Mr. EMMERSON.

Before the orders of the day are called, I would like to ask the Minister of Public Works if the contracts for the harbour works at Courtenay bay have been signed.

Mr. MONK.

They have not been signed yet, but they are being prepared for signature.

Mr. EMMERSON.

I would like to ask the Prime Minister, in the absence of the Minister of Railways and Canals, whether the contract with regard to the St. John Valley railway has been signed ?

Right Hon. R. L. BORDEN (Prime Minister).

The Minister of Railways and Canals was asked that question a few days ago. He said it had been signed by one of the parties, and not by the other, as far as I remember.

Mr. MARTIN (Regina).

I would like to ask the Prime Minister whether or not it has been decided by the government to increase the pay of the Northwest Mounted Police ?

Mr. BORDEN.

Yes, the necessary order in council has been passed for that purpose.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER.

That order will be brought down immediately, I suppose.

Mr. BORDEN.

It will be brought down at once.

Mr. LAPOINTE (Kamouraska).

I desire to ask the hon. Postmaster General when I may expect the various returns from his department which were ordered by the House at my request. One of these orders was made on the 22nd of January. As I intend to discuss the matter referred to in these papers before the session closes, I would be very glad if the minister would see that the papers are brought down.

Mr. PELLETIER.

I will take a note of the question of my hon. friend. I may say that there are so many papers asked for that the department

Sir WILFRID LAURIER.

So many dismissals.

Mr. PELLETIER.

No, there are not many papers asking for dismissals, but there are many on other matters.

Mr. KNOWLES.

I wish to ask a question of the Minister of Trade and Commerce, and in order to do so I will read the following telegram from the secretary of the Grain Growers' Association of Saskatchewan.

Moosejaw, Saak., March 9, 1912. W. E. Knowles, M.P., Ottawa.

Whilst fullest discussion was afforded before Senate committee last year, farmers are fearful that through the influence of elevator and transportation companies at Ottawa farmers' friends will be handicapped and their interests sacrificed. Our association is ready to send delegation if in your opinion their cause may be assisted.

FRED. W. GREEN, Secretary, Saskatchewan G.G.A.,

Moosejaw.

I wish to ask the hon. minister whether he will give me an assurance or an intimation that the progress of the Grain Bill will be delayed for a sufficient length of time to give the Saskatchewan Grain Growers' Association an opportunity to send this delegation here. I should think it could be here by the end of this week. I understand that the Bill has now been waiting for a week, and I submit that the matter is of sufficient urgency that it might be further delayed till they arrive. I hope the hon. minister can give me that intimation so that I may answer this telegram.

Mr. FOSTER (North Toronto).

I think my hon. friend may rest assured that the interest of the farmers is perfectly safe in the hands of the Minister of Trade and Commerce and of the government.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER.

The farmers do not think so.