Mr. A. MORRISON (New Westminster) moved :

That in accordance with the recommendation contained in the 28th report of the Select Standing Committee on Standing Orders, that portion of the 49th rule of this House which limits the time for receiving petitions for private Bills, be suspended in reference to the petition of John Henry and others praying for ait Act of incorporation under the name of the Westminster Bridge Company, presented this day, and that it be read and received forthwith.

Mr. T. S. SPROULE (East Grey).

Before that is adopted, I want again to draw attention to the great abuse that has been perpetrated on this House during the present session by presenting petitions and introducing Bills quite regardless of the rule which should govern the House. There is no doubt whatever that we have paid no attention to it for some months past. If the rules are of any value, they should be observed as -closely as possible. There is no doubt that exigencies may arise which would justify a departure from the rule, but we have departed from it so frequently this session, without any apparent effort on the part of the government to keep the House to an observance of the rule, that it seems to me some one ought to draw attention to it, and that either we should regard the rule or abolish it entirely.

I do not at all agree with my hon. friend. I think the rule this session has been violated much less frequently than in former sessions, and I think I can appeal to the sense of the House that of late years the practice of introducing private legislation after the time fixed for it has passed, has been seriously checked. But, of course, circumstances have to be considered, and sometimes it is well to suspend the rule.

Mr. SPROULE.

Surely the Prime Minister does not mean to say that the rule has been observed this session ?

Less violated than in former sessions.

1. Has the time specified in the contract for the completion of the St. Andrews Rapids improvement expired ?

2. Has the time been extended? If so, what are the conditions of such extension ?

3. What steps are to be taken to secure the speedy completion of this work ?

1. Yes.

2. The whole matter is at present receiving the earnest consideration of the depar* meat.

1. The total payment to date is $77,940.70.

2. Messrs. Purcell & Fallon are the contractors.

3. No extras have been allowed.

4. Tenders were invited through the public press. Messrs. Purcell & Fallon were the lowest tenderers.

In order that this question may be fully understood, with the permission of the House, I will read the correspondence with reference to the subject, which will not be very long. The question was first raised with reference to this matter on the 13th of August, 1902, by a communication from the Canadian government to the imperial authorities in the following terms :

August 13, 1902.

The undersigned having carefully considered the inclosed memorandum from the major gen-erel commanding the Canadian militia, dated 12th instant, relative to the bestowal of a medal and payment of the gratuity to the members of the 3rd. 4th. 5th and 6th regiments, Canadian Mounted Rifles, has the honour to report to Your Excellency in Council that he concurs with the above memorandum and begu to recommend that the same be forwarded to the home government for consideration.

Respectfully submitted,