ll of us, I expect, have been struck by the possibilities for farming, but, having the wherewithal to procure vegetables and other commodities we needed, did not concern ourselves as to the source of their origin. To-day, Sir, thousands of our people are being fed at the expense of our revenue, who, had any progressive agricultural policy been adopted during the last decade, would be producing probably the greater part of the imported produce I have enumerated. Chaucer in one of his poems says: ANo man is born into this world whose work is not born with him.

There is lots of work; and tools to work withal ...@ etc. I expect if Geoffrey Chaucer tried to sell that poem to-day in Great Britain or U.S.A. he would be Aout of luck,@ but what he wrote could to a great degree be applied to Newfoundland to-day. There is lots of work staring us in the face, with an abundance of land available for development. The lectures being broadcast by Mr. Butler of the Agricultural Board are certainly instructive and should prove helpful, and I understand Mr. Butle r will, this summer, tour the outports giving lectures on agriculture.

Our practical farmers are good, but when aided by scientific knowledge will get better results. The Land Development Association of which Mr . Frost is the organizing secretary is, I consider, a splendid movement, and I am sure the series of bulletins issued by that association and distributed all over the country will be helpful.

To encourage to any who may consider fa rming beneath their dignity, I quote from Xenophon: AAgriculture for an honourable and high-minded man, is the best of all occupations or arts, by which men procure the means of living.@ I will now, Sir, speak for a few minutes on the Salt Codfish Standardization Bill which was passed in 1931 and which was ably sponsored by Sir William Coaker.

I did not have the pleasure of hearing Sir William debate on this Bill, but I understand he exhorted and pleaded for its passing and quoted at some length on the experiences of the Union Trading Company in losses on realization of fish. By profession, Sir, I am a fish exporter, and I presume I have the privilege of criticizing myself in this House. There is no doubt whatever but that we have lost and are losing our markets by our present methods, and especially the Labrador markets.

April 11, 1933 16 In conversation with Capt. Oldford, who has la tely returned from the Mediterranean, he stated that Genoa and Leghorn together last year took 460,000 quintals of salt codfish, of which only 9,200 quintals was from Newfoundland. Twenty years ago these two ports took upwards of 200,000 quintals of our Labrador cure yearly. Not many years ago cargoes of Newfoundland small Shore fish went to Lisbon and Figueria, but not so to-day. At Oporto, always one of our best markets, we sold in 1927, 378,731 quintals, as compared with 156,365 quintals last year.

These fi gures show us plainly the seriousness of the situation. From every market we hear the same stor y, that the consumers prefer the taste of Newfoundland fish, but that the cure is not to be compared with that of our competitors. It is evident that Newfoundland exporters have fallen down on thei r job. They have encouraged the cure to depreciate by a talqual system of buying, and

whereas years ago small cargoes went to the market, we now see as high as 20,000 quintals going forward in bulk. I know of one firm in this town who 25 years ago had a sailing vessel of their own with a capacity of 4,500 quintals but never more than 3,600 quintals were shipped, as it was considered unwise to send such a large cargo. We hear of the fishermen becoming despondent. How can they be otherwise when they know the facts as I have stated? Why the Standardization Bill of 1931 did not become effective at once, I do not know, but I do know, Sir, that it will be in operation when 1933 fish is shipped. Mr.

Davies, who has been our Trade Commissioner at London, has been appointed as head of the Salt Codfish Exportation Board, and in him we have a man with proven organizing ability. He toured the Mediterranean ports with Capt. Oldford and will, I understand, proceed to Norway and Iceland before coming here to take up the management of the board. Probably the Labrador cure and marketing will receive the first attention. The trained staff will probably not be available to give attention to all cures at the beginning, as it is very necessary that [the] standardization that is undertaken be as perfect as possible.

Now, Sir, I referred to one source of the fishermen =s despondency and I will speak of another. Frequently one hears of the vast amount of money that is being made by the fish exporters, which cannot be substantiated. Only a shor t while ago I read of $1,000,000 been made by the exporters on 1932 collection. Last year before the general election, I received letters from lodges in my District complaining of the low price of fish and asking for fair play. I had records taken from our audited statements, and I discussed the matte r at some length on the political platform.

Our records show 6 cents per quintal profit, and I invited the fishermen to have a reliable committee investigate our figures, and if proven wrong I promised a $5 bill to every widow in the District. Our 1932 figures will show even worse and I estimate the little profits of 1929, 1930, and 1931 will be wiped out. When discussing the low profit with a Scotch banker in the town last year, his remark was that we were lucky.

There is not much luck in operating four years fish shipments with no profit, and I consider we are lucky to-day, Sir, in having a Prime Minister and Executive Government determined if possible to improve the situation.

April 11, 1933 17 It is gratifying, Sir, to learn of the success of the sealing fleet and I extend a welcome home to the master and crew of the Eagle, and congratulations to them and the owners on the success of the voyage. Our prospects for the future are by no mean s hopeless. Our national credit is greatly restored, our possibilities in agriculture and in development of our fisheries are very promising. Labrador has large resources in forests and water power and great interest is developing in the discovery of gold there. It might be our crowning asset.

We have a people of British stock and I have every confidence, Sir, that we will surmount our difficulties and regain prosperity. Mr. Halley: 5 As junior member for the District of St. John=s West, it is my great pleasure to second the motion that a Committee be appointed to draft an Address in reply to His Excellency=s most gracious Speech from the Throne, so ably proposed by my learned friend, the Hon. Member for Fogo, Mr. Earle.

He has so effectively covered the various paragraphs of the Speech that even an experienced parliamentarian, not to say a novice like myself, would find it difficult to make comment that would not sound like mere repetition of his remarks. Before proceeding further, permit me, Sir, to associate myself with the proposer of this motion to tender you my hearty congratulati ons on the high dignity bestowed upon you by the unanimous voice of the Assembly.

This signal honour of being first Commoner falls to the lot of only a few public men, and your unanimous selection is indicative of the esteem in which you are held by your fellow members, of their confidence in your ability and qualifications to uphold the rights and privileges of this House, [and] to impartially discharge the important duties this post entails.

Since the Assembly last met, several outstanding events have occurred, some of which will form a subject matter for chapters of unusual inte rest in our checkered history of Responsible Government, and in the first instance, may I welcome in a way that Newfoundland alone can welcome, the newly appointed representative of His Most Gracious Majesty, His Excellency Admiral Sir David Murray Anderson and Lady Anderson. That their sojourn in this country may be pleasant is my earnest wish, and I am sure the wish of the people of the Dominion.

Indicative of the unprecedented crisis we are passing through, a crisis which must evoke the anxiety of all who are conversant with its gravity and scope, and who are unselfishly concerned for the country=s future welfare, we have the opening paragraph of His Excellency=s Speech, which, Mr. Speaker, I shall take the liberty of reading (reads). Such an assurance is more than gratifying, and we, as a people, have a new hope, a courage and a determination to carry on when we realise the knowledge, ability and experience of His Majesty=s representative is placed so unreservedly at the country=s disposal.

If the impression made during the short time he has been among us be an augury for the future, I predict that His Gracious Majesty =s choice of Governor will prove a very fortunate and 5 Mr. Halley=s speech is taken from The Daily News, April 12, 1933, p. 5.

April 11, 1933 18 beneficial one to this sorely tried land. We have a well-founded confidence that the administration of our affairs under his guidance will be that of judicious character and vigorous helpfulness and co- operation, which the present problems call for a nd the critical condition of our financial and economic affairs demand. This is not the opportune time to take up the attention of the House in lengthy references to the many subjects of public concern which His Excellency has alluded to, nor to attempt an analysis of public affairs which the Speech touches upon.

These will come within the range of our deliberations at more fitting periods as the session progresses. The present is no ordinary time. Our history does not supply us with records of a situation in our public affairs of so great import to the c ountry and people, rich and poor, wage earner and employer, fisherman and merchant, as we have been experiencing for the past three years.

The depressed trade, stagnated industry, de stitute condition of a people, widespread unemployment of our wage earning class, country-wide poverty of thousands who formerly knew no indigence, are for the most part unfortunately the sad results of governmental prodigality.

The records of this House show that for years past it has been common practice of members of each successive government to blame its predecessors in office for the country=s misfortune, to deny credit for any good that might exist and paint in lurid colours the wretched state of the public finances and disorders in public affairs, due to misgovernment and misdeeds of the men they succeeded in office. It is not my intention to follow their example.

In fact, no words that I could utter, no pictur e that I could present would so forcibly and vividly portray the deplorable conditions that confronted the present administration on its assumption to office last June, as do the written records of the public departments which presumably will be bared for examination before this session ends. Therein will be found convincing proofs of misgovernment and maladministration by which the revenues of this country were dissipated and diverted from their legitimate channels by methods and for purposes which appear indefensible.

Here will be seen the true condition of our public affairs when the present Prime Minister undertook the onerous task of bringing order out of unparalleled chaos.

Scarcely seated in office, they were called upon to provide funds to meet unpaid bills for relief of the destitute that had accumulated during the last months of their predecessors, to the extent as stated in the Speech from the Throne of approximately $800,000, as well as meet the half-yearly financial obligations of the Public Debt, and in addition the current requirements of the increasing numbers of unemployed and destitute for whic h no provision whatever had been made by the outgoing administration in their fiscal adjustments by which they attempted a balanced budget.

This maladministration was on June 10th, 1932, submitted to a jury, the voters of this country, and their verdict of condemnation was well-nigh unanimous. After six months that verdict has been confirmed, the policy of the present Government has been approved by the voters of Port de Grave, the first District given opportunity since the General Election to pass judgement.

No new Government in this country has ever faced a constituency at a by-election under circumstances so unfavourable, yet the good common sense and intell ect so characteristic of our people were markedly demonstrated by the voters of this Dist rict three weeks ago, who, turning a deaf ear to specious pleadings, gave earnest of their determination to strengthen the hands of our Prime Minister

April 11, 1933 19 to continue the work of rehabilitation of our country and the restoration of our credit at home and abroad upon which we must lay the foundation of sound progress for the future. This the first session of the 28th General A ssembly opens with a Government strength unparalleled in the history of Newfoundland since we secured Responsible Government, 100 years ago. Our ancestors fought for this privilege of re sponsibility, they fought, with a patriotism, a devotion, a love of country and love of Island Home.

Lord Howick in the House of Commons in the defence of Newfoundland=s request said Athat the time had come for such a boon to be granted@ and it was granted, and, we, the living, should dedicate ourselves to the great task remaining before us, that we should take from those honoured dead an increased devotion to that cause for which they gave their last full measure of devotion, and not abuse the prerogatives and privileges which are ours now by right of 100 years.

The financial and economic rehabilitation of the country =s affairs has been the first and foremost consideration of the Government sin ce assuming office June 1932. Night and day the Executive Government have been in council, endeavouring to unravel the tangle that this country has been placed in.

After a careful analysis of th e financial problems confronting us, the maternal instinct of the Home Government manifested itsel f to such an extent that a Royal Commission is now sitting and making a thorough investigation in the causes, and their findings will disclose the necessary remedies whereby, we, as a country, will rehabilitate ourselves financially.

For obvious reasons, therefore, no reference is made in the Speech from the Throne as to the probability of emergency expenditures to cope with emergenc y unemployment or a period of stress as is occasioned by the general economic crisis, but as with the individual, so the State, a solvency cannot be attained through further borrowings, and this Government has both the will and the courage when the time is ripe and opportune to enact a required legislation and prevent a squandermania; prevent an abuse of the people=s money as has happened so very often in the past.

The Speech refers to the low production in all our industries during 1932. Pulp and paper showed a considerable falling off; ore shipments from Bell Island were scarcely half that of the previous year. The falling off in the production of ore at Bell Island Mines and the decrease in the pulp and paper output seriously reduced the earning power of the men employed in these industries. Loss of earnings through these causes resulted in the privation and suffering hitherto unknown in these

section of the country. While the codfishery may be regarded as an average voyage, the drop in the value was almost ruinous to those engaged therein. The fisheries are undoubtedly the mainstay of the country; their value exceeds that of all other exports combined, and the salt codfish trade is, as it has always been, the source of the greatest earning power for our fishermen. I have not the exact figures, but I hazard the opinion that the fisheries represented at least 70 per cent of our total exports during the past quarter of a century, with salt codfish representing at least 60 per cent.

In view of this it seems almost incredible that so little concern for the perpetuation and extension of the fisheries has been shown by past governments. The salt codfish branch in particular seems to have been allowed to dwindle and become unremunerative by the absence of proper governmental supervision and regulatory enactments. Government after government has merely tinkered with this vital matter. They have temporized and compromised when stern adherence to the

April 11, 1933 20 straight line of duty would have redounded to the great benefit of the fisheries and therefore to the financial stability of the country, and the advancem ent of its industries. This Government is absolutely determined to put a Salt Codfish Act into force. When this Act is brought into operation, private interest and sectional opposition will not be permitted to nullify its effect, nor deter those entrusted with its administration from energetic enforcement of it.

Over 80 years ago an Honourable Member of th e Legislature in dealing with the fisheries said Athe produce of this country is eagerly sought for in the West Indies, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Sicily and all ports of the Mediterranean.@ During recent years that has been changed. Our fish is not eagerly sought in these markets now; our former customers seek a substitute for Newfoundland codfish and are obtaining it in the product of the fisheries of Iceland and the Scandinavian countries. Our salt codfish has been forced out of these markets.

The new policy now to be adopted re: the fishery is going to be main tained and vigorously enforced till we regain our former primacy in those European markets, now fast passing into the hands of our competitors. It is, I am sure, highly gratifying to learn that the present season=s seal fishery has turned out successful. Already profitable returns are assured and each steamer out has fared well. This may be regarded as providential, as the proceeds of the voyage will give a much needed stimulus to the mercantile trade and fair bills to the men engaged in that hazardous enterprise.

As indicated by His Excellency, Newfoundland, in common with the rest of the world, has had a very difficult problem to deal with in the matter of able-bodied relief. This had reached such proportions as to tax to the utmost the country =s resources. Great as it has been and still is, the Government continued to provide maintenance for the destitute. Many abuses that had grown up previous to the present Administration =s taking office have been eliminated and unnecessary expenditure thereby considerably reduced. It is a sad condition, more especially as it applies to the District of St.

John=s West, but the people are sympathetic; the people are realizing the tremendous odds and are bearing their privations and sufferings in silence, fully cognisant of the almost insurmountable difficulties, but confident that they have at the controls a body of men who are working night and day to find a way out; to devise the means whereby the unemployment will be absorbed by industrial enterprise.

The Government=s decision to restore to their former status the departments of Agriculture and Mines and Marine and Fisheries will be recei ved with approbation by all who fully value the importance in our political economy of Agriculture and Fisheries. The combining of those two departments was a retrogressive act, and even on the score of economy could not be justified.

Surely our great fisheries, which are, as has been already said, the mainstay of the country, is the greatest industry we possess, producing more than two-thirds of our annual wealth, should be of sufficient importance to occupy the exclusive attention of the Minister of Fisheries. Of the Department of Agriculture and Mines the same may be said. I have here a report of the agricultural products of the country compiled seven years ago, which gives the value of produce at that date as $9,461,480. That shows agriculture as our third greatest industry.

Indeed, in point of actual value I would not hesitate to give it second place, the fisheries alone being greater value. And allowing for normal increase during the past seven years, the total value of agricultural products should not be much below $12,000,000 to-day. And as misfortunes are said to be sometimes blessings in disguise, the present depression, which has had the effect of turning our attention more

April 11, 1933 21 generally to the cultivation of the land, cannot be but productive of the very great progress and development in agricultural pursuits. In addition to agriculture, there are mines and forests. These are two great revenue producers and labour-giving industries, and the prospective development of the mineral areas of Labrador may greatly enhance their value. To tack that department on to the Marine and Fisheries would be a false economy, and would result in chaos and unsatisfactory service in both departments.

Therefore, the Government is acting wisely in re-establishing both departments on their former footing. To operate our railway system some 50,000 tons of coal per year is necessary. The money to purchase this coal has to be found if we wa nt to keep our system operating, and some $300,000 would have to be sent out of the country this year to pay for same.

The Government, through constructive foresight, arranged a deal whereby this quantity of coal has been obtained and payment on an equitable basis made in pit props, with the result that this very large amount of money was kept within the Dominion, providing employment for hundreds of men who otherwise would be a charge upon the revenue of the country. If we may judge the future by past similar difficulties, we have no cause for despondency.

The remarkable recuperative power of this Ol d Country has stood her in good stead in almost overwhelming disasters of former times, and may be confidently relied upon to bring us through our present difficulties and give us a new start on the high road of progress and prosperity. I express the hope, Mr. Speaker, that the se ssion we now enter upon will be marked with unanimous efforts to extricate our country from its present grave situation, and that it may be productive of great and lasting benefits to our people.

And I echo the wish expressed by His Excellency, that the international unrest, which threatens the peace and good will of the world, may speedily find a solution satisfactory to the various nations now devoting their efforts towards that object, in which, we have just pride in sayi ng, the responsible ministers of His Majesty =s Government are to-day, as they have been since the termination of the Great War, leading the forces of compromise and goodwill to an understanding in the international councils of the world powers.

I also trust that the belief entertained by His Ex cellency that the economic depression that has wrought disaster throughout the world has spent itself, and that the people of the distressed nations will soon find relief from their thraldom of suffering and privation, which had so severely tried the souls of men. I beg leave to second the motion that a committee be appointed to draft an Address in Reply to His Excellency=s Speech from the Throne. Mr. Bradley congratulated the Speaker on his election as first commoner of the land and he joined in the welcome to His Excellency the Gove rnor.

He thanked the Prime Minister, who had created a precedent of allowing him an advance copy of the Speech from the Throne, and he hoped that this practice would be carried out in future years. Months ago the people of the country were told that all the trouble in the country was due to the Government and everything would be well if they would resign or relinquish the power. He feared that it would be many a long day before that would arrive. We are suffering from the depression that is in the world over, though we are only an inconsiderable unit.

We are depending on foreign countries, and until they are in a position to pay better prices for our products we will not

April 11, 1933 22 have profitable employment or happy days, as were promised by the present Government. At any rate, the party with which he was associated could not be blamed for making promises, as they had made none. But, though we are small, we are activ e and we will grow, and in influence and in numbers and we will be exchanging positions with you people opposite. I was interested in another statement made by the mover of this Resolution.

He announced B and I believe quite honestly so far as he is concerned B that ten months ago our national credit was extinct, and he intimated that to-day it was reinstated and rehabilitated, and gave as his reason for saying so that the Dominion of Canada along with the United Kingdom had come to our assistance and on December 1st had given us $1,250,000. Well, Sir, that is a peculiar reason for the statement that the country=s credit has been rehabilitated, because my recollection is that during the Squires regime when we wanted money we got it, and we got it from the Associated Banks too.

When we wanted $2,000,000 in June 1931 we got it; when we wanted another $2,000,000 in December 1931 we got it, and we provided the money for the present Government to pay the interest on the national debt in June last, and further we provided the fund from which you got the money to pay the interest on the money you got from Britain and Canada three months ago.

The loan which you claimed as your prosperity loan in June last was arranged for by the Squires Government, because you found yourselves in December last unable to secure th e necessary funds in order to meet your own obligations and Britain and Canada found it for you, and then sent a commission out here to tell you what to do. The honourable mover of the Address also rega rded the result of the by-election in the District of Port de Grave as indicative of the will of the people of Newfoundland.

My recollection of by-elections in this country is that a government always increases its majority, and frequently takes from an opposition any seat which it had in the H ouse, and, if you want some instances of that, might I refer you to the year 1930 when we re-elected men in Bonavista North and Lewisporte, and took the District of Placentia West from the Tory Party. But in 1933 the stor y is different. Nine months after you had won Port de Grave Di strict by a majority of over 1,100, you found your majority reduced by over 600. Now, if you regard that as a victory, you are easily satisfied.

We were told this afternoon that Newfoundlanders going abroad were ashamed to admit they were Newfoundlanders. Some of them ought to have good reason for feeling ashamed, judging by the statements made by them between June 1930 and June 1932, because, if ever there was an effort made to damn their own country, it was during that period.

A continued fusillade of slander and abuse intended to undermine any confidence in the Government was poured into the ears of foreign investors, and those Newfoundlanders responsible for that ought to hang their heads in shame and deny they were Newfoundlanders, or that they ever had anything to do with the country. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a great deal of talk this afternoon about the standardization of codfish. This has been a subject for discussion for various governments in the past. In fact, governments and political parties have talked on it ever since we have had responsible government.

It is true that Sir William Coaker some ten or twelve years ago introduced a Bill into this House for that purpose and it failed to materialize, and there are various reasons for its failure, and the chief of which was the opposition to it of our Newfoundland fish exporters. In 1931, and again in 1932, a Standardization Bill passed through this House, unde r which the fish exporters were enabled to arrange a system of standardization of export, did they care so to do, but up to the present moment I

April 11, 1933 23 have not heard they have done anything in that regard. The Hon. Member for Fogo spoke at some length about the despondency of those engaged in the fisheries, and attributed that despondency in part to the treatment which Newfoundland fishermen got from the fish exporters. He went on to point out that so far as his firm was concerned, there had been no unfair treatment meted out. Well, I am prepared to accept his statement in that latter regard because, in my opinion, 6 and 1/6 cents per quintal is not an excessive profit to make. But, if my information is correct, the people in his territory have been better off than practically a ny other fishing

section of the country, and their prosperity is accounted for by the straight dealing of Mr. Earle and his firm. But I can say here this afternoon that we can find thousands of fishermen who will tell you instances where salt codfish was culled number two and was exported from this country as number one. Consequently, I would warn the Government that in any legislation they may undertake in connection with the standardization and exportation of codfish, to beware of the exporting fish merchants. I had instances related to me last year by fishermen themselves.

They told me that they saw their own fish which was culled number two being packed in casks and sold as number one, and when they told the merchant that they had chased the fish into the store and what happened to the branding of it, the merchant replied, ACome into the office and we will fix it up for you.@ Sir, the most important portion of the work of this Session is a matter which this afternoon we cannot deal with at all, because we have no information about it. I refer to the rehabilitation of the finances of the Colony.

I take it that this will involve measures dealing with the administration of the various departments of the public service, and probably substantial amendments to the revenue laws and other incidentals of which I have no information thus far, so that in reality the Speech from the Throne contains merely the preliminary work of the Session and not the main portion of the legislation which must necessarily come before us later on.

Reference was made to the Imperial Econom ic Conference at Ottawa, and it has been announced that as a result of arrangements made there, much good will accrue to Newfoundland in the future. I hope that that is true, but I personally have little hope of it. As I understand it, the intention of that Conference was in the main to promote the system of trade within the Empire by the creation of preferential tariffs.

Now, while I am willing to admit that I am a confirmed free trader B I do not believe in protection, as I believe that sort of political economy can only lead to disaster in the long run B if that Economic Conference would have the effect of awakening the other nations of the earth to the necessity of calling off all this tariff war, then I believe the Economic Conference will be the greatest force for good we have known in the world for many a long year, otherwise I fear the results are not likely to be profitable to us.

As to the question of agriculture, I am particularly interested in that paragraph in the Speech because of the fact that my own constituency is on the West Coast of the country and which is generally regarded as the Agarden of Newfoundland.@ The District he represented was largely a fa rming district, and any legislation that will benefit agricultural development would have his hearty support. We can never hope to develop agriculture so as to have sufficient to export as they do in Canada and the United States, but if we can produce sufficient to provide for our own necessities, much good would be accomplished.

So far as the Opposition was concerned he w ould say that he and his colleague would support every measure that had for its object the benefit of Newfoundland and anything that they felt

April 11, 1933 24 did not tend to this end would be opposed bitterly by them. Hon. the Prime Minister joined in the congratulations to the Speaker and in the welcome to His Excellency the Governor. He believed His Excellency was going to fit in well with the people, as his experience as a naval man and in Sout h Africa would fit him to fill the position with acceptance to His Majesty the King and benefit to Newfoundland. He congratulated the mover and seconder of the motion for the Address in Reply. They were the type of men who should be welcomed to the House.

Both young and successful businessmen, their experiences would be valuable and he would avail of them on every possible occasion. Since the Government had assumed office they have had a difficult and most trying time. It was not pleasant to reduce salaries and services but it was necessary to economise, and to prove that we had done our best. That was why the United Kingdom and Canada came to our assistance at the end of December without being asked to do so. In July 1931 when the late Government was in difficulties, they had to go and ask the assistance of Mr.

Bennett of Canada, and in December the same year they had to cable to England, and two days before the end of December in that year, when he was called to the Bank to sign the agreement made, he was told that to do so would be political suicide. He had asked what would happen if he did not sign that agreement and wa s told that if he did not there would be no accommodation and no bond interest.

That was what the last administration was able to do to meet its interest at that time, and in July last year it had met the interest only by creating a petroleum monopoly and bound the country hand and foot for fifteen years. It was by these means that the last Government had obtained the money they required, as spoken of by the Leader of the Opposition. When he took office, his opinion was that it was unfair to borrow more money, and he was prepared to take all the responsibility of defaulting, but he was determined not to borrow any more.

He was still of the opinion that hard work and not loans was the salvation of Newfoundland. At the end of June, 1931, the expenditure was $7,385,000. Th is year for the same period it will be $5,000,000, so that a saving of $2,385,000 has been made. He considered that the election in Port de Grave was a complete vindication of the Government. They had gone to the country after cutting educational grants, soldiers= pensions, and expenditure to the bone in an endeavour to live up to our obligations, and that victory was achieved in face of that was, he considered, a comple te vindication.

Nor could he imagine that the representative of the Opposition, nor the gentleman who had been so actively connected with him, met afterwards and shook hands on their moral victory. He admitted that the people getting dole were getting little more than a bare existence, but they realised that the Government was endeavouring to save Newfoundland, and for that reason were prepared to suffer their privations, and if the country to-day had not happy days, it had at least, once again, self-respecting days, and that is more than can be said of a year ago. These bad times were a blessing in disguise.

He disagreed that our markets will not improve until the people in the foreign markets are in a better position. We are shipping le ss fish and at lower prices and we are losing business, but he had every reason to believe that conditions would improve in this respect, and that in two years we will be shipping 2,000,000 quintals of fish. Our fish is better than Iceland fish, and all we need is to improve its quality and we are going to do that. The merchants will do better, the

April 11, 1933 25 fishermen will do better, and will get a squarer deal than ever before, and prices will be better for all concerned. We are dependent on ourselves to get out of the rut. It was dishonest to borrow money knowing we cannot pay it back, and we had to take this out of our minds. He told the people in Port de Grave that if a man came along with an offer of $10,000,000 and wanted interest for it, he would not accept it. So far as agriculture is concerned, three groups were working hand in hand: the Land Development Association, the Adult Education Association and the Agricultural Department.

Thirty years ago were were growing more vegetables than we are to-day. Our people got in bad habits when times were prosperous here, and they had the money to buy everything. What they must learn now is thrift, industry and self-reliance. Th e Government had determined to give honest administration, to use economy, abolish graft and buy necessities in the cheapest markets. The past 100 years of responsible government had not been successful, and in that time we had annexed approximately $100,000,000 debt, the great bulk of which was squandered in the past 20 years.

It was not a very comforting thought, but the Government was determined that the beginning of the next 100 years would see an improvement. The Ottawa agreement is not finalized as yet, but if it had the effect of showing the United States that tariff walls are wrong in principle, it will have an effect that would not have come about but for the Conference. It was hoped to sell 500,000 tons of iron ore, which would put Conception Bay on its feet. That had not yet materialized, but he was hoping it would.

In the recent election, a gentleman connected with the Opposition candidate had said of him that so far as he was concerned, he was only a businessman, and no businessman could successfully run the country; but he could not agree with that stand. Government, after all, is only big business, and the same qualities that can conduct business are necessary for successful government. The coal for the Railway cost each year the sum of $200,000. By a deal made it was possible to keep that money in the country, and to get our coal for pitprops.

It had also the effect of keeping a number of people off the dole, and went a long wa y to making these people more contented. He believed that since January we had turned a corner and are now on the up grade. The successful seal fishery will give us a boost. Since the Government took office, it had taken them till now to clear away the debris left by the past administration, but from now on it would be possible to give attention to upbuilding.

He had made no promises in the election, but he did say that if the people would be industrious, thrifty and self-reliant, he would give in return clean, honest government, constructive government and far- seeing government, and that is what he intended to do. He could well understand why the last Prime Minister had made no promises in last year =s election; he had made so many previously and fell down on them, that he was ashamed to make any more.

We had no right to borrow any more money; no right to pass on this additional burden to others coming after, and he believed that if a real, honest effort was made to economise, if squandering was eliminated, and afterwards it was not possible to meet our bond obligations in full, our bond-holders would be prepared to take half, or whatever they could get, and they would not be unreasonable. He was glad to know that the Government w ill get the co-operation of the Leader of the

April 11, 1933 26 Opposition, and on the other hand he would say that if there were any courtesies that could be extended, the Government would be happy to do so. [Daily News, April 12, 1933, p. 6] It was ordered accordingly, and that the following gentlemen be such Committee [to draft the Address in reply]: B Mr. Earle, Mr. Halley, Mr. Whiteley, Mr. Bradley, Dr. Mosdell. Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that on to-morrow he would move that Supply be granted to His Majesty.

Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Newfoundland Hotel.@ Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Department of Labour.@ Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Department of Agriculture and Mines.@ Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act in Relation to Taxation of Accident and Other Insurance Companies.@ Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Customs Act.@ Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act of Indemnity.@ Hon. the Prime Minister gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act in Respect of the Memorial College Grounds.@ Hon. the Minister of Justice gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 93 of the Consolidated Statutes entitled >Of the Recovery of Possession of Tenements in Certain Cases.=@ Hon. the Minister of Justice gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Liability of Innkeepers.@ Hon. the Minister of Justice have notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Judicature Act.@ Hon. the Minister of Justice gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Labrador Act, 1927.@

April 11, 1933 27 Hon. the Minister of Justice gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Registration of Deeds Act.@ Hon. the Secretary of State gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to Export of Pitprops by the Newfoundland Railway.@ Hon. the Secretary of State gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Tourist Commission Act.@ Hon. the Secretary of State gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to an Election in the District of Port de Grave in the Present Year.@ Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and Mines gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting Agricultural Societies.@ Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and Mines gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Consolidate and Amend the Forest Fires Act.@ Hon. the Minister of Posts and Telegraphs gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Postal Telegraphs Act.@ Hon. the Secretary of State tabled Reports of the Commissioner of Lunacy for the Year 1932.

Hon. the Secretary of State tabled Certifie d Copy of Minute of Council approving the

Schedule of Water and Sewerage Rates for West Corner Brook. Mr. Bradley gave notice of question. Mr. Starkes gave notice of question. It was moved and seconded that when the House rises it adjourn until Tuesday next, the 18th instant, at three of the clock. The House then adjourned accordingly.

April 18, 1933 28 Tuesday, April 18, 1933 The House met at three of the clock in the afternoon, pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Earle presented a largely signed petition from the residents of Fogo asking that a clause dealing with codtrap operations in that

section be deleted from the fishery rules and regulations. [Daily News, April 19, 1933] Hon. Minister of Justice tabled [the] Report of Fire Losses of various Insurance Companies for the year 1932. Hon. the Prime Minister tabled the following documents: Report of Liquor Control for Year 1932. Report of Department of Assessor for the Year 1932. Customs Returns for the Year 1932. Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and Mines gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Crown Lands Act.@ Mr.

Earle presented the Report of the Committee appointed to draft a Reply to the Speech of His Excellency, as follows: 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 Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victori an Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland and its Dependencies.

We, the Commons of Newfoundland in Legisla tive Session assembled, beg to thank Your Excellency for the Gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Branches of the Legislature. (Sgd.) Harold J. Earle Patrick F. Halley George Whiteley Assembly Room, April 18, 1933. On motion this Report was received and debate thereon deferred. On motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, 6 Supply was granted to His Majesty. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill 6 AThe Hon. Minister of Finance moved that Supply be granted to His Majesty.

The motion was acceded to.@ Daily News, April 19, 1933, p. 5.

April 18, 1933 29 entitled AAn Act Respecting the Department of Labour@ was introduced and read a first time and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Department of Agriculture and Mines@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act in Relation to Taxation of Accident and Other Insurance Companies @ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to- morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend and Consolidate the Customs Act@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act of Indemnity@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act in Respect of the Memorial College Grounds@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to Export of Pitprops by the Newfoundland Railway@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Tourist Commission Act@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to an Election in the Distri ct of Port de Grave in the Present Year @ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to- morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Justice, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Liability of Innkeepers@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Justice, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Judicature Act @ was introduced and read a first time, and it was

April 18, 1933 30 ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Justice, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Labrador Act 1927@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Justice, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Registration of Deeds Act@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Justice, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 93 of the Consolidated Statutes, >Of the Recovery of Possession of Tenements in Certain Cases=@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and Mines, the Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting Agricultural Societies@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and Mines, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Consolidate and Amend the Forest Fires Act@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on mo tion of Hon. the Minister of Posts and Telegraphs, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Postal Telegraphs Act@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow. On motion of Hon. the Prime Minister Mr . M. A.

Shea was appointed Chairman of Committees. Pursuant to notice, and on motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider certain Resolutions concerning an amendment of the Consolidated Statutes respecting Accident Insurance Companies. Mr. Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Shea took the Chair of Committee. Hon. the Prime Minister moved the House into [a] Committee of the Whole to consider a resolution in relation to taxation of Accident and other Insurance Companies.

The Hon. the Prime Minister stated that the object of this resolution is to bring insurance against riots, plate glass, motor vehicles and such like within the scope of taxa tion of $50 a year. Heretofore they were not specifically sanctioned in the Act and were exempt from taxation. The resolution was passed and a

April 18, 1933 31 Bill will be introduced to give effect to this resolution. [Daily News, April 19, 1933] Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairman from the Committee reported that they had considered the matter to them referred, has passed the said Resolutions without amendment, and recommended the introduction of a Bill to give effect to the same. On motion this Report was received and adopted, and the Bill AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies =@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to- morrow. When this

section of the Order Paper was ta ken up a short debate arising out of three questions asked by Mr. Starkes, Member for Gr een Bay ensued. His Honour the Speaker took exception to them in the form they appeared, and to bear out his contention, read from Hansard of 1926 the ruling of the then Speaker, Mr. Fox, fo r the guidance of members on the asking of questions in an improper manner, and gave citations from May=s Parliamentary Practice.

Continuing, the Speaker thought that question No. 70, asked by the Member for Green Bay, meant, in large measure, to supply information to the House, and he pointed out that there are certain cases in which Hon. Members are responsible for th e accuracy of what is contained in questions. His Honour thought that the idea of asking questions was to elicit information, but not to afford information to the House, to newspapers or to any other medium.

Further, he intimated, that in the House of Commons in England or in Canada it is not customary to read the questions, as that gives them publicity before they appear on the Order Paper.

No question should be given publicity before it appears on the Order Paper and in that respect he would ask that the House be good enough to carry out the practice of the last parliament, and have two copies of questions made, one for the Clerk and one for the Speaker, as it is impossible to say off hand whether they conform with the rules of the House or not; but certainly questions should not appear through any public medium until the Order Paper has been distributed.

AI merely mention this at the beginning of the session,@ said the Speaker, Aas I think there are certain members who have not given it much thought or consideration, and I do ask that all offensive epithets or insinuations or innuendoes, whether directed towards any member of this House or the Upper House, be kept out of questions, and for the reasons stated I do not propose to ask questions 70, 71 and 72, at least, the latter parts of them.@ The Hon. Secretary of State and the Hon. Minister of Justice then tabled answers in part to the questions, the latter pointing out how offensively they were put.

The Leader of the Opposition said that whatever may or may not be the correct procedure, Question 70 seemed to him to be proper, he saw nothing offensive about it and thought it should be answered in its entirety, and that if it was a fact that $6 freight was charged on every barrel of flour at Badger, that the Government should investigate the matter.

April 18, 1933 32 The Hon. Secretary of State saw a better and more effective way to have that sort of practice, if true, stopped; but the information should first be given to the head of the department and not to the House. Mr. Bradley: When a merchant pays that amount, if he does pay it, by way of freight he is not giving that $6 away and probably it might come off a man =s rations and it ought to be investigated. The Minister of Justice: The matter should not be the subject of question in the House.

The Hon. the Prime Minister questioned that any wrong doi ng could occur, as all dole orders to Green Bay were scrutinized closely and the cost of freight was incorporated in the cost of flour. Mr. Starkes: In view of the fact that businessmen have to pay $6 per barrel for freight, is a merchant justified in charging that extra cost? The Hon. Secretary of State: Yes, under extraordinary circumstances; but, if he has not applied to get that privilege extended to him, then you are accusing him of falsifying his accounts and somebody here is charged with falsifying accounts.

Now are you prepared to stand by that and put your seat in jeopardy? Mr. Starkes: This flour was shipped out of St. John=s last Thursday. The Hon. Secretary of State: How then do you know charges when the flour only left here a few days ago and has not reached the dole recipients yet? Mr. Bradley: Charges have been flung across the fl oors that Mr. Starkes claims that merchants are falsifying their accounts. We are merely asking what the facts are. If the flour is bona fide costing $12, then it is clearly the duty of the Government to increase the allowance of the dole recipients. The Hon.

Secretary of State: And because of the insinuation that merchants are falsifying their accounts, let Mr. Starkes come down and lay his information on paper and then it will be soon investigated like other things have been investigated. His Honour the Speaker then ruled as before, that the three questions referred to were out of order as they were not asked in the proper way. [Daily News, April 19, 1933] Mr. Bradley gave notice of Question. Mr. Starkes gave notice of Question.

April 18, 1933 33 Hon. the Minister of Justice gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs.@ Mr. Speaker read the following correspondence from His Excellency the Governor: The Governor has the honour to communicate to the Honourable House of Assembly the appointment of the Commissioners of Internal Economy of the Legislature in accordance with the provisions of

Section 4, Cap. 7, Consolidated St atutes (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 Minutes of the Honourable Executive Council Approved by His Excellency the Governor on the 4th of April, 1933. Under the provisions of Cap. 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: Hon. the President of the Legislative Council Hon. F. McNamara Hon. Sir John R. Bennett, K.B.E. Hon. the Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. the Secretary of State Hon. the Minister of Justice Hon. K. M. Brown Certified true copy, (Sgd.) Arthur Mews, Deputy Secretary of State. It was moved and seconded that when the House rises it adjourn until Thursday afternoon, the 20th instant, at three of the clock. The House then adjourned accordingly.

April 20, 1933 34 Thursday, April 20, 1933 The House met at three of the clock in the afternoon, pursuant to adjournment. Petitions were presented by: Mr. Shea from Renews re Fishery Rules. Mr. Shea from Renews re Harbour Regulations. Mr. Shea: Mr. Speaker, I beg to present a petition from the District of Ferryland and Trepassey (reads). I ask, Mr. Speaker, that the matter be referred to the department to which it belongs. I have here another petition from my District (reads). Mr.

Speaker, each year a number of fishing vessels come down from Placentia Bay and come into Renews, and according as the codfish comes in they throw their ballast into the harbour during the night. Renews was dredged some years ago but it is growing shoaler every year. Hon. the Secretary of State tabled: Statement of Municipal Council Revenue for the Year 1933. Report of Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Hon. the Prime Minister tabled Reports of the: Auditor General, Revenue and Appropriation Accounts Report under Sections 8 and 33(b). Hon.

Leader of the Opposition: I ask the Prime Minister if that report is printed and if copies are available. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister: Copies will be available within four or five days. Mr. Bradley gave notice of Question. Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Agriculture and Mines, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Crown Lands Act @ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

Pursuant to notice and leave granted, and on motion of Hon. the Minister of Justice, the Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to the Keeping of Dogs@ was introduced and read a first time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a second time on to-morrow.

An Act respecting the Newfoundland Hotel deferred. Hon. Minister of Justice: Question 89, Mr. Speaker, is one of a series of questions regarding which I have considerable doubt as to whether or not I shall answer. I am sure that my honourable and

April 20, 1933 35 learned friend the Hon. Leader of the Oppositi on, who was Attorney General in the late Government, will quite appreciate the fact that it is not usual for the Department to give information of this nature. I would quite prefer that he would not press the question. Hon. Leader of the Opposition: I quite realize the position taken by the Hon. Minister of Justice and the underlying sound reasons he has for not preferring to answer this question, and I will not press it. Hon. Minister of Justice: I can of course give you personally the information you are looking for. Hon.

Leader of the Opposition: Thank you. Questions Nos. 125, 150, 148, 63, and 82 tabled. Hon. Minister of Justice: Mr. Speaker, at this point I woul d like to make a short comment on several questions asked me; 110 will be answered and tabled; 111 is the same as the last question and I do not desire to answer it for the same reasons which I have already stated. Hon. Leader of the Opposition: I will not press that question. Hon. Minister of Justice: The same applies to 114. Hon. Leader of the Opposition: I agree there also. Hon. Minister of Justice: [Question] 115 will be tabled.

With regard to 127 re the movements of Acting Sergeant Strange while he was out of the country, I don =t think that should be pressed. Regarding 128, does the Hon. Leader of the Oppositi on suggest that the records of the Court be produced in detail? If anyone wanted that information it could be had at the Court. I don=t want to see the Department simply overburdened with preparing records. Why, you might just as well ask the number arrested for drunkenness or any other offence. This imposes a burden which I don =t think was intended.

I have no objection to tabli ng the information asked for, but it imposes a tremendous amount of trouble. I will table the answer to 129, but I would suggest to my honourable friend that he might just as well ask how many deed s are registered in the Registry of Deeds and who were the parties. Hon. Leader of the Opposition: That is stretching it a little too far; however, I will be satisfied if you will give me the answer to sub-sections 2, 3, and 4 (reads). Hon.

Minister of Justice: That simply means that I will have to answer the whole question, as we will have to get all the records and go over them , however I will do the be st I can, but it entails making long lists and will take up considerable time. Hon. the Speaker: While we are on this point of asking for information which can be obtained

April 20, 1933 36 through ordinary channels, I don =t think that such can be the subject of proper questions in this House, and upon that point May =s Parliamentary Practice lays it down here ( reads). I haven =t looked up the references cited, but I think this is intended to prevent what the Hon. Minister of Justice complains of. Hon. Leader of the Opposition: Might I interject at this point , although I know that I am out of order, but with your permission, Sir? May I draw the attention of the House to the discussions we had a few days ago with regard to putting information in questions.

I looked up the official reports of the House of Commons in England and it is quite clear, whatever May=s may say to the contrary notwithstanding, that it is the actual practice to gi ve lots of information in questions. I do not propose to read all of them but I will only read one or two (reads). Right throughout these official reports certain facts are drawn to the attention of Ministers and they are asked what is their attitude towards them.

I merely mention this fact in pa ssing because I may have to ask certain questions later on during the Session in which I may have to state certain facts, and I hope that the Hon. Members opposite will realize that I do not do so merely for the purpose of cluttering up the Order Paper. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister: That is very different from the innuendo contained in certain questions asked a few days ago regarding a man who was very highly respected while he was in this House, Mr. Philip T. Fudge, and that other question regarding a Mr. Gordon Ash and any connection he may have had with the rioters. Hon.

Leader of the Opposition: We don=t admit that these were indiscretions, but this matter of charging $6 a barrel for freight from Badger to points in Green Bay. This is a matter which should be investigated, this money should not be paid by the merchant out of his own pocket and it is not fair to the man who is receiving the dole. And it would be necessary for the Government to increase the allowance in dollars and cents in order that he might get the same amount of flour as he formerly got. Rt. Hon.

Prime Minister: The Department in charge of this matter in connection with the flour is investigating it now and I am sure would be glad to get all the information available. Hon. Minister of Justice: If you look at the record I don=t think you will find a single question was asked which in itself cast a single reflection upon any person. Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Department of Labour@ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House on to-morrow. Rt. Hon.

Prime Minister: This Bill has for its object the creating of a Department of Labour. I think we will all be agreed that this is a very necessary department. It is extremely necessary, if we are going to have that Department, to have a man in charge who is thoroughly conversant with

April 20, 1933 37 labour and its requirements. Since we created th e Department we have had ample opportunity of ascertaining its value, and the Minister now at the head of that Department has been successful in stopping two strikes and bringing about an amicable agreement between employer and the employee. The Department now has got a very well work ed out system of recording the amount of unemployment.

I regret to say that there should be so many unemployed, but at the same time when things get better B I believe that they are now on the upgrade B I hope that any man looking for a job or any employer anxious to get a man will be able to get in communication with the Department, and the result will be that employer and employee w ill be brought together. The Minister of the Department will be useful in ascertaining what would be fair wages, and would be interesting himself in seeing that the conditions of working men are fair and that they receive considerate treatment.

It is a promise on the part of the present Government and we, like all good governments, like to live up to our pre-election pledges. I am quite sure that the Hon. Member for Green Bay is very sympathetic towards labouring people, and he will feel that this is a step in the right direction, and that the cost to the country which, at the present time, does not come to quite $5,000 a year has been more than saved this year by the saving of loss of time through one or more strikes that might have taken place during the last nine months.

It is always well I think to have a mediator when there is any possibility of friction between capital and labour. It is always well to have a man who is able to take a sympathetic view of both sides of the question, and I believe in the present incumbent in the office of Ministry of Labour we have a man who is well adapted to perform this

part in the way of conciliation between employer and employed. A great deal of harm can be done if the conflicting interests are not brought together before there is any chance of their becoming bitter against each other, and for that reason I feel sure, Mr. Speaker, that this Bill in the second reading will be very readily welcomed by the members of this House. Mr. Bradley, in reply, stated he represented a large labour district 7 and of necessity as well as conviction supported the principle of the B ill. He objected on the grounds that the work considered could be done by any other department.

It was not true that mill-workers and others at Corner Brook and vicinity were satisfied with conditions. He cited the necessity of legislation regarding mines, miners, logging, etc. The same consideration should be given the sealing indus try; all should come under [the] care of the Department of Labour.

He also thought that boiler and machine inspection, where danger is often recorded, should come under the purview of the Labour Department, and advocated the necessity [of] having facts and figures of costs, the wages and situation of men em ployed, and last but not least, the desirability of still further improving the present Workmen=s Compensation Act, a matter which should demand especial interest in the Department of Labour.

He supported the Bill in the hope that the Government would go further in widening the scope of the Department =s work and 7 The Daily News stated that Bradley represented Aone of the largest organizations of labour in the country.@ He Acriticized [the Bill] at great length for not widening the scope of its activities, such as bringing within the purview of the department those engaged at mining, sealing, and logging.

He thought the present bill confined itself too much to the collection of statistics as to who were unemployed and who were not, and he stated his constituents did not agree with the activities of the head of the labour department.@ Daily News, April 21, 1933 p. 5.

April 20, 1933 38 responsibility. [Evening Telegram, April 21, 1933, p. 14] Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act Respecting the Department of Agriculture and Mines@ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House on to-morrow. Hon. Mr. Alderdice, in supporting the Bill, intimated that it would be impossible for one man to carry out the extensive agricultural polic y which the Government proposes to adopt. He predicted that good results were going to be attained.

These results could only be accomplished by having a competent Minister and staff in charge of operations. The amalgamation of the Fisheries and Agriculture and Mines was a mistake which the present Government was going to rectify. Mr. Bradley opposed the Bill on the grounds that it was an added expense. 8 He hoped the advanced policy of the Government in relation to agriculture and our fisheries would materialize. [Evening Telegram, April 21, 1933, p. 14] Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend

Chapter 195 of the Consolidated Statutes (Third Series) entitled >Of Accident Insurance Companies=@ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House on to-morrow. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister: This Bill is more in the nature of a routine, and is simply intended to bring these companies within the scope of the $50 ta x a year. It is only right that this should be done. The Bill covers insurance on motor vehicles , plate glass and riot which unfortunately was written last year and I hope that there will never be need of it again.

In addition, it gives an opportunity to obtain certain statistics regarding the number and amount of accident policies, the insurance premium income and generally all the details in connection with this class of insurance. I feel that there is nothing contentious in this Bill and I have much pleasure in moving that it now be read a second time. [Bill read a second time] Hon. Leader of the Opposition: Might I suggest to the Prime Minister that we might proceed with this Bill now in Committee stage, and so get it off the Order Paper? Rt. Hon. Prime Minister: Yes. All right.

On the Order for second reading of the Bill AAn Act in Relation to the Acceptance of Offices of Emolument under the Crown by Certain Members of the Present House of Assembly@ the House divided, when there appeared in favour of the motion: Hon. the Prime Minister, Hon. the Secretary 8 The Prime Minister stated that Athe separating of the departments will mean a saving of $15,000 a year.@ Daily News, April 21, 1933, p. 5.

April 20, 1933 39 of State, Hon. Minister of Posts, Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Mines, Hon. Mr. Winter, Hon. Mr. Browne, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Moore, Mr. Whiteley, Mr. Halley, Mr. Gray, Mr. Earle; and against it: Mr. Bradley, Mr. Starkes; so passed in the affirmative and was ordered accordingly. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister: This Bill was given rather a misleading title in the Order Paper. It is

an Act in relation to the acceptance of offices of emolument under the Crown by certain members of the present House of Assembly, and it has to do with the Hon. Member for Grand Falls who has been good enough to accept that very important position of Minister of Labour. I had no idea that that office was going to be so important until my honourable friend on the other side explained what the duties of that Department should be.

When the House goes into Committee in connection with the Bill in connection with the Department of Labour, perhaps I will be able to explain more about the duties that refer to that particular Departme nt. Also, Mr. Stone, who is the Commissioner of Fisheries at present and who is going to be such a very important factor in bringing about, as I just stated, that revolution in the fisheries of this country. I know it a source of merriment for the honourable gentlemen on the other side.

I hope it will be a source of comfort and prosperity to the fishermen of this country when we try to do something that will protect them in such a way that they will receive a fair return for their labours. Under the ordinary conditions, a minister who takes office can only take office without re-election if he takes it when first sworn in after election. In this case we have to introduce a section,

Section 2; it is introduced for the purpos e of enabling the Hon. Member for Grand Falls and the Hon. Member for Trinity North to give us their services in taking charge of these two very important departments, and I will read the

section (reads section). I do not believe; I cannot believe that there will be any objection to this Bill going through unanimously. These two gentlemen have given valuable services not only in the House but outside the House to the country. I believe the passing of this Bill enables them to give still further services to their country irrespective of the departments over which they have been placed. I have pleasure in moving the second reading of this Bill. Hon. Leader of the Opposition: I think, Sir, this is a scandalous infringement of the rights of a free and independent British people.

You have the ma jority and I have no doubt but that it is your intention to put this Bill through. But, just so surely as you do, it will recoil upon your own heads. Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act in Respect of the Memorial College@ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House presently. Whereupon, with unanimous consent, and on motion of Hon. the Prime Minister, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Bill entitled AAn Act in Respect of the Memorial College.@ Mr.

Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Shea took the Chair of Committee.

April 20, 1933 40 Rt. Hon. Prime Minister: Mr. Speaker, this Bill has for its object the preserving of the grounds around the Memorial College. There has been some talk of cutting a road through close to the College itself. That would destroy the grounds, which, I hope, will be beautified some day. To prevent any interference with those grounds this Bill has been introduced. Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairman from the Committee reported that they had considered the matter to them referred, and had passed the said Bill without amendment.

On motion this Report was received and adopted, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a third time presently. Whereupon, with unanimous consent, and on moti on of Hon. the Prime Minister, the Bill entitled AAn Act in Respect of the Memorial College@ was read a third time and passed, and it was ordered that the said Bill, being entitled as above, be sent to the Legislative Council with a Message requesting the concurrence of that body in its provisions.

Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years @ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House presently. Whereupon, with unanimous consent, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Bill entitled AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years.@ Mr.

Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Shea took the Chair of Committee. Hon. Secretary of State: Mr. Speaker, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I do not need to recall to Hon. Members of the House the negotiations which took place last year between the Government and firms in Wales and other firms to try and make a barter deal for coal in exchange for pitprops. Negotiations were begun in Ottawa in August last during the Imperial Economic Conference.

The Hon. the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice represented this country at that Conference, and they were advised by certain members of the Board of Trade and certain experts. Canada entered into negotiations with a simila r object in view. Representatives from British Columbia went over to England and carried on negotiations for a month or two, but their negotiations fell through. But through the instrumentality of a certain gentleman, who represented the Newfoundland Board of Trade at Ottawa, our negotiations were successful.

On December 1st last, a representative of a coal firm in Wales came to Newfoundland, together with an agent of some

April 20, 1933 41 coal mines in Wales but who resided at Montreal. After negotiations had been carried on for a week, we were able to announce that we had successfully concluded an agreement whereby the coal that would be used by the Newfoundland Railway during the years 1933 a nd 1934 would be brought from Wales, and that instead of paying money for that coal, payment would be made in wood, and so keep the money in Newfoundland to be circulated among our own people B the people who have been engaged cutting pitprops during the past wint er.

The general law of the country forbids the export of those pitprops, and this Bill is introduced for the purpose of enabling the Railway to export this wood on the terms that I have outlined. It has been the policy of all governments for many years past to strictly prohibit the exportation of th is wood, except when conditions have been so necessitous as we have experienced during the past few years and during the War, when permission was given to export under the War Measures Act.

This wood that is now on hand is not yet exported, but we are asking the House for the authority to export so that we may be able to get coal in return for the Railway. If Hon. Members will bear with me for a few moments I shall give them an outline of what the agreement contains (reads agreement). That is the way the coal owners of Wales have agreed to purchase the wood, by weight and not by measurement.

We have made contracts with contractors in various parts of the country, and they must deliver the wood by weight and weight will determine the value of the wood when it is landed out of the ships at Cardiff, Wales. 9 We propose to have representatives at the point of unloading to be present when the wood is weighed. The transaction is as follows: (reads memorandum of transaction). The first ship to bring a load of coal under this agreement left Wales on the 18th of April and is due here next week. She will unload part of her cargo at St. John=s and the remainder at the Port of Argentia.

An amount of $228,000 will be paid in contracts for pitprops, instead of its going out of the country and going to Wales to pay for coal. The coal obtained under this contract will cost the Railway $5 per ton c.i.f. Newfoundland ports. This will be quite a reduction on the price which the Railway has paid for coal for the past years. The names of the contractors and the tonnage which they have contracted to deliver are as follows: (reads names and amounts 10).

I recommend the Bill to the favourable consideration of the House, and I trust it will be but the beginning of what we shall see in the year to come and in other years. If we can make contracts of this kind and keep the money in circulation in the country, then we will be taking a big step towards prosperity. Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

The Chairman from the Committee reported that they had considered the matter to them referred, and had passed the said Bill without amendment. 9 AThe Newfoundland Railway giving [sic] 91,200 tons of pitprops in exchange of 48,000 tons of Welsh coal.@ Evening Telegram, April 21, 1933, p. 14. 10 According to The Evening Telegram, April 21, 1933, p. 14, there were sixteen contractors involved, who had completed their work.

April 20, 1933 42 On motion this Report was received and adopted, and it was ordered that the said Bill be read a third time presently. Whereupon, with unanimous consent, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Permit the Export of Pitprops by or for the Newfoundland Railway during the Present and Coming Fiscal Years@ was read a third time and passed, and it was ordered that the said Bill, being entitled as above, be sent to the Legislative Council with a message requesting the concurrence of that body in its provisions.

Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act to Amend the Tourist Commission Act@ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House on to-morrow. Hon. Secretary of State: This Bill is just an amendment to the present Act extending the terms of the [Act] from two years to four years. They claim that they cannot do good work in two years. They have made representations to the Government that their time be extended, and the Government has agreed to do this.

Pursuant to Order, and on motion of Hon. the Secretary of State, the Bill entitled AAn Act Relating to an Election in the District of Port de Grave in the Present Year@ was read a second time, and it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a